Remember those Italian art house movies of the 60’s with romantic types driving their Alfa Romeos along sinuous and scenic coastal roads, perhaps with a politically incorrect cigarette in the mouth? Well, scenes like those were probably shot along the Positano coast, a superbly picturesque town and coast with few equals in the beauty stakes, and that’s where you’ll find the Albergo Miramare.

Now, Miramare means sea view in Italian, and guess what? The views of the sea from this bougainvillea clad hotel, nestled on the rocks of Positano are simply awesome but with the added benefit of having equally awesome host Rosa, whose family has run the Albergo Miramare for nigh on over 60 years.

Though simpler in decoration than some other more luxurious hotels in town, it retains a coquettish air with its terracotta floors, whitewashed wall and numerous period pieces. An interesting touch is that to make the most of those simply fantastic views, quite a few bathrooms even have glass wall, so that you can do yourself up with the beautiful blue sea as your backdrop. Not many places can boast that.