9 a.m. Take a stairway to heaven
To get from Sorrento to Amalfi, the perfect, and most picturesque, approach is by ferry (about an hour and a half, relying on stops, about €25). Near Amalfi’s harbor, its cathedral, known as Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea however identified extra popularly because the Duomo di Amalfi, dates to 987 however has been renovated a number of occasions over the centuries (entry €3). The Romanesque and Byzantine parts illustrate how the port city was related to different maritime powers throughout its heyday. In accordance with legend, for those who go up the steps (62 in complete) hand in hand with the particular person you like you gained’t find yourself marrying them. After testing the sacred website, return to the earthly realm with a cappuccino and cornetto on the beloved Pasticceria Pansa, a restaurant and bar beside the cathedral (€12 at a desk, €4 if you’re standing on the bar).
10 a.m. Hike a serene path
Above Amalfi, the Path of the Gods, a mountain climbing path with olive timber, vineyards and lemon groves hanging over the Mediterranean, is busy in excessive season. However the quieter, extra secluded, shaded and adjoining hike is the Valle delle Ferriere, which passes by the ruins of paper mills that was a primary supply of earnings right here. The complete three-hour-or-so loop additionally leads right into a nature reserve with stately poplars, and the picturesque medieval village of Pontone, however you’ll be able to edit your path to a shorter distance. After your hike, try Amalfi’s Museo della Carta, or the Paper Museum, in a Thirteenth-century mill and lovingly restored in 1971 with unique wood mauls and printing press on show (admission €3).
1 p.m. Go to a seaside basic
Jackie Kennedy put La Tonnarella, a easy however charming beachside restaurant that its house owners say she frequented, on the map in the course of the time she was falling in love with the area. It’s well worth the a whole lot of steps down from the quiet fishing village of Conca dei Marini, a couple of 10-minute taxi journey from Amalfi’s harbor (about €24 to €29; catch one from the stand). Dishes embody tiny fried calamari and spaghetti with recent lobster. Lunch for 2, with out wine, about €100.
5 p.m. Knock over the buying in a single cease
From Conca dei Marini, take the Sita Sud bus (about 25 minutes) to Positano, the epicenter of the Amalfi Coast’s buying: Ceramiche Casola has been creating handpainted plates and the like since 1925. The colourful plates value about €80 every and the shop can ship larger objects, like flowerpots, residence. Bottega di Brunella kimonos and clothes in silk and linen are designed and made proper on the town (the natural linen pants value €225). In the meantime at Safari Positano, handmade sandals (from €85) are available in nearly each mixture of color and style possible. After buying, reward your self with a cup from Buca di Bacco gelateria — attempt the Limone di Amalfi or strawberry (€5 for 2 flavors).
7 p.m. Eat, swim and lounge at an iconic resort
In a 1953 Harper’s Bazaar essay, John Steinbeck wrote of Positano as a small, distant fishing village with few guests. Now the city has sadly turn out to be fairly overrun, however Le Sirenuse has the identical legendary household possession as when Steinbeck visited it. Antonio and Carla Sersale hold the property each comfortingly acquainted however all the time up to date. One of many resort’s bars, Franco’s, is called after the beloved patriarch and is among the greatest locales for aperitivo (basic Negroni, €25). A brand new mosaic-tile art work, designed by Nicolas Party, was added to the resort’s much-photographed swimming pool in 2024. And this yr, Le Sirenuse launched a classy beach club in Nerano, 25 minutes away (open to nonguests). On the restaurant, La Sponda, a whole lot of candles on the terrace add to the romantic vibe, however the €160 minimal spend per particular person for nonguests is likely to be prohibitive. Aldo’s, additionally within the resort, is the extra informal choice (dinner for 2, about €160).
10 p.m. Dance in a cave
For these in search of a nightlife expertise in a cave overlooking the ocean, Music on the Rocks in Positano is open from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. day by day with V.I.P. cubicles and D.J.s enjoying all the things from the 70’s to Woman Gaga (entry €30 to €50, together with a drink). Golf equipment carved into the rocks appears to be an Amalfi signature: Il Pirata in Praiano, a city that’s one of many coast’s under-the-radar treasures, morphs from seaside membership and restaurant to a classy bar-lounge after hours till 1 a.m.. Attempt the Mr. Negroni Goes to the Coast, with housemade vermouth, Campari, Solaro Capri Gin and limoncello foam (€20).
