Limestone cliffs meet cobalt sea on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The breathtaking landscape stretches more than 30 miles along the southern Sorrentine Peninsula, attracting travelers of all ages from around the world. Move between the towns by private boat or car, and put the following highlights on your itinerary.

 

Easily the most luxurious town along the coast, Positano presents a facade of white and pastel Moorish-style houses seemingly stacked on top of each other. The town makes an excellent home base for a trip to the Amalfi Coast, and Le Sirenuse hotel can provide the lodging. The former summer home of the Marchesi Sersale was transformed in 1951 and continues to combine the comforts of a luxury hotel with the atmosphere of a private residence. Splurge on the sea view; it’s well worth it.

 

Former resident Gore Vidal once called the views from Ravello the best in the world. See for yourself with a day trip to this enchanting village perched high above the town of Amalfi itself. Classical music lovers will not want to miss the Musical Festival of Ravello. It's an exclusive concert series held every spring through fall in the gardens and rooms of Villa Rufolo, which was the inspiration for the setting of Wagner’s opera, "Parsifal." Many visitors even plan their travel dates around ticket availability.

 

While not technically on the Amalfi Coast, the glamorous island of Carpri sits nearby at the southern end of the Bay of Naples. Instead of a day trip, make this a destination and move to the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa after your stay in Positano. This Mediterranean-inspired boutique hotel is located in Anicapri, high above the town that shares the island's name. Ask for the penthouse with private pool and garden, and you won’t be disappointed. And take advantage of the on-site Capri Beauty Farm, which has received international fame as a medical spa.

 

Shopping opportunities, both of the stall variety and the more sophisticated, seem endless on the Amalfi Coast. Stop by the Capri store of luxury cashmere maker Malo, then head to Amalfi to order a pair of custom-made leather sandals at La Botteguccia da Giovanni. No trip to the area is complete without a stop at Da Luigi ai Faraglioni in Capri. The jet-set restaurant and beach club has the finest swimming on the island, with an outstanding menu of traditional island dishes just steps away.

 

For the most relaxing trip to the Amalfi Coast, visit in spring or early fall. Summer gets too crowded, and the area goes into hibernation each winter. Either way, expect to be enchanted by the area and never want to leave.