By : Minnie-Online.co.za

The area between Naples and Salerno in Campania, Italy is a popular tourist destination. Known as the Amalfi Coast, it contains towns, scenic harbours and historic sites. The Romans were amongst the first to settle here in the first century when the wealthy built their villas. Today, the economy is boosted by tourism and there is still a thriving fishing industry.

UNESCO has included this coastline as a World Heritage Site because of its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Modern amenities are world class too with the best in restaurants, bars and shops. Many companies arrange packages, providing accommodation, car hire and transfers from and to Rome and Naples airports.

Official guides arrange excursions to archaeological sights and places of historical interest. Hiking and trekking tours of the Amalfi Coast can be arranged and wedding packages are also popular. Accommodation is varied and includes hotels, villas, bed and breakfast places and apartments. There is also a selection of hostels and camping grounds.

The town of Amalfi has a beautiful cathedral that contains the tomb of Saint Andrew. This saint is significant to the Amalfi Coast, being its patron and there is an annual Festival of Saint Andrew to commemorate him with a parade and fireworks display. Ravello is famous as the host town of the Wagner Festival, which started in 1953. Richard Wagner had visited the town and greatly admired it. In addition to performances of his music, there are jazz concerts, art shows, dance performances and photography exhibitions. The most fashionable small town, and one associated with visiting celebrities, is Positano. Its church, Santa Maria Assunta contains a 13th century statue of a black Madonna.

Capri is a long standing resort and has had many famous residents from the world of show business and the arts. It received a playboy paradise reputation in the 1950s and it has plenty up market boutiques and restaurants. Tourists like to see its historic past and the ruins of Roman villas. The most famous landmark is the Blue Grotto, a sea cave that visitors can see on boat tours, marvelling at the wonderful blue of the water. Sorrento is a small city on the Amalfi Coast and is also popular with tourists wanting a luxury hotel. It's a good base to go on boat excursions or to scuba dive in the clear Mediterranean. The major beaches are lively in the evenings with seafood restaurants and disco bars.