5 nights in Neapolitan RivieraThe Gulf of Naples starts with the Isle of Ischia, through Sorrento peninsula and the Isle of Capri. The Riviera continues past Capri into the Gulf of Salerno with the Amalfi coast offering up such wildly picturesque towns as Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. The islands off this stretch of dramatic coastline have been a holiday destination since roman times as much for their dramatic scenery as for their restorative qualities. When you see Capri, you can understand why the Emperors Augustus and Tiberius spend so much time there - superb views, luxuriant gardens, high cliffs and deep coves are but a few of the many attractions. And the unspoilt hill villages on the Isle of Ischia will amaze with their wild flowers, pinewoods, vineyards and chestnut trees edged by the rugged coastline and secluded sandy beaches. Perched high on a cliff, Sorrento’s impressive setting is classically precarious, and offers superb views over the Gulf of Naples. As in this entire stretch of coastline, Mount Vesuvious has a majestic, dominating presence. Sorrento has a wonderful array of tiny shops, offering locally made lace, marquetry and Capodimonte porcelain. Amalfi itself has a strikingly beautiful setting, low in a valley between great jagged cliffs, its variously coloured buildings between vine terraces. Higher up the mountain is Ravello - for the best views of the rugged coastline. Positano ’a dream place’ with its green and gold domed church, white Moorish style houses, bedecked with bougainvillaea, and packed together on steep terraced hillsides, all cascading down to a small bay and beach, a plethora of cafes and shops in the maze of steep stairs.
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Isle of Capri
Island offers a landscape of wild beauty sculpted by wind, sea and man's clever work, a steep and very irregular coast, encircled by the famous Faraglioni, big and eccentric rocky reef, and by many caves with suggestive light-games. The well known cave Grotta Azzurra, in little square of the theatre of the island's 'Dolce Vita'. Certosa of San Giacomo houses a museum with two recovered statues. In Anacapri, the Casa Rossan is eyecatching within the coloured landscape, of 'L'Isola Dipinta' Besides cultural attractions, the fascination of sea and nature, Capri also offers not only boutique shopping but also “made in Italy” items & products. Click me for more. |
Amalfi
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Sites for undisputed beauty and uniqueness of natural landscape, Amalfi Coast is land characterised by the oxymoronic combination between mountain and sea, the farmer and the fisherman. Thirteen are the pearls of this land, located along a stretch of road among the most scenic in the world, ripped from the bare rock, which give the tourists strong emotions, pleasant memories and a strong desire to return as soon as possible to this little piece of heaven on earth. ypical houses, painted in warm pastel colors, follow the natural slope of the foothills of Mounts Lattari, creating a very picturesque landscape. Click me for more. |
Ischia
Nestled on the volcano and lying in the Gulf, offering crystal clear sea, unspoiled landscapes, cultural sites and many other surprises. Its rugged coasts, characterised by a succession of headlands, coves and beaches where sea water mixes with hot water from thermo-mineral springs that flow a few metres from the shoreline. The island hides a high concentration of thermal springs and variety of waters making Ischia "capital of European spa". Also lovingly known as "The Green Island" because of the numerous pine trees and a rich Mediterranean vegetation that in spring time makes the island an explosion of colours and fragrances. Click me for more. |
Sorrento
In an extraordinary landscape where sea and mountain, deep valleys and citrus groves plateaux alternate, everybody can choose his ideal holiday. From nature and silence to culture, swims, thermal treatments, naturalistic walks and excursions. Straddling cliffs that look directly over the Bay of Naples to Mt Vesuvius, it’s ideally situated for exploring the surrounding area. The town features beautiful architecture, many cafes and restaurants, and shops catering to tourists. One of the top souvenirs from the area is limoncello , the signature lemon liqueur pure alcohol with flavouring. Click me for more. |
Positano
The pearl in the pack, Positano is the coast’s most photogenic and expensive town. Its steeply stacked houses are a medley of peaches, pinks and terracottas, and its near-vertical streets (many of which are, in fact, staircases) are lined with flamboyant shop displays, jewellery stalls, elegant hotels and smart restaurants. A small picturesque town with splendid coastal views, the town itself is perched on an enclave on the face of a hill and winds down towards the waters of the Amalfi Coast. Naturally beautiful, Positano attracts thousands of visitors every year. Click me for more. |
Ravello
For centuries, the irresistible allure of Ravello's stately villas and cliff edge gardens have been attracting the world's greatest artists to the tiny town perched high above the bay of Maiori. Now, a well established cultural hotspot, today Ravello hosts high profile events such as the Ravello Festival and the Chamber Music Festival. Wonderfully aristocratic, devastatingly beautiful, Ravello patiently awaits the traveler who, from the Amalfi Coast's seaside fishing villages decides to make his way up to the town, perched on a great spur of rock, some 350meters above the sea. Click me for more. |