HELENA SMITH
South from chaotic Naples, the craggy Amalfi Coast – and the three island outposts of Capri, Ischia and Procida – have been a magnet for visitors since Roman times.
It’s all about good timing on the Amalfi Coast. Many hotels, restaurants and attractions are closed from November until Easter.
High summer sees narrow coastal roads clogged, soaring temperatures and the occasional frayed temper, so it’s best to avoid July and August.
Spring and autumn are wonderful in this region – spring for its swathes of bright wildflowers and autumn for warm seas and seasonal produce.
Consider a night or two on the volcanic garden island of Ischia, and then spend the rest of your time at one of the coastal gems – Sorrento, Positano or Amalfi.
A grand dame of local tourist towns, Sorrento sits pretty on a cliff gazing out at Vesuvius, and there's a charming fishing village down below.
Of all the tumbling coastal towns in Italy, Positano has to be the most beautiful, with its surreally steep geography and colourful houses.
The most dazzling of islands.The whitewashed core of Capri town is lovely, with a path leading through terraced countryside to a Roman villa.
A hilltop garden paradise, Ravello is famous for its music festival and incomparably swish hotels.
The glories of ancient Rome survive due to the volcano that both blotted out and preserved the town. Walk chariot-rutted streets and admire frescoed villas.
You need strong legs and a head for heights to walk the legendary Path of the Gods, which offers dizzying sea views.
Nothing makes you feel more like a millionaire than having your own boat – even if it’s just for a couple of hours.
From Ischia’s thermal beaches to Positano’s Spiaggia di Fornillo, the Amalfi Coast is perfect for water babies
You’ll find spaghetti alle vongole (with fresh clams) on practically every menu in the region; another seafood special is tuna, best eaten in Cetara.
Most visitors fly into Naples, though taking an overnight train is an alternative from many European cities.
Driving through the region can be a hectic experience. We recommend getting around by public transport or hiring a driver
A network of ferries connects the coastal towns along the Amalfi Coast with Salerno, Sorrento and Capri. Connections to Naples, Ischia and Procida can be made via Sorrento or Capri.
The Circumvesuviana trainline connects Naples with Herculaneum, Pompeii and Sorrento. Buses are a bargain, but some might find the local driving style and crowds hard to stomach.