Clinging to the cliffs of the Sorrentine Peninsula like a string of pastel jewels, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatically beautiful stretches of coastline in the Mediterranean. This UNESCO World Heritage site runs for approximately 50 kilometers along the southern edge of the peninsula, where terraced lemon groves, whitewashed villas, and centuries-old churches cascade down near-vertical slopes to meet the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea. Each village along the coast has its own personality: glamorous Positano with its cascading bougainvillea and boutique hotels, historic Amalfi with its Arab-Norman cathedral, and peaceful Ravello perched high above with its legendary gardens and music festival.

The winding SS163 coastal road is an experience in itself, threading through tunnels carved into rock, crossing deep ravines on narrow bridges, and revealing breathtaking panoramas around every hairpin turn. For those seeking more than scenery, the region offers the Path of the Gods, a spectacular cliffside hiking trail between Agerola and Positano that lives up to its mythic name, as well as hidden swimming coves accessible only by boat, and the legendary limoncello made from the enormous Sfusato lemons that thrive on these sun-drenched terraces.

Pro tip: Skip the stress of driving the narrow coast road and take the SITA public buses or hop on a ferry between towns. If you do drive, go early in the morning and park in one town, then use boats and buses to explore the rest. Ravello, often overlooked by day-trippers, rewards those who make the winding climb with its serene Villa Rufolo gardens and jaw-dropping views.