Travel sometimes begins long before you reach the sea. With a WhatsApp debate about scooters, a rental car with modest horsepower and the quiet realization that some places are victims of their own beauty.

In this first part of our Amalfi Coast journey, we drive from Naples across the Monti Lattari, spiral through mountain roads, chase elusive Amalfi lemons and arrive in Ravello - a hilltop town that feels suspended between history and luxury. At Villa Rufolo, 360 meters above the sea, we walk through terraced gardens, Moorish arches and rooms filled with light, trying to understand why artists, composers and jet-set icons have all fallen for this stretch of coastline. The views are almost unreal, the blue of the sea impossible to properly describe, and the roads as dramatic as the cliffs themselves.

We also talk honestly about what it means to travel here today — traffic, parking, high season, buses that run “eventually”, ferries that double as scenic cruises, and why timing matters more than ever. Because yes, the Amalfi Coast is spectacular. But it rewards those who arrive prepared.

If you’re ready for Italian blue, winding roads and a place that truly lives up to its legend, come with us.

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Ravello

A hilltop village 360 meters above the sea, known for its villas, quiet elegance and breathtaking coastal views. Ravello feels calmer and more refined than the busy shoreline towns, especially in shoulder season.

https://www.instagram.com/visit_ravello/

Villa Rufolo

A 12th-century noble estate with Moorish architectural elements and terraced gardens overlooking the Mediterranean. The views from its gardens are among the most iconic on the Amalfi Coast.

https://www.instagram.com/villarufolo/

Path of the Gods

One of Italy’s most famous hiking trails, running high above the coastline with panoramic views stretching toward Capri. A 4–5 hour walk that offers a completely different perspective on the region.

https://www.instagram.com/pathofthegods/

Amalfi

The historic maritime town that gave the coast its name. Compact, lively and right by the water, it’s both a transport hub and a postcard-perfect stop.

https://www.instagram.com/visitamalfi/

Monti Lattari

The mountain range separating Naples from the Amalfi Coast. Crossing it by car offers dramatic switchbacks and sweeping views over Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples.

https://www.instagram.com/parcoregionaledeimontilattari/

Ravello Festival

A renowned summer music festival featuring classical concerts set against panoramic sea views. A cultural highlight from June to September.

https://www.instagram.com/ravellofestival/

Amalfi Coast

A UNESCO World Heritage coastline famous for its dramatic cliffs, colourful villages and Mediterranean light. Best experienced outside peak season for a more relaxed atmosphere.

https://www.instagram.com/amalfi_coast_official/

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