Italy’s most scenic coastline
ROME, Aug 4 — There are a handful of iconic places in the world that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. They have always had a particular draw, attracting waves of visitors every year. They have inspired novels, poems, songs and films, and become icons.
A view of the Amalfi coast, which has inspired many artists. — Picture courtesy of shutterstock.comThe Amalfi coast is Italy’s most scenic stretch of coastline. It has been designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO for being “an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values.”
Located along the Sorrento peninsula, the coastline has inspired artists such as composer Richard Wagner and American writer Tenessee Williams. The road, running between the mountains and the sea, is famous for its amazing views.
The cliff-edge route starts in Salerno, a busy port of Italy. It was here that Wagner composed part of his opera “Parsifal” in 1880. The route then passes through Ravello, considered to be one of the most romantic towns in the south of the country. After Ravello, the route takes drivers to Amalfi, a scenic seafront with many cafes and shops.
Before arriving in Sorrento, the road passes by the Grotta dello Smeraldo, a marine cave of emerald waters, and the Vallone di Furore, and one of the coast’s most impressive gorges.
This drive is often described as challenging not only because of the twisty road, but also because of the Italians’ driving technique.
Driving the Amalfi coast in summer conjures up sounds of classic Italy, tenors, romantic ballads and wistful thoughts as well as more modern-sounding tributes to foreign romances and long hot summers. — AFP-Relaxnews
