The irresistible and legendary beauty of Italy's Amalfi Coasthas drawn millions of visitors and inspired artists, writers, and musicians for centuries.

Each town along its 30-plus miles of famously winding, narrow S-shaped curves, tunnels and hairpin white-knuckled turns has its own unique charm.

Most Italians and other experienced motorists love the challenge of driving the coast. Others not so brave can book tours or take local buses that transport visitors between Amalfi Coast towns.

Though the region includes 14 municipalities each with their own special magic, it's difficult to visit them all one trip. But, there are some definite favorites that should not be missed.

Though purists will argue that Sorrento does not sit on the Amalfi Coast, this spectacular cliff-side community serves as its magnificent gateway.

Perched precariously atop towering bluffs separating the town from the marinas below, Sorrento looks out over cerulean blue waters to the Bay of Naples and the Isle of Capri.

Surrounded by colorfully fragrant Mediterranean gardens, the historic Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria with its beautiful terraced balconies was built in 1834.

Roman Emperor Augustus chose this site for his own villa. The architectural elegance of the hotel's interior d¨¦cor is exceeded only by the sheer natural beauty of its coastline.

Sorrentois also the shopping mecca of high quality Italian handicrafts-renowned for its beautiful, intricately carved inlaid wood products and cabinetmaking.

The city is famous for its Limoncello, a delectable lemon liqueur aperitif invented here that's extremely popular in Southern Italy.

If visitors have time to see only one town on the Amalfi Coast, it should be Positano.

The artsy, charming and amazingly picturesque village with its narrow switchback streets, wisteria-draped boutique hotels, relaxing beachside restaurants and fashionable retailers is a must-do.

The historic 10th century church of Santa Maria Assunta with its central dome clad in yellow, green and blue majolica tiles is one of Positano's most distinctive landmarks.

The town that gives the coast its name was once a powerful maritime republic. Today Amalfi is a lively seaside village with plenty to see and explore.

Situated atop a grand staircase in the town center, the 9th-century Cathedral of Sant'Andrea Apostolo with its strikingly striped Byzantine facade is one of Campania's architectural jewels. Within its medieval bosom, a lavishly decorated crypt serves as a suitable resting place for the relics of St. Andrew the Apostle.

Though not as glitzy as Positano, Ravello's location high above the hills of Amalfi gives this mountain city its reputation as the hidden jewel of the Amalfi Coast.

Some of the most breathtaking picture-perfect photos are taken from this lofty abode. And because it's more off-the-beaten-path with fewer crowds than other Amalfi coastal towns, it has attracted world famous actors and artists like Richard Wagner, Greta Garbo, Gore Vidal and D.H. Lawrence, who wrote Lady Chatterley's Lover here.

Home to the largest flat sandy beach on the Amalfi Coast, Maiori traces its origins to an ancient Roman settlement. The beach town is home to some spectacular ruins, most notably the Villa Marittima Romana, one of the most important Roman archaeological sites on the coast.

The town of Minori has been renowned for its pasta-making since the 16^th century. Today it's well-known for its delightfully crafted Italian cuisine.

The scent of its many lemon trees wafts through the town on refreshing sea breezes. Fishing boats still line its beaches amidst the umbrellas and beach chairs.

Situated halfway between Amalfi and Positano, the picturesque fishing town of Praiano is generally considered the most romantic Amalfi Coast town because of its magnificent views.

Beaches are sun-kissed from early dawn to dusk. And sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular.

Conca dei Marini's most precious treasure is its Grotta dello Smeraldo, a sea cave discovered by a local fisherman in 1932. The fascinating grotto is filled with a beautiful emerald sheen when sunlight entering the cave is reflected off its waters.

The partially submerged cave can be reached by boat from Amalfi or by taking the stairs or elevator from the main highway.

Most visitors completely overlook the old-school Italian town of Cetera that today is still a classic working Italian fishing village.

Locals proudly proclaim that Cetara has the best seafood on the coast-literally hook to table within minutes of coming off the boats.

Cetara is famous for its tuna and its Colatura di Alici, a pasta sauce made with fresh, local anchovies, the recipe dating back to Roman times.

Legend claims that Hercules founded the nearby peaceful tranquil town of Erchie when he arrived here from Greece.

The local economy relies on its lemon groves and olive farms. A massive iconic Norman Saracens Tower juts out from a small coastal headland.

The last town of the Amalfi Coast, Vietri sul Mare is renowned throughout the world for its earthenware pottery and ceramics. Its iconic irresistible style known as majolica features bright bold colors reminiscent of the region.

Vietri's pottery production dates back to Roman times, and it was fascinating to watch their talented craftsmen at work in modern times.

Known as the mythical home of the sirens whose haunting songs lured ancient mariners to their doom, the Amalfi Coast continues to beckon and beguile today. The charming allure of this magnificent coast ensures that visitors will return again and again to this Italianpiece of paradise.