The corniche provides one of scariest but most scenic motoring experiences in the world as coaches veer vertiginously around the jagged granite edges of the Lattari Mountains, twisting and tunneling and hairpin-bending, providing vista after stunning vista of gorges, bridges, cliffs plunging vertically into the glassy Thyrrenian Sea, and sudden improbable villages tucked picturesquely into the landscape.
“Flaming like a meteor we hit the coast, a road, high, high above the blue
sea, that hooked and corkscrewed on the edge of nothing, a road carefully
designed to be a little narrower than two cars side by side.” John Steinbeck
On the next day dad finally dispensed with his tie and dropped a couple of gears down from civil servant to holidaymaker mode and first thing in the morning we had continental breakfast in the dining room. Bread and jam for the first meal of the day was another new experience for me because I had only previously been used to having raspberry preserve at teatime but I quickly adapted and by the end of the fortnight I had become completely used to it.
Posted in Cathedrals, Europe, History, Hotels, Literature, Natural Environment, Travel, World Heritage
Tagged Amalfi, Amalfi Drive, Garibaldi, Italy, John Steinbeck, Positano, Sorrento, Vallone di Furore
I have made this drive twice and have enjoyed it on both occasions. I first experienced it in 1976 when I went to Europe for the first time ever, to Italy, with my dad and then again in 2004 when I reprised the event and this time took my son to enjoy a few days in Sorrento.
Posted in Europe, Italy, Travel, World Heritage
Tagged Amalfi, Italy, Positano, Sorrento, Vallone di Furore
