Palazzo Newsletter/Amalfi Coast

A soft breeze blows; the smell of lemon perfumes the air. In the distance, sun-drenched villas teeter on the edge of a craggy cliff while hovering precipitously over an intensely brilliant blue expanse of sea. You've escaped to the Amalfi Coast--the most fabled stretch of coastline in the world. Located on the western edge of Italy in the Gulf of Salerno, this rugged and magical setting has for centuries been the playing field for the royal, the rich, and the reclusive.

The sheer dramatic beauty of it's verdant landscape has moved men to tears and provided the "stuff that dreams are made of." But it's epic battles with nature have also rendered man helpless in the face of his worst nightmares. Extending 50 miles from the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula all the way to the city of Salerno, the winding corniche does not disappoint and delivers spectacular panoramas in combination with the exhilaration of near death hair pin turns.

The Amalfi Coast

Ultimate Escape

Some Like it Hot

Beach Chic

Classic Caprese

Recipes from Napoli

A Place in the Sun

Golden Getaways

Sorrento

The most common starting point when traveling from Naples and known as the "gateway," this coastal village is technically not a part of the Amalfi Coast. It is separated by a peninsula jutting out of the Bay of Naples. Even though the population is roughly 16,500 inhabitants, there are over 100 hotels that stand as testament to the popularity of this quaint town famous for its lemons and the production of limoncello.

Capri

Capri is a legendary destination for both Italians and foreigners of the international jet set. It is also home to the noted sea cave, the Blue Grotto which has become an emblem of the island. Heavily touristed in summer months, the modest architecture of the island stands in stark contrast to the many luxury boutiques and expensive restaurants.

Positano

Positano is quite possibly the most popular resort town in the world and certainly offers some of the most dramatic views of the coastline. On a clear day, the Galli islands can be seen in the distance. With a hiking trail aptly named "pathway to the gods," it's no wonder that many people stop here and decide to go no further.

Amalfi

Legend has it that Hercules created Amalfi after the beautiful young nymph he was in love with died. He wanted to create the most beautiful place to bury her and thus, Amalfi was born. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Amalfi is the main town for which the coastline is named. As in the other towns of the coast, oranges and lemons grow plentifully here in terraced gardens. Amalfi also a produces hand-made paper, bambagira, used by artists and fine stationers the world over for wedding invitations, calling cards, and elegant writing paper.

important words

beautiful occasions

stylish paper

Palazzo

Ravello

Ravello sits high above the sea at 1,150 feet on a ridge above Amalfi. With barely a population of 2,500, this historic village has been a destination for artists, musicians and writers. It boasts some of the best views along the coast. Most noted for its churches and romantic gardens, it would make an ideal location for a fantasy wedding or honeymoon.