Stepping off the train in Sorrento where the local bus departs to Amalfi I had to run the gauntlet straight away. People everywhere and they all wanted on a bus to somewhere along the Amalfi Coast. I got lucky an scored a window seat on the right side of the bus that would allow me to admire the coast line and not the massive rock wall on the other. It was obvious here it was going to be a busy day surrounded by tourists like myself.
Originally the plan was to hire a scooter from the hostel and find my own way to Amalfi. Unfortunately I needed to book a couple of days in advance for that and after having seen the road my bus took, well lets just say I’d probably have needed a few changes of underwear as those roads were scarily narrow and at times two bus’s couldn’t pass each other. Next time I’m going for the scooter and yes there is going to be a next time as it was an awesome view the entire drive.
I could have also taken one of the many amalfi coast walking holidays displayed in the hostel foyer but doing it myself seemed like more fun.
The bus departed and I got chatting away to an older American lady seated next to me. A teacher by trade she had travelled for years working all over Europe throughout her life. This was not her first trip to Amalfi, so as the bus travelled along the narrow winding road towards our first main drop off stop at Positano she pointed out specific points of interest along the glistening coastline.
Upon reaching Positano I said goodbye to my impromptu tour guide and continued on as she was to catch the ferry up to Amalfi later on. I had a lunch meetup with someone I’d met on twitter and I knew if I stopped here I’d miss it. Instead I planned to see Positano on my way back if there was still time.
The bus drove on and strangely I saw more and more car parks hanging off the cliffs edge. Some lead down to houses or small hotels that seem to cling to the edge for dear life. Living in one of those houses and waking up to the view would be amazing, the only downside trying to park your car. Those spots were tight and made worse by the busy narrow road. You’d want to own a small car with good brakes and know how to park it thats for sure.
Jumping off the bus in Amalfi I found myself with a bit of time to look around before grabbing lunch. Wandering off away from the coast I headed uphill into town to see what else this beautiful little stop on the coast had to offer. Strangely I found a mass of TV crews setting up for an award ceremony of some sort along with many an old building.
Meeting my friend down along the beach I couldn’t have found a better spot to enjoy lunch and a beer of course. Everything about this part of Italy so far was leaving me speechless. I’d never heard of Amalfi or any of this before leaving Australia, but I’d damn glad I knew of it now.
As lunch ended I parted ways with my friend and wandered around the beach area for awhile, stopping on the pier to take in a game or two of the kayak water polo competition that was on. I have to hand it to these guys, they manoeuvred the kayak like you would butter over hot bread. All while entertaining some pretty devastating crashes and squashing of hands as well.
When it finally came time to head for home it was clear I’d have to skip Positano. The sun was beginning its decent for the day and I’d well and truly worked up a thirst after a day spent in the sun. With another window seat on the water side of the bus, I put my headphones on and sat in my own little world snapping photos and taking it all in.
I’ve seen some stunning beaches and coastlines back home in Australia but this just took the cake. Next time I’m thinking of an italy holidays this spot will be high on my to see list again, especially with the awesome hostel I had booked myself into.
I ended the day much the same as the previous one. Catching up with the drinking buddies we discussed the days activities and my plans to take the Capri tour they had enjoyed just days earlier. Italy had fast shot to the top of my favourite countries in Europe so far, it’s just a shame that my travels were about to end.
Driving on those narrow roads along the coasts in Europe has always freaked me out! It’s so beautiful – I would love to go to the Amalfi Coast; definitely near the top of my list.
Andrea I’m glad I didn’t drive the first time, but if I went back now I’d love to hire a scooter and try it. Sure there isn’t a lot of places to stop and sit but the few that do exist would be amazing for a photo or two.
So freaking gorgeous!
Sure is a nice part of the world Candice
Oh wow that looks beautiful Chris
Thanks Ayngelina. I think we need to organise TBEX to be run here next year, everyone would come then.
What a charmer, Chris! 😀 I’m talking about the Amalfi coast of course. LOL. But really. The place looks simple but nonetheless beautiful.
Amalfi Coast is really one of the beatifically place.
I LOVE ITALY AND THE AMALFI COAST ! I had an amazing time there as well. I would do anything to go back. Thanks for sharing those pictures, it brings back great memories and really made my day!
No problem Allie. I was just talking to some people about it last night as we swapped travel stories and it’s made me want to go back so bad. Can’t wait for summer to get here so I can make my way to the water and relax there.
The amalfi coast is so stupidly beautifully amazing it’s unreal. I love it….to bits!
Matt you have got that right, I’m planning a trip back there this year just to relax and enjoy it all again.
looks like heaven! adding to The List.
It felt like heaven as well Marti. Going to be hard to top it but still plenty of Europe to explore so maybe.
Positano’s my favorite spot in Italy, that’s where I reunited with my husband after keeping our relationship long-distance for a year. It’s something special ey. (See, who says I don’t read your blog?)
haha Nellie of all the things I said to remember 🙂 It was a beautiful place and very much worth a visit.
I desperately want to go to the Amalfi Coast. It is so beautiful.
Let me know when you head that way Gray I desperately want to go back
I have always wanted to go & your description just reinforced my desire.
Leigh happy to help fuel the travel desire, just like everyone else does for me.
I love the Amalfi coast! My sister and I splurged and hired a driver for the day when we were there. He met us in Sorrento and took us to Positano and Ravello. I still think it’s one of the most gorgeous places I’ve been.
Chris having a driver must of been a nice experience. I really want to hire a scooter next time I’m there so I can travel at my own pace. A place like this needs to be explored slowly.
I did a day along the Amalfi Coast last March hopping from town to town and it was gorgeous! There were barely any tourists and locals were out painting their shops and gearing up to open for the spring. It was a great day!
Nice work avoiding the tourists Laura, I wasn’t so lucky as the bus ride was packed with folk. Still they never took away from the experience one bit.
Amalfi truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world – and the best way to get around is definitely by scooter or bike. Feeling that fresh air on your face as you zoom around the cliffs is amazing. 🙂
We spent 4 days at a little hotel overhanging Ravello, with a deck where you could jump straight into that brilliant blue water – if you do ever go back, make sure you check it out: Hotel Villa San Michele.