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The Best of Amalfi Coast & Capri Island

Located in the Campania region of Italy, 1 hour far from Naples, the Amalfi Coast is another of Italy’s UNESCO world heritage sites. It is a group of 13 seaside charming coastal towns that together make up the region covering twenty-five miles of rugged ravishing coastline between Vietri Sul Mare in the east, passing through the town of Amalfi and ending at Positano in the west.

With its perfect climate all over the year, Amalfi coast is a fantastic destination at any time of the year. Boasting some of the finest Mediterranean landscapes in Europe, with dazzling blue seas, lemon trees, olive groves, vineyards and steep, green cliffs, the Amalfi Coast is a location on the top of most people’s bucket lists.

As soon as you see the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, you will understand why it has become one of the most visited destinations in the country. The blue-green of the Tyrrhenian Sea blends with the beaches, valleys, cliffs and terraces to paint a vivid image of the Amalfi Coast’s visual splendor.

Each town offers a glimpse into the unique culture and history of the Amalfi Coast. The scenery is magnificent and takes several days to see everything worth seeing, so you will also appreciate why people choose to return year after year. If you are visiting this glorious slice of heaven, here are things you really want to see while you are there.

Amalfi

Tucked in between mountains and sea, Amalfi is a graceful place with great traditions, artistic monuments and beautiful landscapes.  The town of Amalfi starts at the water’s edge with a pretty promenade along the bay and a little harbor where you can take the ferry and hydrofoil to Positano, Capri and Sorrento. The focal point of the historic center is the Piazza del Duomo, in front of the striking cathedral.

The piazza is clustered with sidewalk cafes and elegant shops, but the sixty steps leading to the church invite to be scaled to visit the Byzantine style structure that bears Moorish-influenced arches and decoration. Dedicated to St. Andrew, the Duomo di Sant’Andrea is a truly beautiful structure. Inside is the hidden Cloister of Paradise, dating to 1266, with a forest of columns, Arabesque arches and an amazing fresco. The crypt is highly decorated and worth a visit, too.

Must visit in Amalfi

• Not many people know that there is also an excellent local wine, with limited production but expansive flavor: The Costa d’Amalfi DOC, a tour of the local wineries, where you can sample some of the best labels from the coastline paired with fresh local cold cuts
• Piazza del Duomo, clustered with elegant shops, is considered the heart of the village.
• Dramatic cathedral, the Duomo of Sant’Andrea is a truly beautiful structure and it is also the town’s most important sight.
• Museo della Carta (Paper Museum) to see how paper products are made by hand, it’s highly recommended.

Positano

A pearl of the Amalfi Coast, Positano presents itself as a cluster of pastel houses clinging to the steep ledges of the Lattari Mountains, which reflect themselves in the clear sea below, surrounded by an intense fragrance of lemon and bright and vivid colors of bougainvillea.

A maze of alleys and steps with small shops displaying the typical products of local crafts, which, together with the undisputed beauty of the landscape, have contributed to making Positano and the Amalfi Coast famous world-wide. We refer to the fresh linen dresses in style “Positano fashion”, the leather sandals, the colorful ceramics, the limoncello, lemon candy, lemon trees, lemon sorbet and lemon-scented perfume. Positano is just a few kilometers from the beautiful Island of Capri, make it perfect as a base to explore the surroundings and ideal place to enjoy an unforgettable holiday in Italy. Positano offers amazing Italian style cuisine, with fresh seafood and fresh lemons.

Not to miss:

• LEMON GROVES: Amalfi’s fragrant lemon groves are not to be missed! Their bright colors and citrusy scent will lift your spirits and leave you smiling all day. You can visit the lemon groves on your private tour tailored just for you and have an unforgettable experience. If you’re exploring the groves, you will have the opportunity to taste some fresh lemon products! This can include lemon cake, lemonade, or limoncello including the cooking class in your journey and learn about traditional cuisine based on lemon.
• If trekking is your thing, it would quite simply be a crime to visit the Amalfi Coast and not hike the Path of the Gods. If you’re not into hiking, the trail is suitable for all levels.

Ravello

High up in the mountains, Ravello is a terrace over the sea and one of the most romantic places along the Amalfi Coast.  The perfect town to stay for those who love peace and quiet and stupendous views. Ravello is a tiny village that sits back from the coast with no direct beach access, allowing those who stay to enjoy peaceful evenings with few crowds and spectacular views. The village is perched on top of a cliff overlooking the sea and villages of Minori and Maiori and it boasts an interesting Church.

Ravello is probably best-known for its terraced cliffside gardens, which you’ll want to wander through endlessly on warm afternoons.

Must visit:

• For all Mozzarella lovers and all travelers who would like to live the local tradition, mozzarella making class is a must. Thanks to our trusted local partners who will teach you how to make your own mozzarella cheese.
• Ravello Festival it’s known for its concerts and will help take the edge off your battle with the crowds. You’re in for live music and art shows spanning countless genres, drawing both local artists and ones that are known around the world.
• Gardens of two Villas called Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo with stunning gardens view. Writer Gore Vidal described the view from Villa Cimbrone’s garden as “the most beautiful sight that I have ever seen in the world.”

Towns not to miss in Amalfi coast:

Towns to see include Maiori, which has Amalfi’s longest stretch of beach; Vietri sul Mare, famous for its ceramics; Minori, home to the ancient Villa Marittima Romana;  and Furore which has an actual fjord. Atrani is the second smallest village in Italy, Conca dei Marini is a town that was popular with A-listers of the 1950s and Praiano offers stellar trekking paths. Scala and Tramonti are adorable towns in the Monti Lattari mountains.

Island of CAPRI

The magical island of Capri has charmed visitors for centuries. Great Roman Emperors to famous playwrights have all found themselves drawn to Capri’s sheer cliffs rising out of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Famous for its stylish shopping scene, Michelin-starred cuisine and, of course, that unbelievable blue sea, the Italian island is everything a glamorous getaway should be. Here, island life seamlessly blends luxury living with an intimate, friendly atmosphere.

The Piazzetta is located in the center of the island of Capri and is truly its heart and soul. La Piazzetta, as we call it in Italian, is a symbol of Italy’s real “Dolce Vita,”. Its beautiful location, with views upon the sea and the Monte Solaro, is worth every minute. Check out also La Piazzetta’s clock tower, an amazing monument of the island. For shopping lovers, Capri is known as a great shopping hub. Because of its VIP reputation, Capri is full of high-end boutiques, just like those you’d find in Rome or Milan. Excellent is also local artisans’ shops producing and selling amazing silks, perfumes and fabrics. In fact, Capri is known for its essences, produced at the Carthusia laboratories, favored by stars such as Madonna, Halle Berry and Naomi Campbell.

Must visit:

• The Blue Grotto is known worldwide for its majestic size and its amazing, deep blue waters reflecting the sun to create an amazing silvery light. This wonderful grotto is about 50 meters long and over 30 meters wide. This is definitely a must see in Capri, make sure not to miss it
• Depart on a boat from the town of Amalfi and watch the gorgeous coastline grow smaller and smaller the further out to sea you sail. Swim and snorkel in the deep blue water.
• Punta Carena: on the far southeastern side of the island of Capri, there is a prominent lighthouse erected in 1866. The Lighthouse of Punta Carena is the second most important lighthouse in Italy after, of course, the Lanterna, Genoa’s own lighthouse.

Curiosity:

THE ISLAND OF CAPRI HAS ITS OWN SCENT

Once you’ve taken a boat to Capri and start roaming the steep alleys, you’ll notice all the beautiful flowers and lemon trees just begging to be smelled. In fact, when Queen Giovanna d’Angiò (once the Queen of Naples) was heading to Capri in the 1300s, a man named Giacomo Arcucci wanted to welcome her with handpicked flowers from the island and made a perfume scent just for her. Don’t forget to bring some fragrances back with you. Flowers from Capri are special.