Italy > Amalfi Coast
Stretching for 50km (31mi) along a promontory from Sorrento to Salerno is some of Europe's most beautiful coastline. The road hugs the zigzagging bends and curves of the cliffy coast, overlooking intensely blue waters and passing picture-postcard villages which cling to the cliff walls like matchbox houses.
Positano is the first port of call out of Sorrento, and it's truly sublime: tiered arcades of rose and honey-coloured houses hover precariously over an iridescent sea, and further investigation reveals cafés and hotels to die for. Further around several intervening bends is Amalfi, its former status as a supreme naval power which rivalled Pisa and Genoa evidenced in its arsenal and imposing duomo. Hairpin bends separate Amalfi from Ravello, which sits like a balcony overlooking the bay. Its duomo has an interesting pulpit with six lions carved at its base, and several villas and their beautiful gardens add to its attractions. Salerno has seen it all, from Etruscan to Roman and medieval times. Unfortunately, the city was extensively damaged during WW II, as it was one of the Allies' major landing sites.