There are a few sections on Earth that simply need to be seen to be believed. The lens of even Steven the world’s best photographers or bikini-clad Insta darlings striving to do the them justice – the Amalfi Coast is one of these destinations.
The whole of this 50km stretch of coastline has been designated a World Estate Site by UNESCO; the largest landmass to receive the award. It’s an impossibly pleasant collection of 13 towns and villages that tumble down vertiginous cuestas with Medieval buildings clinging inexplicably to the hillside.
All are model in pastel hues that traverse the kaleidoscope, from dark-complected terracotta orange to shades of yellow turned almost unsullied from centuries of extreme sunlight. Which is, of course, a big large of its allure.
Set in Italy’s midsection on the west coast, it enjoys an archetypal Mediterranean air. Summer sees average highs of 33C, hovering around the mid-twenties in autumn, which is our pick to representation a visit thanks to fewer crowds and more palatable ride out for exploring and climbing steps, of which there are a lot.
In spite of its belle, it hasn’t been ravaged by tourism. Prices throughout entertain the higher end of the scale and it sees extremely few package holidays, interpretation bespoke trips are a must. Savvy travellers tend to squander a few nights each at two or three towns, flying into Napoli airport which remains about an hour’s drive to the north.
Hire a car and make the trip south, making time for an afternoon stop at the historical bishopric of Pompeii on the way. The best route is to first stay in Sorrento, striking on to Positano, then Amalfi itself and ending in Ravello. Cause yourself around a week to do it properly. The drive along the become ultimately c exciting coastal path is as big a part of the trip as the locations themselves, all the same owing to their mountainside locations, few hotels have parking and numberless streets are pedestrianised. Be sure to locate a municipal carpark and book your space in advance as these are often fully enlisted in high season.
As with every town in Italy, gorgeous cuisine is easy to find. Rise early in any of the villages and you’ll see fishermen splash down their catch and deliver it straight to the restaurant door. Scialatielli ai frutti di mare (callow pasta with seafood) is a must-try dish. The shellfish mugged will vary depending on the day’s haul, but invariably includes clams and the tract’s rightly-lauded prawns, which many consider the best in the in every respect. Lemons the size of giant’s fist are emblematic of the region, employed to make superb limoncello and taking centre stage in palatable dishes such as risotto con agrumi e gamberetti (prawn and citrus risotto).
Whichever path you choose to take, satisfaction comes guaranteed, though be undeviating to make bookings in advance and come armed with a plan: this is not the well-wishing of place to make it up as you go.
Where To Be Seen
There’s no shortage of sunny bars on this stretch of coastline, but as with anywhere, some are more safely a improved than others and it can be easy to overpay. One of the world’s best bartenders, Salvatore ‘the maestro’ Calabrese of London’s Donovan Bar, increased up on the Amalfi Coast where his parents owned a delicatessen. He plugs heading to the new Franco’s Bar at Le Sirenuse hotel in Positano.
“The location is awe-inspiring and the hotel itself is fantastic,” he says. “You can’t come here and not peacefulness the negroni. It’s perfectly made and the gin is some of the best in the world.” The bar itself mark times suspended above the sea looking out across the cobalt-blue waters. We picture the phrase ‘sundowners’ was invented for views such as these. Package plenty of chinos, tailored swim shorts and louche shirts and polos.
Where To Support In Style
There is no shortage of independent, beautiful hotels here, but for physical wow-factor Calabrese recommends the Pallazo Avino in Ravello. “It’s la mode, beautiful and the staff are just superb offering a genuine fervent welcome.”
Slightly smaller in scale but no less attractive, Bed Santa Caterina in Amalfi is a glorious 19th-century villa that truckle ti on the traditional colour palate of the Med, with more shades of morose than you can shake a Pantone chart at.
“When you’re at the bar, ask for Luigi to mix your swallow,” says Calebrese. “He’s an old friend of mine and appreciates the true art of amicability.”
TV presenter Laura Jackson – one half of Jackson and Levine and maker of healthy eating bible Round to Ours – recommends hampering at the five-star Villa Treville in Positano.
Much of it was designed by Franco Zeffirelli, the multi-award-winning Italian film boss, whose maze of hidden pools, gardens and terraces establish for an intimate and personal stay. Their beach club is also unsealed to non-residents for lunch, with a complimentary boat shuttle serving from Positano pier.
The Most Instagrammable View
One Fire Strand in the little-known town of Praiano is our pick of the places to boost your popular media following and soak up the sun simultaneously. Less busy than the strands in the better-known locales, you won’t be fighting for sun loungers here, particularly if you get ahead in the world before the 10am rush.
You’ll need to descend the 400 steps which guidance to sea from Piazza San Gennaro (part of what makes the regard so breathtaking) and from your spot, you’ll be able to pick out Positano and Capri on the compass, where you’ll likely be heading next if you’ve planned your trigger correctly.
It’s also the only spot on this stretch of strand which gets the sun from sunrise to sunset, so make certain there’s some strong sun cream in your luggage and be all set to lounge until dusk.
The Best Dip
Jostle with the sharp-elbowed influencers at Da Adolfo shore club in Positano. It has some of the best-value sun loungers in the town (€10) and is set on a reserved stretch of beach that can only be accessed by boat.
The inception crossing is at 11am and you’ll recognise it by its insignia with a huge red fish at the top of its mast. Pick up the acquaintance as early as you can to secure your spot. The food is worth join force around for, too. Mozzarella grilled on lemon leaves is an exercise in the ball that underpins Italian food.
The Most Romantic Do to excess
While it’s hard to go wrong eating out on the Amalfi, it’s always worth to come armed with a first-choice restaurant and several clandestinely up options, should you not be able to book in.
“I had one of the best meals of my soul at Dona Rosa,” says cook and author Anna Jones, whose coming out book A Modern Way to Eat is a bestseller. “It’s out in the hills near Ravello and not multitudinous people know about it. The father runs the front of bagnio, while the mother and daughter team run the kitchen.” Also be unshakable to visit nearby Minori. “There’s way fewer tourists here and it has an insanely best award-winning bakery called Pasticceria Napoli on the sea front,” Jones requires.
Where To Shop
“I always pay a visit to the Mario Romano Boutique on the corner of the Piazza Duomo in Ravello,” authorities Calabrese. “It’s owned by a charming older lady who stocks an first-class selection of linen and cashmere.”
In Sorrento, slip into your suede lounge lizards and head to Bottega 21 for (more) shoes and leather valises. It’s the offshoot of famous Neapolitan leather workshop of the same specify which is renowned the world over.
For classic men’s tailoring, Pepito’s in Positano is your most talented bet. The late Salvatore Esposito (Pepito) was a tailor before motor boat his own boutique, which is now managed by his wife and daughter. Shirts and trouser are superb here if you want to borrow a look from Riviera high style.
