It is hard to imagine the golden period of a few centuries ago, but it is just possible. Especially if you arrive by car as the sun is setting on the old town on a late summer's day when the crowds have gone.

The colors and shadows evoke a time of pirates, defenses, the sea and coastal trade. A couple of limoncellos help as well. But what about the rest of the coast?

Starting in Sorrento and eventually reaching Salerno there are 98km of some of the most spectacular scenery Italy has to offer. Perhaps Positano is everyone's favourite, but don't neglect a visit to the following along the way.

RAVELLO

Ravello is most famous for its annual arts and music event, the Ravello Festival. A new auditorium is planned which will be even more spectacular than the current 'hanging in the air' stage of Villa Rufolo pictured above in October.

MINORI

Snaking up the valley from Minori and the coast are the famous lemon groves cultivated on terraces as far as Ravello and the Chiunzi Pass. Minori also boasts a well preserved maritime Roman villa.

CETARA

A visit to Cetara means sardines or 'alici'. The traditional staple of the local economy is still alive and well. We believe that the prized fish paste sauce or oil is the closest to the ancient Roman 'garum' you can find anywhere.

VIETRI SUL MARE

It was here that the commercially minded Amalfitanis set up business dealing in terracotta and ceramics brought from Spain, Cyprus, Sicily etc in the 9th century. Do visit the Ceramics Museum of Vietri at Villa Guariglia di Raito.