Italy's Amalfi Coast - UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Known for its unique landscape, natural beauty and historical culture, the Amalfi Coast is the Mediterranean at its finest. The dramatic cliffs stretch down to the Tyrrhenian Sea and cover almost 34 miles. Blending centuries of artistic and architectural accomplishments within one of nature’s most perfect settings, the breathtaking combination balances human settlements with natural beauty to create a unique cruising ground.

The Amalfi Coast offers up a treasure trove of ancient towns and villages strung together by a winding coast road, where every hairpin bend reveals another jaw-dropping vista. Sorrento is the official starting point of the Amalfi Coast, extending from the Gulf of Salerno and including the towns of Positano to Ravello, all the way to Amalfi. Suspended between the water and the slopes of the Lattari Mountains, these ancient towns provide the romantic views and charming medieval passageways that have inspired some of the great figures of classicial music and literature across the centuries. Inland the ancient city of Pompeii still remains awe inspiring, while further along lies the dormant yet still formidable Mount Vesuvius. Across the Gulf of Salerno, the charming town of Positano and off-lying Li Galli archipelago also offer a stunning anchorage.

The iconic cliff face of Sorrento sits on a plateau overlooking the sparkling Bay of Naples, with majestic Mount Vesuvius in the background. Here you will find winding cobblestoned streets lined with street vendors and packed with tourists. Sitting at the centre of the town, Piazza Tasso is full of life, and a great place to grab a coffee and watch the world go by as the locals bustle about their daily chores. To escape the hubbub of the crowds though, head to the cliff-top terraced walkways of the Museo Correale di Terranova for wraparound views of the bay, perhaps taking a detour for a refreshment or two on the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria’s famous terrace.

Venture inland to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ancient city of Pompeii. Buried under tiny stones and ash from Vesuvius in AD79, excavation of this well-preserved city began in the mid-18^th century. Much of our knowledge of the Romans and their way of life comes from what we have learned from the crushed city, where ancient buildings and roads provide a complete picture of an ancient Roman city. Now the pathways are filled with tourists, so time your visit right.

Alternatively, venture to the even better preserved town of Herculaneum. Part of the same UNESCO World Heritage area, the same eruption completely engulfed the smaller seaside town, and many of the public buildings and public baths remain intact. Some of the wealthiest citizens of the early Roman Empire had villas in the surrounding countryside, many of which were also hit in the eruption. A handful of these are well-preserved and provide a vivid impression of the opulent lifestyle their inhabitants led. 

Cruise across the Gulf of Salerno to the colourful town of Positano. During the 1950s Dolce Vita era, the town rivalled the nearby island of Capri for glamour and sophistication, and is still a favourite for the superyacht set.

For those looking to be part of the action while avoiding the crowds, taking the tender ashore to dine at some of the fine waterside restaurants for long, lazy lunches allows you to experience the laid-back lifestyle.

One of the most historic towns along the coast that bears its name, Amalfi was once a major seaport, home to wealthy Italian merchants. As the capital of a powerful maritime republic it rivalled cities like Pisa, Genoa and Venice. Amalfi’s mariners are credited as the first in Europe to have used a magnetic compass for navigation.

Much of the city was destroyed by a tsunami in 1343, after which it was rebuilt as a small fishing town, no larger in size than neighbouring Ravello or Positano - and maritime power shifted to nearby Naples. Today it attracts the waterborne of a different stripe, who come to visit its Duomo and pretty central square.

The hilltop town of Ravello is as picturesque as they come. There are no beaches but its villa estate gardens more than make up for it, some have even been the setting of inspiration for some of the world’s greatest writers and artists over the centuries, including D.H. Lawrence.

Lying just across the Bay of Naples from the Amalfi Coast, the islands of Ischia and Capri are favourite stops for the superyacht set. Just ask your Burgess charter expert to incorporate the islands into your Amalfi Coast itinerary.