The Amalfi Coast in Italy, for anyone who hasn’t been there, is actually mainly built on the side of the mountains. This means that the roads are way up on the side of the mountain, and you really need a strong stomach to drive those roads! We took the bus to different towns in the area, to Sorrento, Amalfi and passed by Positano which is what you see there in the distance. Its a good half hour walk down steep roads from the road to Positano.
The building you see on the right hand side of that photo is actually a hotel. There is almost no sign of it from the road, there may be an area to park a few cars, and what looks like a lobby, but it really a lift down to the hotel, which is built on the side of the mountain. That hotel had its own sea area, which means there is an area down by the sea where you can lay your towels down if you want to sunbathe, and had a little cafe type area also. No place to swim, the sea looked to be too rough there and I wouldn’t be sure how they would get back out of the sea. We had small binoculars with us and it was amazing to see the winding stairs down from the hotel to this sunning area! you would need a lot of energy and plenty of rest sops on the way back!!
We took this photo after going searching for the second “beach” in Praiano, only to find (after 420 steps down) that there was no beach at all, even though they called it Fire Beach. Again there was an area where you could put your towels down and maybe a beach chair or two, and a cafe, but no-where safe enough to go swimming.
Disappointing for us, meant we had to turn around and climb back up those exhausting 420 steps! But at least we knew where the proper beach was so we headed there instead.
This is the view from Praiano, where we were staying, and below is the view towards the beach! 
Thank you all for your congratulations on our engagement! It means a lot to us. We are still very excited!! 
Haven’t made any plans as yet, just enjoying the moment!
You’re comments weren’t working before – so now I get to say CONGRATS!!
Gorgeous photos. I need to go to Italy.
Comment by Andrea — June 11, 2007 @ 11:36 pm
WOW…your pictures are amazing! Thanks for sharing!!
Comment by Robin — June 12, 2007 @ 2:28 am
Gorgeous views, Sara!
Comment by a simple yarn — June 12, 2007 @ 6:18 am
Oooh, takes me back. Went on my first hol with C to Sorrento, happy memories. Keep the pics coming, enjoying seeing Italy.
Comment by Sharon in Ireland/NZ — June 12, 2007 @ 8:36 am
It looks so beautiful there! *SIGH* Hope to one day realize my dream of seeing Italy…Until then, your pictures take me there! Happy Days!
)
Comment by Tracy — June 12, 2007 @ 5:41 pm
gorgeous pictures, Sara…so pretty (the yarns and the view : )
Comment by Diane — June 13, 2007 @ 10:27 pm