UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2019 ~ As I had promised in my previous Top 10 write up, this list has evolved based on the new things I experience each summer. I’ve summarized my favorites in an effort to help you plan your trip and maximize your time. I’ve created a collection of posts on the region which can be viewed in sequence through the links below the post or visit the Amalfi Coast collection page by clicking this link. Welcome to my Top 10 things to do on the Amalfi Coast…
ONE: Rent a boat for the day: I didn’t cover this in a dedicated post, but do yourself a favor and rent nice boat for a day. I’ve rented from Positano Princess for the past few years in a row with my friend, skipper Antonio. Price varies by time of year. I like to have him take us through the Faraglioni rock formations and head to Capri to pass by Sophia’s house and swim in the green grotto. Yes, ask your skipper to drop anchor on the “back side” of the green grotto, grab a noodle and go bob around inside the grotto. You’ll be photo-bombing hundreds of tourist snaps but it’s an amazing experience! Get a wonderful lunch at either La Fontelina on the isle of Capri or La Conca Del Sogno on the mainland. Both are accessible by boat and a little dingy will come and fetch you and bring you to and from the restaurant. Your skipper will know of other “secret spots” to visit but these are my favorites so far!
TWO: Hike the Path of the Gods and conquer the 1,500 steps down
THREE: Go to Greece! Or rather, take a day trip to Pasteum
FOUR: Shop till you drop in Sorrento
FIVE: Spend a day at One Fire Beach
SIX: Dinner at Next2 in Positano: I have a lot of favorite places to dine in the region but this one is a standout! The service, the presentation, the combination of flavors, and the general vibe being understated elegance but it won’t break your piggy bank. (relatively speaking of course) Ask to be seated outside on the patio. I love, love, love this place!
SEVEN: A Vesuvius Day. Visit the ruins site of Pompeii and have lunch and wine tasting on the side of Vesuvius and take the bus to the top. Taste the wine before the bus ride…you might need it!
EIGHT: Visit Amalfi’s 4 lunch at Marina Grande
NINE: Enjoy Positano night life at the Fly Lounge
TEN: Take in romantic Ravello
You might be wondering about Capri. Yes, I’ve been there and it proved to be what I suspected…a bit overrated. Sure there are some nice vistas but the cost, the crowding due to cruise ships, the fragmented walkability (meaning, you need a taxi) and the 5th avenue vibe, left me grateful I didn’t book an overnight. I have however been told about a couple of spas worth visiting, some great hiking trails that might be worth the trip, and as you know from my #1 activity… I love La Fontelina but over all…I found Capri overrated.
If you’ve not booked your accommodations, check out my post on the topic. And…If you are really lucky…you might bump into a celebrity or two while you are checking out my list!! And, if by some poor luck you might need medical help while in the region, check out my post on when I sprained my foot on the steps. Positano 1 vs Kimberly 0! 🙂
I guess all of this is why John Steinbeck said…
“Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there, and becomes beckoningly real after you are gone.”
This may wrap up the Amalfi Coast but it doesn’t wrap up Italy! Next up…Roma…
Video Below: I love this video….it does the very best job capturing the essence of the village and the top tips! I’d love to meet this couple…they seem so fun!
Skip Capri and go to Ischia. It’s beautiful and easy to navigate by bus.
Thanks Peter! I agree about Capri…I like to boat around it, maybe grab lunch but that’s it. I’ve not done Ischia. I’ll have to check it out this August and see if you are right! 🙂
Wow, this post is the bomb!
Thanks…this place is the bomb!! 🙂
It looks stunning! I’ll be a first time visitor in September.