In 2021, we organized our first tour of the Amalfi Coast, and we were so impressed by the places that we made sure to organize one every year since. We enjoyed an incredible experience exploring some of Italy’s most stunning destinations.

In this article, we will present the beautiful locations we visited on our tour, the experiences we had, and some tips for those of you planning to visit these locations. If you choose to travel independently, we hope our advice will be useful.

Naples

The tour of the beautiful region of Italy began in Naples, the birthplace of the famous Pizza. The city’s name comes from the word “Neapolis,” meaning “new city.” Naples is a place where notable figures such as Giotto, Rossini, Boccaccio, and Petrarch spent part of their lives. It is also home to the oldest university, founded in the 13th century by Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire, which is one of the earliest universities in the world and the oldest secular one.

Our first stop in Naples was the renowned Archaeological Museum, where we were amazed by the beautiful sculptures and artifacts on display, as well as the museum’s stunning interior and exterior design.

Besides the marvelous exhibits, the museum’s interior is designed to make you appreciate not just the grand and beautiful sculptures, but also the surroundings you find yourself in.

Our visit in Naples continued with a stroll through its streets, where we admired the unique narrow alleyways, lined with buildings in various colors.

We also took in the beautiful Galleria Umberto I, the well-known Teatro San Carlo, the port, the distant Castel Nuovo, and the beautifully positioned buildings on the hill, which we admired while walking through Piazza del Plebiscito.

If you find yourself in Naples, be sure to visit Castel Nuovo and Castel dell’Ovo, and make sure to take a meal break at Pizzeria Sorbillo, which is said to serve some of the best pizza in Naples. Although we didn’t make it this time, we’ll definitely go next time.

Pompeii

Pompeii was the main attraction of the second day of our tour.

Pompeii was a Roman city located near Naples. Once a beautiful city, it was destroyed and buried under ash due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24, 79 AD. Interestingly, the eruption occurred just one day after a festival called Vulcania, dedicated to the god Vulcanus. The ancient city was discovered in 1748, after another city, Herculaneum, had been uncovered from the same eruption.

Today, Pompeii is one of Italy’s most significant attractions, and we had the opportunity to visit this famous site.

It’s truly impressive to walk through the streets of this city, knowing that hundreds of years ago people lived here and reflecting on the tragic event that befell them.

You can admire spaces that were once the homes of locals, winding streets, and villas that belonged to prominent political figures or wealthy individuals.

You can also admire the Colosseum, where gladiatorial games and public spectacles were once held. The view of Mount Vesuvius, visible from certain parts of the city, is truly impressive. Some walls of the houses still bear inscriptions and drawings. It’s absolutely astonishing how this city reveals details about urban life during the peak of the Roman Empire.

A truly spectacular place that should not be missed if you visit Pompeii is the “Orto dei Fuggiassi,” where you can see the casts of 13 victims caught in the eruption of the volcano.

Pompeii was the last destination before we headed to the beautiful Amalfi Coast.

Sorrento

In Sorrento, we stayed and explored the stunning destinations in the surrounding area, while also enjoying the beauty of this city in the Naples province.

Sorrento is a charming city that we had the opportunity to visit daily because we chose to stay here. The city is especially enchanting at night when it is lively and bustling. It boasts a multitude of elegant restaurants and hotels, some of which offer incredible views of the city and the harbor, as they are perched on cliffs.

One impressive restaurant where we dined one evening is called Belair. It is a hotel, but it also welcomes diners who are not staying there. The view we enjoyed during dinner left us speechless.

This city is also splendid during the day, thanks to the beaches on piers, which allow for easy access to the water.

What makes this city truly special in the Campania region are the cliffside buildings and the fact that to travel from the port to the city center, you either take a lift or climb a beautiful staircase, from which you can admire the yachts moored in the Sorrento harbor.

Sorrento is considered the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and serves as the starting point for reaching any of the amazing destinations along the coast.

Positano & Amalfi

The next two days of our Amalfi Coast tour were spent in Positano and Amalfi. We visited Positano on both days, while we explored Amalfi on just one day.

On the first day, we arrived in Positano by coach, but we suggest traveling by boat or car instead, as the scenery becomes even more breathtaking as you approach the beautiful town. Although we were able to admire the Coast’s beauty from the coach, traveling by car allows for even better views and the opportunity to stop for photos.

Our first reaction when we got off the coach was one of awe as we saw the beautifully colored houses stretching along the coast. It was a bit of a descent to reach Positano, but the walk was worth it, as the vividly colored buildings became closer and closer.

As soon as we entered the town, the famous image of Positano, with its multicolored buildings creating a triangular appearance, began to take shape. Naturally, the first thing we did was head to the end of the famous Spiaggia Grande beach, where we were able to admire the stunning view of Positano.

A splendid view of the city can be admired from a higher vantage point, whether from a rooftop terrace, a hotel terrace, or simply by climbing the stairs next to Spiaggia Grande. These stairs also lead to Hotel Le Sirenuse, which is renowned for its breathtaking panorama of the city.

The walk through the narrow streets of Positano left a lasting impression on us, along with the charming shops on every corner, the quintessential Italian taverns, and the peaceful, cheerful people strolling through the winding alleys—some coming from the beach, others elegantly dressed, likely heading to one of the town’s upscale restaurants. Every time we emerged from the narrow streets or reached a higher point in the city, we were greeted with the breathtaking views that make Positano so enchanting.

However, it’s important to note that Positano is not just about the iconic image that symbolizes the city. It’s also about the atmosphere and the feeling it evokes, making you feel like a character in a beautiful love story.

One important thing to note is that some restaurants and rooftop terraces open only at 7 PM, and most terraces and restaurants are open only until 3 PM, closing until 7 PM.

We chose Rada Bistro, which is located right by the main beach and offers a wonderful view from any seat. The food was excellent, and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. Rada also has a rooftop terrace, but it was not open at midday when we visited. The view from the terrace by the beach was delightful, and it was a true pleasure to have lunch in such a beautiful setting.

A cruise to Positano and Amalfi

Our first stop was in Amalfi, the town that gives its name to the coast. We enjoyed a lovely stroll through the town and visited the stunning cathedral located in the city center.

Amalfi, and indeed the entire coast, is renowned for its Limoncello and other lemon-based dishes. Lemons are also a symbol of Amalfi and are featured on a variety of souvenirs, from clothing and accessories to magnets. You’ll find many lemon-flavored dishes and drinks. We tried a particularly interesting combination both in appearance and taste.

If you visit Amalfi, it’s worth taking advantage of the local specialties and be sure to leave with a bottle of Limoncello, which you can find at every stall and shop.

After a few hours of exploring Amalfi, we returned to the boat to head to Positano, where we would spend the rest of the day.

Positano

We spent this beautiful day in Positano lounging on the beach and strolling through the enchanting town, which felt like it had been lifted straight from a fairy tale. From any spot on the beach, the view is stunning. The cost for a sunbed starts at €35.

Spiaggia Grande is the most popular beach in Positano, precisely because it offers this magnificent view of the town from any angle, including from the water. Swimming while taking in such beautiful scenery is a wonderful experience. Other nearby beaches include Arienzo Beach, La Scogliera, and One Fire Beach in Praiano, which can be reached by a boat service from Positano, taking about 10 minutes.

The Amalfi Coast is an area with places that seem straight out of a storybook. On this trip, we only managed to visit Positano and Amalfi due to our limited time. However, we plan to include Ravello, Maiori, Praiano, Atrani, Minori, and Furore in future Amalfi Coast tours. This circuit will be dedicated specifically to this region of the coast, with Positano included, as it truly impressed us with its charm.

An activity not to be missed in this beautiful part of Italy is renting a boat at sunset. Most boat rental services offer special sunset cruises. We took a boat back to Sorrento and enjoyed a spectacular sunset. Watching the sun set over the sea from a boat is a magical experience.

Capri Island

And so we arrive at the final stunning destination in the Campania region—a place beloved by many renowned personalities from around the world. This is a destination that inspired Frank Sinatra, who composed the song titled “Isle of Capri.”

From Sorrento, we took a boat to the Marina Grande port in Capri, and then transferred to a special boat to explore and admire the stunning island from the sea. The first thing you should do when you arrive in Capri is to take a boat tour. Unfortunately, even photographs cannot capture the beauty of this place or fully convey the emotions we felt as we realized the wonders before us.

The boat took us through dramatic cliffs and into the famous caves of the island, such as the Grotta Bianca. We admired the luxurious villas of celebrities like Armani, Sophia Loren, Pirelli, Swarovski, Donatella Versace, and Curzio Malaparte. We marveled at the numerous yachts owned by millionaires, each more spectacular and opulent than the last. We also enjoyed views of the beautiful Marina Piccola beach, where a sunbed costs €35 and anyone can spend a day on this gorgeous beach.

In addition to Marina Piccola, Capri is home to several other famous beaches and coves:

Cala del Limmo: A serene and secluded beach perfect for those seeking tranquility away from the crowds.

Bagni Tiberio: A small, picturesque beach near the ruins of a Roman villa, accessible by boat or a scenic walk.

La Fontelina: Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and excellent seafood restaurant, it’s a popular spot for a luxurious beach experience.

Il Faro: Located near the lighthouse, it offers stunning views and a more relaxed atmosphere.

After circling the island by boat, we ascended to the highest town, Anacapri, which can be reached by climbing the 921 steps on foot or taking the cable car. We chose the cable car.

Anacapri is filled with shops, hotels, and terraces, and it’s a true pleasure to stroll through its narrow streets, whose charm has even impressed Sophia Loren. The views you can admire after descending from the cable car are breathtaking. As the highest town on Capri, there are various spots that offer splendid views of the island.

One notable place with a superb view is Le Monzu, a restaurant known for its fantastic setting and delicious cuisine, offering an exceptional view of the most famous hotel in Capri, Punta Tragara.

Other famous restaurants in Capri frequented by celebrities include:

• La Capannina: A renowned restaurant offering a delightful dining experience with fantastic views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
• Ristorante Il Riccio: Known for its exquisite seafood and stunning views of the Faraglioni rocks, it’s a favorite among celebrities.
• Da Paolino: Famous for its lemon grove setting and traditional Capri dishes, it provides a unique and charming dining experience.
• L’Olivo: Located at the Capri Palace Hotel, it is known for its elegant ambiance and gourmet cuisine, attracting a sophisticated clientele.

Anacapri offers not only fantastic views but also a delightful mix of dining and shopping experiences, making it a must-visit on your Capri adventure.

An absolutely stunning place worth visiting is the Gardens of Augustus, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the iconic Faraglioni rocks. These gardens, with their beautifully maintained plants and enchanting landscapes, provide an unforgettable panorama of the coast and Capri’s famous sea stacks.

Another must-see is the Villa of Tiberius, the residence of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. Although now a ruin, the site where the emperor’s villa once stood offers breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into ancient architecture. The location provides an extraordinary perspective on the island’s landscape and the historical grandeur of the former imperial residence.

The experience of the Amalfi Coast circuit is one we will certainly not forget anytime soon, and we are already thinking about future routes in this beautiful region. To stay updated on upcoming circuits, we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter on our website and follow us on social media, where we regularly post about future projects and past circuit experiences. You can also check out experiences from completed routes on our website under the “Completed Circuits” section.