Looking down on Positano.
The drive along the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento to Salerno is one of the most magical drives in the world. Many years ago I lived in S’Agata sui due Golfi, between Sorrento and Positano and I travelled along the coast on several occasions. I go back as often as I can. I think it is easy to see why.
Looking back towards Positano.
</aA beautiful place to stay along the way.
The beach platform.
On my last visit I had a destination in mind, Ravello, high above the Mediterranean with spectacular views of the coast. The town was founded in the 5th century and has been a destination for artists, writers and musicians for centuries.
The lovely town square was bathed in late autumn sunshine the day I was there.
There were colourful ceramics for sale at the pretty shops lining the square.
One of Ravello’s most famous sites is Villa Cimbrone and its gorgeous gardens.
It is possible to stay here, but we were just here to admire the view and wander through the grounds. We bought our tickets and set off through the 16th century doorway.
Watching over us.
The entrance.
The cloister.
I would love to stay in the hotel.
The Terrace of Infinity has featured in countless postcards, movies, photographs….
This incredible balcony is adorned with 18th century marble busts above the most spectacular view.
You could spend days wandering in the garden.
I want to go back to have tea in the outdoor tearoom.
It overlooks an exquisite Italian garden.
With a statue of David
And 2 heavenly bronze deer.
We were being watched.
There were more gardens.
And faces…
We ran out of time. We didn’t see The Temple of Bacchus, Mercury’s Seat, The Avenue of Immensity, Eve’s Grotto….. It hardly seems fair. I will have to return.
Opening hours: from 9.00am until sunset. http://www.villacimbrone.com
WOW! What a beautiful place… I wished to have a cup of tea there too… I loved all your photographs, but especially ceramics fascinated me. Thank you dear Debra, have a nice weekend, with my love, nia
By: niasunset on February 3, 2012
at 12:34 pm
This place is breathtaking. It is one of the loveliest places I have ever been.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 12:49 pm
Thanks for the trip back memory lane. We were there in September. It would be neat to go to the Music Festival next time.
By: travellingflip on February 3, 2012
at 12:35 pm
Any excuse to get back there would do.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 12:49 pm
We use arrange cycling excursions along this roads. A good alternative to the driving.
By: Jerry on February 3, 2012
at 12:45 pm
I wouldn’t fancy riding up those hills! It would of course be worth it once you get to the top.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 12:50 pm
In effect we use to ride downhill roads from the Fausto Coppi monument to Furore, Amalfi, Atrani, Minori, Maiori and Cetara… Ordinary people ride this route with us ….without problems… ;))
By: Jerry on February 3, 2012
at 12:58 pm
I’m glad to hear it. It would be absolutely wonderful to ride a bike in this incredible place.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 1:04 pm
As usual, I enjoy your details so much!
This is a charming area.
By: maru on February 3, 2012
at 12:48 pm
Lovely. I am wishing for that sun over here now! 🙂
By: Mia Dolce Toscana on February 3, 2012
at 12:55 pm
The snow in the village looks very pretty. I’m hoping it stays until I get there.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 12:58 pm
I love this post! I’ve drove through this town years ago. Looking at your pics remind me who much beauty and serenity is still to be found in Italy.
By: J.C.V. on February 3, 2012
at 1:23 pm
It would be hard to go past the Amalfi Coast for beauty.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 1:26 pm
Enchanting Debra. I love your mix of panorama and the tiny details. Makes me want to go back to Positano….. How wonderful for you to have lived there a while.
By: janinevasta on February 3, 2012
at 1:40 pm
I was very lucky to be there almost 40 years ago. I could have married somebody from and ugly little place, but I hit the jackpot with location.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 8:46 pm
This area would have to be one of our favourite places. We stayed in Ravello and visited the whole area…including a little peak at Sophia’s lovely Villa on the water. Love the ceramics at the little shop in the square, Villa Cimbrone, and beautiful Positano. Read that Gore Vidal also live there for quite some time..lucky chap!….aaah, full of memories. Thanks Debra great photos!
By: Susie Q on February 3, 2012
at 2:15 pm
I was lucky the day we went to Ravello. It was raining heavily the day before and the day after.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 8:47 pm
Hi, I know that you posted this 2 years ago. But I am just wondering if you have any recommendations for accommodation in Ravello? Thanks!
By: poschfordLesley on September 14, 2014
at 6:34 pm
One of my favourite places in all the world- going back again this summer- ahhhh can’t wait- Ciao Bella!
By: carmela phillips on February 3, 2012
at 3:03 pm
It is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Lucky you, going back.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 8:48 pm
Just wonderful! Italy has so many beautiful places that it is difficult to choose which is the best. I would take the lot!!! Great photos!
By: Mulino Dominillo on February 3, 2012
at 3:20 pm
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s jewels.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 8:48 pm
You know, someone from the Italian Ministry of Tourism (or whatever it might be called) should be paying you, Deb. You are selling Italy–totally selling it. And, good God, I’m buying. I feel certain having followed your blog now for a while that if I went to Italy, I would NEVER LEAVE. What a gorgeous place!
Hugs,
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on February 3, 2012
at 3:50 pm
Perhaps you could write to them on my behalf. Wouldn’t it be fun to travel about and write about all these gorgeous places – AND get paid – my idea of heaven.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 8:50 pm
I have been to the Amalfi coast a few times but the best trip was with my cousin last September who lives near Caserta. We had a enjoyable time in these beautiful gardens! When one is surrounded by such beauty the fact that you don’t speak the same language is not so troublesome. We did get out the Italian/English dictionary so I could know what kind of fruit/nut trees I was looking at…so many I had never seen before! Thank you for evoking great memories!
By: Denise Blackman on February 3, 2012
at 4:39 pm
I now speak a bit of Italian, and it really helps a lot in appreciating the place.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 9:01 pm
What a beautiful looking place… The entrance alone is breath taking.
Happy travels back Debra.
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on February 3, 2012
at 6:57 pm
The entrance is heavenly. That is my niece in the last shot, leaving through that door.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 9:02 pm
Wow, what spectacular views, I would love to go there some day. The colourful ceramics are very cheering.
By: Just Add Attitude on February 3, 2012
at 7:26 pm
I hope you do spend some time there. You will love it!
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 9:03 pm
[…] original post here: The Amalfi Coast, Ravello and Villa Cimbrone « Bagni di Lucca and … This entry was posted in Lucca and tagged along-the-amalfi, amalfi, golfi, magical-drives, […]
By: The Amalfi Coast, Ravello and Villa Cimbrone « Bagni di Lucca and … | Around Tuscany - Accomodation in Tuscany on February 3, 2012
at 7:31 pm
I used to walk into Amalfi to do my shopping each morning. I hope you do not mind but i would love you to read this. I hope you don’t think i am rude. But since you have been there it will make you smile. This short story is from the time i spent there.. I have no photos from that time as it was all on film and was lost in a domestic upheaval the following year. Your photos took me back. Thank you.
cecilia
http://thekitchensgarden.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/my-italian-housekeeper/
By: ceciliag on February 3, 2012
at 7:50 pm
Thank you for directing me to your story. I love it! I hope everybody clicks on this link.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 9:00 pm
The blue sky over the ocean shots are divine. We know this area well having stayed up there for a few days. The Villa Cimbrone was undergoing some renovations but the gardens were open.
By: Roz on February 3, 2012
at 7:55 pm
I absolutely love this area. Luckily I have the excuse that I NEED to go back to visit family.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 8:52 pm
amazing pictures. we were thinking my husband and i to go spend few days in sorrento and from there go to amalfi coast and spend one day in positano. i think we’ll go back to italy this year also. we’ll see. 🙂
By: Fragolina on February 3, 2012
at 8:00 pm
Sorrento is an excellent jumping off point for this area. The town is gorgeous and it is relatively easy to get to all the other delight from there.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 8:53 pm
You are right…magical and beautiful. Thank you for sharing your lovely photos.
By: Karen on February 3, 2012
at 8:07 pm
The whole are is lovely. I want to go back to see some of the other small towns in the area.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 8:54 pm
Beautiful photos, I would love to travel through and enjoy these sites; breath taking, Thanks for sharing!
By: Marcia Clarke on February 3, 2012
at 8:22 pm
The Amalfi Coast is one of the loveliest places I have ever been. I find myself sighing all day when I am there.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 8:56 pm
A visit is needed – how perfectly heavenly
By: Liz Litzow on February 3, 2012
at 9:34 pm
Gorgeous post Debra. Amalfi is heaven on earth. Thanks for reminding me that I must visit again really soon! There is a fab (cheap) hotel in Positano with really wonderful views – Hotel California. It is just opposite the Syracuse!
By: Paris Rendez-vous on February 3, 2012
at 9:38 pm
Thanks for the tip. I know exactly where it is.I usually stay with family, but you never know…
I tried leaving a comment on your blog this morning, but it sent me in circles.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 3, 2012
at 9:45 pm
Bella Deb…..we were married there in Villa Cimbrone and get to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary there in July! How fortunate are we! If you go back let us know as we know the gentleman that owns Gore Vidal’s villa now that he has left. They are turning it into a boutique hotel.
baci
C & A
By: Anonymous on February 4, 2012
at 1:33 am
I am hoping to go back to S’Agata on this trip. I will let you know if I do.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 4, 2012
at 9:18 am
Everytime I come here – I’m treated to the most wonderful visuals…all taking me back to my time in Italy. Thank-you!
By: Marcie on February 4, 2012
at 9:54 am
I will be back in lovely Italy in a few days – can’t wait.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 4, 2012
at 9:20 pm
Donatello’s David straying… I had no idea. And Positano, that’s “Under the Tuscan sun”. Gorgeous!
By: linneabylinneanilsson on February 4, 2012
at 9:56 am
David gets around. I’m sure he loves it at Villa Cimbrone.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 4, 2012
at 9:21 pm
debra hi: this is one of the most beautiful areas in the world. cant wait to revisit it.
its like a bit of heaven, really. regards to you and everyone. george miori.
By: Anonymous on February 4, 2012
at 4:42 pm
Amalfi Coast is heavenly. I hope you visit soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 4, 2012
at 9:21 pm
Gorgeous photos. Every time I have a bad day at work I exclaim I am going to positano to sell vegetables! Just beautiful.
By: thelegaltart on February 5, 2012
at 9:17 pm
Positano is heaven. Selling vegetable sounds like a good choice.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 6, 2012
at 2:09 am
You have inspired in me a great desire to visit this part of Italy…to which I have never been! I bookmarked this post in my files! And to wake up in one of those hotels overlooking this spectacular scenery would be heavenly! Thanks for all the tips…my file is growing!
By: tesorotreasures on February 7, 2012
at 2:37 pm
The Amalfi Coast is one of the loveliest parts of Italy, you won’t be disappointed if you go.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 8, 2012
at 3:17 am
[…] lovely little statue was in Ravello on the Amalfi […]
By: Colour my world « Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on July 18, 2012
at 7:36 am
[…] 10 was The Amalfi Coast and Villa Cimbrone…surely one of the most beautiful places in the world. I lived near there many years ago and […]
By: Top ten posts of 2012 « Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on December 29, 2012
at 2:32 am
Beautiful post about a stunning place; I was there for my honeymoon 8 years ago…how time flies!!!
By: Mrs. Bingles on October 11, 2014
at 2:52 am
It is a beautiful area. I went there for the first time in 1972…time really does fly.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 11, 2014
at 12:15 pm