Costiera Amalfitana
Italy ·
Description
The Amalfi Coast is the Italian dream distilled into 50 km of vertiginous curves. Positano spills in pink and terracotta toward the sea, Amalfi guards its Arab-Norman cathedral, and Ravello floats above it all with dreamlike gardens. Lemons are melon-sized, limoncello grappa flows like water, and every road curve reveals a postcard.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
The Amalfi Coast is an exceptional example of Mediterranean landscape with towns adapted to cliffs. Vernacular architecture integrates perfectly with the environment. It has inspired artists and writers for centuries.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For being an exceptional Mediterranean landscape example with vernacular architecture integrated into cliffs.
It was inscribed in 1997 under criteria (ii), (iv) and (v).
Positano: most photogenic; Amalfi: most historic; Ravello: quietest with views.
Very difficult; narrow road and tight curves. Better by bus, boat or hire a driver.
July-August: extreme crowds and heat; May-June and September are ideal.