Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast stretches 34 miles along southern Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula, where dramatic cliffs plunge into the azure Mediterranean Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage site features 13 picturesque towns, each with its own character. Positano cascades down the mountainside in a riot of pastel colors, while Ravello sits high above the coast offering sublime gardens and cultural festivals. Amalfi town displays its medieval maritime power through its Arab-Norman cathedral and historic paper mills. The region's natural beauty is matched by its culinary heritage—lemons grown on terraced hillsides become limoncello liqueur, while seafood features prominently in local dishes alongside buffalo mozzarella from nearby Campania. The ancient Romans recognized the area's allure, building luxurious villas like Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, whose gardens and views continue to inspire visitors today. The coast's winding Strada Statale 163 highway, carved into the cliffs in the 19th century, connects these towns and offers breathtaking vistas at every turn, making it one of the world's most scenic and romantic destinations.