Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast itinerary in Italy: what to do – and what to bear in mind – when travelling from the ancient city to the seaside towns
- Enjoy the Roman ruins and the coastal towns of Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento and Ravello, their houses of seemingly every colour clinging to the sides of cliffs
- There are some things to consider if you want to get the best out of your trip, though, such as summer congestion, airport strikes and expensive hotels
Crayon-coloured houses cling to cliffsides that emerge from clear Mediterranean waters. Roads corkscrew along a mesmerising coastline, connecting villages and towns that were once only accessible on foot. The scent of lemons fills the air, accompanied by a whiff of suntan lotion.
Once in Italy, getting to the Amalfi Coast is straightforward enough. Visitors usually arrive via Naples, the European country’s third largest city, after a detour to nearby Pompeii.
In AD79, Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the prosperous Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under thick layers of volcanic ash. Spellbound sightseers gawp uneasily at the petrified people while exploring the public buildings surrounding the forum, the amphitheatre and gymnasium, the city brothel and Temple of Apollo.
What to look forward to
From Pompeii (or Naples) take the train to Sorrento, which is sometimes referred to, rather unfairly, as little more than a transit hub (Gateway to the Amalfi Coast sounds better).
