Amalfi Coast - By Land

Day 16 - Our last two days have been spent exploring the Amalfi Coast, first by land to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, then by sea to Capri!

A word to the wise, when you want to drive the coastal road along the Amalfi Coast ... get a private driver! You cannot even imagine the crazy driving it takes on this very narrow, switchback road filled with cars, vans, scooters and busses!

We stopped along the highway in a few spots for pictures, and each time we wondered, "how do they survive this without traffic accidents??"; "how can the water be that blue??"; and, "how can it get any better than this?!"

Our first official stop was in Positano. The main part of town is pedestrian only, so we left our driver and walked through the shopping area, and headed down to the beach/port. Gayle finally got to dip her toes in the Mediterranean Sea, which she'd been waiting to do!

The beaches here are lined with umbrellas and lounge chairs which you pay to rent.

While it's mostly tourists, the locals do apparently come down on the weekends. We didn't rent a chair, but loved getting the feel for the Italian beach scene!

As we went winding our way back up through Positano to meet our driver, the crowds were starting to pour in! We felt like we were making our way out just in time!!

Next, we headed to Ravello, which was the highest town on the cliffs that we'd visit. We found a nice, quiet shop where we could get sandwiches for lunch, then made the climb up to the Villa Rufolo. This villa dates from the 13th century, and has extensive gardens and a breathtaking terrace overlooking the Amalfi Coast!

By the way...if you think I've enhanced the blue in these pictures...I haven't!! No filters whatsoever!

From Ravello, we headed to Amalfi, where we found another lively port area, shopping in the town square, and more gorgeous views! We managed to get gelato here...and yes, we got a menagerie of flavors, and Dan was feeling adventurous, so he got vanilla (but it was extra-large!).

Reflecting back on the craziness of driving here, Scott summed it up best. Americans spend their time paying attention to street signs and directions. Italians pay attention to each other. They know what the other drivers are doing, and compensate when necessary!

It was a long day of "driving" (thank goodness none of us were behind the wheel) and we saw amazing views of this beautiful coast and its mountainside towns! Back to Sorrento we went, for dinner and nightcaps, and to rest up for tomorrow's adventure by sea!

Tours: Full Day Private Guide/Driver for Amalfi Coast by Limos Positano

Step Count: 11,228 steps or 5.6 miles