The most beautiful place I have ever seen…
Day 10 and it was time to depart Sorrento for Amalfi. We had a bit of a wait until midday when the transfer was due so slightly anxious about another drive in Italy we settled into the sunbeds for a couple of hours of reading and relaxation.
The transfer was the best yet, the road from Sorrento to Amalfi winds in and out of of the mountains, rising and falling. The views from the mountain road were indescribable (sorry).
On arriving at the hotel on top of the mountainside we were checked in and then got our first look at the view from our balcony.
We thought that it would be difficult to improve upon the view from the balcony, but realised we were wrong at dinner that night. Cue the inspiration for the website’s header picture.
The next day we walked down to Amalfi. I definitely recommend a good hike around the region. The houses are dotted around the hillsides connected by strings of weaving stepped alleyways. A great place to get lost, but still easy enough to find your way. Just bear in mind that is is a lot of steps, your knees may not forgive you.
We arrived at the bottom of the many many steps in the town of Amalfi. The centrepiece of the town is the Cathedral of St. Andrew (yes the patron saint of Scotland – also Amalfi) which overlooks the main square. Surrounding the square were the usual Italian collection of leather shops, ice cream and souvenirs. A nice wander round the streets, some ice cream and (thankfully) a bus ride back up the mountain to the hotel, and settled into another evening with the amazing view.
The following day we got the bus up to Ravello, a small village just north of Amalfi and another situated on a mountainside. This is a great place to come to escape some of the bustle of the tourists in Amalfi, a much quieter places with a couple of Villa’s with beautiful gardens to relax and recover in. We chose to visit the gardens of Villa Cimbrone, which included yet more incredible views from the mountainside as well as some very unique sculptures and structures.
Following our recovery in the gardens we decided (much to my partners dismay) to walk back down to Amalfi through Atrani. Similar to the walk we had done the previous day involving lots (and lots) of winding steps among hillside cottages, and yet more incredible views. At the bottom in Atrani we had a quick paddle in the sea and some more ice cream. Even if you don’t make it to Ravello I heartily recommend walking between Atrani and Amalfi through the maze of tunnels and alleyways hiding the residences of these towns. While the seafronts and shops have a familiarity, these back alleys which appear to be carved through the mountain really make you feel like you’re lost somewhere wonderful.
Our last day in Amalfi was spent at the beach sunbathing, enjoying the warm water and trying to take in the last of this incredible experience of Amalfi and Italy, though there is no doubt in my mind that we will return one day. Amalfi was the perfect end to the trip, the icing on the cake of adventure. I can see why so many fall in love with this place, it feels like a paradise, not just for tourists, but to completely get lost in. While happy to get home, I struggled to leave Italy having made so many amazing memories there. Arrivaderci Italia, until we meet again.
Salute my friends! Cheers!