day 3 of the naples side-trip and today's plan full of promise
the amalfi coast road - 50 kilometres of awe-inspiring views
we head south from naples and drive the fast route to salerno
a coffee stop there and shortly after 8am we then head west
we are then hugging the coast on a narrow and winding road
there's a constant stream of cars, buses, scooters and cyclists
the odd pedestrian also - so on every corner caution is required
pretty easy to get into the groove of it on this most special road
before long we spot a turnoff, descend, park and walk to a beach
very picturesque - laid out with matching deckchairs and umbrellas
the water is clear as and already families are settling in for the day
we enter a restaurant and indulge in an iced cream coffee on the deck
potted flowers surround so adding to the beautiful colours of this scene
no dallying though - we're back in the car and work our way westwards
there's very little opportunity to stop on the road but we take any chance
usually up high over the water and so the outlook is simply glorious
secluded beaches, boats, clear blue water and sky, and small towns
we spot a sign for a town further up the steep hill - ravello - let's go
off the main road it's a bit quieter but with it more curves and gradient
our destination is a cluster of buildings perched cliff side up above us
then cruising into ravello it opens up into a typical small italian town
park the car and a walk into town square and it's a sight to behold
a beautiful basilica fronting a large square hosting many cafes
apparently this town is tourist central and it's easy to see why
we purchase tickets for entrance to the gardens of villa rufolo
a quiet disjointed but entrancing set of buildings and gardens
the most southern point contains a purpose built amphitheatre
the large stage perched with the backdrop of the mediterranean
seems there was a classical concert on last night - musical mana
in a nearby tunnel a series of posters inform of the ravello festival
an annual event of classical and jazz music currently on - tempting
we pause and marvel at a ceramic shop - a large circular table tempts
shipping included for free to nz - price - yes well - to be considered
driving back down and then on to the main town of amalfi itself
lunch at a waterside cafe watching people and buses come and go
a walk then into the thronging town square and up to the basilica
pay the euros down and inspect the museum, crypt and cathedral
more of the same - a huge space of outstanding design and decor
some quiet time then back into the crowds and time for a swim
we find a quiet spot slightly out of town and take the plunge
into the cool, clear water that refreshes and relaxes - delicious
pushing on and a roadside stop at grotta dello smerlado entices
down a lift we go and then into a cave and onto a small rowboat
our personal guide in fine comedic form rows us around the cave
sunlight in an underwater tunnel providing the emerald glow
beautiful - sadly no swimming allowed in this popular place
back in the car and more fun driving on this now busy road
we come up behind a large bus competing for road space
another bus coming towards it means the road is jammed
it seems a pass cannot occur but incredulously it does
we watch in amazement as the gap is down to millimetres
next stop - postino - car parked and a street descends down
this pedestrian mall is very much targeting the richer tourist
classy shops and an overhead vine makes it all very pleasant
we extend ourselves to a gelato and caffe freddo for our stay
the drive out offering one last vista of the glorious amalfi coast
and then a relatively short valley drive to the town of sorrento
we find a car-park and again hit the streets in the town centre
looking good - very tidy and lots to see but we need water
a walk down to the area named porte and we get our wish
the swim is had in the tepid water as the sun is sinking
a fisherman's co-op restaurant provides our evening meal
blissful - sitting outside as the sun slips under the horizon...
