First time on the Amalfi Coast?
Never tired of it?
Here you can find a list created by a local (me) of the 10 things to do when in Positano and the Amalfi Coast.
1. Path of the Gods: The path of the gods has been declared one of the most beautiful walks in Italy. There are several ways to do the hike but as a guide I suggest you to do it East to West, above all for the spectacular views.
2. Amalfi-Mills Valley, Paper Museum and pastries: The “Valle delle Ferriere” is one of the most interesting walks on the Amalfi Coast. Amalfi was a great Republic during medieval time and it was famous for the production of a luxury paper which is still produced nowadays. In the Valley it is possible to admire the old papermills surrounded by an incredible nature. Starting the hike from the village of Pontone could be the easiest way to walk in the Valley. The path could be slippery in some places so always remember to wear the right shoes and… don’t forget to bring your swimming suit and have a real refreshing bath into the River Canneto. Ending your walk into the paper Museum could be a good idea to discover how paper was created during the past and if you’re luky, you can personally create a sheet of paper. 1O minutes walking down from the museum you will reach the centre of Amalfi where an iscream or a pastry (I like eating sfogliatella at Bar Pansa) is waiting for you.
3. Ravello-Villa Cimbrone: maybe the most romantic place above the Amalfi Coast. Villa Cimbrone and its incredible gardens are considered the best example of the English botany culture in the South of Italy. Here, between roses and exotic plants, you can find beautiful decorative elements such as fountains, statues and small temples.
The most amazing view from the Villa is the Infinity Terrace, not recommended to those who are scared of heights. During the spring it is possible to admire amazing wild orchids.
4. Have a drink at la Brezza: After a boat tour and a day spent on the beach of Positano is nice to have an “aperitivo” at la Brezza. Their special 6 pm drink is with lots of delicious snacks. My favourite drink there is “Brezzito”… their special mojito variation, but korean love their lemon beer.
5.Positano: Lunch at Adolfo! Local people (and not only) love eating at Adolfo’s. The Restaurant is located in Lautiro beach, 10 minutes boating from the pier of Positano. You can arrive there with Adolfo’s boat (a “gozzo” with a sign of a red fish painted on wood) or by many steps from the district of Laurito (between Positano and Praiano). Adolfo is a place where you can have lots of fun and very good food. The waiters are nice, friendly and fast. My favourites at Adolfo: Grilled Mozzarella on lemon leaf, Zuppa di Cozze (mussels soup with tomato and garlic), Tuna Carpaccio, Grilled Mangialici (local fish) and Nino’s cakes (all good even if the best are croccantino and caprese). And…don’t forget to order their special Sangria!
6. Praiano: Sunbathing, dancing and drinking a spritz at the One fire. The One Fire Beach club is located in Praiano, on La Gavitella Beach. You can arrive there by lots (lots) of steps from the centre of Praiano or by a water taxi. From Positano it is possible to go there by a boat service twice a day. Here you have sun until 8pm so it is suggested to go after 2pm. The view is incredible: all along the coast until Capri Island! But the best thing is the welcoming of Piccoletto and all the One Fire staff: music, drinks, good food and lots of fun… it looks like Greece but you’re on the Amalfi Coast! That’s great! I love having a spritz at sunset here!
7.Shopping in Positano and a romantic walk : during the 60s Positano became popular for its fashion. The red and blue patchwork bandanas and hand painted the dresses with sunny colors which reminded the houses and the lemons of the coast became a must to have for fashionistas. Nowadays the local shops offer a great production of linen and cotton silk dresses which can be combined with a 30 minutes hand made pair of sandals. And after all that shopping… why not having a romantic walk to Fornillo beach trough via Positanesi d’America? The small path has been dedicated to locals who moved to the USA and it’s one of the most romantic walks in Positano, especially at 8pm.
8. Kayaking from Praiano to Positano: if you think spending a full day on the beach is boring and you would like to have a funny experience, I suggest you to contact Luca and Alberto from windsurf Praiano (http://www.windsurfpraiano.it/). You will love their friendly way to show you the hidden sites of the coast while kayaking to Positano.
9 .Boating and driving: do you know why the Amalfi Coast is so beautiful? Because you can admire it through different points of view. If you have enough time to do more than one excursion, I suggest you to do both a driving or a boat tour as you will love discovering new places.
10 .Counting the steps: do you have nothing to do? Why don’t you try to count all the steps you find around you? This was our favourite sport while kids… trust me! Walking up and down the steps is a sport!!!! and, guess what? Every time we counted the steps there was a different amount, so we never knew how many steps there were into a stair.
