Hotels in Calabria

Amalfi Coast holidays invite you to experience one of Italy’s most glamourous coastlines. From its scooped-out valleys to its soaring cliffs overlooking pretty bays and pastel coloured buildings, it’s hardly surprising why it's been the setting for films and paintings.

Stretching for over 40 kilometres, there’s so many places to explore too, each one just as eye-catching as the next. If you’re looking for a small town with bags of beauty, Positano has Italian good looks by the bucket load. Or, you can always step away from the crowds and soak up the romantic atmosphere of Ravello, with its magnificent villas and sprawling gardens. But you can’t come to this famous coast without seeing Amalfi itself! This must-see spot will instantly win you over with its cobbled streets and sun-drenched piazzas. Wherever you choose to stay on your Amalfi Coast holidays, you won’t be short of amazing backdrops.

World-class scenery 

The scenery around Amalfi is spectacular. From wild lemon groves adding a hint of citrus to the air and seaside cliffs that give away to mountains, there’s no wonder it’s one of the world’s most famous landscapes.  Couples looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure won’t be disappointed. Hike through a valley lined with waterfalls one day (the Valle delle Ferriere), take a boat trip into an impressive sea cave the next, and unwind on a sunny beach the day after that.

A fascinating history

It’s easy to delve into the local history on your Amalfi holidays. You can’t miss the sense of the past when you stroll along Amalfi’s narrow old streets, and the cathedral (or Duomo) at the town’s cultural heart. An attractive combination of Arabic and Norman styles, it is among Italy's finest churches.. There are also historic coastal watchtowers decorating the coast, including one above Amalfi, while the beautiful gardens of the nearby Villa Rufolo have long attracted some of England’s most celebrated creative people, like Virginia Woolf. And don’t forget to stop by Salerno (make sure you visit the Duomo di Salerno and the beautiful Villa Communale gardens), or further afield to the ancient ruins at Paestum.

Exploring further 

Why settle in one place, when you can squeeze in a few? Whether you want to hit the road for an unforgettable Amalfi drive, or you prefer to travel across the water, it’s so easy to hop between towns. The island of Capri is within easy reach! Young couples will love watching celebrities moor their yachts as they dine in its waterside eateries. For romantic views, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to ride the funicular up to the main town. From here, you can also escape to the famous Blue Grotto, whose name comes from the vivid blue tones you’ll see when the sunlight reflects onto the water. And did we mention It’s also close to one of Italy’s most famous cities - the beautiful Naples? Make sure you visit,  even if it’s just to try a slice of authentic Neapolitan pizza! 

Families with an interest in history should schedule a day trip to Pompeii (1 hour 40 minutes from Amalfi). Buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, you can’t come to Italy without stepping foot inside this incredible archeological site. From preserved temples, Roman baths, houses and theatres, it’s all waiting to be discovered in this ancient city.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily will amaze you with its ancient monuments, pretty piazzas, and varied landscapes. Ideal for couples, families and adventurers alike, this picturesque region boasts some of the most spectacular sights in Europe. Explore its fascinating history on a day trip to the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, browse the stylish boutiques of Taormina, or soak up the Mediterranean sun on the sandy shores of Cefalu beach. If you’re feeling really adventurous, why not climb the slopes of a volcano? No matter what you decide to do on your holidays to Sicily, don’t leave without tasting a glass of the local vino!

Things to do

Sicily is famous for the Teatro Massimo, Italy's largest opera house. Dating back to the end of the 19th century, it was featured in the film 'The Godfather, Part Three', and is near the heart of the historic Sicilian capital, Palermo. With a capacity of nearly 1,400 and exceptional acoustics, it's a must-see if you're an opera fan. Just a few minutes away is the Museo archeologico regionale "Antonino Salinas", an archaeological museum with a fascinating collection of Phoenician and Ancient Greek artworks.
Then, take some time to explore the resort and ancient Greco-Roman theatre of Taormina on the east coast, or see the wonderful Castello di Venere fortress near Erica in the far west of the region. 

Excellent beaches

Sicily has a range of beautiful beaches, some with soft sand, others are pebblier, so you can tailor your beach day accordingly. Large larva rocks speckle the warm shallow waters of Sicily’s coast adding to the striking scenery. The costal town of Taormina is mainly known for its long stretch of sandy shores. Enjoy reclining on sun loungers under parasols, taking in the picturesque views of the turquoise coast against the golden sand. There’s plenty of opportunity for water sports where you can paraglide, hire a pedal boat or snorkel in the shallow mangroves.

History and culture

Sicily has a rich, complex history, which can be seen through its ancient ruins that have a wide range of cultural influences taken from Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, French, German, Spanish and Italian civilisations. Visitors can see Greek temples, Roman villas, Norman cathedrals and traditional Italian architecture on the island. Sicily became a part of Italy in 1860 but only converted to an autonomous region in 1946 with help from the Italian Republic. The region has a heavy religious culture with a number of festivals celebrated throughout the year.

Nightlife

Sicily is extremely traditional so the nightlife typically follows the same pattern of being quite low key. You’ll find bars and clubs that stay open late in certain areas, but the majority of nightly entertainment is focused in the restaurants and hotels. Enjoy a delicious Italian meal with a glass of local wine at a hillside restaurant whilst the sunsets over the beautiful coastline.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice