Glow Guide to the Amalfi Coast
We are so excited to share what was truly the trip of a lifetime exploring the transcendent beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Check out the flawless itinerary that our favorite, most trusted travel agent, Two Nights In, created for us, along with our glowiest suggestions. We are so grateful to work with Justyna of Two Nights In, who totally embodies the definition of #glowtravel. If you are planning a trip, we can't recommend her services enough. Below is an outlined itinerary of our trip, which was nothing short of heavenly.
Fly into Naples - Pro tip:: have the taxi stop for some delicious Napolean pizza on the way from the airport to the ferry! **(go to either Pizzeria Di Matteo or L'Antica Pizzeria da
Stay:
J. K. Place: This is like staying in your chicest Italian friend's massive villa-- and we made ourselves right at home. Such a beautiful, well-designed, cozy interior with nooks for reading, lounging, playing backgammon and drinking wine. The hotel is perfectly located on the water, and the outdoor deck has the most exquisite sweeping view of the harbor where you can enjoy your insanely delicious breakfast every morning. The staff at J.K. is top notch. They are not only amazing concierge but feel like in-the-know friends that guide you along your journey. Wouldn't stay anywhere else in Capri... this is the one.
Eat / Drink:
Aurora- Perfect for a nice Italian meal. Delicious eggplant parm, pasta, and freshest branzino ever! Order the pizza, it is their signature dish.
Fontelina Beach Club: Sadly this was closed in October when we visited, but if you are in Capri during the summer, everyone has raved about Fontelina, saying that this place is a MUST. It gives us a reason to go back...(as if we needed one!)
Il Riccio: Above the blue grotto, a great place to have lunch and enjoy spectacular views.
Da Paolina: Enjoy a gorgeous setting under the lemon trees! Order pasta with lemon and fresh fish.
Make sure to take a boat ride to explore the beautiful grottos and bright blue water. If you can, splurge on a private boat-- this is extra special and romantic, and allows you to go at your own pace. This was definitely one of the most memorable experiences of our trip. Be sure to bring some vino and snacks to enjoy on your ride!
Shop:
Antonio Vida: Sweetest owner Antonio Vida and his sons run this legendary shop where they make custom sandals on the spot for customers. Great for both men and women-- you can choose from a variety of colors and styles to make your own.
Ferry to Positano
When your ferry pulls into the shore at Positano, your eyes will just about explode with excitement. This is hands down one of the most beautiful places in the world. Colorful buildings nestled into cascading mountains all towering over the beautiful blue sea. The view from just about anywhere in Positano is dramatic and mesmerizing!!
Stay:
Palazzo Murat: This hotel is an absolute gem. It is half the price of a few of the more "luxurious" hotels, and just as well-located and beautiful. The rooms are fantastic, especially in the historic section of the hotel, which Two Nights In requested for us. The view from our room was other-worldly and the beds were very comfy, which is not always the case in Italy!
Eat / Drink:
Casa e Bottega: This is most definitely a #glowspot!! Come here when you're ready for a break from your daily pizza/pasta routine. Fresh smoothies, juices, salads, sandwiches in a light, bright, happy setting.
Delicatessen: Some of our favorite meals, whether at home or traveling, are the simplest and most low key. We loved getting a fresh deli sandwich from this local deli/grocer. Design your own combination from their fresh selection of meats cheeses and produce. We loved our order: sesame roll with prosciutto, mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, olives and hot peppers, olive oil and vinegar. Take it down to the beach or find a perch to enjoy the view!!
Chez Black: This is a lively spot to have an Aperol spritz and some delicious Italian fare right on the beach.
Donna Rosa: Family-run restaurant way up at the top of Positano. It is an experience in itself just driving up there! They have a free car service that will pick you up from your hotel and take you home at the end of the night, which is amazing. This place feels like eating in grandma's living room. You can't go wrong ordering anything here, but the bolognese is a MUST.
Concha Del Sogno: Take the ferry to this dreamy beach club for a memorable lunch. Fresh seafood on the beach!!
Lo Scoglio: Take a boat here for the quintessential Amalfi Coast experience. Best.Lunch.Ever.
La Sireneuse: This is a gorgeous (and very expensive) hotel. If you aren't splurging on staying there, we would definitely recommend booking a reservation for lunch or dinner. The design is absolutely gorgeous and the food is worth the visit as well! Sunset is extra magical here.
Shop:
La Bottega di Brunella: Amazing store full of handmade linen, made in house!! Such sweet sales people... loved this spot and wanted so many items!!
Drive to Amalfi
*Stop at Il San Pietro Hotel, which is along the way, to see their gorgeous grounds.
Stay:
We stayed at Hotel Santa Caterina. This very old school hotel takes you back in time. The property is stunningly abundant with lemon groves, gardens and situated in a gorgeous location on the coast. We thoroughly enjoyed their decadent daily breakfast and found the service to be excellent. The room was very basic.
Eat / Drink:
Trattoria Da Gemma: This was one of the best meals of our trip! Sit at a table outside overlooking the bustle of the town of Amalfi below. The pasta was INCREDIBLE, as were the fresh anchovies that blew us away. Still dreaming about this meal!
Pasticceria Pansa: Stop here for a delicious cappuccino and one of their many delectable sweets!!
Drive to Ravello
*On the way, stop in the village of Atrani to walk through one of the most charming, tiniest villages in the world.
Ravello is so beautiful it doesn't even feel real. This was the highlight of our trip, and best saved for last. This is easily the most romantic place in the world... and the perfect place for a proposal (hint hint) and the most wonderful honeymoon destination. There is magic in the air in Ravello and you have to feel it to believe it.
Stay:
Palazzo Avino: Words can't begin to describe the magic of this hotel. The grounds here feel like a fairytale come to life! This is a bucket list destination if we've ever seen one. We would absolutely recommend requesting a room with a seaside view, as it is the most stunning view in the WORLD!!! They have a lovely spa with hot tub, steam and sauna open for your use throughout your stay and a beautiful breakfast.
Eat / Drink:
Mimi's Pizzeria: We loved this casual pizzeria so much that we ate lunch here two times during our short time in Ravello. The pizza is SO GOOD-- we ordered the prosciutto pizza and a large side salad... and a carafe of wine of course! Eat outside in their garden. Scrumptious and great service!
Cumpa Cosimo: Lively, casual, no frills and delicious! Get the house wine and the anchovies! The antipasto plate is delicious, as is the pasta!!
Wine and Drugs: We had the most generous, best wine tasting of our lives at this lovely little shop. The woman working was incredibly knowledgeable and poured us each about twenty full glasses of some extraordinarily special wines, most of which were on the more expensive side. We could not keep up!! Definitely come here after eating as you will need a little base in your stomach for the amazingness that is about to occur.
Belmond Hotel Caruso: Make sure to have one of their perfect cocktails at the bar at this beautiful high end hotel. They have very special grounds as well, so take some time to explore.
See:
Villa Cimbrone: Do not miss these majestic gardens! Such stunning views. You can get an iced cappuccino at a tiny cafe inside and enjoy it amongst the clouds while gazing over the sea.
Villa Rufulo: It is definitely worth walking through these gorgeous gardens. There is classical music playing out of hidden rock speakers, and it will transport you to another world!
Drive to Naples
Gotta tell you, Naples is very underrated!! This coastal city has so much to offer, and is one of the more affordable destinations out there. Not to mention, the food is really, really good. And obviously, the pizza alone is worth the trip. We stayed for a night at the end of our vacation and we were so happy we had some time to explore.
Stay:
Romeo Hotel: This hotel is super convenient and really cool! We booked the "wellness suite" which means that our hotel room had a gym, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. How glowy is that? It was the most perfect place to unwind and get ready for a looong flight back to LA. And the bed was perfection. They have an awesome rooftop pool with an impressive view of the water. They also have a few restaurants that looked really good, but we didn't get a chance to try them. The breakfast was perfect as well.
Eat:
Pizzeria Brandi: SO delicious. SO inexpensive. A winning combo!
50 Kalo Pizzeria: This is where are the cool kids in Naples are hanging out. The pizza is nothing short of amazing and the vibe is on point! Be prepared to wait and enjoy the people watching.