Villas Amalfi Coast

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GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATIONS

The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is situated in the Northern part of
Southern Italy. The Province is that of Salerno and the
Region is Campania. Geographically, the term Amalfi Coast refers to a long strip of coast, set between the mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea that from the Sorrentine Peninsula  by way of the road SS163 leads to the city of Salerno. The State Road 163 branching off from the Sorrentine Peninsula and, from Positano, the most Westerly city of the Coast,reaches the city of 

Vietri sul Mare, the Eastern limits of our territory.

It is about 50 km of road, looking out on the Gulf of Salerno,

characterized by natural landscapes, smallcities,and romantic

villages of extraordinary and renowned beauty.

Since 1997, the Amalfi Coast has been listed by UNESCO
among the 'World Patrimony of Mankind' sites. We are very
proud of the fact that Italy holds the record of 43% of the
sites that UNESCO has defined 'Patrimony Site of Mankind'
and is the nation that holds and hosts 60% of the world's
artistic patrimony. In the Region of Campania alone and in
the area closely bordering the Amalfi Coast, it is possible
to visit-in a few short hours drive- eight sites voted World
Patrimony of Mankind and world-famous archaeological and
architectural jewels. Nevertheless, the best thing to do is
to discover them on the spot, here, where they are in
abundance and where there are still artistic treasures to be
unearthed.

The archaeological sites of Pompei, Ercolano,Oplonti,
Stabia, the Valley of the Temples at Paestum, the Reggia of
Caserta and it's park, San Leucio and it's silks, the park
of Cilento or the historic centre of the city of Napoli are
easily reached from the Amalfi Coast and Capri, Ischia,
Sorrento are but a few kilometres or nautical miles away.

Geologically, the Amalfi Coast is characterized by
typically Mediterranean conformation. The harsh rock of the
mountains, promontories and cliffs dominate the vast deep
sea, whose depths are rich with hidden marine grottoes and
are of great naturalistic interest. The entire area is
covered with a lush green vegetation typical of the
Mediterranean bush, rich in centuries-old trees, fragrant
shrubs and typical Mediterranean cultivation. Citrus,
age-old olive trees and the cultivation of grapes represent
an ancient agricultural tradition that is still practiced
today without the intervention of machinery and with purely
biological and eco-compatible methods.

Politically and administratively the Amalfi Coast is
made up of 13 municipalities (Positano, Praiano,Conca dei
Marini,Furore, Amalfi, Atrani, Scala, Ravello, Minori,
Maiori, Tramonti, Cetara, Vietri sul Mare) and the city of
Amalfi which, geographically and historically- represents
the centre and principal reference point.

Although it appears to be a unique and relatively small
territory, the Amalfi Coast is in reality an area that is
both culturally and geographically intensely heterogeneous.

Each of the 13 towns that make up the Amalfi Coast has
it's own character , administration, it's own history and
it's own historic and cultural identity that are greatly
conditioned by the geographical location that each town
occupies.

Mass tourism and the development of activities
connected to tourist reception has intelligibly concerned
and , in part, 'internationalized' mostly the towns of the
Coast that directly look out on the sea, because they offer
bathing possibilities or because they are easily reached
along the state road. They have had an easier time
transforming themselves into vacation spots, with the
consequent development of commercial activities and
entrepreneurial opportunities tied to tourism.

Towns, such as Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello have by
now firmly scaled the classification of the towns with the
highest revenue in the world. The development of hotel and
restaurant businesses, local handcrafts and the exportation
of local products have made them employment centres and
economic drawing vehicles for a great part of the Coast.
Nevertheless, a more active local entrepreneurial spirit
exists and has been gradually reinforced. It proposes to
defend and preserve the natural environment of the Amalfi
Coast and the enormous (and often unknown) artistic,
historical cultural and alimentary heritages that
characterize it.

Towns like Praiano, Furore, Conca dei Marini, Atrani,
Minori, and Cetara have become authentic jewels with the
development of agro- touristic concerns, bed and breakfast
operations, rental possibilities, events and cultural
initiatives which, besides highlighting the legitimate
business of hospitality that the area enjoys, aim to offer
the traveller the possibility( which was so prized by great
aristocrats in the past) to enjoy and to visit the Amalfi
Coast with the heart and the eyes of those who live here and
understand it's charms.

It isn't by chance if- while going through the travel
notes of someone who has visited us- you discover the
enthusiasm that the foreign tourist shows for one of the
least known and smallest towns on the Amalfi Coast. Towns
like Praiano, Atrani, Furore still keep intact the archaic
charm of fishing villages or farming communities that they
once were. As far as we are concerned, it is there that the
true spirit of the Amalfi Coast is accessible and the
traveller can best benefit from a more refined, reserved
and enjoyable vacation.

TOURIST INFORMATIONS

Seasonal climate

The Amalfi Coast looks out over the Mediterranean Sea,
in a geographic position that guarantees mild, sunny climate
for most of the year. The summers are very hot, but
pleasant-compared to other regions of Southern Italy-with
fresh sea breezes. Spring and Autumn offer an ideal climate,
with splendid sunny days interspersed by showers which are
concentrated mostly in these seasons. Winters are generally
mild and especially between December and February there can
be cold periods or cold winds coming from the numerous
mountainous gorges that cross the territory and blow down
sweeping the Coast. Snow is a sporadic and very rare event.
Less rare, in the heart of winter, is the spectacle of the
highest peaks covered in snow contrasting with the intense
blue of the sea.Tourist season

The tourist season on the Amalfi Coast officially
begins during Easter week, which is the real beginning of
the busiest period for hotels, pensions, shops, restaurants.
For this reason, the period from March/April to the end of
September is considered the best period to visit us.
Actually, this is just the period when most of the
conveniences and all of the typical benefits that the
vacation industry offers can be guaranteed to the tourist.

During the summer on the Amalfi Coast, everything is
open, well- organized and certainly more efficient than in
other periods of the year. For the same reason, during the
summer period, everything is more expensive, crowded and
chaotic than during the rest of the year. The summer is also
the key period for Italian holidays, with the traditional
month of August which overwhelms everything, especially the
Coast and the cities along it, while the cities are
practically 'closed for holidays'. As much as Roma, Milano,
Napoli, the many other 'art cities' and most of the nation
are magnificent to visit in August. they can seem deserted
to the passing tourist. Shops, restaurants,and bars are
closed for holiday for the most part of the month. Given
these conditions, it is not surprising that the tourists
love to visit us 'out of season', as it is preferable then,
especially if one intends to combine a holiday on the Coast
with a few days in one of the art centres nearby ( e.g.
Napoli, Caserta, Roma.) In fact, visiting us outside of the
traditional tourist season is economically advantageous,
climatically more pleasant and more advantageous from a
tourist point of view. In spite of the limited
disadvantages, during the magnificent off season you can
enjoy the best that there is to be offered. Those who
already know this take advantage of the fact year after
year, season after season. From September to January and
from March to June the Amalfi Coast is full of foreign
visitors , especially people who visit us for a taste of the
spirit of a place that is magnificent in every season.
Besides, a sweet little restaurant that is open, a beautiful
shop, monument, street and beach finally peaceful again are
pleasures that can be better appreciated far from the summer
crowds. As far as the Christmas season is concerned,the
Amalfi Coast is, in the period between Christmas and New
Year, truly enchanting.

Annual events.

Beginning with the Easter Holidays, the Amalfi Coast
is rich in manifestations, cultural and historical events
not to be missed. Starting with the rites of Easter and the
processions during Holy Week, imposing religious rites that
take place in almost every community. May is the month of
the monuments in Napoli. Between June and October the
Ravello Festival offers classical music lovers a calendar of
concerts and artistic events of great cultural and artistic
intensity. In June, for anyone who wants to see a truly
Italian, historic event of great beauty, at Cava de' Terreni
the festival of Montecastello with flag-waving contests,and
fireworks displays is an truly local art form. Between the
first and fourth of August there is the Luminaria of San
Domenico that is celebrated in Praiano. The Feast of the
Assumption, August 15th (the famous Italian Ferragosta) the
remembrance of ancient rites and local legends that
culminates with fireworks spectacles exploded in the
night-time skies above Positano and Maiori, with hundreds of
boats, some richly decorated, that come from every angle of
the Gulf to admire them.

Another spectacular rite not to be missed , the
Byzantine New Year commemorating the splendour of the
ancient Marine Republic of Amalfi, offers the opportunity to
admire a magnificent historic procession in sumptuous
period costumes. This is celebrated every year on the 31st
August. Also in Amalfi, is the Feast day of the city's
patron Saint Andrea, one of the the oldest and amazing local
rites; the run of the fishermen carrying the statue of the
saint on their shoulders down and up the majestic staircase
of the magnificent Duomo. It is repeated twice a year, 27th
August and 30th November.

The Christmas season officially starts on December 8th,
the date the population traditionally begins to decorate
their homes with trees and, of course, the prescepe or
Christmas crib which is a true art in the entire Region.
Prescepes of every type and fashion, some very old or built
into the rocks, can be admired in every church, home and
angle of the land amid the splendour of the thousands of
lights that decorate streets and houses. The entire Coast,
itself, becomes a living prescepe. New Year's Eve is
celebrated in community, with piazzas and beaches becoming
sites of collective parties, with music, song, fireworks,
sweets, traditional meals and rivers of great Italian
Spumante.

 TOURIST ARRANGEMENTS

Hotels, Bed and breakfast and Co.

Except for the all-inclusive, mega-village which,
fortunately, is impossible to develop here, the Amalfi Coast
offers several types of tourist arrangements. First off,
there are the extra- luxurious hotels that, you will have
admired many times in romantic comedies if you are a film
buff.

The concentration of luxury hotels - especially in the
stretch of the Coast between Positano and Ravello ( there
are 10 , one after another) offer suites and dream-like
rooms immersed in real paradises of comfort. We hope that
you can be a part of the chosen few who can afford to stay
in these hotels, even though we must warn you that the
prices in these hotels are very high.

On the other hand, as far as demand is concerned, the
Amalfi Coast has never had a lot of rooms to offer and the
prices during the high season are quite high. Considering
the morphology of the area and the limitations that the
landscape imposes,it is impossible then, to imagine that
here- sooner or later-a 100 or 200 room hotel will be built.
Fortunately, this is not going to be part of our future and
our hotels, even the largest, offer a limited number of
rooms and can cost more here than anywhere else.

 The boarding houses( pensioni), the numerous bed and
breakfasts and the rental rooms offer excellent alternatives
to hotels at a lower price, even if here, in terms of
comfort,there can be great variations and for the same price
you could find yourself in a well cared-for home or a hovel.
It is best, therefore, to evaluate and inquire, perhaps via
internet, if this type of arrangement is suitable for you.

The same holds true for the rental apartments and villas
that,in photograph or via web, are all beautiful and
equipped with pools or are 2 steps from the sea. Actually,
seeing the demand for beds, everyone or almost everyone
rents houses in the area. Internet has made it possible for
everyone to put his little domestic business on the web. So,
if you don't want to find yourself in a field, lost in the
mountains and looking for a bungalow that is in an
unreachable suburb , or if you don't want to waste 4 days
looking for your landlord or someone who can help you to
find your bearings, help you with your luggage, give you
information in English, it is best to put yourself in the
hands a trustworthy organization that can offer you all the
guarantees necessary; beginning with secure and protected
means of reservation and payment and continuing with the
possibility to give you all the information that you require
concerning the property that you have chosen to rent. Beyond
any doubt, Villasamalficoast.com is this type of
organization.

House to rent

As you have noticed by looking through our web
site,there is a wide range of villas and apartments to
choose from. We try our best to have something to offer to
everyone and we personally oversee the texts and the
descriptions of the home that are offered to assure that
they are accurate and conform to reality. We do so because
we believe that it is better to be honest than devious. This
way we avoid trouble, and since we are typical Amalfi Coast
citizens,we dislike conflict.

We dislike it, when our description of a house mentions a
small swimming pool, and the same property is described on
another web site as having and olympic-sized pool. The
living quarters that we offer are , like fashion, chosen at
least one season before and the proprietor of the property
may be sure that there will be an olympic-sized pool ready
for the next season. The difference is that, contrary to the
other agencies that offer the same property, we live here.
We know that the construction of a swimming pool that will
be, but isn't yet, depends on many factors. Therefore, we
promote only what is actually finished or characterizes the
property. We do not deal in conjecture. And, if the tourist
arrives and finds a pool that is better than he expected,
the property has succeeded in providing more than what was
promised and the client is satisfied. We would hate it if
the contrary were to happen.

We personally select all our properties and thanks to a
direct, long running and friendly rapport with the
proprietors and our friendships with them as residents, the
villas and the apartments that we offer, are chosen from the
best of all that are on the market. In the first place, we
offer comfort and security , and a little special and
personal treatment never hurts.

We like to find homes and living solutions that are
different from the rest and in out-of-the-ordinary locations
of our little community in order to meet the needs and
preferences of our clientele who come from all over the
world and have varied tastes, cultural prerequisites and
different ideals of the perfect holiday residence. Imagine
giving a property that is not air conditioned to an
American, or not offer privacy and peace to an Englishman,
splendour to a Russian or refinement to a Frenchman. Imagine
renting a property in a busy, noisy area to someone who goes
to bed early, or a quiet, deserted spot to the client who
loves nightlife and mundane pleasures.... if you are going
to take 10 excursions in a week you need to be near transit
connections, if you are travelling with children, you may
need a pool or at least know how far it is to the nearest
beach.

It may sound trite, but what we are trying to say here
is that we try to do our best for every customer. All the
same , our properties are particular and can surprise
someone who is not used to them. For this reason we have
included architectural notes on our website which help to
introduce the potential client to our way of living and the
basic layout of our homes. Probably the best way to choose
which property is best for you is to contact us via e mail
and clearly explain to us what you want from your residence
on the Amalfi Coast......A love nest?......a solitary
hermitage?.....A villa fit for a king or a place where the
kids can have a good time????? You can speak to one of us
and and ask pertinent questions. Leaf through our guest book
that we will scan on our site and ask, ask, ask. Obviously
it is best if you do so before your arrival, but if need be,
you will always find someone from Amalfi Coast Accomodation
ready to help you when you arrive.

There is something that we must warn you about: you
should forget about hot water heaters that offer an
unlimited amount of hot water. Had you come here in the
1970's you would have hardly found any water. We have come a
long way since then but you must keep in mind that, as far
as water resources are concerned, we have just lately gotten
better. You can use this opportunity to learn that water is
a precious resource and not to be wasted. As far as
electricity is concerned, all of our properties are equipped
with plugs...and 220 volt current. Will you bring your own
adapter of shall we do that for you?

HOW TO REACH THE AMALFI COAST

Visas and Necessary Documents for Entering Italy

Italy is a member of the European Community and with
the Shengen Agreement there is no longer border control
between member nations. All citizens of the EU can enter
into Italy without need of a visa. Citizens of Canada,
Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States can stay
in Italy- for a maximum of 90 days- without a visa. Drivers
licences from these nations are valid for the duration of
the visit.

Principal Connecting Airports

Napoli Capodichino

The Napoli Chapodichino Airport is the most convenient
airport for anyone wishing to easily reach the Amalfi Coast.
It is well connected -with daily flights- to all major
Italian and European airports. Many large airlines (
Alitalia, Air France, British Airways) fly into Napoli and
guarantee efficient connection with principal European
cities as well as the airports of Roma and Milano, usual
overseas arrival venues. Several 'low cost' airlines (
Easyjet, Transavia, Alpieagles) connect Napoli with numerous
British and European cities at reduced rates. Eurofly
provides three flights weekly to and from New York. Whatever
the case we highly recommend that you choose a flight with
transfer to Napoli Capodichino. If you are unable to do so ,
it is best to fly into Roma but you must be prepared for a
rather complicated and tiring transfer to the Amalfi Coast
if you intend to use public transport.

Roma Fiumicino

Roma is connected to Napoli by an excellent railway and by
high speed trains (Treni TAV) that connect the two cities in
only 1 hour and 15 minutes. The Roma Termini train station
with numerous trains daily for Napoli, can be reached
directly from Fiumicino airport by a comfortable train ride
in ½ hour. The train arrives in close proximity to the
train for Napoli and if you have bought your train ticket
for Napoli at the FS ticket office at the airport all you
need do is change trains. In any case, be sure to programme
your arrival and departure times well, including transfer
times. We also advise you to begin your trip from Roma to
the Amalfi Coast early in the day. From 21:45p.m. reaching
Napoli from Roma by train is practically impossible and
arriving at Napoli in late evening, considering the time
necessary to reach us from there, could be a very bad idea.

  From Naples to Sorrento and viceversa

The Capodichino Airport at Napoli is directly connected
to the terminus of the SITA bus line at Sorrento and
Amalfi by a comfortable bus run by Curreri SPA. The courses
are quite frequent in the summer season but there is daily
connection from Napoli Capodichino Airport to Sorrento even
in the low season. During the low season, the courses are
fewer but nevertheless quite numerous. We think that it is
worth using this connection as it means only two transfers
from Napoli Capodichino airport to Amalfi , Positano or
Praiano.

Once you arrive at Sorrento, all you need do is take
the first SITA bus for Amalfi that leaves from the piazza in
front of the train station. After approximately 40 minutes
of curves and breathtaking views you will arrive at
Positano; Praiano is only another 10 minutes and the ride to
Amalfi is approximately 1 hour from Sorrento. If you prefer
to take a taxi, you will find the fare much lower than from
Napoli. Sorrento is approximately 25/30 km. from Positano
and Praiano and so the fare is much lower than from Napoli.
If you decide not to wait for a bus at the airport, if you
love to get mixed up in local customs and love travelling to
the rhythms of the locals, the alternative is to take the
Volaviabus, run by AMN, that connects the airport with the
Napoli Piazza Garibaldi train station.

Follow directions there for the Circumvesuviano
trains, which connect Napoli with the entire area around
the base of the famous Vesuvio volcano ( which you will be
able to admire during your trip). The Circumvesuviana
connects Napoli to the city of Sorrento with frequent
service from 6:00 a.m. until Midnight. These trains can be
very crowded with students, commuters and workers who
commute every day to the capital of the Region of Campania.

During the summer tourist season there are also the
bathers on their way to the beach and the hordes of
tourists. The 55 minute trip necessary to reach Sorrento (
often standing, heated by the sun and without air
conditioning) can be a real undertaking. Even more so if you
have a lot of luggage or are travelling with children.

Travelling via Circumvesuviana is economical and the
company is part of the UNICOCAMPANIA society. Therefore, the
fare from Napoli to Sorrento is only 3,20 Euro per person
and includes the bus fare from Sorrento to Praiano or
Positano. It costs a bit more for Amalfi as the ticket is
priced by kilometre and Amalfi is in the next fare range.

Certainly, travelling by Circumvesuviana as many
guides suggest -is the the cheapest way to get here. As far
as we are concerned-it is also the most tiring and risky
way, especially because you are just arriving in our Region
and not used to things as they are here. During your stay ,
you will have many occasions to enjoy this picturesque
experience. The Circumvesuviana is, in fact, the best means
for reaching the archaeological sites of Pompei, Ercolano,
Oplonto and Stabia, all of which are stops along the way. By
then you will be a more expert traveller, less tired and
with just a light backpack in tow. On your arrival, you will
be tired, jet lagged and weighted down with luggage and not
prepared to affront Napoli and it's worst aspects.

The area around the train station in Napoli is
certainly not the most pleasant part of the city and the
pickpockets , who hang out here and work the crowded transit
systems are plentiful. Travelling by above ground transit in
Napoli, such as the bus from the airport to the train
station isn't pleasant because of the chaotic traffic that
characterizes the city. Last but not least, it is a real
torment dragging heavy luggage through the maze of streets
around Napoli Centrale station. This is especially true of
the tract from the main station to the underground
Circumvesiana station as it is presently undergoing
renovations. Keep in mind, also that there will be 3 means
of transportation changes, train schedules to fit in and
luggage to drag up and down stairs.......and at the end of
all this you will have to deal with the notorious SITA bus
that will take you from Sorrento to the Amalfi Coast.

I would like to make something clear here. Napoli is a
wonderful, exciting city, rich in art, architecture and
gastronomic delights. It is one the most characteristic city
in Italy and certainly no more dangerous than any other
large city in the world. Shopping is excellent and bargains
abound in the latest fashions. It is, however, not
particularly 'tourist friendly' as monuments are not clearly
marked, often not easy to locate and difficult to reach
because of the chaotic traffic that plagues the city. In my
opinion and in spite of it all, Napoli definitely deserves
your visit.....just keep your eyes open your wallet in your
front pocket and without heavy luggage in tow..

By Sea

If you really like adventure, why not come by sea? The
Volaviabus besides connecting Capodichino airport to the
Napoli Centrale train station, connects the airport directly
to the Molo Beverello one of the Ports of Napoli , and , in
every season of the year, ferries connect from there with
the port of Sorrento which is connected to the SITA bus for
Amalfi by way of a shuttle.

During the summer season, the 'Metro del Mare' connects
Molo Beverello to Sorrento as well as Positano and Amalfi.
This is probably the best way to begin your holiday on the
Amalfi Coast....by sea on board a comfortable, modern boat,
after an hour and a half across one of the most beautiful
gulfs in the world. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket
office in the port and cost about 15 Euro per person.
Children pay only 5 Euro each. With a calm sea and a shining
sun there is no better way to get here.

One little suggestion: if your destination is
Praiano, take the boat to Amalfi. The walk up from the port
of Positano to the bus stop is long and difficult. There is,
of course, baggage service , but the prices are quite high.
From the port in Amalfi,instead, you need only cross a
comfortable ramp to reach the SITA bus stop. The first bus
going towards Sorrento will take you to Praiano or Positano
after a 15 or 20 minute ride.

The same holds true if you decide to visit Capri.
However, the trip from Positano to Capri, without luggage
and hand- in- hand with a lover, and the walk from the port
up to the orange bus stop and the short ride to Praiano is
pure romance.

From Sorrento to Positano, Praiano, Amalfi and viceversa.

Sorrento is well connected to the Amalfi Coast thanks
to the SITA bus lines which, especially in the summer,
provides service until late at night. In low season,
however, the last SITA bus for Amalfi leaves Sorrento a
8:00p.m. In any case , in the piazza in front of the
Sorrento train station, you can always find a taxi all year
round. This is true not just in Sorrento. Where there is a
SITA terminal, there are almost always many taxis to take
you to your hotel or wherever. The fact that thousands of
tourists use the services of the SITA bus every year is
testimony to it's services.

For the exclusive use of tourists and nonresidents the
SITA organization has made available a special ticket called
UNICO COSTIERA that is valid for a 24 hour period from the
time that it is validated ( on entering the bus). The cost
is 6 Euro per person. It can be purchased at the train
ticket office, most newspaper vendors, tobacconists,and bars
near the train station and|or the main bus stops. With this
ticket you can change as many buses as you wish in the 24
hour period . You will find this very practical and
comfortable during your stay on the Amalfi Coast as you can
hop from one SITA bus to another as often as you wish.

The UNICO COSTIERA ticket is valid for all urban and
extra urban lines which are part of the UNICO society. The
UNICO ticket is valid on all SITA buses, the trains of the
CIRCUMVESUVIANA, all regional FS trains, the line #1 and#2
lines of the Napoli subway ( Metro) system, all funicolare (
cable railway) lines of the city of Napoli and internal
transport lines of the cities of Sorrento and Napoli. The
ticket is not valid on the orange bus that connects Praiano
to Positano. This fare is 1.10 Euro for a one way ticket in
either direction.

The SITA guarantees service to the entire Amalfi
Coast area ; the towns along the SS163 as well as inland
towns and localities on the hills around the Coast. The SITA
also connects Salerno to Napoli with frequent service and
once a day there is a bus that connects Amalfi, Positano,
and Praiano with Napoli. The trip is long and the
deviations into the towns, are decidedly too many. The
advantage to this is that there are no changes.

 

Getting here by Car

We strongly advise not using private transportation
on the Amalfi Coast, especially if the driver is not used to
driving on tortuous, narrow roads with continuous curves
that are literally imbeded between the rocks and the
ravines. But, if you must, you must.....

Napoli and Salerno are located along the tract of
highway , the famous Autostrada del Sole, which runs from
the north of the country to the south. The tract of the
highway that turns towards south and the cities of Napoli
and Salerno is called A3.

From the A3, after passing the exit for Napoli,
following the indications for Penisola Sorrentina/Costiera
Amalfitana you will exit at the Castellamare di Stabia exit
and from here (do not enter the city of Castellamare)-
always following the road signs for Positano -you arrive at
Meta di Sorrento. Approximately 1 Km. after the big church
on the left in Meta,turn left following the signs for
Positano, Amalfi and you will find yourself on the legendary
SS163, 50 km. of breathtaking curves that run along the sea
towards the city of Salerno, along the entire Amalfi Coast.

Along the state road #163, coming from Sorrento at
about 20 km. from Meta you will arrive at Positano.
Continuing along the state road ( do not enter into Positano
unless that is your destination) for 7 km. or so, you will
arrive at Praiano and 10 km. further on is the city of
Amalfi.

If you should miss the cut off for Castellamare ( it
is the next one after Pompei) follow the highway to Salerno
and you can pick up the SS163 by exiting at Vietri sul Mare.
You are approximately 40 km. out of your way but you can now
drive the whole Amalfi Coast road with it's breathtaking
panoramas, lovely localities,,dream-like little towns and
romantic vistas......road and driving conditions are another
thing.

The SS163 is not legendary by chance. The road is
narrow and especially in summer it is suffocated with
traffic that can leave you blocked for hours. Add to this
the roadblocks that are set up every year in an attempt to
regulate traffic entering the Amalfi Coast. Road closings
caused by manifestations, accidents,fires, or landslides are
frequent and it is wise to be informed about road conditions
before arriving.

If you are renting a car, choose one that is small and
easy to handle. Power steering helps, too. Prepare to
confront many manoeuvres and travel light, and most of all,
sober. You will probably want to a 'as few' on your arrival
to calm your nerves and celebrate your victory over the
SS163. Don't believe, as you may tend to, that getting
around is easy on this road. Fender-benders are frequent
even though speeding is practically impossible and thus
fatal accidents are rare. The 'fools of the road' that you
have heard about are a metropolitan legend. Not even we like
to get squashed against the rocks or fly in the car over a
precipice.... you can count on it.

Taxis, Rental Cars, etc.

Save money on everything but not on your security and
comfort. It is true that getting here by taxi directly from
the airport or renting a car and driver are not the most
economical ways to get here. In the end, especially if you
are travelling with friends or family, it could be a lot
less expensive than you think. Especially if you trust
yourself to a local agency and give them the honour and the
burden to organize and advise, directly from here your
transfer to or from the airport. In practice, we will send
you a car with one of our famous local drivers. We do not
do this to make money; this is not our business; 'the car
and driver' is an old custom or tradition here on the Coast.

The 'driver' is a part of our history and a character
not easily found elsewhere. They are usually men, always
trustworthy and discreet, they don't work for large
companies or agencies. They usually own 1 or 2 cars, and
have chauffeur's licenses to drive them. They accompany
residents and tourists alike. It is possible that their
father did the same thing with horse and carriage. The
present day veterans carry on the career with luxury cars
and excellent driving skills.

It is hard to believe, but not long ago most inhabitants
of the Amalfi Coast did not own automobiles and even up
until the 1960's- if they had to go to Napoli, Roma or
Salerno for special events- they trusted, almost
exclusively, the driver of their community.

Giovanni, Mimi, Gennarino and all the old, mythical
drivers of the Amalfi Coast are still institutions in the
community. They are still respected as authentic ' men of
the world', capable of manoeuvering in the city and places
that previously seemed exotic and far away. These figures
share important moments in many people's lives.

For example, they took us to choose our wedding gown in
the city, to take an exam or to discuss our thesis for our
university degree or to visit a loved one recovering in
hospital in Salerno or Napoli. They drove us to pick up
friends or to accompany our relatives who had emigrated to
America, Argentina, Venezuela, or Australia. Only they
became confidants to the foreign tourists, the many
aristocrats and the people who used their services to get
around the Coast, to arrive for or leave from their
magnificent, long and expensive holidays.

As much as the companies and organized co operatives of
taxi services have overshadowed these figures, the family-
run rental car service still lives on in every town along
the Coast, ready and willing to be of service to the many
tourists who visit us every year.

For a rather stiff ( but inferior to the charges of
the local taxi companies) price, they will take you anywhere
you wish to go....with a personal service that no taxi
company can offer. It is easy to become friends with the
Amalfi Coast driver, and you will remember his personality,
discretion and gentility for many years to come. Few of them
speak English fluently, but they can understand you and make
themselves understood. No matter where you want to go, they
know how to get there, even if you want to go to the most
out of the way place on the Coast. And they won't abandon
you ever- until you have reached your destination ( which is
usually farther and more difficult to reach than you
imagined or were told.)

LIVING ON THE AMALFI COAST

WHAT TO PACK

As we have already suggested on our web site, no high
heels or uncomfortable shoes. Light luggage and practical
foot wear is our suggestion. You may want hiking boots or
athletic shoes for mountain walking, a bathing suit, shorts,
beach towel, comfortable sandals and water shoes to protect
your tender city-feet from the stones on the beaches, a
waterproof jacket and a light sweater against any cool
evening breezes, and at least one nice dress for her and a
shirt and slacks for him for those romantic dinners out.
Suit and tie or long dress??????? ....you can do without and
find yourself finally free from many conventions and social
hypocrisies. Bring lots of sun screen and after- sun
preparations and in every season bring a hat to protect
yourself from the sun. Kids? Visit the site or go to page
for details.
Mosquitoes? They can be kept at bay by vases of basil,
citronella and natural candles that can be purchased
everywhere on the Coast. They are healthy, ecological and
much more romantic and perfumed than insect sprays.

WHAT TO DO

Looking through the remarks that our guests have
written in the guest books that are found in all of our
properties, we have become aware of many things. The first,
quite simply, is the frequency which our guests mention how
much they 'enjoyed life' while staying with us. Next, they
mention the panorama that left them speechless and many note
that they felt like they had found paradise. You can read
these messages left by previous guests by leafing through
the pages of the guest books that we have scanned for our
web site. Enjoying life and contemplating the beauty of
nature are the preferred activities in this area. Even if we
shouldn't say so, it's quite clear to us that many of our
guests have chosen a sane ,rich, lazy domestic life where
the terrace, the swimming pool, the barbecue, the
breathtaking views, romantic walks became a way of life.
They write little love notes, and enthusiastic dedications
to their partner on our pages...and suggest little
restaurants by the sea where they felt right at home.

Some have even used their time here to immerse
themselves in the joys of cooking. Many of the proprietors
of our homes or the chefs of some of the villas are
fantastic cooks and nothing makes a southern Italian woman
or a first class chef happier than to find a foreigner who
appreciates our gastronomy. The neighbours of many of our
villas have often complained about wild revelry, laughter,
music and mirth until dawn. We are happy to hear this and we
believe that this is the proper spirit for visiting and
enjoying a vacation in Italy. It is easy to make friends and
relax and everything is more pleasant where rhythms are slow
and convivial.....and stupendous historical centres. So, if
you want to, go ahead and party. But take a hint from your
fellow travellers who have visited the art centres and don't
miss out on that side of our life. It will be an opportunity
to savour another slice of pure pleasure.

WHAT TO SHOP

Everyday shopping

There aren't any mega, hyper or super markets in these
parts. Just little, colourful, mini emporiums and small
shops where you can find the fundamentals and then some.
They open early in the morning, about 8:00 a.m. and are open
until 2:00 p.m. They reopen at 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. and
close at 8:00p.m. in the winter and 10.00 p.m. in the summer
season. Every town on the Amalfi Coast has a tobacconist
where you can also buy tickets for public transport, postage
stamps and stationary supplies, a news stand, a butcher
shop, a greengrocer, at least one grocery store where you
can usually buy bread, fresh dairy products, wine, mineral
water and drinks , detergents, batteries and light bulbs.
These are the basics. You can usually add at least one bar,a
pharmacy, and a souvenir shop- that sells stockings and
underwear, the local weekly outdoor market and a pastry shop
and you have a good idea of the simplicity and of our basic
commercial network. In the larger, better- known towns (
Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento) you will find good choice but
probably not to the extent of the large shopping centres you
are used to. In compensation, there is at least one ATM
machine, a post office and all Amalfi Coast Accomodation
clients get free home delivery of groceries. Our personal
assistant can procure absolutely everything our clients may
need. If you were to interview husbands and lovers of our
personal assistants, you would be shocked and surprised
what they have had to put up with in order to ensure that
Amalfi Coast Accommodation guests enjoy an unforgettable
holiday.

 

Gifts and souvenirs

What to buy and what to avoid. Let's start with the
beautiful and truly typical things from the Amalfi Coast.
You should buy some hand- made paper note cards or a note
book of hand-made paper from Amalfi. It is a pleasure to
write on and is unique in the world.

Don't go home without something in ceramic from Vietri
sul Mare. Choose it in one of the many ceramic workshops
that offer the possibility to order something custom-
designed and created together with one of the many, talented
and famous ceramicists in the area.

Fall in love with a piece of embroidery and bring home
a handkerchief, a cushion, or blouse with our typical,
beautiful embroidery inserts made by the nuns or someone who
probably learned the art from her grandmother.

Sorrento is famous for inlaid woodwork and even a small
object makes a wonderful memory of you stay here. If you are
a fan of talismans, you can find wonderful coral horns. They
are our most typical good luck charms and are used to
protect the owner from the 'evil eye', and envy that can
jeopardize your success and that of your loved ones.

Plunder a book shop and find at least one of the
wonderful photography or illustrated books in which famous
artists and authors have attempted to gather the colours,
the nuances and the ambiance of this land. Raid a pastry
shop of it's dry pastries, biscuits, pralines and hand
crafted liqueurs.....limoncello,of course, but also Concerto
and fennel ( finocchietto) liqueur.

Get yourself a pair of made- to- measure sandals. They
are cool, comfortable, elegant and original and you can,
with not a lot of money, take home some world-famous, hand
crafted Italian footwear and be like Princess Carolina of
Monaco who wears them even on the red carpet.

Discover some of our DOC wines, especially one from
Furore or other parts of the province or region and have
them sent directly to your home. Copy the recipe of that
dish, that cake, those pastries that your landlady charmed
you with. Tony will be happy to help you with the
translation. We get lots of requests for recipes from guests
who have vacationed in our houses. One Australian lady wrote
to ask us when the lady who had rented her a villa , would
be giving another cooking course. We had to tell her that
the lady in question did not give cooking lessons, she just
liked sharing her talents with her guests. Sometimes fame
spreads by improbable means and sharing or exchanging a
recipe here is considered a true pleasure. Take home a jar
of spice, too. Rockerfeller used to have braids of our hot
peppers sent to his home from here. What Italian dish isn't
enhanced by a touch of hot peperoncino? You will think of
us every time you use it, wherever you are in the world, to
make that Italian dinner that you will certainly dedicate to
your favourite memory of your stay here.

WHAT TO EAT

It would be ridiculous to say that you eat well on the
Amalfi Coast. Above all, you eat Mediterranean. That means
that you eat a varied diet, high in vitamins and rich in
nutritional value, but low in fats. Obviously the cooking on
the Amalfi Coast is at the apex of this culinary tradition.
You are also in a Region and in a territory that has a
particularly high percentage of DOP (denominazione di origin
protetta)-guaranteeing that the product is produced only in
the geological area and DOC wines ( denominazione di origine
controllata) which guarantees that the grapes are grown and
bottled in the area. These categories are made to tempt the
most discerning gourmet. When you decide that you want to
try out your own cooking talents, you will discover that
most of our homes have well -equipped kitchens and wonderful
barbecues to better let you enjoy the fragrance of our fresh
sea food, meats and flavourful vegetables. Charcoal cooking
is among our favourite pastimes-and thanks to our favourite
condiment,our extra virgin olive oil-we do it well.

The notorious Italian pasta is , of course , another of
our specialties and you might be surprised at how we cook
it. Our sauces are ready in a minute with few, carefully
chosen, and always fresh ingredients. There aren't any
''ragus or 'Bolognese' in these parts. Here we eat
spaghetti, linguine and penne in fresh tomato and basil ,
with zucchine or eggplant and especially with fresh seafood.
Fresh cuttle-fish, sword fish, tuna, pezzogne and fragagli
at their freshest. And wonderful desserts.... The three that
must not be missed are: Caprese ( hazelnut and chocolate
cake), delizia al limone ( little lemon cream cakes) and
torta ricotta e pera ( ricotta cheese and pear cake)
....but , don't miss out on the mulberry or citrus sorbet,
either. Take a look at our web site and you can find out a
lot more about our cooking methods and our gastronomy.

The bar for Italians is a meeting place and we go there
at every hour of the day, not just for a drink after work.
They open early in the morning and in every season of the
year, they close late in the evening. We do everything at
the bar; breakfast , coffee break, aperitif, snack, happy
hour ,after dinner drink. The bar is a social place and
everyone, children included go there every hour of the day
or evening, summer or winter. You should forget the classic
idea of the smoke filled pub for adults. Italian bars are
for everyone, adults and children alike. You can get a glass
or milk or a flute of champagne, a package of cookies for
grandma and the bartender knows us all and our particular
preferences. He probably knows everything about everyone in
town and can be more helpful than the tourist office.

The enoteca is something quite different. It is a
meeting place for adults, usually crowded in the late
evening . It is the ideal location for tasting wines,
grappas, spumantis which are almost always accompanied by
'munchies' appetizers, cheeses, salamis or sweets to sharpen
the taste buds or the conversation. You can also buy vintage
wines to take away that are recommended by the proprietor
who is usually a wine buff, if not a fully fledged
sommelier.

Restaurants? Pizzerias? There are many, they are all
different and there is one for every pocket. Some are open
both lunch and dinner and some just for dinner. You may be
surprised by 2 things...the length of our lunch and dinner
hours and the subsequent late evening opening time. There
isn't a restaurant on the Amalfi Coast that won't serve you
dinner at least until 10 o'clock. We eat late at night and
you never have to go to bed hungry. Which pizzeria or
restaurant should we choose? We have our favourites but it
really is difficult to eat poorly here. A glance at the
guest book in our homes might help with the choice. Someone
from home might have your same tastes or expectations.
Eating is a cultural thing, don't you think?

Fast food restaurants have never caught on here and
where they have, many are already closing down. Could you
ever compare a big mac to a fragrant slice of pizza?....to a
traditional arancini (rice ball) or a neopolitan
panzarotto? A 'big fish' sandwich to a fresh local tuna
sandwich?..... You can't. But if you have kids in tow, don't
worry. We have french fries, hamburgers and hot dogs. And
lots of mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup. You can find them
in bars, paninoteca (sandwich shops),and road side trucks
that are found everywhere , especially near tourist
attractions. Or, you can buy the ingredients for your snack
in a salumeria and make it yourself. The same goes for
salads. It's called cultural exchange. Many of us remember
our friend Mary's fried chicken or the hamburger that only
Sam knows how to make from our visit to your country.