Between sea and sky

James Fisher revels in the history, culture and sheer beauty of Italy’s Amalfi Coast

- James Fisher

WHEN St Andrew was martyred by crucifixion in the city of Patras, Greece, he likely believed that he would reach Heaven. His spirit may have ascended to the clouds, but his body made it to the Amalfi Coast, so whichever way you look at it, he was right.

Andrew arrived by boat, but it is more customary these days to approach this shattered shore on the shin of Italy’s boot by car from Naples. It’s not a trip for the faint-hearted: twisting single roads wind their way over and around sharp cliff faces, with nothing but the amethyst water of the Mediterranean ready to catch you. There is a reason that this coast featured in the driving video games Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo; it’s more than likely that the taxi driver transporting you there will fancy themselves as something of a racing driver, too.