A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is about 35 miles of magnificent scenery that has retained the traditional Mediterranean atmosphere and charm. It carries the UNESCO designation because of the cultural value and historic authenticity of the area. The winding road along the Tyrrhenian Sea in the Campania Region shows off sheer cliffs, terraced olive, grape and lemon groves, lovely small beaches and about a dozen pastel-colored seaside towns each with its own distinct attributes. Are you thinking about a trip where every stop has fabulous views and cuisine — then GetAway Travel is here to plan your vacation to the Amalfi Coast of Italy.

Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi

Sorrento has a fascinating mix of architectural styles as well as a fabulous selection of woodworking shops where you can browse for gifts, or just admire the craft. The city prides itself on its devotion to woodworking, so much so that visitors are invited to check out the Museo della Tarsia Lignea or the Inlaid Wood Museum.

If you are impressed by the inlaid wood panels that adorn the Sorrento Cathedral, you can learn the history as well as the ins and outs of the craft at the museum. There are furniture pieces made over the last century as well as a wing dedicated to contemporary pieces.

Explore the cloister near the Church of San Francesco. The cloister was built on the ruins of a monastery and it incorporates a variety of architectural styles including some from pagan temples. The columns on the many arches are all different heights and each is also decorated differently.

The Museo Correale di Terranova is not what you would expect — it is in an 18th century villa and the collections are from two counts whose collections evolved into a museum. There’s examples of intricate marquetry, Japanese, Chinese and European ceramics, clocks, fans, Murano glass, porcelain, Bavarian crystal and ancient and medieval artifacts.

Visit Positano, the choice of the rich and famous. Picasso, Steinbeck and Elizabeth Taylor all extolled the virtues of the scenery and beaches. Perched on the cliffs are multi-colored villas — who knows what celebrity you might see!

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano is visible everywhere because of its stunning majolica-tiled dome. Inside the lovely church is the famous Black Madonna icon. Dating back to the 18th century, it was supposedly brought to the village by pirates who crashed on the shore.

As you move along the coast to Amalfi, don’t miss the Duomo di Amalfi. The cathedral is a mix of architectural styles reflecting influence from the Romanesque and Byzantine eras as well as Arab, Norman and Rococo styles.

The cathedral’s distinctive facade is done in striped marble and stone and the interior has paintings, historic crucifixes including one that is done in mother-of-pearl and a marvelous triumphal arch held up by two Egyptian granite columns.

Amalfi is actually the country’s oldest maritime republic and the center of the coast’s paper business. Artisanal paper has been produced here since the 13th century. The Amalfi Paper Museum details the history and importance of paper to the area, paper making techniques and there’s a great gift shop.

The vineyards, olive and lemon groves and the awesome cuisine of the coast will be explored in an upcoming post — stay tuned!

 Ravello, Cetaro and Vietri sul Mare

 Perched high on the hills overlooking the coast is the town of Ravello. Famous for its views, it is also frequented by the aristocracy and celebrities. Two of the more famous villas, Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufalo, constructed over several centuries, are hotels now, but you can wander the fantastic gardens and admire the views.

Grab a bite to eat in Cetara. This is the world tuna capital! Tuna from here is regularly exported to Japan for exquisite sushi creations.

There are more than 30 designer benches along the streets of the village. The public art installation was done by local ceramic artists and each is delightfully different from the next.

The Viceregal Tower includes the Civic Tower Museum. Built in the 14th century, it now houses paintings and works by local artists.

Vietri sul Mare is the birthplace of the exquisite hand-painted Vietri ceramic tiles. The entire village functions as a tribute museum to the tiles. Stairways and alleyways are lined with them and storefronts are adorned with the colorful tiles. Ceramic workshops dot the area and the colorful tiled exterior of the Solimene Ceramics Factory is impossible to miss. It is one of the most famous artisan production facilities in the world. Watch the entire process from artisans crafting tiles to vases and tableware. And, thank goodness, there’s a gift shop!

Are you interested in a visit to the coast of Italy to an area that exudes charm and fascinating scenery and adventure? And wait until we touch on the lemon groves, the vineyards and the seafood cuisine that is unparalleled throughout the world in an upcoming post! Check in with GetAway Travel for a getaway to the Amalfi Coast. Reach us at: (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel