THE MAGIC OF AMALFI - POSITANO- SORRENTO and CAPRI

Your Ultimate Guide to AMALFI COAST luxury hotels, restaurants and places to explore.

Italy…..is there anything more romantic than the thought of strolling through the streets of Amalfi and smelling the scent of beautiful flowers while you’re surrounded by lemon trees. Amalfi is like no where else in the world! It’s MAGICAL!

If you thinking of planning a trip to Italy and searching for the perfect itinerary, filled with luxury hotels, unforgivable activities, scenic views of the ocean, mountains and of course mouthwatertravel, italy, amalfi, Sorrento, positano ing cuisine…..You have come to the right blog!

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AMALFI

If you are searching for the most romantic, breathtaking and relaxing hotel in Amalfi; You have to stay at Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa. This 17th-century monastery now converted to a luxury 5-star hotel, offers an infinity pool that overlooks the cliff of Amalfi and direct view of the ocean.

As you walk into the hotel, they welcome you with a delicious lemonade made fresh from the Amalfi lemons. The concierge has you put down your luggage and begins to give you a tour of the 20 room monastery, sharing the history behind the beauty. It was originally owned by Sister Rosa Pandolfi, a descendant of the noble family Pontone di Scala. In 1681, the convert was dedicated to St. Rose of Lima. In the late 1800s, the religious establishment was removed following a law of eviction, although they still allowed the nuns to live out their lives on the beautiful property. In 1924 the hotel was acquired by a hotelier and who made it into a hotel until he passed away and once again the property was left unaccompanied. In 2000 a woman was on a boat excursion and admired the monastery from the ocean, viewing it up on the cliff. She later acquired the hotel and began to restore its magnificent features.

Have lunch sitting pool side or explore Amalfi. There is so much to see and do only a small proximity to the hotel.

Dinner is defiantly worth having at the hotel. The ambiance at night is romantic and cozy. The cuisine is mouthwatering and the wine is perfectly paired.

POSITANO

Roughly a 40 mins drive from Amalfi, depending on the traffic and how quick you can drive on the twists and turns of Amalfi Coast's one of a kind streets, is Positano. The most sought after place on the Amalfi Coast due to its popularity from travel photos. You will find yourself stopping many times on this drive and even driving slower than expected, just to take in the scenic oceanside views.

Once in Positano, get ready for a leg workout like never before. Exploring Positano is challenging by car because there are many things to see, that can only be reached by foot and parking is difficult. There are two ways to walk around; you can either walk along the street path that is spiraled up or down, depending where you want to go or you can take the hidden stairs that are located behind most restaurants, hotels and homes. The stairs will take you vertically from the beach to the top of the mountain. I stayed at the top of the mountain in a beautiful modern 5-star hotel called Villa Franca. The view from its rooftop pool terrace is unforgettable. Arguably, one of the best views you can have of Positano.

There are so many amazing restaurants and linen shops, handmade ceramics and gift shops that I prefer not to choose one. I advise you take the day to just explore for yourself and see what you find!

If you are into art, there are many creative art pieces around the hotels and restaurants as well as the shops. There are scattered art galleries throughout the streets.

There is one place that is a must! It is on your way to Sorrento from Positano. An older gentleman has a fruit and vegetable stand on the side of the street on the left side overlooking the ocean. He barely speaks English and he will probably over charge you, but the experience of meeting him and tasting his delicious fresh fruits and vegetables is worth it! Especially if you are a lemon lover, his Amalfi lemons are bigger than your head.

SORRENTO

Sorrento is a 40 min drive from Positano. It faces the bay of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula. It is where Sophia Loren filmed Scandal in Sorrento. As you walk through the streets, you will find gift shops and leather stores that have the softest leather you have ever felt. It is high-end luxury quality for not nearly the cost you would pay for designer brands.

From Sorrento you will be able to get a ferry to Capri. The ride is about 20-30 mins. It is a peaceful transport on the ocean with magnificent views of the Amalfi Coast.

CAPRI

Capri is divided into two parts - Anacapri which is more high end and Carpi. Both areas are spectacular for different reasons. If you are staying in Ana Capri I would recommend the 5-star hotel, Capri Palace. It is located walking distance to all the shops and restaurants.

When you arrive at the hotel, they ask you to please take sometime to enjoy the hotel amenities while they complete setting up your room. At first you might feel somewhat anxious to check in to your room, but the experience they are planning is something you would never expect. They assess your clothing size without you knowing and when you finally are escorted to your room, you find a transparent dresser filled with clothes your size to try on and purchase if you like it. GENIUS SALES TECHNIQUE! The room was spacious and felt like I was in a modern day palace. All white with a few blue accents and traditional Italian hand painted tile.

Once settled in, go explore AnaCapri just steps outside your hotel. There are many shops and restaurants that are filled with Italian taste and style. We had lunch two days in a row at Le Arcate because the food was that delicious!

On our second day we took advantage of the transportation provided by the hotel to visit their "beach club." The club is not exactly on the beach, it has lounge chairs to relax in the sun and sea air, but it is actually perched on a rocky cliff that overlooks the ocean and well-known blue grotto.

For dinner we ate at a quaint place that is hidden within lemon trees. It is called La Zagara restaurant and wine bar. It is romantic, tranquil and intimate.