Amalfi Coast villas - a truly magical region of Italy

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most inspiring and surprising stretches of the Mediterranean coastline. No journey here is dull; this is an imposing rock garden with breathtaking cliffs and deep ravines with a coastal road offering exceptional views.

Much has been written about this area of Italy but it really is a charming place with old ports, hillside retreats and hanging gardens. The landscape is full of vineyards, lemon trees and olive groves with almond trees, chestnut trees and explosions of bougainvillea.

The resorts

Amalfi itself is a sophisticated gem of a town with a lovely marina (great for jetting off to the islands and other ports). The spectacular Piazza Duomo offers some great cafés and there are plenty of pretty cobbled backstreets to wander around with many hidden Trattoria's.

Positano is the pin-up of the coast with pretty coloured villas, winding cobbled streets, a quaint little beach and plenty of café's, restaurants and boutiques.

Ravello in the hills above Minori offers the theatrical gardens of Villa Ruffolo (with a host of summer events), pretty courtyards, ancient churches and some of the best views over the coastline. With its crumbling walls, rows of lemon trees and wisteria, the town gives just the sort of visions that you go to Italy for!

Sorrento is an old favourite and for those looking for a livelier resort. The town itself has excellent views over the bay of Naples and although there is no beach, there are plenty of bathing platforms for sunbathing and accessing the sea. This is the perfect place to explore the coastline with a busy harbour and plenty of boats to neighbouring islands (including Capri). The backstreets of the town come alive in the evening with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.

Amalfi Coast things to do

Apart from the smaller beaches in the well-known resorts, it is really worth getting out either by car or on the coastal bus and exploring the other beaches, such as Praiano which has a delightful and unassuming beach below the town. The best beaches are to be found at Minori and Maiori, where the latter offers a half-mile of Volcanic ash sand and the typical Italian lido style resort and facilities.

The Amalfi Coast is not really a bucket and spade holiday but a place for those who wish to mix the beauty of the coastline with great sights, villages and a traditional Italian way of life. Explore the area on the fantastically trilling coastal buses, jump on a boat or ferry to the pretty islands - a boat is the only way to visit the beautiful Island of Capri and you can also truly appreciate the stunning and imposing landscape of the Amalfi Coast at a distance.

For those looking to travel further afield, take a day trip to Naples, the pizza capital of Italy or marvel at the extensive archaeology of the region and visit its most famous and preserved treasure - Pompeii.

Amalfi Coast airport?

The nearest airport is Naples International Airport, which is a 50-70 minute transfer depending on the resort you are staying in. It is also possible to fly to Rome if you do not mind a bit of a drive.

Where to stay?

There is a great range of Amalfi Coast villas to offer, many with breath-taking views, from wonderful hillside apartments and villas to little gems in the heart of each resort. Most sought after are smaller villas with private pools in addition to those within walking distance of a village, therefore we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment

Amalfi Coast food

Being on the doorstep of Naples, the pizza in the area is fabulous.  The Amalfi Coast also boasts some of the world's finest fish cuisine and you will be spoilt for choice in terms of trattoria's and restaurants (many with outstanding views). The buffalo mozzarella in the area is to die for, so expect some fabulous Caprese salads.  Enjoy the large Sorrento lemons in the form of limoncello, gelato or a refreshing granita. And for something naughty, the Sfogliatelle stuffed shell-shaped pastries are amazing!

Why Amalfi Coast holidays?

Few visitors will forget the dramatic landscape and unique character of the Amalfi coast. Everyone seems to have their own favourite port of call and whichever you decide to visit will most undoubtedly remain etched on your mind for years to come! An Amalfi Coast holiday is certainly one you will remember and chances are keep returning.

If you are not sure which part of the Amalfi Coast you wish to visit then click the following sub regions to narrow it down