Italy’s Amalfi Coast has been a favorite respite among well-heeled and celebrity tourists—Jennifer Lopez has professed her love for the region. But to others, like Mario Staiano, the scenic stretch of glittering coastline has always been home.
“I may be a local, but I never stop appreciating what a magical place the Amalfi Coast is and all the gems that are here,” says Staiano, the co-founder of the Naples- and Capri-based travel company Privilege Italia. Along with his cousin and business partner Francesco Staiano, he has fashioned his career on sharing his love for the Amalfi Coast with visitors to the area. Given its popularity, Staiano says that travelers run the risk of following the masses by sticking to mainstay attractions, but there’s far more to see and do beyond what travel guides say.
Staiano shared some of his top spots on the Amalfi Coast with Penta.
Stay
There are so many fantastic hotels on the Amalfi Coast, and most are still run by the same families who opened them.
My favorites are Hotel Santa Caterina, which is built on the side of a cliff in the town of Amalfi. The staff takes care of guests in an incomparable way and with such warmth that’s difficult to find anywhere else. Then there’s Borgo Santandrea, the new gem of the Amalfi Coast. It’s a game changer with its private beach and amazing design. I also love the glorious Villa Tre Ville in Positano, where the opera director Franco Zeffirelli lived for more than 30 years. The produce gardens are incredible and guarantee delicious meals.
Explore Lesser-Known Towns
Everyone goes to Ravello, the town of Amalfi, and Positano, but there are so many other little cities and villages. An example is Tramonti, with its wineries—you’ll find whites, reds, and roses. Also, the fisherman’s village Cetara where you have to try the local anchovies that are brined in olive oil. And few people are aware that the Amalfi Coast is full of little fjords that are fun to kayak through all year long. Examples include Puolo and the Bay of Ieranto.
Eat
In Amalfi, don’t miss the best pastry and ice cream shop Pansa. The other place to try for ice cream is Sal De Riso in Minori, which is especially famous for its Delizia al Limone [or Lemon Delight cake].
For restaurants, my favorites are Lido Azzurro located in Amalfi. Whatever seafood you order, you can’t go wrong—I always get spaghetti with clams. Other spots for fresh fish include Acquapazza in Cetara, Ristorante La Tonnarella in Conca dei Marini, and Lo Scoglio for lunch. You get there by boat and should plan to stay for at least two hours, though most diners stay for half a day eating and drinking through the afternoon.
For a Michelin-starred experience, Glicine at Hotel Santa Caterina is the way to go.
Off-Season Charms
The Amalfi Coast and surrounding areas are perfect as off-season destinations. And in many ways, they are much more pleasant to visit because you don’t have the crowds and hot weather that are common in the height of summer.
Starting in October, you can visit all the wineries during harvest and see them in full action and also visit olive oil farms during harvest. There’s also the chance to enjoy some of the most gorgeous seaside hikes without the weather being so hot.
Other options include seeing the ancient Greek city of Paestum, visiting artisans in their workshops to learn about local crafts, and making your own mozzarella cheese at one of the small dairy farms.
Tourist Traps to Avoid
A full-day tour that companies try to sell is Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri all together. See them, but each deserves its own time and shouldn’t be rushed. If you’re in the area for only a few days, pick one and do it well. Also, skip the main beach in Positano, which gets way overcrowded.
Don’t Miss
Make sure to have a day at sea on a boat seeing the destination from a different perspective. Buying a ceramic in Vietri sul Mare, a town between Amalfi Coast and Salerno. The souvenir shops in Positano and Amalfi are full of ceramics, but they’re not the real deal. Go for the authentic, handmade pieces that you’ll find in Vietri instead.
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