PACK IT UP
Since the towns and regions of Italy were part of our Mediterranean cruise tour, we packed for the cool summer temperatures when at sea and on land. It was windy on the Amalfi Coast since it was entirely all cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, so my husband and I made sure to bring a light jacket along with our shorts, light shirts, and dresses. Even though we had a car thanks to our hired driver, there was a bit of walking involved with curvy steep hills, so comfortable shoes are a must!
Quick Tip: Even if you're not a photographer, bring a camera! The views are breathtaking and memorable. I ended up making large format prints to decorate our home and am so glad that I didn't leave the camera on the cruise ship that day.
TRAVELING BY CAR
While Naples/Amalfi Coast was just one stop, it was worth every penny to hire a private driver to take us (two others couples and my Mom also went) into Positano, Sorrento, and Ravello from the Naples Cruise Port. Winding around the cliffs and overlooks, the drive alone is a beautiful one.
Right before Positano, we stopped at one little fruit stand for fresh lemonade and just paused to look at the oceanview and coastline. Known for their famous ceramics, the Amalfi Coast's beauty never stopped even in town. From pitchers to trivets to kitchen decor, perfectly glaze-painted pottery was everywhere. The worst thing you'll have to deal with is what to bring home with you! (One of the shops I went into even offers shipping services so you don't have to figure out how to get it home in your suitcase! I didn't take advantage of it though and decided to hand-carry my trinkets.)
Quick Tip: Most of the Amalfi Coast shops accept credit cards, but cash definitely is recommended since foreign exchange rates can vary and some can charge additional fees of their own.
CARVED PORTRAITS
Located in center of Ravello, there is a shop named Cameo Factory and Museo del Corallo. Before we left Virginia, I had done a bit of preliminary research and wanted to go to the place that still hand-carved timeless cameos by a man named Giorgio Filocamo. For more than 30 years, Giorgio has created these mini works of art out of shells and coral, and they've attracted the attention of the everyday tourist as well as the celebrity.
Once inside the shop, cameos of all shapes, sizes, and colors lined the little workshop's display cases. There were earrings, brooches, pendants, rings, and bracelets, and after awhile, I finally chose a medium-sized dusty blue cameo brooch before we headed out back down the coast to our cruise ship. (Years later, I ended up using my cameo in a mini-photo shoot to commemorate my wedding anniversary!)
LOCAL EATS
From the freshly squeezed juices to the sweet smell of lemon groves all over the Amalfi Coast, we knew that the Restaurant Costa Diva that our driver recommended for lunch would be good. And it did not disappoint. With a short idyllic walk down some stairs, the restaurant is built into the cliff overlooking the Mediterranean... with lemon trees growing over walkways. Food with a view is an understatement!
The menu was written in both English and Italian and had a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes, but I was most excited when the server said they had gluten-free pasta. In the land of all things wheat, I was really nervous going anywhere in Italy, but I learned very early on in our trip that would be the least of my concerns. I ordered the Paccheri alla Caprese (housemade pasta with mozzarella cheese and tomatoes) as my main dish (though it was technically supposed to be meant as an appetizer!), and it was divine. There are no tomatoes in the world like those grown in Italy. I still dream about that simple tomato sauce.
The Amalfi Coast will steal your heart and teach you the art of nature's beauty... and it is the perfect place for a honeymoon or week long couple's getaway. While my husband and I only got the appetizer of a day trip, we cannot wait to go back for a more extended stay.
- Chelsea
VENDOR CREDITS
Photography: Chelsea LaVere
