01/09/2017
The couple's guide to Amalfi Coast -
What to Pack -
Comfortable shoes
Flowing dresses
A hat/fedora
Loafers for the guys
Sports Jacket for the guys
Scarf / shall for women on chilly nights
When to Go -
May and September. June is also a good time.
Avoid August when crowds are high.
How To Get There -
The Amalfi Coast is not an easy destination to get to, but it will definitely be worth the trek. The best way to get to the Amalfi Coast from America is to fly to Naples and drive down the coast about 1.5 hours to Positano. We recommend hiring a driver for ~100 Euro as the Amalfi Coast is not beginners drive. The drive will include winding roads next to cliffs that drop off 100+ feet down to the Mediterranean. Trust us, it’s worth the 100 Euro.
Another option is to fly into Rome and either take the train to Naples or drive down. This route will take about 4 hours.
Where to Eat -
The food on the Amalfi coast is all about freshness. From lemons the size of your head to Fresh caught branzino, caprese salads made with local tomatoes and mozzarella to al dente premium pastas that will keep your mouth watering for days, the food on the Amalfi Coast never disappoints. With the location nestled just a short drive away from Naples, Napoli pizza has a delicious influence on the Amalfi Coast. Here are our favorite restaurants (skewed to Positano as we spent most of our time there):
Le Tre Sorelle (Positano): We visited this waterfront establishment on our honeymoon and to this day, it was by far the best branzino (Mediterranean seabass) we have ever eaten in our lives. As you’re in a tourist neighborhood, expect to pay for the view!
La Fontelina (Capri): No visit to Capri would be complete without a visit to the famed La Fontelina restaurant. Nestled on the quixotic coastline of Capri, La Fontelina serves up the freshest fish and delicious al dente pastas. We recommend ordering the linguini alle vongole.
Donna Rosa (Positano): While it may be quite the hike (we recommend a taxi) up to the mountains where the restaurant is located, Donna Rosa has some of the best pasta in the world. This family owned establishment only has a few tables so book early! We recommend ordering the tagliatelle Bolognese.
La Tagliata (Positano): La Tagliata is beautifully located on a cliffside location high above Positano. Its pastas are cooked to perfection and its fish dishes are divine.
Le Sirenuse (Positano): Come for the view, stay for the food. Le Sirenuse is a posh hotel located in the heart of Positano, with sprawling views of the seaside town and cathedral. Le Sirenuse has many restaurants including Michelin-starred, La Sponda, their general restaurant, and the Champagne & Oyster Bar. We recommend…all of them.
Belmond Hotel Caruso (Ravello): The Belmond Hotel Caruso has some of the best views on the Amalfi Coast and the best food. Enjoy a delicious meal by its infinity pool or a fine dining experience at its restaurant, Belvedere.
What To Do -
^^ Visit all of the above restaurants!
Hike The Path of the Gods: This famed hike takes you up and above Positano, earning you the best views on all of the Amalfi Coast.
Dance at Music on the Rocks: Music on the Rocks is the only nightclub in Positano. Tip: don’t show up before midnight or else you’ll be the only one there.
Take a Cooking Class: The Italians are known for their cooking. Take a page out of their book by taking a cooking class at Donna Rosa.
Go Shopping: Walk along the winding streets of Positano, stopping in to shop at its many ceramics stores, shoe stores, and clothing stores.
Go to the Beach: Positano has a few great beaches. Head to the Spiaggia del Fornillo, a less busy option than Spiaggia Grande (the large beach).
Day Trips
While one could easily spend days (personally, we’d prefer weeks) staying in Positano, day trips are a must on the Amalfi Coast.
Capri – We definitely recommend renting a boat and heading out to the island of Capri. This island, located about 45 minutes from Positano is home to the famous Blue Grotto, fabulous shopping, and a funicular with unrivaled views.
Boat Tips: Head down to the marina in Positano and rent a boat with Lucibello, the main boat company in the area. If it’s high season, you’ll need to rent ahead, but if it’s shoulder season or low season, we recommend visiting the night before you’d like to boat or the morning you’d like to leave. While you may not have a choice of as many boats, you’ll have more bargaining power.
Ravello – Ravello is a town nestled on top of the hills of Amalfi. It’s a quiet hideaway that has the best views on the Amalfi Coast. If you’re visiting Ravello, you have to stay at the Belmond Hotel Caruso, the ultimate in Italian luxury!
Pompeii – Pompeii was an ancient Roman City near Naples that was consumed by Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. We recommend visiting Pompeii on your way to Naples when you leave.
The Cities of the Amalfi Coast -
While we loved stayed in Positano and Ravello, there are many different areas you can choose from along the Amalfi Coast.
Sorrento – Sorrento is considered the starting point (furthest north) of the Amalfi Coast. If you want to take many day trips, you should consider staying in Sorrento for its proximity to Pompeii and Naples.
Sant’ Agata and Nerano – While Sant’ Agata town is actually located a bit inland on a hilltop; it has a great view of Capri. Nerano is down the hill from Sant’ Agata and is a favorite amongst Scuba divers. If you want a more affordable way of staying on the Amalfi Coast, look to these two towns.
Praiano and Conca Dei Marini – These towns are extremely small, but pack a large punch in their views of the Amalfi Coast. If you stay in Praiano or Conca Dei Marini, you’ll be far away from the tourist crowds of Positano and you’ll have access to quiet, romantic beaches.
Amalfi – Amalfi is the largest town along the coastline. It’s a great place to stay if you want well-priced accommodations and lots of action.
