Amalfi

Vatican

Roma

Forum & Colosseum

Sorrento

Pompeii & Herculaneum

Capri

Let's get back to Italy recaps...only two more to go!

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I will freely admit, that the entire reason I wanted to take this trip to Italy was to see the Amalfi Coast.  I've been dreaming of the Amalfi Coast for years and was absolutely dying to go.  I can't remember when or where I first heard about this part of Italy, but something about it piqued my interest and I haven't been able to get it out of my mind.  Every picture I saw called to me - the rugged coastline, the blue/green water, the colorful houses, the rock bluffs - there was something about this place that I was meant to see.  And I was  finally going to get the chance.  Oh Amalfi.  You did not disappoint.

At the advice of everyone we talked to, Ryan and I took the bus from Sorrento to Amalfi.  It was definitely a memorable ride.  The roads are crazy narrow and curvy, jam packed with buses, motorcycles and tourists who can't drive.  It felt like we might just drive right off the cliff numerous times and I held my breath for a good portion of the ride.  But then...the most spectacular coastline would come into view and I had to unbuckle my seat belt, jump up, hold my camera out the window and try to capture what we were seeing.  Words cannot describe...so here are some photos.

Below is the town of Positano.  

Absolutely breath-taking.  

It was still overcast, but I think it gives the whole coast a very dreamy feeling.  

And then finally we were in Amalfi.  Amalfi is a tiny little town at the mouth of a deep ravine, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery.  We chose to stay in Amalfi (as opposed to Positano) mainly because it was WAY less expensive but still had the coastal city feeling we wanted.  These photos were all taken from the beach, looking up at the town.

Ryan immediately had to go get in the water, just to say he'd been in the Mediterranean Sea. 

In the center of Amalfi, at the top of a giant staircase is St. Andrew's Cathedral (Duomo).  

It overlooks the Piazza Duomo and is at the heart of the town.  

The cathedral dates back to the 11th century, it's interior is adorned in the late Baroque style with a nave and two aisles divided by 20 columns. 

Amalfi also has some really beautiful artwork hidden around town.

Beautiful maps and gorgeous paintings on tiles.

As we made our way up to our hotel, it was very obvious as to what the major crop was around these parts...

LEMONS!

And they were massive!

But of course, there was also the standard pasta souvenir.

Or the pottery souvenir.

Or the coral jewelry and cameo souvenir.  

(All of which I had to buy, of course).

But naturally, my favorite Italian product is still the gelato.

Mmmm...chocolate this time.

Our hotel was at the very "top" of town.  We chose a hotel out of the way to avoid some of the hustle and bustle (and noise) of town, as well as ensure that we got the most amazing views.  The one road in town was absolutely packed all the time (can you believe cars drive on this road too).  

And just above the Museo della Carta (paper museum), was Villa Lara B&B.  

Such a cute little hotel.

It was definitely a hike, but well worth it.  

This is where we had breakfast every morning.

Not a bad view.

And speaking of eating...

Lunch of salad, soup and pasta was unbelievably good.

And that night, we walked over to the neighboring town of Atrani (about a 15 minute walk) for one of the best dinners either of us has ever had at Ristorante a Paranza.  

It was a nice walk (although a little scary in places), but worth it for the food and the gorgeous views of Amalfi on the way home.  

I highly recommend visiting Amalfi if you are ever in the area.  I will say that it gets incredibly crowded during the day when the cruise ships dock there, but it's such a beautiful little town with incredibly sweet people and lots of charm.