How To Plan A Dream Amalfi Coast Trip, According To Insiders
Whether you’re exploring the cinematic coastline by boat, car or foot, or drifting between vibrant boutiques, savoring delicacies and sipping cocktails alongside spectacular sunsets, the Amalfi Coast remains an iconic vacation destination. KATIE BERRINGTON asks insiders from five of the area’s most celebrated hotels to share their secrets for an Amalfi Coast experience like no other
Maurizio Orlacchio, general manager of the recently opened cliffside hotel Borgo Santandrea
My very favorite spot on the Amalfi Coast
“While the Amalfi Coast is celebrated worldwide for its scenery, few know about a fascinating place known as the Ferriere Valley. This erstwhile industrial hive of iron forges and paper mills is now a nature reserve – and home to a rare species of fern with roots dating back 65 million years. But for locals, the star attraction is its collection of waterfalls, which possess an ethereal, fairytale beauty. The treasures to admire during this hike through a majestic forest are countless.”
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience
“Head out on a traditional fishing boat and dive into the crystal-clear coves of Li Galli Islets, swim in the Furore Fjord, and have lunch in Nerano. If you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins…”
For the best views
“Standing on a rocky promontory that once housed the ruins of a Roman villa, the historic Villa Cimbrone and its gardens boast one of the most spectacular views of the entire Amalfi Coast. The main path is called Viale dell’Immenso and leads through the splendid park and gardens, where you can admire small temples, a pergola decorated with wisteria, and beautiful statues. At the end of the path, you will reach the famous viewpoint. It is called the Terrace of Infinity, because it feels like you are staring into the infinite, as your gaze gets lost in the blue waters below. Look out over the railing, decorated with a series of marble busts, and pause for a moment to admire the perfect view over the Gulf of Salerno.
“Also, Punta Campanella is an impressive strip of land between the Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast. It offers breathtaking views over the Gulf of Naples, Salerno, Mount Vesuvius and Capri. The charming nature of Punta Campanella has remained unchanged over the years, making it a quintessential spot to visit and an area of unblemished beauty.”
The local delicacies to try
“It’s very hard to rank them, but these are my must-eats: buffalo mozzarella from Agerola; colatura di alici (distilled anchovy oil) from Cetara (Delfino Battista); spaghetti alla Nerano; and the famous lemon pasticciotto from Amalfi’s Pansa Pasticceria.”
Something that only locals know…
“On the left side of Borgo Santandrea, looking towards Amalfi, exactly at the point where the promontory of the Monti Lattari slopes down to the sea, you can see the face of an old man with a bulbous nose and prominent chin lying down sleeping, and waking up every morning with the sunrise.”
Why is there such an enduring love for the Amalfi Coast?
“The Amalfi Coast is the Italian destination with it all: the perfect mix of beauty, breathtaking views and strategic mainland positioning with easy access to the Gulf of Naples, Capri and Ischia, and so much history.”
Imelda Shllaku, managing director of the new Hotel La Palma, on the island of Capri
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience
“Arrive to Capri by boat, glide into Marina Piccola, and spend the day between the glamour of La Palma Beach Club and an elegant dinner at Bianca Rooftop Carne & Crudo, the restaurant and lounge bar of Hotel La Palma. It’s the ultimate island dream.”
For the best views
“The most famous? From Punta Belvedere over the Faraglioni and Marina Piccola is iconic. The secret view? Punta Carena Lighthouse.”
What to eat and drink
“You must try a traditional Torta Caprese and La Palma Panettone all year round.”
Something that only the insiders know
“Capri locals escape the bustle by heading to La Palma Beach Club – it’s a stylish but relaxed hideaway that blends exclusivity and barefoot luxury.”
Why is there such an enduring love of the Amalfi Coast?
“Places such as Capri hold timeless beauty – the light, the sea, the effortless elegance… It’s not just a destination; it’s a feeling.”
Andrew Camera, manager of the panoramic Hotel Santa Caterina, just south of Amalfi town
My very favorite spot
“I love the clifftop hiking trail that is known as the Path of the Gods [and is easily accessible from the Hotel Santa Caterina], as well as the panoramic terrace at Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, and the Tramonti and Scala countryside.”
The once-in-a-lifetime experience
“Hire a private yacht to take you from Amalfi towards Positano and Capri. There’s no better way to truly experience the Amalfi Coast than on the water.”
The local delicacies
“Lemon cakes and sorbets – and limoncello…”
Something that only insiders know…
“Staying here, where local people make you feel at home away from home, is such an important part of truly experiencing la dolce vita.”
Bianca Sharma, of the 17th-century monastery turned majestic Monastero Santa Rosa, between Positano and Amalfi
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience
“Take a boat out for the day to enjoy swimming in the sea – the water here is more buoyant due to the salt content, so getting the chance to swim into a cliffside cave is exciting. Then, enjoy a long lunch at one of the many delectable waterside family-owned restaurants and a leisurely sail back to the port while the sun is still low in the sky.”
Where to eat and drink
“Of course, I must first brag about Monastero Santa Rosa’s own restaurant, il Refettorio, where chef Christoph Bob and his team create delicious local delights with a special creative twist.
“For a waterfront experience, my favorite is Lido Azzurro in Amalfi. For town life, I love Da Gemma. And for a lovely family-run experience with a modern approach to traditional Italian food, I adore La Taverna del Leone on the way to Positano from Monastero Santa Rosa – this is where the local Positanese eat, especially out of peak season. A local delicacy is the pezzogna [seabream] baked in a salt crust, and pasta with zucchini – everyone has their favorite way to prepare it, and they are all amazing.”
Where to shop
“Positano offers a really lovely shopping experience, with many locally produced linen and ceramic items. Monastero Santa Rosa guests can enjoy the local ferry ride from Amalfi to Positano to spend a delightful day there.”
Best spot in Monastero Santa Rosa
“On arrival, I always head straight to the entrance terrace to get a feel for the vibe, and to smell the wonderful scents that only seem to exist on the Amalfi Coast, especially at the Monastero. I often linger at the pool-café area after lunch. The air feels very special there under the pergola during a warm afternoon.”
Something only locals know…
“…are the very many hiking trails. Aside from the well-known Sentiero degli Dei [Path of the Gods], one that is well worth enjoying is the Valle delle Ferriere [Ironworks Valley]. It has an otherworldly, mythical feel; you would never know that you are so close to the sea.”
Why do we never fall out of love with the Amalfi Coast?
“The locals are so welcoming – hospitality seems to be woven into their DNA. Their friendliness sets the mood immediately and allows everyone to relax and find the contentment that may have gotten lost in busy life. Then, there is something about the sea air that makes me feel whole and energized.”
Antonio Sersale, of the storied and family-owned Le Sirenuse, in the heart of Positano
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience
“Wake up in a suite at Le Sirenuse, relax and enjoy breakfast on your terrace before heading to the spa for a massage. Make your way down to the pier, where you’ll find a boat with a red fish sign, which will take you to Da Adolfo restaurant. Enjoy a spectacular lunch and relax on the beach. Just before sunset, the glamorous Riva Aquarama Special boat will pick you up from the main beach for an evening excursion around the Amalfi Coast and Capri. Back at Le Sirenuse, an aperitivo at Aldo’s bar, followed by dinner at La Sponda, will complete this fabulous experience.”
Best spot in Le Sirenuse
“Franco’s Bar. There is an energy here that is felt by all, bringing joy and laughter – both things that my father loved in his life.”
Where to eat and drink
“Zuppa di cozze at Da Adolfo; a club sandwich at Le Sirenuse; pasta alle zucchine at Lo Scoglio; and a Dipinto di Blu at Franco’s Bar.”
Something only locals know…
“There is a secret freshwater cave along the coastline with a tiny entrance. The water is totally pure, drinkable and full of natural minerals and vitamins. We often go for a dip but pretend it does not exist to avoid word getting out to too many people!”
Why do we never fall out of love with the Amalfi Coast?
“Authentic Southern Italian hospitality and charm; the geological wonder of the cliffs precipitating down into the crystal-clear Tyrrhenian Sea; the houses stacked vertically on top of one another; and the maze of staircases that criss-cross the towns.”
Mariella Avino, of the Palazzo Avino – known locally as the ‘Pink Palace’ – in Ravello
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience
“Venture on one of the special walking tours: my favorite is the Path of Gods. You get to see perspectives and corners of the coast that are unique and unforgettable.”
Where to eat and drink
“The Amalfi Coast is also about unique flavors. A Lemon Drop Martini from the Lobster and Martini Bar at Palazzo Avino is a must – we use sfusato Amalfitano lemons to make it refreshing and delicious.
“When it comes to my second love, our Palazzo Avino pizza served at the Clubhouse by the Sea is very tasty. Ingredients include fresh yellow cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, burrata, basil, anchovies from Cetara [in Campania] and sfusato lemon zest.”
Best spot in Palazzo Avino
“The rooftop solarium holds a special place in my heart. It is the highest point of the property and you have an open bird’s-eye view of the beautiful coastline. From there, you can just hear the sound of birdsong and you feel closer to the sky than the sea. It’s pure magic at sunset.”
Why do we never fall out of love with the Amalfi Coast?
“The Amalfi Coast is lost in time – it is still the way it was many years ago and offers that connection with tradition and authenticity that every curious soul is looking for.”
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown