 | Positano |  | There are many legends surrounding the founding of this charming seaside town. Some say it was created by the lovelorn god Neptune, others maintain it was built as a retreat from Saracen pirates whilst artefacts found close by suggest even earlier inhabitants. But, however it came into being, this picturesque town retains a glamourous and aristocratic ambiance, attracting celebrities and holidaymakers alike to its steep terraced streets and sheltered bay. Famous afficionados of the area include John Steinbeck, Franco Zefferelli and Roger Moore.  Most of the town is pedestrianised and steep lanes lead down to the harbour through numerous cafes and small boutiques. Apart from the inevitable steep stroll down to the harbour, a visit to Positano is a fairly laid back affair and visitors come to admire the scenery, browse the many art galleries or watch the world go by from one of the streetside cafes.
The town has a couple of nice sandy beaches (Spiaggia Grande and Spiaggia del Fornillo) but you’ll pay for the best of the sunbathing spots. Alternatively, take a boat trip along the coast from the harbour or take the 60 minute hydrofoil journey to the sophisticated Isle of Capri (tickets from Spiaggia Grande). Watch the fishing boats depart by latern light as the sun sets and enjoy the freshly prepared seafood at one of the harbour front restaurants - but be warned, Positano is also renowned for its elegant prices! Just south of the town are more amazing views and, along the coast, you’ll notice several watch towers gazing out to sea, on the look out for pirates. |
 | Praiano |  | Quieter than neighbouring Positano, the village of Praiano is squeezed into a ravine with hotels dotted along the steep cliffs looking out to sea. The village has a more traditional feel and you will find the locals, as well as holidaymakers, congregating in the bars around the church of Sainta Maria Assunta. Further along the coast, is one of the coast’s most dramatic natural attractions - the Furore Gorge. In years gone by visitors regularly stopped to admire the view but overlooked the local community, earning the town of Furore the reputation as the “village that didn’t exist”. To put the place on the map, the mayor decided the paint the town in bright colours so it could be ignored no more and the tradition continues with a festival each September when new murals are painted. Nearby is the much feted Grotta dello Smeraldo. Visitors can descend the grotto by lift or visit by boat (from Amalfi) for a view of the underwater stalagmites and stalagtites, lit by an eery emerald glow. The tour is particularly well-known for a aquatic rock formation ressembling the nativity scene. |
 | Scala |  | Built in the heart of the Lattari Mountains and surrounded by lemon groves and unspoilt valleys, Scala is the oldest inhabited settlement on the Amalfi Coast, founded by shipwrecked Romans on their way to Constantinople. Once home to some of the most influential families in this part of Italy, its famous sons include Gerrardo Sasso who founded the Order of the Knights of Malta. Places of note within the town include the cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace but most visitors to the town come to enjoy the local trails and tranquil hikes. |
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