Italy has always been a popular tourist destination, but recently the Amalfi Coast has gained attention from beach lovers and historians alike. If you’re interested in learning more about this future bucket list endeavor, scroll down for more information.
The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is Capodichino, or the Naples International Airport, in Naples, Italy. Contrary to popular belief, there are affordable flights to Italy but they’re not going to be direct from NYC. United Airlines has some awesome deals through EWR that typically stop in Germany. When traveling in Italy, you can take the train, known as the Circumvesuviana. But, be wary, the train isn’t the most reliable option; you need to be aware of your surroundings. Instead, the best option would be purchasing tickets for a bus.
The coast is full of little cities and towns that will appeal to every member of your family. The main cities worth visiting are Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, and Capri.
The first stop on this coastal tour is Naples. Naples is known for its pizza! The famous Margherita pizza was created in this city. The popular pizza was made for Queen Margherita of Savoia and represents the Italian flag’s colors. Naples is full of love and history. For the history buffs, definitely take the underground tour of Naples, which leads you through the forts used during the war. The foodies should definitely eat their way through this cultural city, it doesn’t get better than Naples! For those interested in hiking or archeology, take a day to hike (or take the bus) to the top of Mount Vesuvius – an active volcano near Naples.
The second stop is Pompeii. This city was destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Pompeii is an ancient city in ruins, but it’s absolutely worth the visit. Take a guided tour and travel back in time to the height of the Roman Empire.
The third stop is Sorrento, a livelier city than Pompeii. Sorrento is known for its lemon gelato and summer ambiance. The city is full of lights and people strolling the streets. Luckily, the beach is very close, and most hotels have access to transportation for their guests to access the beach. A famous gelato shop, Primavera, is plastered with pictures of celebrities who have visited the local spot.
If you can’t stay in Sorrento and/or want to experience life as a local, spend some time in Vico Equense. This is the optional fourth stop. Vico Equense is a little city with so much to offer! It’s accessible by Circumvesuviana (train) and is very quaint. It has a square, or piazza, with four cafes that turn into bars at night. The beach is a walkable distance, but there are also buses that can take you. Hotels, like the Astoria, are in a prime location and have a beachy ambiance. Well-known eateries like Pizza A Metro and Gabriele’s Gelateria are definitely worth the visit!
The fifth stop is Positano, another city made increasingly famous by Instagram. This is THE picturesque city of the Amalfi Coast. It boasts villas, little stores built on hills, and to top it all off…the beaches are luxurious! But a heads up: this city has a lot of walking, as it’s closed off to cars. The sixth stop is Amalfi, a cute city tucked into the coast of Italy. The streets consist of little alleyways that are full of life and souvenirs! The beach is beautiful, though a bit crowded. And as expected, the food is amazing. This city is perfect for those who want to shop while seeing beautiful churches and beaches. The last stop on this coastal tour should be Capri, the island of your dreams. It’s breathtakingly beautiful crystal blue waters and bright sun will mesmerize you. This is where celebrities like to vacation. You should definitely visit the Blue Grotto, where little boats lead you into a cave that turns a mystical blue. It’s incredible and totally worth the small fee. Capri is also full of expensive jewelers, and little coffee shops for your afternoon espresso stop. Italy has so much to offer, so take advantage! This coast stretches through the region of Campania, offering sights you’ll lust over. So, create a Pinterest board for summer and plan a much-needed vacation eating, drinking, sightseeing, and relaxing on a Mediterranean beach!