Amalfi

Historic and stylish, Amalfi is one of the most popular resorts in Italy and offers a great balance between city break and coastal holiday. It was once an independent maritime republic, rivalling Pisa, Genoa and Venice, and the historic heart of town has plenty of atmospheric attractions. It is set on the most stunning section of Italy's coast, with a good choice of hotels and lively bars and restaurants. It's a resort that is ideally suited to those seeking a relaxing holiday in a beautiful setting.

Amalfi became a popular holiday destination with British visitors in Edwardian times. It is still a favourite resort for British travellers, especially the over 35s, and features on many package tours. It also attracts visitors from other parts of Italy and Europe, as well as North Americans. Amalfi is a favourite port of call on many European cruises.

Amalfi is on Italy's western coast, south of Naples, on a section known as the Amalfi coast. It is part of the Campania region. Amalfi is around 72km (44 miles) south of Naples and the nearest airport, and 15km (9 miles) from the resort of Positano.

Amalfi is dramatically positioned on a gap in the cliffs, and lies between the mountains and the sea. The old town has some steep, narrow streets, and there is a lively stretch of seafront.

Amalfi itself only has a small, pebbly beach which gets pretty crowded, while a number of the resort's smart hotels have their own sections of private beach. For the finest sandy stretches, head east along the coast to Minori and Maiori. A bus service is available.

The historic heart of Amalfi is a picturesque place. Main attraction is the Duomo (Piazza del Duomo), the town's cathedral, which is reached by a steep flight of steps.  The doors date back to the 11th-century. Adjoining is an atmospheric cloister, the Chiostro del Paradiso, which has an exotic Arabic look. You can also visit the town museum, the Museo Civico, near the Duomo. It contains the Tavoliere Amalfitana, a codex of ancient maritime laws that governed the Mediterranean until the mid 16th-century.

Amalfi is not primarily a resort for those seeking an action packed family holiday, however it has clear seas, and plenty of reasonably priced hotels and places to eat.  Children will enjoy a boat trip from the harbour to the striking Emerald Grotto, a coastal cavern with deep green water. There's also a museum, the Museo della Carta (Via delle Cartiere) devoted to the history of paper making - once an important local industry.

Amalfi is famed for its hand-made paper, which makes a good gift to take home. An established outlet in the town is Antonio Cavaliere (Via Fume). The town, and surrounding area, also traditionally produces high quality ceramics. The best quality ones can be found in the neighbouring villages of Positano and Vietri. For unusual sculptures made from stalactites and stalagmites there is La Grotta di Mansaniello (Largo Cesareo Console). For those who prefer more alcoholic souvenirs, there are plenty of shops selling the local liqueur, limoncello.

Amalfi is the place to come for relaxing evening drinks and deliciously lazy meals, rather than dancing all night in a raucous club. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the town centre, as well as in the nearby towns and villages. The best known club is L'Africana, near the Hotel Onda Verde (Via Terramare, Praiano). It is set in caves and has glass panels on the floor so you can see the sea beneath. 

Amalfi offers a good choice of places to eat, from the expensive restaurants in the resort's grand hotels to cheap and lively tavernas and pizzeria. Seafood, not surprisingly, features on many menus and dishes might include octopus, squid with potatoes, or the local pasta scialatielli served with capers, black olives and clams. Restaurants worth trying include La Caravella (Via Matteo Camera) for a treat, or the cheaper, but excellent, Da Baracca (Piazza dei Dogi).

Amalfi is easily explored on foot, while regular buses link the resort to neighbouring centres such as Positano and Ravello. It is possible to hire cars to explore the Amalfi coast, but driving the scenic coastal route can be nerve wracking as it is full of hair pin bends. There are also boat services that go along the coast.

Positano, one of the most picturesque (and exclusive) resorts on the Amalfi coast, is easily reached by bus from Amalfi. It's a picture postcard place to spend a day, browsing in its boutiques and souvenir shops, sipping a drink in an open air café, or sunbathing on one of its little beaches. Even closer is Ravello, another strikingly pretty place just a short bus ride from Amalfi. It is famed for its romantic villas.

Treat yourself to a few nights at the most famous hotel in Amalfi, the five-star Santa Caterina (SS Amalfitana) (website: http://www.hotelsantacaterina.it/). Founded in 1880 it has rooms and suites with stunning views over the sea, a pool, spa and two excellent restaurants - open to non residents with a reservation.

Naples (Capodichino) Airport (NAP)