By Lisa Marie Mercer
The Amalfi Coast, situated on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immortalized by American novelist John Steinbeck's "Positano" in 1953, the rugged coast consists of 12 interconnected towns, with most visitors heading to Amalfi, Positano or Ravello.
By Train
Although no direct train service gets you to the Amalfi Coast, you can take the Circumvesuviana train for a one-hour ride from Naples to Sorrento. Once in Sorrento, you can catch a bus to the Amalfi towns. If you plan to visit eastern Amalfi Coast towns such as Amalfi and Ravello, it might be easier to take the Trenitalia train from Naples to Salerno, and then a bus to the Amalfi Coast. The Naples train station is known for its pickpockets, so watch your belongings. If time permits, the restaurants near the station make superb pizzas.
By Bus
If you don't plan to spend any time in Naples, fly directly to the Naples Airport. Take an airport bus from Naples to Sorrento, and then from Sorrento to Amalfi. Buses leave the airport at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
By Ferry
You can take a ferry to the Amalfi Coast from either Salerno or Sorrento. The ferries provide an excellent way to travel to the Amalfi Coast, but if the waters are extremely rough, the ferry might not run. If you hear the words "mare mosso," it means "rough waters." The ferry service will resume when weather permits.
Travel Within the Area
The Amalfi Coast is steep and rugged. To get from town to town, vehicles must travel a narrow, winding road, with a series of sharp turns. Although it's possible to rent a car, the drive can be scary. Local buses and ferries run frequently, so for safety's sake, consider taking local transportation, which also provides an ideal way to meet people. One caveat: Occasionally, the buses leave late or not at all. If traveling from one town to another, don't plan to leave on the last bus of the day.
About the Author:
Lisa Marie Mercer is the author of "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness," "101 Fitness Tips for Women," "Breckenridge: A Guide to the Sights and Slopes of Summit County" and a novel, "Reflections in the Snow." She's been a fitness professional since the '70s, and has lived in New York City, Boston and Italy.
