Experience the Amalfi Coast

My first time in Italy couldn't have been any more eventful. I had little interest or knowledge of the country beforehand, nor was it ever on my list to visit. Then, two things aligned. First, I recently took an international school job in the Netherlands, and my wife and I decided that we should see other European countries to take advantage of our proximity to other countries. Then, we decided to combine our Spring vacation and her birthday with experiencing Italy for the first time. We flew into Napoli, stayed in Pompeii (to save money), and rented a car to explore the coast. Here are the highlights. 

Positano 

Like most towns on the Amalfi Coast, Positano offers a perfect view of Italian buildings sandwiched between mountains and the Meditarian Sea. The drive to Positano was terrific; you could stop at lookouts to find yourself in a screensaver, seeing nature and habitats at their best. Once you get to Positano, it gets crowded and overpriced with tourists, though walking around the streets and experiencing a unique part of Europe was worth it. 

Maiori

Among the many charming towns on the Amalfi Coast, Maoiri stood out for me. It offered a more affordable and less crowded experience, making it ideal for families. It had a beach and a playground, perfect for my toddler to enjoy. The prices for tourists were also more reasonable compared to Positano, where you could find similar food for almost half the price.

Ravello  

Ravello was the other town that stood out on the Amalfi Coast. It is not directly on the coast but tucked up in the mountains. My fear of heights was surpassed by the striking views, which pictures do not give justice. Lemon Orchards sprinkled around the coast, isles in the distance, and a view of the whole coast is what Ravello offers. 

Note to Drivers: 

Southern Italian roads are, how do I say this...crazy. I highly suggest an experienced driver when renting a car, and make sure to rent a smaller car that can squeeze through the tight roads and small towns. The roads were similar to those of Honduras, so I felt at home and loved how it felt to drive. But, be careful for those who come from places like the US and Canada. 

If you ever find yourself in Europe wanting screensaver photos, or as one of my friend's daughters said, "AI Travel Photos," consider experiencing the Amalfi Coast. Stay away from the tourist traps and as always, explore responsibly. 

By: Rainier Lee