Updated 2018.
Here’s the thing about the Amalfi Coast. It always feels like is something hidden just around around the corner, among the cliffs, terraced gardens and isolated coves. The coast is so much more than you can see from traveling along the Amalfi Drive so it takes some insider knowledge to discover all this magical destination has to offer.
That’s why I am so proud of our August Issue – Special Report: Highlights of the Amafli Coast (paid members can login here to access the issue or join today to immediately download it). We interviewed six Amalfi Coast insiders – hoteliers and managers who live and work here – who shared their personal favorites for:
Gabriella Guida, the manager of Hotel Puppetto, says head to Fornillo Beach in Positano. Skip the Spiaggia Grande and walk from the harbor up a little ways and then down again (hey, it’s Positano!) to Spiaggia Fornillo. Same stunning waters, chairs and cabanas but a less-hectic vibe.
More best places to avoid the crowds include stunning gardens, a pristine hiking path and a hidden agriturismo!
2. Best Romantic Experience
It says a great deal that the owner and managing partner (Bianca and Nathan Sharma) of Monastero Santa Rosa, possibly one of the most romantic hotels in Italy, would recommend another hotel for Amalfi Coast’s most romantic place. Their pick — Villa Treville, the former private villa of Italian director Franco Zeffirelli. Don’t worry you can stay in one and have dinner at the other.
More romantic experiences include the coast’s most romantic restaurant, a terrace to hold hands and watch the sunset and two romantic boat outings!
3. Best Seaside Restaurant
Martino Acampora, the managers of JK Capri, recommends you head to Lo Scoglio in Nerano. Scoglio means “boulder,” so it’s fitting that this place built its restaurant on top of one — you can hear the waves crashing against it as you tuck into a plate of a must-eat Amalfi dish, spaghetti con zucchine.
More Amalfi Coast seaside restaurants include a Positano classic you can swim to, a terrace full of vines with a wood-burning oven and a dreamy out-of-the-way spot where raw seafood is a must!
4. Best for Kids
Guido Fiorentino, the owner of Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento, says kids love snorkeling the marine-protected gulf near his hotel. The waters of Punta Campanella’s conservation area sparkle — and so will your kids’ eyes after they finish a snorkeling excursion there. The Excelsior Vittoria has an elevator to take you directly from the lobby to the Bay of Naples.
More great ideas for kids on the Amalfi Coast including beaches, water sports and gelato!
5. Best Local Resident You Must Meet
Antonio Sersale, owner of Le Sirenuse, says you must meet Sergio Bella who helps run the restaurant Da Adolfo on Laurito Beach in Positano. Sergio is Adolfo Bella’s son. Read the family’s story on their website, then get to this tiny treasure and try their mozzarella grilled on lemon leaves.
More great locals you must meet including a sculptor, a cooking teacher and one of the best concierges on the coast.