(Relaxnews) - There are a handful of iconic places in the world that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. They have always had a particular draw, attracting waves of visitors every year. They have inspired novels, poems, songs and films, and become icons. Relaxnews has compiled a playlist of music that is quintessential to each of these iconic destinations.

The Amalfi coast is Italy's most scenic stretch of coastline. It has been designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO for being "an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values."

Located along the Sorrento Peninsula, the coastline has inspired artists such as composer Richard Wagner and American writer Tenessee Williams. The road, running between the mountains and the sea, is famous for its amazing views.

The cliff-edge route starts in Salerno, a busy port of Italy. It was here that Wagner composed part of his opera Parsifal in 1880. The route then passes through Ravello, considered to be one of the most romantic towns in the south of the country. After Ravello, the route takes drivers to Amalfi, a scenic seafront with many cafes and shops.

Before arriving in Sorrento, the road passes by the Grotta dello Smeraldo, a marine cave of emerald waters, and the Vallone di Furore, and one of the coast's most impressive gorges.

This drive is often described as challenging not only because of the twisty road, but also because of the Italians' driving technique. 

Driving the Amalfi Coast in summer conjures up sounds of classic Italy, tenors, romantic ballads and wistful thoughts as well as more modern-sounding tributes to foreign romances and long hot summers.

Playlist:

01.   Matt Monro - "On Days Like These"  (1969)
Matt Monro's "On Days Like These" was written for the 1969 cult film 'The Italian Job,' perfect for imagining yourself speeding along in a Mini loaded with loot as you traverse the Amalfi Coast.

02.   Mario Lanza - "Santa Lucia"  (1959)
Written by E.A Mario in 1919, "Santa Lucia" featured on the soundtrack of the 1926 movie 'Napoli che Canta' and has been covered by numerous artists. The version here is from American tenor Mario Lanza.

03.   Paolo Conte - "Via Con Me" (1995) 
Italian pianist and composer Paolo Conte sings about escape in this wistful song that translates into English as "Away With Me." 

04.   Andrea Bocelli - "Canto Della Terra" (1999)
"Canto Della Terra," which translates into English as  "The Prayer," is the second single from Andrea Bocelli's 1999 album 'Sogno.'

05.   Rod Stewart - "Italian Girls" (1972)
English singer Rod Stewart tells of having his heart stolen by a sophisticated young Italian lady with a penchant for fast cars in this track.

06.   Dean Martin - "Mambo Italiano" (1955)
Dean Martin provides a fresh take on "Mambo Italiano" in his version of this musical tribute to dancing in Italy.

07.   Domenico Mudugno - "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu" (1958)
Meaning "In The Blue, Painted Blue" and commonly called 'Volare (To Fly),' "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu" tells a surreal tale of a man dreaming he is flying over his lover's body.

08.   Gino Paoli - "Sapore Di Sale" (1963)
Gino Paoli's 1963 hit, probably also his most famous work, means "Flavor With Salt" in English and could be interpreted as a romantic day at the beach.

09.   Bobby Solo - "Una Lacrima sul Viso"  (1964)
"Una Lacrima sul Viso," which can be translated as "A Tear On Your Face," was the first record to sell over one million copies in Italy.  

10. 883 - "La lunga estate caldissima" (2001)
Translated into English as "Long Hot Summer," this track from popular Italian band 883 captures the feeling of summer months in Italy.

Listen to this playlist on music streaming service Grooveshark at: http://goo.gl/YPXwM
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