I have been lucky enough to visit the Amalfi Coast a few times during my travels and I can honestly say that it is worth the hype. It is the perfect place to visit if you want an Italian vacation with a mix of a relaxing getaway.
As you can see below, I have visited 3 different parts of Amalfi including: Sorrento, Positano, & Capri. The best way to get to the Amalfi Coast is to either fly into Naples and take public transportation or just drive to Sorrento from Rome. You get to Positano and Capri by boat (you could technically drive to Positano but I do not recommend as it is not an easy drive).
There are cheaper ways to stay in these locations through hostels/cheaper hotels like Sisters or Seven. I personally have not stayed anywhere else, but if you want a luxurious feeling vacation then I would opt for a different hotel.
*I added an astrics next to my favorites.
Sorrento: Sorrento is about an hour south of Naples and the place I recommend visiting first. You can get around Sorrento by walking, taking a cab, or using the train.
You can stay in Sorrento and take boats to/from both Capri & Positano. The main port is called Marina Grande and I used Lucibello boats to get to the other ports.
I also highly recommend to catch a few sunsets while you're here. I've never seen a purple sky like this.
*Antico Bagno Nettuno: A beautiful ocean-side restaurant. Amazing seafood dishes and the best view you could get - definitely sit outside.
*Il Leone Rosso: A popular restaurant we would visit every time we're in Sorrento. Great service, awesome food. Called the "Red Lion" in English.
English Inn Pub: Great spot to grab a drink in a central area. We usually go to the roof and it's a lot of fun. Honestly perfect to either start or end your evening.
Limoncello: Italian lemon liqueur mainly produced in Southern Italy, around the coast of Amalfi. You will find this all over the island, and I highly recommend trying. It's very unique.
Kebab Ciampa: A place to get a kebab, which is good for a quick meal. This is located near a bunch of shops downtown and I highly recommend walking around and seeing what you find.
Other restaurants I haven't been to but my friends LOVE:
Meating Sorrento: Known for their steaks. I also heard that their pizza rolls, lemon pasta, and blue cheese/bacon pasta are great as well.
Tasso: Another very popular spot.
Artis Domus: A restaurant and hotel. I've heard that this place is very delicious.
Positano: This is the island that is the face of the Amalfi Coast - you know.. the one with the houses up the side of the mountain? Pulling up to Positano is truly magical every time.
The best way to get around Positano is by walking.
*Vini e Panini: After a nice long relaxing afternoon on the most perfect beach you'll ever experience, go on over to Vini e Panini and get an amazing made-to-order FRESH sandwich. so many options to choose from and so delicious.
Ristorante Pizzeria Tasso: Another local hit that many of my friends love.
Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta: The beautiful church located right near Vini e Panini.
Capri: Yes, like Capri Sun only it's actually pronounced like Copri. A great place for views & shopping.
The best way to get around Capri is by walking.
*Blue Grotto: Theres no way you haven't seen or heard of the Blue Grotto - one of the most famous destinations in the world. You go out to sea along the coast and then get into a smaller boat that takes you into the Blue Grotto (which can only be entered through a small hole). Once inside, you are immersed in the beauty of the blue color and sounds of the echoing voices. You only stay in the Blue Grotto for about 10 minutes but its extremely captivating and you won't want to leave. You have to purchase tickets way in advance online - and be prepared for the weather to effect your experience. If the water is too high, then you will not be allowed to enter.
*Tunnel of Love/Love Arch: An absolute MUST. Book a boat tour and cruise around the island. On the east side of the Isle of Capri is a formation of sea rocks called the Faraglioni. Through one of these rocks is a tunnel, which has been dubbed 'The Tunnel of Love'. You will definitely recognize it. I linked various tours that you could take.
*Handmade Sandals: There are various places to get handmade sandals on the island of Capri so I will leave it up to you. I got a pair in high school but do not remember the name of the store. They are anywhere from $70 - $150 - but make sure you have enough time to watch them make the sandals because thats part of the experience. If you don't have time - then they have a bunch on display that you can purchase.
*Anacapri: The prefix Ana means "up" or "above" which indicates that this spot is the higher part of the Capri island. A few of my rec's are below.
*Monte Solaro: A mountain on the island of Capri, and the highest point. You take the chairlift up the mountain (a few dollars) & it's genuinely one of the best parts of the entire island.
*D'Angiola Gioielli Since 1967: The cutest handmade jewelry store on the corner of a road right near the Le Arcarte Restaurant. A father and son own it and you will most likely meet them. I bought a ring and will definitely be buying more when I visit again. They also have great coral jewelry (Capri is famous for coral).
Le Arcate: A true Italian restaurant. You have to get the lemon pasta with shrimp!
il Buco: A known restaurant on top of a gelato shop that is next to chairlift.
La Terrazza di Lucullo: I have heard the pizza here is awesome! Great view as well.
Granita: A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water and various flavorings. There are various granita stands on the island but my favorite sells a lemon orange granita. Unfortunately, this stand does not have a name but it is on the way up to Anacapri. As you enjoy the refreshing treat, you get a view of the entire lower island.
Pompeii:
Pompeii Ruins: I 100% recommend purchasing tickets online prior to your arrival. You will definitely want to join a tour, as its easy to get lost within the ruins AND have no idea what you're looking at. You can purchase a tour guide or a headset to listen to. I do not think you need to spend hours within the ruins, as it is very hot most of the year (bring water + sunscreen) and may not be super interesting to some. Definitely great to see and I recommend, but don't plan an entire day there unless you are really into history. Pompeii is pretty much just the ruins and some souvenir shopping.
Pompeii Pizzeria: Unfortunately, I could not find a website for this establishment but it is right on the corner of the entrance/exit to the ruins. It was a good bite to grab and they have many options.
Other places I haven't been to but plan on going:
Maya Beach Experience near Sorrento: Amazing food & views - what else do you need? Located near Sorrento.
Da Gelsomina: A Restaurant in Capri. It’s on the other side of Monte Solaro, but if you call ahead they’ll arrange a complimentary ride to pick you up from anywhere on the island and drive you back afterward. I heard that the food is amazing and the views are insane.
Ravello: Heard it is a super cute little town. It has a huge beautiful garden that allows you to see Amalfi and Positano.
Procida: A tiny island near Ischia.
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