"The roads along the Amalfi Coast are famously winding, narrow, and challenging to drive. Add in drop-dead views and daring Italian drivers, known for their behind-the-wheel bravado, and this road trip offers one of the more exciting driving experiences in Europe. The popular Amalfi Coast route follows the shoreline from Sorrento south to Salerno." (National Geographic)
Our driver, Claudio, was amazing. We still aren't sure how he maneuvered our bus around hairpin turns while cars and motorcycles zoomed past. |
The DriveRick Steves says "The Amalfi Coast offers one of the world's great bus rides: The coastal trip from Sorrento to Salerno will leave your mouth open and your film exposed. You'll gain respect for the Italian engineers who built the road — and even more respect for the bus drivers who drive it. As you hyperventilate, notice how the Mediterranean, a sheer 500-foot drop below, twinkles.
Cantilevered garages, hotels, and villas cling to the vertical terrain. Beautiful sandy coves tease from far below and out of reach. |
PraianoWe stopped at this small town and walked along the water to the Tower of Assiola. There are about 30 defensive ramparts along the coast. They tell the story of the eight hundred years (from the IX to the XVII century) of struggles incurred by local people against Saracen bloody raids.(almaficoast.com)
The one we saw was built in 1270, but is now an artist's studio. You can see more at Paulo Sandulli's website linked here. |
PaestumAfter the drive out of Praiano, we toured three well-preserved Doric Greek temples, ruins of ancient houses and a museum of artifacts. The Temple of Hera is pictured here.
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