It's all ups and downs in the Amalfi Coasts steep-sided towns

This is Europe's most breathtaking stretch of coast.

A hair-raising cliff-top road winds for 50 kilometre between the major towns of Sorrento and Salerno.

In between lies gorges, grottoes and sandy beaches as well as the towns of Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello, Minori, Maiori, Cetara and Vietri sul Mare - all steep-sided settlement with colourful houses clambering up rocky slopes that plunge dramatically into the sparkling blue ocean.

Summer sees a deluge of tourists, especially in the resort towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. Spring and autumn are far more pleasant times to visit. The winters here aren't too shabby either although many shops and hotels shut for the season.

A bus runs regularly between the Amalfi Coast's main towns.