We decided to hire a driver/guide for our Amalfi Coast drive, partly because the roads are narrow and windy but we both wanted to enjoy the ride and really be able to take in the scenery. The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline on the northern part of the Salerno Gulf. Its near the southern city of Naples. We were staying in Positano and heading east along the coastline. The first town we passed through was Priano. We drove through the very narrow streets viewing the terraced gardens and small homes that are typical to the area. A brief stop around Priano with Positano in the background We continued on enjoying the beautiful scenery until we reached the town of Amalfi. We walked around the town for some time just taking it all in. Amalfi is very touristy and was very crowded. We wanted to see the Duomo and Amalfi Cathedral . The Cathedral is a 9th century Roman Catholic Cathedral located in the Piazza del Duomo, kind of the center focal point of the town. It is dedicated to the Apostle Saint Andrew whose relics are kept there. Its Architectural styles consist of Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque and Byzantine. The Amalfi Cathedral Scenes from inside the Cathedral After finishing seeing the Cathedral we walked along the pedestrian streets of Amalfi and did some shopping. We decided to head to the water and walk along the coastline for a bit before meeting up with our driver. The water was a turquoise blue color but in close to the beach it was very clear. We could see the bottom in the areas the water was clear. The happy couple enjoying the town of Amalfi The turquoise waters of Amalfi Another Kodak moment for the happy couple The beautiful scenery goes on We met up with our driver and continued on to the town of Ravello. We were still heading east for a bit along the coastline before turning inland to get to the town. Ravello is a town with approximately 2500 residents and is situated above the coastline. Ravello boasts 2 very famous Villa's both with equally famous gardens, the Villa Rufolo and the Villa Cimbrone. The Villa Rufolo's gardens consisted of beautiful flowers arranged with shrubs and trees in a box formation with the bay of Salerno as a backdrop. Beautiful views of the Gardens of the Villa Rufolo We walked to the Villa Cimbrone to see their gardens. Actually the Villa Cimbrone has been converted into a hotel but the gardens remain open for all to visit. The gardens consisted of mostly trees and shrubs but its most appealing attraction is an infinity terrace that looks down to the water. It was a little scary but what an incredible view. The Villa Cimbrone's Infinity Terrace The view from the Villa Cimbrone's garden After visiting both of these incredible Villa's and Garden's our driver led us to a wonderful local restaurant for an incredible lunch, Trattoria Cumpa Cosimo. Don't overlook this place as their food was outstanding. Afterwards he drove us back to our hotel in Positano. There is much more to see along the Amalfi Coast but what we saw took an entire day so to see more of the coastline you really need several days. But fear not, the idea of returning to the Amalfi Coast is very easy to take.
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