Views along the Amalfi coast
The views along the 28 miles of Amalfi coastline are spectacular. The dramatic road hugs the edge of the mountain with sheer drops down to the stunning blue sea below. Amazing vistas are seen around the corner of each hair-pin bend (see the winding road below.) I'm glad I wasn't driving (see link here.) What is the most hair raising journey you have been on?
We arrived in Amalafi on a Sunday morning and decided to wander away from the crowds and headed up narrow lanes and steps to explore the town. As we were taking some photographs of the view an elderly Italian lady dressed in black who was returning from church beckoned us to follow her.
She took us up higher and higher and the views just got better and better.........
She also showed us another way down, it was such a special moment for us and we shall not forget her kindness and being so friendly.
Our next stop was Ravello. The gardens of Villa Cimbrone had been highly recommended by Lucent Imagery and we were not disappointed. The views were again superb and the sea so blue!
The Villa Cimbrone was orginally an old farmhouse and in the early 20th century it was transformed into a palace by a English politican Lord Grimpthorne. Part of the gardens were designed by Vita Sackville-West.
The location, gardens and house reminded me so much of the book "Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim" which is about four English women hiring a castle in Italy for a month, wouldn't such a location as this be wonderful place to stay for so long!
We always enjoy holidays where we are able to see as much as we can, so I'm afraid there is another post in this series - next time Capri! (Last post if you missed it was about Vesuvius and Pompeii.)
Sarah x
Glorious views! What a lovely place. Thanks for the visit! xox
ReplyDeleteLord Grimpthorne sounds like a fictional character from a BBC costume drama!
ReplyDeleteOh what a gorgeous spot. I saw a programme a while back with Alex Polizzi and she visited the Amalfi Coast, and spent some time in a wonderful kitchen overlooking an amazing kitchen garden and beyond it a drop down to the sea. It was utterly breathtaking, and it will stay with me for the rest of my life. Your photos have reminded me. Definitely somewhere I'd like to visit one day. Glad you had such a lovely time. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking me along on this beautiful journey Sarah. I think my most hair raising journey was in the Austrian Alps when, looking ahead, I realized the road we were on was cantilevered out from the mountain! My stomach did a somersault.
ReplyDeleteI remember being on a similar road to yours in Switzerland with my parents when I was a child, it didn't look like that on the map! Sarah x
DeleteWonderful pictures! And it looks like you had wonderful weather for your visit. Your encounter with the lady in black was one of those serendipitous moments I love--especially on vacation.
ReplyDeleteIt never disappoints - such a beautiful place. We went there back in the late 70's (oh so long ago). Lucky you, getting a personal tour guide, that lady was so kind.
ReplyDeleteI've been to that garden in Ravello and loved it too. But driving the roads in that neck of the woods is another thing altogether!
ReplyDeleteSuch a picturesque place lots of wonderful photo opportunities - beautiful. I seem to be having Blogger glitches - your posts aren't coming through - not sure what is going on there.
ReplyDeleteIt all looks truly beautiful! The gardens would be a wonderful.place to stay for a month. I.must read that book-it sounds my kind of thing!x
ReplyDeleteMy wish - to see the Amalfi coast! Wonderful impressions.
ReplyDeleteSigrun
WOW. Sarah, this is paradise, isn't it! LOVELY TOUR!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place and such lovely photo's Sarah.
ReplyDeleteOur nephew was married at Ravello ...
All the best Jan
Italy is like a second country for me as I have been there for more than three years. The Amalfi coast is among the best breathtaking views in Europe I think. The coastal trip leaves visitors' mouth open and you have been so lucky to come across that kind lady!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! :)
ReplyDeleteStunning photos, Sarah. Well worth the vertigo.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Beautiful photos! We visited the Highlands of Scotland last year and I didn't want to drive and miss out on the scenery there!
ReplyDeleteDriving in the Swiss alps with an old schoolfriend (me driving her car because she was too scared) – that was a grip-the-steering-wheel moment! Your photos are beautiful. Amalfi is somewhere I'd love to go one day.
ReplyDeleteAmazing views, Sarah! Thanks for posting. Memories of driving the cliff side Highway 1 along the Pacific Coast in the USA are vivid for me as I view your stunning photos. Also, I am reminded of riding on a mule down and up the narrow Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon! Heights!!!!! xx
ReplyDeleteWow! What spectacular scenery - just so beautiful. xx
ReplyDeleteIt looks sooo beautiful and has long been on our list of places to visit. That blue sea! The architecture! The sky! What's not to like? Thanks for sharing these, especially in a Week Of Rain such as we've just had- does the soul good to remember sunshine and beautiful places :o) XX
ReplyDeleteStunning scenery, just looking at each photo brings a smile. Thank you for sharing these amazing photographs.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely the characters you meet on journeys like yours that make the holiday. I bet your moment with the lady showing you a better view was magical. It is amazing how kind people can be. It is often the case in Italy...a very special country. Barbara x
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a wonderful spot in the worlds! I wish I could visit there some day too! :)
ReplyDeleteTake care
Anne
Crochet Between Worlds
The water does look so blue! And the whole area looks peaceful and inviting.
ReplyDeleteDear Sarah,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful holiday you must have had an I enjoyed catching up with your travels through your amazing photos.
The views from the Amalfi Coast are stunning and must have been amazing standing high up and looking down on all the beauty and to have the kind lady show you around.
Also enjoyed seeing and hearing about Vesuvius and Pompeii - always fascinated me when we studied this back in school.
Thanks for the kind visit to my blog and hope you have a lovely week
hugs
Carolyn
How kind of the elderly lady. Just over two weeks until we go to Sorrento which is all thanks to your posts ! xx
ReplyDeleteWe were lucky enough to spend 4 days in Italy this year, but the Amalfi coast has been on my wish list forever, thank you for sharing . Loved that she showed you a better view too. Just love Italy x
ReplyDeleteHello Sarah, just started perusing your Italy posts - wow. What glorious photos and views. Such beauty. Ah yes, Enchanted April, one of my most favorite movies! I think they filmed that in Portofino. The villa they used is called Castello Brown. And now I'm off to read more of these delightful posts. Thanks for sharing. Sara
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