Amalfi
The heart of the coast and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, Amalfi dates back to the 4th century AD, when Roman refugees settled here. It reached its apex in 839 AD, when it declared its independence from the Byzantine Duchy of Naples, and became the first Maritime Republic in Italy. For centuries it was the only link between Europe and the whole of the Byzantine Levant. The first code of maritime laws, the Amalfian Laws, were compiled here, and remained in force until the 16th century. Amalfi also pioneered the use of the compass and circulated its own currency, the “tarì”.
Amalfi’s unique charm has always attracted artists, writers, painters, directors, and even one of the twelve apostles, Saint Andrew; the Cathedral, built in the 10th century, is dedicated to him, and his relics are kept in the Crypt.
Amalfi is enclosed in a natural amphitheater where the Canneto river runs through the lush Valle dei Mulini: here, water-powered paper mills transformed rags into precious paper. A 13th century paper mill now houses a fascinating paper museum..

Positano
Founded by the Greeks and inhabited by the Romans, Positano followed the destiny of the Amalfi Maritime Republic. It was, and still is, a favourite destination for actors and artists, from Franco Zeffirelli to Rudolf Nureyev (owner of one of the Li Galli islands situated in front of the town), and from Vittorio De Sica to Sophia Loren.
In the 1960s Positano fashion was all the rage throughout Italy and beyond. Tailors workshops set about transforming traditional fabrics into beach robes, sarongs, and beach dresses, leading to the creation of the successful local fashion industry.
Visit the Madre church with its beautiful Byzantine painting depicting the Madonna and Child.
Don’t miss the nature trails to Montepertuso and Nocelle, and the Sentiero Degli Dei (Path of the Gods), leading to the town of Agerola in a succession of breath-taking panoramas.

Ravello
Situated at 350m above sea level, where the sea meets the chestnut woods of Scala and Tramonti, Ravello was a favourite destination for the vacations of the wealthy merchants and the nobility of Amalfi, along with heads of state, churchmen, intellectuals, artists, poets, writers, and painters seeking inspiration. Ravello was also the inspiration for the painting Klingsor’s Magic Garden: Richard Wagner, on vacation on the coast, saw in a beautiful glimpse of the town a scene from his Parsifal, and asked his friend painter Paul von Joukowsky to depict it.
The meeting of an English lord and a Ravello tailor led to the creation of one of the marvels of the entire coast, the cliff-top Villa Cimbrone, with its terrace overlooking the sea. On Ravello’s piazza you can find the San Pantaleone cathedral, home to the relics of the Saint as well as artistic treasures, such as the bronze doors by Barisano Da Trani, the first to be cast in Italy by an Italian artist.
Villa Rufolo, built in 1280 by the Rufolos, a family of bankers for King Charles of Anjou, hosts summer concerts as part of the Ravello Festival.