Amalfi coast

Best known for its dramatic coastal scenery , deep gorges , violently�shaped rocks that plunge into a deep blue sea , tempered by the luxuriant vegetation that thrives in the favourable climate ; lemons , oranges , olives , almonds , vines , camellias and bougainvillaea . Basked in a clear light , the shades of green and the vibrant hues of the flowers offer a welcome contrast to the deep blue of the sea and austere rock to which all life seems to cling along the coast . Human habitation thrives too in the tiny fishing villages in rocky coves and in the pink and white�washed flat�roofed or domed buildings that hug the cliffs in layers . The region ’ s history of trading throughout the Mediterranean still shows in the Moorish and Byzantine architectural styles ; domes and arcades , wrought�iron balconies and colourful ceramic tiles which depict the region , perhaps fishing boats , lemons and the sun .