Living La Dolce Vita In The Amalfi Coast
Living La Dolce Vita In The Amalfi Coast
There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of travel. It feels like I have spent the last 365 days reading, researching, and, most of all, daydreaming. My Instagram feed is filled with photos of destinations near and far. While some may be familiar scenic views, others are bucket list destinations that give me a major case of wanderlust. At times these photos leave me absolutely intoxicated but more times than not, I feel like the Instagram algorithm is on a mission to torture me.
Even though the pandemic caused a seismic shift in the world of travel, I remain hopeful.
2020 did not diminish my desire to travel and see the magnificent world we live in. The “lockdown” only fueled my desire to seek out new destinations and rediscover the world. I hope that we will all be a little kinder to one another and realize what a true privilege it is to pack our suitcase and run through airport security as we embark on your next adventure.
At this point, we could all use something to look forward to, am I right?
The thought of traveling outside of the United States has filled me with such excitement. In fact, there’s one destination that I can’t stop daydreaming about, the Amalfi Coast.
You don’t need a listicle to know that the Amalfi Coast is one of the premier travel destinations sought out by so many. Jetsetters from around the world are traversing the globe in search of these charming cliffside towns, sun-drenched beaches, and turquoise waters.
For those of you who have the Amalfi Coast on your bucket list or travel agenda for 2021, I put together a list of all the things you need to know before go.
First things first…
Getting to the Amalfi Coast
Travel to the Amalfi Coast isn’t necessarily the easiest and involves almost every imaginable mode of transportation. But, no matter how you choose to travel, your adventure is sure to be filled with picturesque postcard views along the way.
For this particular trip, I flew to Rome where I had a little less than 24 hours to soak up the food, wine, and culture. Had it been my first time in the city, I would have spent more time exploring. From Rome, my friend and I caught the train to Naples. The train ride was approximately an hour and a half and went by rather quickly. I always love taking the train when I am in Europe as you see so much more of the countryside without having the stress of navigating or paying attention to roadsigns.
Once we arrived in Naples, we had arranged for a private transfer to our hotel in Praiano. Given how windy and narrow the roads are, it’s best to leave the driving to the experts. The private transfer took approximately an hour and a half to arrive in Praiano and is easily some of the best money we spent during the trip.
Of course, there are other ways to get to your final destination that are less expensive and include buses and ferries, but I prefer taking the most direct route. You don’t have to worry about missing connections and schlepping luggage, and if you are concerned about the cost, there are other places where you can save a few euros.
I’ve checked out my flight options. When should I go?
Is there ever a wrong time to travel to Italy? No, but if you are looking to avoid the crowds, I’d recommend traveling during shoulder season, May or September. I took my trip in mid-May, and while it was rather quiet throughout the various cities, the weather was pleasant, the flowers were in bloom, and restaurants and cafes were easily accessible.
Perhaps you prefer to be amidst local festivals, beach parties, and nightclubs. Visit during July and August as that’s when the crowds come out and the calendars are filled with events.
After you finalize your flight arrangements, I’d recommend securing your accommodations. As soon as there’s a hint of sunshine and an inkling of summer, you will find that accommodations, restaurants, excursions are booked solid.
My suitcases are ready! What do I need to bring?
Unless you want to look like the tourist you are, plan on chic, sophisticated outfits with an effortless, relaxed feel. Given the diverse activities we planned, I packed a variety of dresses, activewear, and beach items. Even if there is not a set itinerary for the trip, it’s always helpful to write down your tentative activities so you can plan accordingly. Keep in mind you can still look stylish without packing your entire closet. Words I try to tell myself EVERY SINGLE time I travel. :)
<P.S.- Packing cubes are a lifesaver when it comes to space and organization.>
The Amalfi Coast is the perfect place to don those bright colors and brilliant prints. I tried to think about the day’s activities and the colors of my surroundings and plan accordingly. If that’s not your thing, you can never go wrong with white.
Here are a few items you might consider:
Attire
Dresses
Lightweight jacket or wrap
Comfortable walking shoes
Sneakers
Swimsuit
Sunglasses
Crossbody bag
Miscellaneous Items:
Portable charger
Power adaptor/converter
Band-Aids
Dramamine/Meds for motion sickness*
SPF
Sleep-aid
Eye-mask/ear-plugs
Hat or visor to take to the beach/pool
Collapsible tote that can carry items to and from the beach
*If you are prone to motion sickness, I’d recommend seeing your doctor before your trip and securing scopolamine patches. They are a LIFESAVER. Not only are they perfect if you find yourself on a boat or ferry, but I found them particularly useful when we were navigating the winding roads.
Let’s Plan Our Itinerary!
Whether it’s your first trip or your fiftieth, it’s almost impossible not to become intoxicated by the beauty of the pristine beaches and the pastel-colored homes perched on the cliff’s edge. I’ve curated a list of some of my favorite experiences that will undoubtedly make your trip unforgettable.
Create Your Own Pair Of Sandals With One Of The Outstanding Shoemakers
Throughout Ravello and Positano, you will find shops that make custom sandals. Talk about a shoe lover's paradise! Patrons will choose the style, color, and design, and the shoemaker will create your pair of sandals while you wait!
The options seem endless and can be a bit overwhelming if you aren’t decisive. Make sure you have plenty of time to peruse the shoes!
A couple of things to note:
An appointment is not needed. You can walk right in, but you may have to wait in line depending on how many patrons are ahead of you.
Given the detail and craftsmanship involved, these aren’t cheap. If I recall correctly, the sandals were around € 60. They were one of the few pairs of sandals that were still comfortable after all the walking.
I purchased my sandals from Bottega Eva Caruso, and they have held up very well. Trust me, Carrie Bradshaw would approve!
Enjoy The Gardens Of Villa Cimbrone
Located in the town of Ravello is Villa Cimbrone. This sprawling 20-acre estate consists of a villa/hotel, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and some of the most magnificent views you have ever laid eyes on. Guests can easily spend hours wandering the property admiring the many statues, the wisteria-covered pergola, and pausing a moment to truly appreciate the breathtaking surroundings. By far, one of the biggest draws for guests is the Terrazza dell’Infinito. Lined by a series of marble busts, it is easy to lose oneself while gazing at the turquoise waters. After all, it is one of the best views of the Amalfi Coast.
Spend The Day Gastro Trekking
For my food enthusiasts who are looking for an introduction to the region’s local gastronomy, this is for you! Spend the day exploring the hillside foraging for flowers, herbs, and other aromatic plants all of which will be utilized in the preparation of a four-course gourmet meal that you will help prepare. Learn to make pasta, tarts, and other delicious bites from the region all while sipping on some of the best wines from the Amalfi region.
This experience takes approximately four hours and is the perfect group excursion. We used Walk, Cook Eat Amalfi Coast, and our Giacomo taught us about the nuances of the Italian terrain and the farming practices of Italy. For someone like myself who is fascinated with local cuisine, it was a highlight of my trip.
Lemons and Limoncello
Wandering throughout the lovely little towns of the Amalfi Coast, you have undoubtedly seen lemons everywhere. There are lining the shelves of local bodegas, adorning brightly colored ceramic goods, and, of course, they are incorporated into much of the cuisine. For those who are interested in learning more about the history, cultivation, and production, I’d recommend booking a tour with the Amalfi Lemon Experience. Guests can walk the terraces where the lemons grow and learn why Sfusato d'Amalfi is such a critical part of Italian culture. Once the tour concludes, guests will enjoy a variety of lemon products, one of which is the famous elixir, Limoncello. Beyond delicious.
As with other excursions throughout the coast, this one does require quite a bit of walking up steep paths. Be prepared with proper walking shoes.
Path Of The Gods
<Sentiero Degli Dei>
To offset the copious amounts of cheese, pasta, and gelato, we decided to hike the Path of the Gods. The Path of the Gods is a four-mile clifftop trail above the Amalfi Coast. Known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the coast, this hike is not for the faint of heart. I consider myself “relatively” fit (i.e. I workout several days a week), but this hike kicked my ass. Maybe it was the fact that I lacked pre-hike fuel or the fact that I didn’t realize how arduous the trail would be, but I was EXHAUSTED. If you are on the fence about this hike, here are a few things to consider:
Depending on how fast you hike, the trail can take up to four hours
Leave your Golden Goose sneakers at home and opt for footwear that has tread for hiking.
Layers are essential as the temperature will change throughout the hike
Pack plenty of H20, but don’t overdo it ( *there was only one bathroom along the way*)
Snacks, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential
If possible, start early to avoid the heat and the crowds
In hindsight, I am thrilled that I had a chance to experience this marvel of the Amalfi Coast.
Enjoy Cocktails or Aperitivo Le Sirenuse
One simply cannot come to the Amalfi Coast and not enjoy a cocktail at Le Sirenuse. It’s an absolute must.
Le Sirenuse, which opened in 1951, is one of the leading seaside hotels. Enjoy an Aperol spritz or a glass of rosé on the terrace while soaking up some of the most breathtaking, picturesque views of Positano. Reservations and cute attire are strongly recommended.
If you are unable to get a reservation, guests can always enjoy a cocktail at Franco’s Bar, which is equally as enchanting.
Boating Along The Amalfi Coast
It’s so easy to lose track of time wandering the streets of these charming Italian cities, enjoying the exquisite food and wine, and soaking up every bit of culture one possibly can. But, sometimes it’s nice to have a different perspective. Exploring the Amalfi Coast by land is one thing but to fully enjoy the beauty of this cliffside wonder, one much explore the area by boat. There’s something about that unobstructed view of the city and arriving beachside where people are perfectly poised with a cocktail in hand under their striped umbrellas. Talk about a dreamy summer getaway!
I hope you find this guide to Living La Dolce Vita in the Amalfi Coast helpful when planning your next adventure. As always, if you have any questions about anything that I’ve posted, don’t hesitate to reach out. There’s nothing I enjoy more than chatting with fellow travel enthusiasts!
Until Next Time!