Amalfi Coast, Mediterranean coastline in Salerno Province, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline in Campania that runs along steep cliffs between Positano and Vietri sul Mare, including several small towns. The settlements cling to the rock faces, connected by narrow roads that twist in hairpin bends above the deep blue water.

The coast was part of the maritime republic of Amalfi during the Middle Ages, which traded with Byzantium and the Orient. After its decline in the 12th century, the inhabitants lived for centuries from fishing and terraced farming, until tourism began in the 20th century.

The coast's lemons, the Femminello sfusato variety, grow on small terraced plots and their peels go into limoncello, made between February and October. Vietri sul Mare is known for colourful handmade ceramics, while Amalfi still produces bambagina, a thick hand-made paper once used for legal acts and revenue stamps.

The coastal road is narrow and winding, so travel early in the morning or outside peak season to avoid traffic jams. The towns are built on steep slopes with many staircases, so comfortable shoes are essential and some areas are difficult for wheelchair users.

The terraced lemon groves hang directly above the sea and are supported by an intricate system of wooden scaffolding passed down through generations. Some of the steepest gardens can only be reached by narrow footpaths or by boat, as no road leads to them.