There are a lot of beautiful places which really deserve to be visited and this is why Italy is one of the countries I have visited so many times so far.

This year I managed to check off the Amalfi Coast, which is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. In case you are going to visit this amazing area, I would like to share a few tips with you, which I’m sure you will really appreciate:

1.First of all, you should see the entire area by taking a car ride along the coast. The union between the high mountains and the sea creates spectacular landscapes and panoramas and it will be a delight to admire them.

On the other hand, parking may be a real problem, because there are not enough parking spaces in the area. Despite this aspect, the coast is definitely worth visiting.

2.Don’t leave the Amalfi Coast without visiting the amazing Positano! This picturesque village was the main reason I dreamed with all my heart to visit this part of Italy. The best place to go to if you want to admire the beauty of Positano is Marina Grande, its most famous beach.

This lovely village built into the hillside of the Amalfi Coast is an oasis of beauty. Make sure you will also admire the village at night because the multitude of lights which embellish the entire place is simply fabulous.

3.The Amalfi Coast is blessed with a lot of beautiful beaches and you should try to add as many as you can to your trip list. Marina di Praia, Marina di Conca and Marina Grande are the ones you should definitely not miss. These amazing beaches are real oases of peace.

4.You should visit the town of Amalfi because it shelters a lot of beautiful tourist attractions. Before I got to the town of Amalfi, I stopped at the side of the road and I took an amazing picture of this lovely settlement. I think it’s one of the most beautiful pictures I have taken on this coast. It could successfully replace a postcard because it perfectly portrays the beauty of the entire area.

5.This part of Italy is also shrouded in mystery thanks to its tumultuous history. The place which perfectly highlights this idea is the ancient city of Pompeii. Nowadays the place is an archaeological site which shelters the ruins of the famous city.

Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the ancient Roman city of Pompeii under a thick carpet of volcanic ash. You will need at least a few hours to visit this site because it covers a large area, but I assure you that it is worth the effort because you will find out a lot of historical details.

6.The experience of visiting the lively Naples is both challenging and exciting. Besides its beautiful tourist attractions, Naples is about chaos, litter, policemen, laundry which flutters in the wrought iron balconies and about the best pizza ever.

It’s real madness, but it is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. I must confess that Naples is the only European city which reminded me of the chaotic Asia.

7.Another place that you should definitely visit is the luxurious Island of Capri. Situated in the Tyrrhenian Sea, this small island is famous for its unique landscapes and its beautiful tourist attractions. I like to call Capri” the island of flowers” thanks to the multitude of flowers which are a real delight for the tourists.

You should spend at least one day on this island, in case you want to have enough time to admire its most famous places.

8.In case you want to save a considerable amount of money, you shouldn’t rent a room situated in the most famous villages and towns of the Amalfi Coast. It might sound unbelievable but a room could cost 10 times more than another one situated in a nearby city.

I personally chose to spend three nights in Naples, which is about 55 kilometers away from Positano, and four nights in Pompei, which is situated 35 kilometers away. It was a one-hour drive, but it helped me save a lot of money.

9.I developed a passion for porchetta which is a delicious fatty and moist boneless pork roast stuffed with aromatic herbs. I can’t believe that I have been to Italy so many times and that only this year I have discovered this Italian specialty. You should definitely try it because it is simply delicious. Make sure you will also try their fish specialties because the Amalfi Coast is famous for its local fish dishes.

10.Last but not least, you should take a break and go shopping. This might be a great way to relax and recharge your batteries.

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From spectacular landscapes and wonderful tourist attractions to its unique vibe, the Island of Capri is a real delight.

There are a lot of things you could do on this lovely island, but no matter what you choose to do there, make sure you take into account the following tips:

1.Establish a clear budget for this trip. Visited by a lot of famous people and blessed with many luxury shops, the Island of Capri is not considered a destination for all pockets. In case your budget doesn’t allow you to accommodate right on the island, you have the option to stay in the nearby towns such as Pompei, Sorrento or Naples. Leaving aside the fact that you will save some money, you will also have the opportunity to visit these interesting towns.

2.In case you decide to stay in the nearby towns I have already mentioned, you should know that it is very easy to get to the Island of Capri. You can take the ferry from Amalfi, Naples, Sorrento or Castellamare, which is a small village situated near Pompei. You can also travel by boat from the famous village of Positano.

3.The Island of Capri has a lot to offer and this is why you should take your time to enjoy it to the fullest. No matter how many days you will spend there, you should definitely not miss a few places. I am talking about La Piazzetta, Augusto Gardens and the Natural Arch, which are three of my favorite places. You should also explore the lovely Marina Grande Harbor and discover the lively atmosphere of the town of Capri.

4.The Island of Capri is also blessed with a few lovely beaches. The most famous ones are Marina Grande Beach and Marina Piccola Beach. Their sand or gravel is washed away by a warm greenish water which seems to urge the tourists to spend a couple of moments of rest and relaxation there.

5.During your stay in Capri you will have the chance to admire a lot of beautiful panoramas which will be a feast for your eyes. Three of them are in my opinion the most beautiful ones. The first panorama which can be enjoyed from La Piazzetta will definitely leave you speechless.

Another one is the spectacular panorama offered by the Faraglioni, which can be admired from Belvedere of Punta Cannone.

Last but not least, the lovely image of the Natural Arch which seems to merge with the sea will be a delight for your heart.

6.Make sure you start your trip early in the morning, in case you want to have enough time to admire the most beautiful places on the island. This small piece of land is often crowded with tourists who are eager to discover its beauty. Believe me you don’t even want to imagine how things get in the afternoon! At least you can enjoy some of the most beautiful places in the morning, when the island is less crowded and agitated.

7.Walking down the narrow streets of Capri will be a great experience. This way you will have the chance to discover the island step by step and also enjoy its unique vibe. Take a map from the info points because it will be easier to find your way on the island. You will also avoid losing yourself in the multitude of narrow mazy streets.

8.You should try the cableway which makes the connection between the harbor and the town of Capri. Even if it’s not a big distance between them, it will help you save a lot of energy and it will also be an interesting experience. The ticket price is really convenient and it costs up to two euros.

9.In case you have enough time to spend there, you should also visit the town of Anacapri which is situated on the other part of the island. I must confess that I didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy this part of the island, even if I wanted this very much. If I ever get the chance to return to Capri, the town of Anacapri will be one of my top priorities.

10.Rent a boat or choose to take a boat tour in case you want to enjoy spectacular views and to explore the famous grottoes of the Island of Capri. I would have liked to enjoy this type of experience, but unfortunately I didn’t have the chance because all the boat tours were canceled due to bad weather conditions.

All things considered, I had a great experience on the Island of Capri and I advise you to plan a trip there in case you are going to visit this part of Italy.

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Even if I had a very well planned itinerary, my plans fell through during my trip to the Island of Capri and I wasn’t able to spend a few hours on Marina Piccola Beach. I must confess that I was a little disappointed at the beginning, but eventually things turned out all right and I managed to spend a few hours on another beautiful beach.

I am talking about Marina Grande Beach or Spiaggia di Marina Grande which is the largest beach on the Island of Capri.

It is true that this beach is not as spectacular as Marina Piccola Beach, but it offered me a few moments of relaxation in the middle of a beautiful scenery.

Marina Grande is situated near the harbor with the same name. This is why it is said that any trip to Capri starts and ends in this harbor.

Taking into account its position, the beach is really accessible and perfect for families with children.

In addition, Marina Grande Beach is the only beach in Capri covered with sand, while all the other beaches are covered with gravel.

The clear turquoise water which washes away the stretch of fine sand, urges you to relax in its cool waves. A string of colorful houses which seem to fall into the sea and a ditch made from stones of all shapes and sizes, perfectly complete the scenery.

Spiaggia di Marina Grande also offers two beach establishments, where you will have the chance to enjoy a drink while admiring this beautiful scenery.

Snorkeling, tanning in the sun or swimming in the fresh water of the Tyrrhenian Sea are among the beach activities you can try there.

All things considered, spending a few hours on Marina Grande Beach is a great opportunity to rest and relax after an exhausting walk in the streets of Capri.

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2.The Amphitheater of Pompeii is the first Roman amphitheater built in stone. It is the oldest amphitheater in the world that still stands today.

3.Before being wiped off the face of the earth, Pompeii was the place where the rich Romans used to spend their holidays. According to the legend even the famous Nero owned a property in Pompeii.

4.Mount Vesuvius was a mystery for the inhabitants of Pompeii. They believed that it was a simple mountain, because it didn’t have any volcanic activity for almost 1800 years. The legend says that the word “volcano” was actually invented after this famous eruption and it comes from Vulcan who is the Roman god of fire.

5.When Mount Vesuvius erupted, it pulverized pumice and hot ash at the rate of 1.5 million tons per second. The 700 degrees Celsius lava rolled over the neighboring cities at a speed of 110 kilometers per hour.

6.It is said that Vesuvius is 17000 years old and that it has erupted almost 50 times. The most recent eruption took place in 1944, during the Second World War. Nowadays it is the only active volcano in continental Europe and it is considered really dangerous for all the inhabitants who live in the area.

Remember that the future belongs to the curious and stay close for the next “Did you know that?”

You can also read the previous articles “Did you know that?” ⇒Here →1.→2.→3.

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A visit to this archaeological site seems to be a mysterious return in time. In order to have a great experience there, I thought the following tips could be useful:

1.The history of the ancient city of Pompeii is really interesting and tumultuous. Before you visit this site, try to read a few books or articles about this place because this way you will better understand the history behind the ruins. I also recommend the movie “Pompeii”, which presents the story of the ancient city in a very emotional way.

2.The archaeological site covers an area of 66 hectares and it shelters the ruins of a lot of buildings, houses and gardens. Taking into account the large area you have to visit, make sure you have almost a day to spend there, in order to have enough time to admire the entire site.

3.The Pompeii Excavations is an open air museum and if you visit it in summer, take into account the fact that there will be just a few places where you can shelter from the burning sun. On this note, you will need water, sunscreen and a hat or a scarf. You should also wear comfortable shoes because almost all the streets are cobbled and you’ll have to walk a long distance.

4.The ticket price is 11 euros, excepting the first Sunday of every month, when the entrance is free of charge. This will help you save a small amount of money, in case you are in the area at the beginning of the month.

5.Marina Gate, Exedra Square and Amphitheatre Square are the three entrances you can use to get to the ruins. You can find ticket offices at each entrance and this is a good tip to avoid standing in line. If it’s not very crowded, my advice is to choose Marina Gate because this way you will start your visit with the Forum and its lively square.

6.Take a map with you in case you don’t want to get lost through the ruins. If you are a technology lover, it’s good to know that you can download an application on your phone which will provide you with all the necessary information. Another option is to choose an organized tour with a professional guide. These guided tours can be requested only if you enter the site using Marina Gate or Exedra Square.

7.The ruins of the ancient Pompeii are a feast for the eyes. Make sure you will not miss the area of the Forum with its temples and basilicas, the old Amphitheater, the controversial brothel Lupanar, the richest houses and properties and the beautiful gardens. In my opinion, the most touching place is the Gardens of the Fugitives, a sad area which reveals the petrified bodies of 13 victims. An embracing family who were waiting for the end, a baker who was taking the bread out of the oven and a few painters who were painting a wall are just a few examples.

8.There are a few restrictions inside the archaeological site of Pompeii, which you should keep in mind. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the excavations, but you can use one of the few smoking areas specially arranged for the tourists. In case you are going to take luggage with you, you should know that there are not allowed handbags, backpacks, suitcases or any type of luggage which exceeds the dimensions of 30x30x15 centimeters. Another restriction is that big pets are not allowed inside the site. Animals must wear a leash in case they enter the site.

9.A few buildings might be closed during your visit. It’s important to know that some of the buildings are open during the first part of the day and others during the second part. This is why I advise you to spend an entire day there.

10.Near the Forum you can find a restaurant and a first aid service. There are also picnic areas near Amphitheater Square and Casina dell’Aquila. There will be no problem to rest and have a snack .

All things considered, there is only one thing left to do. Plan your trip to the ancient city of Pompeii and enjoy it to the fullest!

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I must confess that I really wanted to visit the ruins of this city which was entirely destroyed by the volcano, since I saw the movie “Pompeii” and this year my desire came true. Even if the movie depicts the story in a different way, the idea is the same and the entire city was simply wiped off the face of the earth.

The ancient Pompeii is situated at about 30 meters above sea level, in the valley of the River Sarno, near Mount Vesuvius. The origin of the city is still a mystery. It is believed that it was built by a mixed population of Etruscans and Greeks.

Conquered by the Samnites in the 4^th century BC, the city was highly urbanized during this period. After the Samnite period, Pompeii joined the political organization of the Romans, as an ally in 90-89 BC.

After it was conquered by the troops of Lucius Cornelius Sulla, Pompeii became a Roman colony in 80 BC, receiving the new name of Cornelia Veneria Pompeianorum. As a colony, the city went through a period of prosperity, being constantly rebuilt and modernized.

The city was partially destroyed in 62 AD, when a violent earthquake shook the entire area, but it was reconstructed shortly after the incident.

I’m sure that this brief history of Pompeii helped you understand how this ancient city used to be.

Reality is different nowadays and once you enter Marina Gate you will only see ruins in front of your eyes. These ruins are all that’s left from the bygone era of the city of Pompeii.

The city was rediscovered at the end of the 16^th century and after a long period of explorations it was turned into a large archaeological site which covers an area of 66 hectares.

The site shelters an exceptional collection of architectural objects, sculptures, paintings and mosaics. The ruins are now divided into neighborhoods (regiones) and blocks (insulae) and taking into account the large area you have to cover, you’ll definitely need an entire day.

There are a lot of buildings, houses and gardens which can be admired there, so make sure you will have enough time to enjoy every single corner of this archaeological site. If I had to name a few of them, I would start with the Forum and its lively square which represented the core of their daily life and the focal point of all the main public buildings.

The Temple of Jupiter and the Basilica are two sumptuous edifices which dominate the area of the Forum. You should also admire the Sanctuary of Apollo which is one of the oldest places of worship in Pompeii. When it comes to gardens, three of them are among my favorite ones.

The House of the Menander is a typical example of a high-ranking family property, the House of the Golden Cupids is one of the most elegant with a rare type of garden and the Gardens of the Fugitives is a sad area which reveals the petrified bodies of 13 victims.

Considered one the oldest edifices of the Roman period, the Amphitheater should not be missed.

These are just a few of the buildings, houses and gardens sheltered by the site of Pompeii, but all of them are worth visiting.  It will be an interesting experience to plunge into the history of the ancient city destroyed by the old Vesuvius.

All things considered, make sure you will plan this visit in case you are going on a trip to this part of Italy!

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This village is considered the most photogenic place on the Amalfi Coast and for good reason. A multitude of colored houses of all shapes and sizes covers an entire side of the mountain. Similar to the image of a falling waterfall, all those houses seem to fall down in the sea creating a splendid view.

I felt a huge desire to discover this small picturesque village and maybe this is why I enjoyed this visit to the fullest. My trip started and ended with Positano. No matter what I planned to visit on the Amalfi Coast, I kept on going back to Positano. Despite this fact, I feel I haven’t taken enough pictures of this beautiful village.

Also called the Hollywood of Europe, Positano was the perfect setting for a lot of movies, an aspect which increased its notoriety a lot. It is also the symbol of the entire coast and it offers a lot to the multitude of tourists who choose to spend their holidays in this part of Italy. In order to fully enjoy Positano, there are a few things you could do in this lovely village.

The colored houses which perfectly blend with the turquoise sea deserve a few minutes of your time. The image of the houses is totally different in the morning than the one you can admire in the evening or at night when the lights are on. You can admire these houses from almost any part of Positano.

Take your time and explore the beautiful Marina Grande Beach. It is totally worth it. This famous stretch of grey pebbles is the place which offers great moments of relaxation and beautiful views. The image of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and its dome made of majolica tiles can be also admired from the gravel of Marina Grande Beach.

Walking down the narrow cobblestone streets of Positano will offer you the chance to admire spectacular views and also to buy interesting products in the multitude of clothing and souvenir shops. You can choose from a variety of beautiful cotton dresses and blouses, hats or beach accessories. Positano is considered a really fashionable village and I’m sure you didn’t know that it was the first town in Italy which imported bikini from France.

Positano is indeed the most expensive place on the Amalfi Coast, but you should still enjoy a meal at one of its lovely terraces. Sea food, fish and even pizza or pasta are more delicious if you taste them while admiring the beautiful view of Positano.

All things considered, make sure you add Positano to your trip list and enjoy it to the fullest.

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Beautiful and unique places have always given me a feeling of peace and relaxation.

When it comes to beautiful places which had such an effect on me, I would like to talk about a number of wonderful beaches. Marina di Praia, a lovely beach hidden in a small cove is a proper example in this regard.

This beach is situated somewhere between the villages of Praiano and Conca dei Marini, on the lovely Amalfi Coast. Nestled among a few high cliffs, this small and quiet beach is considered one of the most wonderful beaches on the entire coast. A small stretch of pebbles washed away by the clear blue water and a few boats of all sizes and colors embellish the entire panorama.

A pathway carved into the cliffs makes the entire place very attractive to the tourists. Along this path you will find a few bars and restaurants, where you will have the chance to enjoy an incredible dining experience while listening to the waves which wash away the cliffs.

The beach is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, for which you have to pay a rental fee in case you decide to use them. Marina di Praia is one of the few beaches on the Amalfi Coast which is blessed by the sunrays, until late in the evening.

There is a small access road which leads you very close to the beach in case you choose to get there by car. Parking will not be a problem because there is a paid parking lot in front of the beach.

All things considered, Marina di Praia Beach is worth visiting in case you plan a trip to the Amalfi Coast.

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In order to admire the beauty of this place, we decided to stop and spend a few hours there. This place is called Marina di Conca Beach and it is one of the most popular beaches in the area which belongs to the picturesque village of Conca dei Marini.

Hidden somewhere between the town of Amalfi and the village of Positano, Marina di Conca is a real jewel of the Amalfi Coast. The clear greenish water and the warm pebbles seem to invite you to spend a few hours on this lovely beach.

The scenery is incredibly beautiful and for good reason this beach is considered one of the most beautiful seaside spots. If you get to the top of the cliffs you will have the chance to admire an amazing panorama which is perfectly completed by the multitude of boats which float on water.

Marina di Conca is divided into two parts and this is why there are two ways to get to the beach. One way to get to the beach is by going down the stairs which connect the beach to the village of Conca dei Marini. Another way to get there is by using a narrow path which can be found outside the village. I chose the second option and this way I had the chance to admire the beach in all its splendor.

There are a few restaurants and bars on the beach where you can relax and enjoy a drink or a snack. Marina di Conca is also equipped with sunbeds and a few colorful umbrellas, which perfectly complete the scenery.

Swimming, snorkeling or tanning in the sun are just a few of the beach activities which you can enjoy there. After exploring its beauty and relaxing a few hours on its gravel, Marina di Conca became my favorite beach in the area. Maybe it’s not as popular as Marina Grande Beach (Positano), but it is in my opinion a real oasis of beauty and peace.

All things considered, you should definitely add it to your trip list in case you are planning to visit the Amalfi Coast.

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The image which triggered in me the desire to visit this entire coast was the panorama offered by the small village of Positano.

The village lies on a beautiful mountain and it is in my opinion a very special place because the colored houses of the inhabitants display a breathtaking image.

It is well-known that the most famous view of Positano can be admired from a 300 hundred meter long beach, which is situated right at the foot of the mountain, opposite the archipelago of Li Galli. I am talking about Marina Grande Beach, which is considered the liveliest and the most famous beach in Positano.

A stretch of dark sand and grey pebbles surrounded by a few mountains and washed away by the blue water creates the scenery of this beach. Covered by a few colorful rows of umbrellas and equipped with sunbeds, changing rooms and showers, the beach is really comfortable in case you want to rest and relax. A few restaurants, terraces and bars situated near the beach offer a multitude of options when it comes to food.

Even if Marina Grande Beach is not one of my favorite beaches in the area, I have to admit that it is the place which offers a perfect panorama of the village.  Spiaggia Grande Beach, as it is also called, is very popular among celebrities, so don’t be surprised if next to you there might be a famous person relaxing in the sunrays and enjoying the scenery.

Even if it is really easy to get to the beach by car, there are not enough parking spaces in the area, which is a problem for the tourists. This is why it is unlikely to find a parking place close to the beach, but this might be an advantage. If you park your car on top of the mountain and go down the stairs which lead to Marina Grande, you will have the chance to admire a stunning panorama of the entire beach. Believe me that this panorama is worth the effort!

All things considered, there is no way to plan a visit to the Amalfi Coast without adding Marina Grande Beach to your trip list.

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