Italy's Amalfi Coast is one of those places with a "must-see" reputation. Staggeringly picturesque and maddeningly touristy, it can be both rewarding and frustrating. As if an antidote to intense Naples (just an hour to the north), it is the perfect place for a romantic break, if done right and if you can afford it. These towns are the big three sights of the Amalfi Coast: Positano is like a living Gucci ad. Amalfi evokes a day when small towns with big fleets were powerhouses on the Mediterranean. And Ravello is fun for that tramp-in-a-palace feeling.The best launch pad for the Amalfi Coast is the city of Sorrento, easily accessible by train and bus from Naples or Rome. From Sorrento, travellers to the coast can hop on a bus. This well-travelled route is one of the world's great bus rides. Cantilevered hotels and villas cling to the vertical terrain while beautiful sandy coves tease from far below. The Mediterranean literally twinkles. But the ride is hairy - police are posted at tough bends during peak hours to help fold in side-view mirrors.

While the bus is easy and departs frequently, I prefer hiring a private driver in Sorrento to explore the coast. This is a splurge, but when you factor in the value of your time waiting for buses and the frustration of trying to explore a congested and expensive bit of Italian coastline on your own, it can be a fine value (especially if you split the cost among a small group).handyman jobs in san diego caMy favourite town to sleep in is Positano, about an hour by bus from Sorrento. business for sale majalahHanging on the most spectacular stretch of the coast, Positano is one of those places made to order for a romantic getaway. business for sale okeechobee flIts "skyline" looks like it did a century ago, as strict building codes have kept out modern construction. handyman service fort wayne

The town's shallow rooftop domes are filled with sand, providing insulation to keep things cool in summer and warm in winter.The village is squished into a ravine, with narrow pedestrianonly alleys that cascade down to the harbour. business for sale armadale vicOnly one street inPositano allows motorized traffic, sparing the town from the ravages of big-bus tourism. business for sale ladysmithTo get anywhere, you have to walk either up or down. Steep lanes and stairs are a way of life for the 4,000 residents.Positano offers little to do except eat, shop, and enjoy the beach and views. It has a pleasant gathering of cafés, galleries, and boutiques, selling specialties such as ceramics and linens. Instead of eating lunch at a restaurant, I like to find a rosticceria - a deli selling roasted meats and antipasti.

Using one of the few Italian phrases I know, I request my food "da portar via" (for the road), then bring my meal down to the pebbly beach, grab a nice perch, and watch the scene as it unfolds.Colourful umbrellas fill the beach as boats shuttle visitors in and out, and young Romeos polish their craft.The town of Amalfi is about an hour by bus from Positano.Innocuous as it looks today, in its 10th-and 11th-century heyday, the town was a maritime power.With a trading fleet that controlled this region, it competed with Genoa, Pisa, and Venice. But in the 1300s, this little powerhouse was devastated by a tsunami and deadly plague, leaving Amalfi a humble backwater.Amalfi's cathedral is grander than a town of 5,000 would ordinarily merit. It houses the remains of St. Andrew, whom the people here credit with cooking up a freak storm, thereby saving the town from certain pillage and plunder during a 1500s pirate raid.Inside, the Cloister of Paradise features 120 graceful columns protecting stone sarcophagi.

Once the cemetery of Amalfi's nobles, today it's a peaceful place for a shady rest.Another worthy stop in Amalfi is the Paper Museum, located in a 13th-century paper mill.The guided tour covers the history and process of paper-making, a longtime industry for the town, and offers a look at the museum's vintage water-powered machinery.Kids can dip a screen into the rag pool and make a sheet for themselves.About 30 minutes from Amalfi, suspended 1,000 feet above the sea, the town of Ravello is like a lush and peaceful garden floating above it all.Villa Rufolo, built inside the 13th-century ruins of a noble family's palace, presents wistful gardens among stony walls with oh-my-God views. During spring and fall, it serves as a sublime venue for classical concerts. Villa Cimbrone boasts a romantic garden, fivestar hotel, and the Terrace of Infinity, lined with 18th-century marble busts and dangling high above the sea for panoramas that seem to go on forever.With a million vistas, each one different, the Amalfi Coast is a feast for the eyes.

Just as it has for centuries, it continues to lure holiday-goers, drawn here by the spectacular scenery, mild climate, and the region's special brand of la dolce vita.) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. and follow his blog on Facebook.78 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"Beautiful place, breakfast was poor, breakfast was served until 9.30hr but they ran out of bread by 9.10hr leaving us with no choice but to eat just sweet foods. Breakfast was very fast food style , not what one would expect from a B&B in Italy!"48 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"From the moment we arrived Magdalena, Jacopo, and Maria made us feel perfectly at home. The hotel is wonderfully located just outside of the town of Amalfi with breathtaking views of the town and the sea. The rooms were spacious, spotless, quiet and comfortable. The traditional continental breakf..."48 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"This is a hotel that has a million dollar view from your private balcony.

In fact you will be served breakfast on the balcony at your leisure while watching the sea below. One drawback in the location of the hotel is the walking distance one has to make from the main street. "45 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"Amazing vacation in Positano. Best place to stay!!"36 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"Florida Residence was a lovely family run B&B. However Positano had many steps and steep slopes. Also walking was a bit hazardous with all the traffic. Not for children or anyone who could not walk far. The restaurants were great and food excellent - bit pricey."30 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"This hotel is located on the top floors of a building, so be prepared to walk up 73 steps to get to the lobby. There are very few rooms, which means you get very personal service. The room had a large terrace that was perfect. All of the steps getting to the hotel were worth it once we saw the..."28 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"Fabulous location and warm and friendly service from Pietro."

25 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"Very nice place. Do not attempt to take your luggage to hotel; get it transferred at port if you come by boat. Hotel is on highway if you come by car so you can drop off luggage."22 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"A lovely place to stay with a supurb view. Staff were friendly and accommodating. Fortunately we like to hike because if you want to walk to and from town from here you need to climb steps, we loved it."22 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"My boyfriend and I stayed at Venus B&B for 4 nights and really enjoyed our stay. Our host Gippy was so hospitable and provided us with maps and tips on where to go. The location of this B&B was ideal because it gave out to the most splendid view of Positano. We truly enjoyed our stay there becaus..."19 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"The view is just as good - if not better than in the photo!

The staff were so friendly and helpful, and there are two excellent restaurants with spectacular views just a short 3 minute walk from the B&B. There are also another two restaurants that get great reviews just further down the road (th..."18 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"We stayed for a week for our honeymoon. The room was beautiful, cleaned to a high standard with a beautiful view. The staff here were amazing, so helpful & friendly and went out of their way to help make our stay enjoyable. We would highly recommend Villa Tartana "18 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"The hotel entrance was gorgeous and the stay were incredibly friendly! The room was just like the pictures and the view of the coast from the balcony was breathtaking. It also had the best shower Ive ever had, with 8 shower heads and a window to watch the village over the ocean. I highly recomm..."17 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"This hotel was very nice, the highlight being the daily breakfast served between 8-10.

The lady who works that shift was very kind, there was a good variety of food and drink and the patio itself is lovely. Please note that there is 100 steps to get from the road to the hotel. Pack a small bag ..."17 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"Fantastic stay, amazing food, beautiful view's and wonderful, friendly staff! Love this place, been before and will definitely stay again and again! Even miss the steps!"17 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"The hosts were friendly and helpful. It had an a terrace with amazing sweeping views. Would definitely come back"14 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"It was so good we even considered stay another night. the views are espetacular the hotel is right in the center of town you can't beat the location. The room is spacious and extremely clean with all the amenities. I am already making plans to go back next visit. "11 people looked at this hotel in the last hourMost recent review"James our host was very courteous and helpful in getting our luggage to our rooms.