All Top 5′s
Guest post by Laura Thayer
Often named as one of Italy’s most spectacular coastlines, there are countless reasons to pack your bags, a good sun hat and head to the Amalfi Coast. Here are 5 of the top attractions not to miss when you travel to this beautiful part of Italy:
1. Amalfi Town
The Amalfi Coast takes its name from this town because it was the seat of the powerful maritime republic of Amalfi in the Middle Ages. Walking the streets today, imagine what it must have been like centuries ago with trading ships arriving and departing for locations all over the Mediterranean, including destinations in Africa and Byzantium. For a glimpse back in time at the wealth and power of Amalfi, be sure to visit to the town’s stunning Cathedral of St. Andrew!
2. Positano
Known as the Vertical City, Positano’s brightly hued buildings climb steeply up the cliff face from the sea. Decked with bougainvillea, wisteria and jasmine, a walk through the narrow streets and up and down the steps of Positano might just make you think you’ve arrived in paradise.
3. Ravello
Unlike many of the other towns on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is located high above the sea with jaw dropping views of the Bay of Salerno. The picturesque town is also home to the Villa Rufolo and the Villa Cimbrone, both places to visit for their architecture, gardens and exceptional views.
4. Sorrento
Located on the north side of the Sorrento Peninsula overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is an ideal central location for those who want to make many day trips to Naples, the nearby archaeological sights of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as we as the Amalfi Coast and the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida. The ancient streets of Sorrento are lined with shops, including those selling impressive examples of the traditional inlaid wood work.
5. Capri
Just a hop, skip and a short jump by boat from the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula lies the alluring island of Capri. There is something magical about this luscious island in the Bay of Naples, with its dazzling Grotta Azzurra, or Blue Grotto, bustling Piazzetta, world-class shopping along bougainvillea-lined streets and its intense natural beauty. Step away from the crowds, breath in the sweetly scented air and discover Capri’s timeless beauty for yourself!
Laura Thayer is an art historian and freelance writer living on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy. She writes about travel for MNUI travel insurance and blogs about life on the Amalfi Coast at her own site Ciao Amalfi.
* All photos in this post are copyright, Laura Thayer, Ciao Amalfi!
Guest post by Danielle Russo
If one only listened to what we hear on the news, A good old cup of Colombian coffee is the closest many of us would come to visiting colombia. In reality, Colombia is really quite safe for tourists, with the exception of a few regions that are easily avoidable.
Medellin is a large city tucked inside the middle of a mountain range in Northern Colombia. Two million people call Medellin home, not to mention the thousands who commute in and out each day to conduct business. Everyone in Medellin is an entrepreneur, whether they are selling million-dollar machinery or packs of chicklets on the street. Once a violent and dangerous city, modern Medellin is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable cities in South America. If you have the chance to go, be sure to take in these 5 attractions.
1. Museo de Antioquia is one of the finest museums in Colombia. The Museo de Antioquia exhibits various pre-Columbian, colonial and modern artworks and a vast selection of paintings and sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, lover of all things voluminous.
2. Parque de los Pies Descalzos (Barefoot park). Medellin is warm city, so this park is a great place to roll up the pants and cool off! Cold water shoots up from fountains in the park, and children have a blast (literally) jumping in and out of the water. Adults sit in the shade in surrounding areas and watch the spectacle.
3. Shopping at El Hueco. The shopping centers in Medellin are truly extraordinary. Take a taxi (they are very cheap in Medellin) to Calle 48, 53 – 53, and spend a few hours exploring the various shopping centers. Be prepared to be bombarded by vendors calling out to you, and if you do decide to buy something, haggling is obligatory here.
4. El Alumbrado. If your visit coincides with the holidays, a special treat awaits you. Not only are nearly all the locals on holiday for the month, but there is just about ALWAYS a party going on. Nativity scenes and Christmas decorations galore, especially the Alumbrado, a display of characters made from lights that lines the entire city along its river, the Rio Medellin.
5. La Feria de Las Flores. A Seasonal festival takes place in Medellin every August called La Feria de las Flores (Flower festival). The city is full of flower shows, bull fights, and men known as Silleteros who parade through the streets showing off the brilliant local flowers.
Danielle Russo is a coordinator of Rome and Vatican Tours. She lives in Rome, Italy and writes about travel for MNUI travel insurance as well as WhenInRomeTours.com.
Guest Post by Cherrye Moore Catanzaro, Italy. Few non-Calabrese people have heard of it, even fewer have traveled here and still, even fewer native English speakers actually live here. But I do. If you are one of the lucky ones who venture into Calabria and southern Italy, then listen up. Here is my pick of [...]
Guest Post by Lisa Fantino London, England may be one of the most expensive cities in the world to visit but there are some “must-sees” for every traveler and many of them are free or under a tenner (that’s a 10-pound note for the un-Brits among us!) A cruise along the Regent Canal on a [...]























