Amalfi Coast

7 July
Amalfi Coast

On booking out – we thanked Xenia and Irene profusely – not only for their recommendation of tour operator but for their kindness.

Xenia had mentioned not to travel the Amalfi Coast in a car, certainly not a van. Not sure why we ended up doing it – but we did. The tom tom said there was a campsite – but it turned out to be a hotel. The concierge type guy said “no campsites in this area at all”. Initially I thought – he might want to get us into his hotel (no chance). We soon realised there was really no site. There is also no way I was to attempt the hills and mountains by bicycle. There was traffic in narrow streets like none other. Nick said “it takes a huge amount of concentration, you have to use your brown eye too”. Death defying corners. Italian drivers of bus, truck, car and scooter. The goodlooking Nick learnt quickly – when in doubt – hoot! That's what they do. You never sure if you're in trouble or if they just want to overtake you! So we motored (as promptly as Ruby can go) past Positano (which is beautiful) to Amalfi.


Amalfi welcomed us with a car park. Something not too regularly seen in these areas. At 5 Euro's for 3 hours of parking – we went and trambled through the streets and along the boulevard. We have both decided that we will come back one day. Arrive in Naples (God forbid) by plane and rent a scooter. Stay at hotels and eat at restaurants. Otherwise do a cruise. These are the ways to do this coastline. Something I do not want to miss.


Mix of driving and heat tired us. We punched in for the closest campsite on the GPS. It was only a few miles away from the lovely Villaggio Campeggio Blue Green. It was a fatal mistake at the idea that if the new site, iPini, had a pool this would be the stop. It did. A walk straight to the pool in desperation. There were kids. In swimming caps. A coach. Swimming lanes. An older chap doing butterfly. Yes, swimming training. Then to make it worse a little boy on a kicker board climbed out in need of a wee. The coach directed him towards the outdoor shower. We have learned that the outdoor shower with foot basin is there for pre wash before and after swims. This is part of the swimming rules. Wash feet and body before entering public pool. The little boy pulled down his speedo and from him protruded a yellow trickle. In the basin. He then, promptly jumped back in the pool. Kick. Kick. Kick. To top it off, his dad was on the side actually looking proud!?

We went to bed without a swim. TIP: All round – miss this site.