A Dreamy Italian Honeymoon: Amalfi Coast Adventures and Island Getaways

Ciao, adventure enthusiasts! Join us on a journey to one of the most romantic destinations in the world—the Amalfi Coast. In this blog post, we'll take you through our unforgettable Italian honeymoon filled with breathtaking views, enchanting towns, and mouthwatering cuisine.  From the charming streets of Atrani to the stunning cliffs of Ravello and the vibrant beaches of Positano, our 5 day itinerary is sure to inspire your own dream honeymoon. So, grab a gelato and let's begin our Italian adventure! Make sure to check out Part 2 of Our Italian Honeymoon (Coming Soon!)

Day 1: Naples to Atrani - Embracing the Charm of the Coast

We flew from San Francisco to Naples and embarked on a scenic drive to the picturesque village of Atrani.  We opted for a private driver who whisked us away to the stunning Palazzo Ferrailoli, our home for the next few days. We picked Atrani as our home base as they had affordable hotels and we enjoy a home base that is a little bit off the beaten path. We spent our first day acclimating to the time change, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll around Atrani and walked over to Amalfi, just a short distance away.  We visited the magnificent Amalfi Cathedral and enjoyed lunch at one of the local tarattorias located on main square. It was the perfect way to relax and enjoyed people watching. We found a little more energy after lunch and enjoyed exploring one of the local hillside lemon farms and sampled the different Limoncello flavors.  As the day winded down, we took a romantic walk along the water and indulge in the best lemon gelato we’ve ever tasted. We spent the evening relaxing and enjoying the romantic ambiance of the town. We indulged in fresh seafood pasta for dinner while listening to some of the street performers.

Day 2: Ravello - A Breathtaking Hilltop Escape

 We started our day with a delightful European breakfast at the hotel, fueling ourselves for the exciting adventure that awaited us. Taking a taxi or hopping on a bus, we made our way up the winding hill to Ravello. The moment we arrived, we were immediately captivated by the enchanting Villa Rufolo, surrounded by its lush gardens and offering breathtaking views of the coastline. It felt like stepping into a fairytale. We took our time exploring the villa, losing ourselves in its beauty and immersing ourselves in the tranquility of the surroundings. As if that wasn't enough, we decided to visit the renowned Villa Cimbrone, famous for its Terrace of Infinity. Standing there, gazing at the endless expanse of the sea, it felt like time stood still. The view was simply magical.

After a day filled with wonder and exploration, we had the option to either hike back to Atrani or take a leisurely bus ride.  As the hiking adventurers we are, we opted for the knee buckling hike.  Honestly, I was not prepared for so many stairs. The trail winds you though the picturesque hills and olive trees, but please make sure you are wearing good shoes and have strong knees. I think I would have enjoyed a leisurely bus ride, allowing us to relax and reminisce about the unforgettable experience.

Day 3: Positano - Beach Bliss and Artistic Delights

Our next destination was the charming town of Positano, and we couldn't wait to soak up the sun and indulge in the relaxed beachside atmosphere. We caught a ferry that whisked us away to this coastal paradise. As we stepped onto the golden sands of Spiaggia Grande, we were greeted by the inviting azure waters and the vibrant colors of the houses that adorned the cliffs. It was a postcard-perfect scene. We spent the morning basking in the warmth of the sun, feeling the sand between our toes, and immersing ourselves in the tranquility of the beach. After a refreshing swim, we decided to explore the town. Wandering through the charming streets, we stumbled upon numerous art studios, each showcasing unique and captivating creations. We couldn't resist stepping inside and admiring the talent on display. And of course, no visit to Positano would be complete without indulging in a bit of shopping. I treated myself to beautiful linen dresses and some flowy pants, perfectly capturing the laid-back yet stylish vibe of the town. As the evening approached, our appetites led us to a delightful dinner, where we savored the flavors of the region before returning to our cozy hotel in Atrani. Oh, and we mustn't forget the heavenly Lemon Delight dessert! Chris and I were absolutely obsessed and made sure to have it every night of our trip.

Day 4: Sorrento - A Taste of Elegance and Culture

We embarked on a morning ferry, ready to explore the elegant town of Sorrento. Arriving at our hotel, the conveniently located Hotel del Corso, we couldn't wait to dive into the culinary delights that awaited us. For dinner, we had made reservations at the highly recommended Tavern Allegra, and it certainly didn't disappoint. The highlight of the meal was their Tagliatella with shrimp and lemon cream sauce, served inside a hollowed-out lemon. The presentation alone left us in awe, and the flavors were nothing short of exceptional. It was a pasta dish that left a lasting impression on our taste buds and hearts.

Day 5: Capri - Island Paradise and Chic Charm  

We set off on a morning ferry, bound for the captivating island of Capri. We booked a boat tour from the main harbor and paid cash for a small discount. We marveled at the shimmering blue waters and couldn't resist capturing a precious moment at the iconic 'Kissing Rock.' We made sure our tour included an entrance into the Blue grotto, a spot where local guides channel you through a short cave tunnel that opens up to a miraculous glistening grotto. Make sure you check the tide tables before you book, this attraction isn’t always accessible if there is bad weather.

Our next stop was Capri town after a short taxi ride. The taxi was convenient for us, but many of the other tourist opted for the funicular that drops you off in the main town. We enjoyed strolling though the charming streets of Capri and Anacapri. We grabbed a picturesque lunch with a view.  Before bidding farewell to Capri, we made sure to savor an Aperol Spritz while taking in the island's beauty. We skipped the gondola to the island highest point as it was a bit windy while we where there, but I heard the sunset views are to die for.

We return to the mainland and enjoyed a romantic dinner in the lively and picturesque Marina Grande in Sorrento. We made sure to try some of the local favorites, gnocchi alla sorrentina and seafood risotto watching the lively happenings of the marina.

 Our Italian honeymoon along the Amalfi Coast was nothing short of extraordinary. From the quaint streets of Atrani to the stunning vistas of Ravello. We loved every second of it. After our Amalfi adventure we adventured over to Sicilly for a family reunion and went on to explore some of Tuscany, that will have to be another post, stay tuned.