The scent of lemons and salty air immediately hit me when we arrived on the Amalfi Coast. It’s a place that feels like it’s straight out of a postcard, with colorful houses clinging to dramatic cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Forget just seeing photos on Instagram; you have to experience this side of Italy for yourself.
Amalfi Town Highlights
Amalfi Cathedral
As soon as you step into the main square of Amalfi town, you can’t miss the impressive Amalfi Cathedral. It’s been standing here for centuries, and you can see how it’s been updated over time. The wide staircase leading up to it is a grand entrance, but the real magic is inside. Wandering through the different rooms, you get a real sense of the history and the stunning architecture that has been preserved.
Arenzio Beach Club Relaxation
For a perfect day of unwinding, we spent a full day at the Arenzio Beach Club. The bright orange umbrellas and loungers make for great photos, and it’s a nice escape from the busier parts of Positano. You can get there by a short boat ride, or for those who like a challenge, there’s a lengthy staircase. The beach itself is divided into two sections; one is free, and the other offers a more exclusive experience with added touches like champagne and fruit platters.
The Emerald Grotto is named for the unique blue waters within its underground opening that take on an ethereal green hue when illuminated by sunlight.
Exploring the Emerald Grotto
A boat tour is the only way to see the stunning Emerald Grotto. Located in Conca dei Marini, this natural wonder gets its name from the mesmerizing green light that fills the cave. When the sunlight hits the water just right, it creates a magical, almost glowing effect throughout the entire chamber. Booking a boat excursion that includes a stop here is a must-do experience.
Amalfi Coast Dining Experiences
Donna Emma Restaurant Views
The views from Donna Emma Restaurant are truly unparalleled. Perched on a hillside in Amalfi, dining here is a feast for all the senses. You’ve got the calming sound of the waves below and the incredible seafood dishes being served. We made sure to get an evening reservation, and watching the sunset paint the sky while the lights of the coast began to twinkle was an unforgettable moment. It felt like pure bliss.
La Tonnarella’s Celebrity Charm
We heard that La Tonnarella is a family-run spot famous for its history with celebrities, and we learned that Jackie Kennedy was a regular. She loved it so much that they even named a spaghetti dish after her! The menu is extensive, full of both traditional and modern takes on pasta, all featuring the fresh, aromatic vegetables and seafood the region is known for. To get here, you’ll need to take a boat to the secluded cove in Conca dei Marini, but the journey is absolutely worth it.
📍 A sweet finish is essential after any Italian dinner, and Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi is the spot.
Pasticceria Pansa Sweet Treats
No Italian meal is complete without a dessert, and Pasticceria Pansa in Amalfi is the place to go. I saw so many people clustered by the entrance, enjoying a glass of wine or one of their delicious pastries. If you have a fondness for lemon, you absolutely have to try their Delizia di Limone, a lemon delight, with a coffee. It’s the perfect way to end a meal, the Italian way.
Evening Drinks with a View
Franco’s Bar in Positano
Why chase sunsets when you can drink them in from Franco’s Bar in Positano? This spot is all about the drinks, with a menu that cleverly mixes classic cocktails with newer creations, inspired by the owner’s travels. The rooftop setting offers some of the best vantage points for watching the sky change colors as evening approaches.
Aldo’s Upscale Ambiance
Aldo’s Cocktail Bar & Seafood Grill has that upscale Italian restaurant vibe you only see in movies. It’s the kind of place where a first date might feel a little nervous but exciting, or where a group of friends can catch up and share stories. With amazing views of the Mediterranean and a menu to match, you really feel like the star of your own story here.
⚡ Quick Tips
- Book dinner reservations, especially for popular spots with views.
- Consider boats for accessing restaurants in secluded coves.
- Try local specialties like seafood and lemon-based desserts.
Bellavista Cocktail Bar Serenity
The Bellavista Cocktail Bar offers a truly calm and elegant experience. Suspended over the sea, it provides breathtaking panoramic views of the coast, and the lounge chairs are perfect for relaxing with friends. And yes, they serve a fantastic Italian-style martini that’s worth toasting to.
Where to Stay Along the Coast
Hotel Miramalfi Comfort
The beauty of Hotel Miramalfi is so encompassing that you might forget there’s a whole Amalfi town just a short distance away. Our room had a balcony with a spectacular ocean view, surrounded by lush greenery. We loved taking dips in the large pool, which has a gorgeous mountain backdrop, or heading down to the beach club for direct sea access. The hotel also has a gym, and their complimentary shuttle service makes getting into town quite convenient.
Palazzo Avino Grandeur
Nestled among the hills, Palazzo Avino stands out with its striking pink exterior. Every corner of this place offers a photo opportunity, whether you’re taking in the sweeping coastal scenery or exploring the luxurious interiors and grand staircases. It feels truly special and very much a part of the stunning Amalfi Coast landscape.
Villa Fiorella Art Hotel aims to make you feel at home with its cozy rooms featuring distinctive printed accents.
Villa Fiorella Art Hotel’s Welcoming Feel
Villa Fiorella Art Hotel really felt more like a welcoming home than a typical hotel. The rooms are cozy and spacious, with colorful printed accents on the walls and bedding that add a lot of personality. The sky bar on the rooftop provides another fantastic panoramic view of Amalfi, which is perfect for watching the sunset or capturing those jealousy-inducing photos for social media. It was during one of these sunset viewings at Villa Fiorella that Lily excitedly pointed out a boat shaped like a dragon, and Michael just smiled, enjoying the simple moment with her.
Beauty and Sun Protection
Acqua di Parma Shimmering Oil
To add a little glow that rivals the Italian sun, I tried the Acqua di Parma Rosa Nobile Shimmering Oil. It’s a light, silky oil that doubles as a subtle shimmer and a lovely perfume, with its blend of floral notes and warm citrus. It made my skin feel soft and look radiant throughout the day and into the evening.
Ami Colē Skin-Enhancing Tint
For a natural look while exploring cobblestone streets, the Ami Colē Skin-Enhancing Tint is perfect. The formula blends seamlessly into the skin and stays comfortable all day, giving a subtle, polished finish that looks like a soft filter. It’s my go-to for easy, everyday wear that still looks put-together.
Bondi Sands Sunscreen Mist
Protecting my skin from the sun is always a priority, especially in Italy. The Bondi Sands Sunscreen Aerosol Mist SPF 50 is fantastic because it covers even those hard-to-reach spots easily, helping to prevent sunburn. It’s also great for sensitive skin, and I found myself reapplying it throughout the day, especially after a swim.
The Amalfi Coast is just magical; the food, the views, the atmosphere – it all comes together to create an unforgettable experience.