The striking Amalfi Coast

Italy’s Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) is one of Europe’s most striking and memorable destinations.  Deemed an area of great physical and natural beauty by UNESCO, the Amalfi Coast boasts a unique landscape.  Dramatic precipitous mountains, adorned with woodland and terraced allotments of abundant produce, plunge into the Tyrrehenian Sea below.  Crystal azure waters, beautiful mountaintop villages and some of the finest hotels and restaurants in Europe are all typical of the Amalfi Coast which in the main, has evaded mass tourism.

The region is just opening up for the season so there is no better time to think about visiting. There are also countless highlights of the Amalfi Coast, so many that one trip is not enough.  Here we have touched the surface with a few suggestions of what to do when you are there.

Explore Positano

Positano is incredibly picturesque.  It could be mistaken for a stage set from the buildings cascading down to the shingle beach, which in the summer months, is buzzing with people who are looking to be seen.  Chez Black, on the beach, is good for a people watching lunch.  If you are looking for some beach time, wander along the cliff path to Fornillo, smaller and less busy, with some good bars and restaurants.

Wander round Praiano and Marina di Praia

Just east of Positano lies Praiano, a sleepy coastal village and home to one of our favourite hotels, Casa Angelina.  Marina di Praia is lodged between towering cliffs and is a pretty base for the day.  Gavitella beach, accessed via steps from the village and the hotel has a bar and restaurant and is a lovely sundowner spot.

Catch a concert at Villa Rufolo, Ravello

The gardens and ground of Villa Rufolo are open all year round but at certain times of year, dawn concerts are performed from a spectacular stage, jutting out over the sea from the terraces.  The villa itself is an eclectic mix of classical and Moorish architecture and the gardens are beautiful.

The village of Ravello is pretty, romantic and peaceful and lovely to explore in its own right.  Stop in the main piazza infront of the 11^th century cathedral for a glass of prosecco.

Go ceramic shopping in Vietri Sul Mare

It is impossible not to see the vibrant coloured ceramics in this part of the world, mostly produced in Vietri.  Venture into the town to source that coveted fruit bowl or presents to take home.

Take a day trip to Capri

Mega yachts, jet set glamour and white washed villages adorned with beautiful bougainvillea are what you expect to see when visiting Capri.  There are also interesting and historical sights such as the Grotta Azzurra and Emperor Tiberius’s clifftop villa.  The island is easy to reach by hydrofoil from Positano but don’t leave before you’ve had a well deserved Campari in the Piazzetta.

To experience Capri in its tranquil glory, once the day trippers have left, stay overnight.

Take a boat ride along the coast

Renting a boat is the best way to appreciate the beauty of the dramatic coast line.  Heading either direction from Positano, you’ll see small dwellings tucked into the cliffs, majestic villas with terraces over the sea, pretty pebble beaches and waterside restaurants, ideal for a leisurely fish lunch.  You could also take yourselves over to Capri for the day.

Visit the Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea

Situated in the busiest town on the coast, Amalfi, is the Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea Amalfi.  The beautiful building is accessed by a steep flight of steps and dates back to the 9^th century.  It is entered through the most magnificent bronze doors.  Inside the crypt, lie the mortal remains of Saint Andrew – his sarcophagus sometimes oozes a mysterious yet ‘miracle’ liquid.

Learn about the soul of Italian cooking

For those that want to get stuck in to Italian cookery, a cookery class is a great way to spend a day.  Situated high on a clifftop, 1,000 feet above sea level in the village of Ravello lives Mamma Agata.  Mamma Agatahas been offering cookery classes for many years from her home and has cooked for Hollywood greats such as Fred Astaire and Humphrey Bogart.  The house is surrounded by beautiful terraces and spacious gardens full of lemon trees, flowers, vegetables and poultry.  She produces almost all the food she cooks for the cookery school and her family.

You will be greeted on arrival by Mamma Agata and her daughter Chiara, together with a piece of Mamma Agata’s famous lemon cake.  During the day you will learn to cook dishes such as eggplant parmigiana, stuffed courgette flowers and fried meatballs before taking a break to explore the garden and view followed by a lunch of your morning’s endeavours facing the sparkling sea.

It is hard to find a better taste of Italian cookery than Mamma Agata’s classes on the Amalfi Coast.

Further field there are of course the historical sights of Pompeii at the base of Mount Vesuvius and a day trip to Naples is worth it if you have time too.  Hiking is popular in this area.

Where to stay

It’s hard to give a shortlist as there are so many wonderful hotels to stay in on the Amalfi Coast however here are a few of our favourites.

Palazzo Avino

Tucked away in the medieval village of Ravello is Palazzo Avino, a 12^th century former Palazzo, with splendour throughout, one Michelin star dining and of course, that view.

Casa Angelina

Superbly minimalistic but with a warm welcome, Casa Angelina in Praiano is a gem of a hotel. Close enough to Positano but far enough to enjoy the tranquillity of the coast, Casa Angelina offers excellent dining, a fabulous pool, a spa and the friendliest and most helpful concierge service.

Monastero Santa Rosa

Monastero Santa Rosa is a converted 17^th century Dominican Monastery, located between Amalfi and Positano.  The hotel offers one Michelin star dining, an incredible spa and a sensitive combination of history and understated luxury.

J.K Place, Capri

If you do decide to spend some time on Capri, J.K Place is the place to stay.  Everywhere you stay on Capri oozes glamour and J.K Place is no exception.  The hotel is incredibly stylish and perfectly located for exploring the island.

We know that coast well so do get in touch to chat through your next holiday. We are always happy to hear from you.