Living La Dolce Vita Along Italy’s Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a dramatic 28-mile stretch of coastline in southern Italy.

Known for its romantic Italian villages, stunning panoramas and sandy coves, the Amalfi Coast is home of la dolce vita.

Driving along the coast is not for the faint at heart. Often, the road is so narrow that two cars cannot pass at the same time. My recommendation? Leave the driving to someone else (you can easily hire drivers at all the major hotels), so you can sit back and enjoy the sweeping vistas.

Must Do

1. Visit Positano, the most westerly point on the coast. In the heart of town, you can explore the pedestrian promenade, check out Positano fashion at the many boutiques and try on a pair of handmade sandals, for which the town is famous.

2. Spend the day in Vietri sul Mare, a small town famous for its handmade ceramics. One of the best shops is Ceramica Artistica Solimere Vincenzo. Don’t miss it!

3. Take a cooking class in Positano at Donna Rosa Il Ristorante.

4. Learn the history of Limoncello, the famous lemon digestive, at a Limoncello-making lesson on the terrace of a private villa on Capri.

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Must Eat

1. Sample the Limoncello while watching the sun set from the patio of Il San Pietro hotel.

2. Take a boat to La Conca del Sogno in Nerano, and enjoy the fresh seafood—clams, mussels, squid and octopus. It’s a fantastic way to spend a leisurely afternoon.

3. Enjoy the nouveau Italian cuisine at Eolo in Amalfi. Make reservations well in advance, and make sure to request one of the three outdoor tables with views of Amalfi Beach.

Must See 

1. Visit the Isle of Capri. Explore Capri town and Anacapri, then take a ride on the funicular that connects the port of Marina Grande to the Piazzetta at the city center. Sit and watch the world go by in one of the many fine restaurants with outdoor dining. Take an excursion to the Blue Grotto and a boat ride around the island’s coastline for some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see.

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2. Take a walk around the town of Ravello. If you are visiting between June and September, don’t miss the annual music festival, which features classical, chamber and jazz music as well as dance performances, art shows, photo exhibitions and cinema.

3. Wander around the lovely streets of the town of Amalfi. Tour the Museo della Carta (the Paper Mill and Museum). Some of the best papermaking in Italy took place here eight centuries ago. Shop at Cartiera Amatruda for beautiful handmade paper.

Must Stay

1. Il San Pietro in Positano. Located one mile outside of town, this famous cliff-top luxury hideway features rooms with fabulous sea views, beach and pool.

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2. Le Sirenuse in Positano. Located in town, opened in 1951 and run by the second generation of the Sersale family, this hotel offers traditional luxury.

3. Villa Franca in Positano. Perched high above town, this lovely family-run hotel offers beautiful views from the swimming pool. Guests can also take advantage of a free shuttle bus to town.

 

Want to make it easy? Have Lake Shore Travel book your trip and make all the arrangements for you! Contact Michelle Weiss at 847-242-4032, or michelle@lakeshoretravel.com. 

Lead photo: Positano by Bigstock 

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