Naples, Positano and the Amalfi Coast of Italy
Naples is not usually at the top of the list of destinations for most visitors to Italy. Lying farther south than its more famous sister cities, Rome (118 miles), Florence and Venice, it is a bit off the beaten path, but a path well worth taking in my opinion. Of course Napoli is famous for food (pizza, spaghetti and ice cream come to mind), but it also has many beautiful plazas, great shopping and a number of interesting sights, including museums, catacombs and architecturally significant buildings. Perched on a hillside overlooking its namesake bay, Naples is not only a beautiful city in its own right, but it is a jumping off place for several nearby ‘must see’ locations.
Mt. Vesuvius
Just across the Bay of Naples the eerie silhouette of Mt. Vesuvius looms over the scene like a sleeping giant. The only active volcano on the European mainland, it makes its presence known from time to time by blowing off steam or actually erupting, the last major occurrence having been in 1944. In days gone by, visitors could take a funicular (1880 to 1944) or chair lift (1953 to 1984) to the top and peer down into the smoking cone. Eruptions or the threat thereof have permanently closed both modes of ascent and now adventurous visitors must hike to the top. It is interesting to note that the well known song “Funiculi-funicula” was inspired by the opening of the Vesuvius funicular in 1880. Some years ago, I had the opportunity to take the chair lift to the top while it was still in operation and that is an experience I will never forget!
Pompeii
The nearby ruins of Pompeii serve as a reminder of the destructive power of volcanoes and the danger they pose to those in their path. It was a two day siege in 79 AD that killed 2000 people and buried Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum until they were accidentally rediscovered in 1599. Victims of this horrific eruption were engulfed by ash and pumice and as the years passed their decomposed bodies left hollowed out spaces. By injecting plaster into these voids, archeologists were able to produce lifelike recreations of some of the citizens of Pompeii in their final moments. Strolling through this ancient city gives one a glimpse into life at the height of the Roman Empire through an instant ‘frozen’ in time and is another reason why Naples should be on your itinerary.
Capri, Positano and the Amalfi Drive
A short 80 minute ferry ride will take you to the fabulously beautiful Isle of Capri with its Blue Grotto and stunning Mediterranean views. If all that isn’t enough to get you to Naples, there’s the beautiful drive along the Amalfi Coast, covering about 30 miles of the world’s most beautiful scenery and an equal distance of the world’s most harrowing roads. Your end point should be the picturesque village of Positano, literally clinging to the side of the steep, rugged hillsides overlooking the water. It is best reached by taking the local commuter train leaving from the Circumvesuviana Train Station in Naples and arriving about an hour later in Sorrento. You can then board a bus right outside the train station for the rest of the trip. Thrill seekers will definitely find their thirst for excitement satiated after this bus ride and I definitely do not recommend that visitors attempt this drive in their own cars. My enthusiasm for Naples and the surrounding points of interest must be pretty obvious and I hope I have convinced you to include this exciting region on your next visit to Italy. After all, you wouldn’t want to miss the birthplace of pizza now, would you!
Check Out This Wild Ride!
