WHERE TO STAY AND EXPLORE IN THE AMALFI COAST

This is my second blog, as I have now been to the Amalfi Coast 4 times and it’s still not enough! At some stage of my life; I would love to there for a few months in summer. This blog is much more details than the first one.

Fly into Rome and drive 3 1/2 hours

Fly into Naples (not always direct)

Naples —> Amalfi 1 hour

Amalfi —> Ravello 30 mins

Amalfi —> Positano 40 mins

Positano —> Sorrento 30 mins

Ferry Sorrento —> Capri 20 mins

Ferry Amalfi —> Capri 40 mins

This is not including time of traffic and in season, you will definitely have traffic since most destinations only have 1 way to drive to and from it.

HOTEL OPTIONS

•  Monastero Santa Rosa (Amalfi)

• Villa Franca (Positano)

• J.K. Place (Capri)

• Capri Palace Jumeirah

  
  

AREAS TO EXPLORE /TOURS

• Path of Gods (nature hike)

• Amalfi Lemon Experience

• Villa Rufolo (Ravello)

• Villa Cimbrone Gardens (Ravello)

• Explore Positano

• Explore Sorrento

• Explore Naples

• Arco Naturale (nature hike)

  
  

RESTAURANTS

•  Bruno (Positano)

• Li Galli (Positano)

• Ristorante il Refettorio (Amalfi)

• Da Ciccio Cielo Mare Terra (Amalfi)

• Le Camerelle (Capri)

• Le Arcate (Capri)

• JKitchen (Capri)

• La Zagara (Capri)

AMALFI

When we stay in Amalfi, Monastero Santa Rosa is ALWAYS the best option. It was once a Monastery in the 17th century, now converted into a 20 room / suite luxury hotel. They kept many features of the monastery, giving the property a peaceful ambience.

A 10 mins drive from the Hotel, in Amalfi, you can explore the village and take a tour of a lemon grove and make lemon pasta! It’s called, “Amalfi Lemon Experience” and it is run by a family that is 5th generation. The tour is very interesting and the cooking class is a bonus! I never knew you can eat the outside of a lemon. In the tour, the owner (4th generation) said, “taste it! Eat it like an apple.” Amalfi lemons are not only enormous in size, they have a sweet taste to them.

The hotel has a tranquil restaurant to have dinner under the moonlight, overlooking the ocean. It’s a Michelin starred restaurant called, Il Refettorio. We are there 2 different nights. One was inside and the second time was outside. Outside is definitely more romantic, but the first night it was raining so we had to sit inside.

You can also have a memorable experience at Da Ciccio Cielo Mare Terra that is a 10 mins drive from the hotel and the gentleman who picks you up, is the father of the family who owns the restaurant. One brother is a server, one brother is a chef and the mother makes the pasties.

This restaurant is not expensive, but it should be! The quality and taste of the food is beyond exceptional.

RAVELLO

Ravello is a quaint small village with not much to see or do other than these 2 gardens and some small art shops with handmade ceramics, cashmere / linen clothes and tourist gifts. If you have the time it’s worth a visit.

Villa Rufolo

Villa Cimbrone Gardens

This is on the property of a hotel, so if you are looking for a more secluded hotel to stay, Ravello might be the area and this hotel might be for you! It has breathtaking views and many movies were filmed on the terrace since the view is spectacular.

POSITANO

The drive to Positano is mesmerizing! The views are incredible and you will want to constantly stop and pull over to take it in. Along the way, a must is to stop at this shop that has handmade ceramics and adorable, inexpensive jewelry.

Positano is my personal magical happy place! I love everything about it! The colors of the architecture, the views no matter where you stay. The vibrant energy as you drive or walk through the streets. It has beach, mountains, amazing cuisine, luxury hotels. shops, art gallery and the best lemon cookies I’ve ever had in my life! Photography really doesn’t do it justice. It’s somewhere you must see with the naked eye.

When I stay in Positano, Villa Franca is a must! It is at the top of the mountain so the views are unbelievable. It is also modern, artistic and luxurious.

They have a Michelin star restaurant Li Galli that has a presentation not only with the food, but the plates and silverware.

Le Sirenuse is the most known hotel in Positano and is the scene for many hotel social media images in Amalfi, but I feel it’s somewhat outdated for my taste.

If you want a delicious, casual lunch, with a view overlooking Positano, Bruno is a must! The best fried calamari I’ve ever had and exceptional eggplant and pasta!

SORRENTO

If you are looking for good quality, inexpensive, SOFT leather bags, shoes and accessories…..Sorrento is where you need to be! It is a very small city that has streets filled with leather products and Amalfi lemon gifts!

You can walk down any street, but VIA S. CESAREO is a good location to explore.