Amalfi Coast Dream

The Amalfi Coast makes the perfect late Summer excursion – we spent 10 days exploring Capri, Positano, and Ravello and just barely scratched the surface on what this beautiful part of the Italian coast has to offer. We could have easily stayed for another 10 days – or the Summer! – enjoying the delicious food & wine, stunning views, and Mediterranean swimming. We will definitely be heading back for another dip in the Med soon!

Kelly + Kepina

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Chapter 1: Fly into Naples (or Rome, and take a train or transfer to Naples – about a three hour trip) and take a ferry from there to Capri. The ferry is a quick 30-40 minute trip, and drops you in Marina Grande, a busy and tourist oriented spot. Not to worry, you will quickly escape into the hills of Capri to the Capri Tiberio Palace, a luxury boutique hotel that offers chic suites like the Bellevue Suite where we stayed a few nights. The Bellevue Suite boasts massive outdoor space, beautiful textiles bursting with color, and expansive views of the Med that will put you in a dream state.

Chapter 2:  Ask the concierge at Tiberio Palace to book you a private boat and captain for a half day and cruise around the island, and a late lunch reservation at La Fontelina Beach Club. Skip the Blue Grotto (a popular stop in the tourist books, but feels a little bit more like Disney World) and head for one of the other caves and swimming spots around the island instead. A dip in the water here will leave you feeling years younger and refreshed! Definitely head to the Faraglioni Rocks for a quick photo before having the captain drop you at La Fontelina Beach Club for lunch (don’t forget to make a reservation!).

Chapter 3: Head to JK Capri Palace (just a 5 minute cab from the square closest to Tiberio Palace) for a cocktail or dinner on the patio one evening – the food is delicious, views are great, and the hotel design and style is inspiring. If the Palace is booked, this would be an equal alternative for your stay.

Chapter 4: Take a half day to explore Anacapri, which is a small quieter town at the top of the island. There is some decent shopping on the main street here (some touristy shops, but walk further for some quaint stores), and you can jump on a chairlift that will take you to the summit of Monte Solaro where you will find some of the most picturesque views on the island.

Chapter 5: Say goodbye to the Isle of Capri, and take the ferry over to Positano. The town of Positano is a little busy in peak season, but still charming, and right on the water. Stay at Le Sirenuse which is right in town and lives up to its reputation as one of the leading luxury hotels in Italy’s Amalfi Coast. If you prefer something a little more off the beaten path, try Casa Buonocore which is just across the street from Le Sirenuse; a charming 6 room boutique hotel that will leave you feeling like you are staying at a friend’s vacation spot (if you stay at Buonocore, stay in the suite, which has a private terrace and plenty of space to stretch out).

Chapter 6: Head to Hotel Il San Pietro for cocktails and dinner on the terrace – the drinks, food, and sunset views are equally spectacular. The hotel shuttle will pick you up in Positano and drive you the 10 minutes to the property.

Chapter 7: Rent a boat and cruise up and down the Amalfi Coast. Take a picnic along for lunch on the boat, or make a reservation at Treville Beach Club if you would rather do lunch on dry land (Treville also has a shuttle boat that departs from the beach at Positano if you don’t want to take your own boat!). Da Adolfo, right next door to Treville, is equally as good for lunch or a few hours of swimming and relaxing by the water. Reservations are required for lunch and for the beach, so plan ahead – you will love your afternoon here.

Chapter 8: Check out of your hotel in Positano (if you stayed at Le Sirenuse, don’t leave before enjoying one last breakfast on the patio!), and take your hour long transfer to Palazzo Avino, a luxury hotel and spa in the quaint village of Ravello.

Chapter 9: Take a half day to swim, relax, and enjoy lunch at Palazzo Avino’s private beach club, which is just a quick 15 minute drive in Avino’s shuttle. Reservations are required, so be sure to book in advance. Explore the charming town of Ravello and stop by the historic Villa Cimbrone and its stunning gardens.