Positano, Amalfi & Ravello

Driving down-hill directly through Positano descending the winding one-way road, bypassing many local restaurants, leads to the heart of the town - the busy central Piazza dei Mulini that is connected to a narrow downhill path and some occasional flights of steps that lead to the seafront.

At Piazza dei Mulini, you must leave the car as all streets leading to the waterfront are for pedestrians only.

These streets also lead to the cathedral, shops selling lemons, shoes and “Positano fashion” clothing.

While Positano's ceramic and linen industries (Moda Positano) date from the 1950s, they boomed when tourists discovered the village in the 1970s.

Today you'll find lots of these shops on this street, along with galleries featuring the work of local artists (a visit to a factory is at your own discretion).

There is a short walk back uphill in order to return to the car and this time, ascending the mountain, returning to the main coastal road to start the journey back to the hotel or ship.

Explore the narrow streets of this maritime village.

The coastal road begins after Sorrento, runs through Positano, the fishing villages of Praiano, Furore and Conca dei Marini, and continues until it reaches the busy square of Amalfi which is situated on the seafront - the port and a long stretch of pebbled beach.

In front of the port of Amalfi, there is the one and only bus station along the coast.

Behind this square lies the main shopping street of Amalfi that terminates at the furthest and highest point of the town.

Along the pedestrian street are various bars and cafés, not to mention the many shops selling limoncello, casual clothing, swimwear, gifts, basic groceries, and of course, ceramics.

However, if one would like to see more than just shops, Amalfi has some interesting sights to explore: the most spectacular cathedral along the coast, the paper factory and its museum.

Ravello is a rural village un spoilt by tourism, perched on top of a mountain cliff situated above Amalfi and Minori. It is famous for its breath-taking views and ancient monuments best exemplified by the gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo.

In high season, these gardens are rich in sweet secants of blooming flowers, shadows of flora and perfume of lemons.

There are also many classical concerts held in the gardens of Villa Rufolo, located just off the main square of Ravello.

Apart from the main cathedral, also situated in the square there is a history museum constructed in the basement of the cathedral.

Along the narrow arches of Via Roma one will find a few small boutiques and souvenir shops.