Thinking about a trip to the dazzling Amalfi Coast? You might be surprised what a great home base a villa can provide – and our Italy Villa Specialists Suzanne, Jean and Bill are here to chat options with you. Plus, our editor Heather shares her picks for what to do and where to eat!
WHERE TO EAT:
Lunch Options
On the Amalfi Coast, lunch is the main event. Most restaurants have a beach club component, which allows you to eat, then spend the afternoon sunbathing and swimming. Here are our picks:
La Fontelina
The iconic spot on Capri, where you can lunch, lounge and swim. Arrive by either water taxi or by foot (about 20 minutes from Tibero Palace). Lunch here is simple, straightforward and excellent, though you really come for the atmosphere. Bring your Kindle, shades & camp out here for the day.
Il Riccio
Two words: dessert room. Located in AnaCapri (about 15 minutes from town), you’ll find a busy and buzzy restaurant that’s part of Capri Palace Hotel. The room is noisy but fun, and the spaghetti and lobster to die for. Hang by the loungers after exploring the joyfully decadent dessert room.
Conca del Sogno
Located on the tip of Nerano (30 minutes from Sorrento), this beach club attracts visitors from the mainland, and those on boats with pickups by their water taxi. The vibe feels both celebratory and laid-back, and the pasta sampler is divine.
http://www.hotelloscoglio.com
Lo Scogli
Another favorite in Nerano, this sweet and simple, family-run restaurant has been around for ages, and for good reason. The produce originates from the family’s own farm, and the tomatoes, fresh fruit and even the charcuterie (fed a farm diet) will amaze.
ALSO CONSIDER…
A hike to the lighthouse in Capri followed by lunch at Lido del Faro…A boat ride over to hippie beach spot Da Adolfo in Positano – try the grilled mozzarella…Fresh juices and smoothies (pasta detox) at Positano’s Casa e Bottega…
WHERE TO EAT:
Dinner Options
After a long day of Apersol Spritzes and sun, sometimes the best way to wind down is having a candlelit dinner at home, prepared by your villa’s chef (the norm in Italy). If your idea of vacation is venturing out, here are some of our favorites.
Da Paolino
Spend your first night on Capri at Da Paolino, affectionately known as “the lemon tree restaurant.” The vibe is simply magical, and equally poised for big groups or romantic dates.
Chez Black
Close to the marina in Positano, this always busy restaurant is the quintessential European experience – great food (try the sea urchin pasta) and a lively scene.
La Sponda at La Sireneuse
This iconic hotel remains as alluring as ever. Start with a martini at Franco’s bar as the sun sets, then treat yourself to dinner at La Sponda, with its local cheeses and meats.
Il San Pietro di Positano
You must go to Il San Pietro before leaving. While the pink-tableclothed Zass is a Michelin starred restaurant, simply having a glass of Prosecco on the hotel’s balcony will suffice!
DON’T FORGET TO TRY…
Thin crust pizza in the center of Capri square at Aurora…followed by drinks at dancing at Capri “nightclub” Anema e Core…a sensational view and organic cuisine at uber romantic Villa TreVille in Positano…
Hiking
On Capri, walk from town to the home of Roman Emperor Tiberius at Villa Jovis (about 1 hour)…to burn off that papardelle, nix the chairlift and hike to Monte Solaro, the highest point in Capri…get your steps in (all 1,800 of them) from Positano to the village of Nocelle…for a true trek, try the Path of Gods…
Ruins of ancient city of Pompeii, which was destroyed by volcano, Mount Vesuvius, about two millenniums ago, 79 AD. Buildings are still very well preserved, a lot of walls still standing. The place is open for visitors and it’s a popular destination for tourists in Italy.
History & Culture
Explore all the grottos (and even swim in them) by renting a boat for the day…see the astounding sights of Pompeii (from Sorrento by train, about 30 minutes)…take in the scents of Augustus Gardens and the architectural design of museum Villa San Michele, both in AnaCapri.
IF SHOPPING COUNTS AS AN ACTIVITY…
For incredible custom and long-lasting cashmere, visit Farella…for your requisite Jackie O hand-made sandals, head to Da Costanzo in Capri’s piazaetta…there are similar sandals in Positano at Safari…you’ll find colorful ceramics to ship home at Ceramica Assunta…
What Our Clients are Saying
Who better to hear it from than those who’ve stayed at the villas?
Villa Simona
Villa BRV SMO, 7 BR, Conca dei Marini (halfway between Praiano and Ravello.) View Villa
“We have rented many villas over the years, but this was the best.” Ian R.
Villa Torre di Postitano
Villa BRV POS, 8 BR, Positano (minutes from town center.) View Villa
“The villa was awesome. I went with my in-laws who travel at a very high standard and they were so impressed. We hardly left the villa because it was such a beautiful oasis. The cook was also amazing and so we ate most of our meals at the villa.” Kristin L.
Villa Alta
Villa BRV ALT, 4 BR, Positano, minutes from Hotel Il San Pietro. View Villa
“It was a great experience. The views were unbelievable and Positano was a good location for touring the rest of Amalfi, Sorrento, and Capri. The major asset was the terrace and pool area. And the housekeeper was a gem and cooked breakfast every morning which was an unexpected bonus!” Dave L.
Villa Venere
Villa BRV MAF, 4 BR, Anacapri, minutes to Blue Grotto. View Villa
“The villa was fantastic. My father loved the history of it so we couldn’t have picked a better place. We had a fabulous time.” Xavi D.
We Recommend
Our Italy Villa Specialists share their inside tips.
Villa Galene
Villa BRV GAL, 5 BR, Nerano, 5 minutes from the beach. View Villa
This villa is located in Nerano, which is close to some of the best restaurants (drinks at La Sireneuse, lunch at Conca del Sogno!)
Villa Elisa
Villa YPI ELI, 3 BR, Positano, views of Li Galli islands. View Villa
This apartment is a 5 minute walk from Spiaggia Grande beach (clad with orange umbrellas, and you can take a boat from the villa to restaurant Da Adolfo.)
Villa Eugenia
Villa BRV EUG, 6 BR, South of Ravello. View Villa
This villa comes with both a butler and a chef, and has a golf cart for getting around the property.
Book your Italy villa here
Our take on commonly asked questions
You will notice that rooms in Amalfi have a particular… charm. That is to say, the majority of bedrooms and bathrooms will feel old-world and not modern.
OUR TAKE :
This is most jarring when first looking at pictures. Unless you’re staying at a newly renovated hotel (like JK Palace), you’ll also 100% experience this facet in hotels. The tiles often look more beautiful in person.
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There are many different regions in Amalfi Coast, and the roads are quite windy.
OUR TAKE :
Ask our Villa Specialists for the Google Map coordinates, and see how far away items are on your “must-do” list. If being in walking distance to beach clubs is important to you, let us know. If you favor small markets and a less-touristy atmosphere, we’ll direct you to the right spot too.
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The Amalfi Coast is a walking region.
OUR TAKE :
One of the most helpful things you can tell us is if anyone in your group has mobility issues. Many villas have wonderful staircases down to the beach, but these are often not suitable for the very young or elderly.
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“I like the amenities of a hotel service.”
OUR TAKE :
One cultural facet of Italy is that many housekeepers double as chefs. Rules are more relaxed here, and it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for breakfast spreads to be prepared daily, or large dinners at night.
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How do we get to Naples?
OUR TAKE :
There are no direct flights from North America to Naples, only from Europe and other regions of Italy.
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Ok, so how do we get there?
OUR TAKE :
Take a non-stop flight to Rome from Boston, Philly, NYC, Miami, Chicago or LA. Have a bowl of pasta and good night sleep in Rome, then take the 2 hour train to Naples.
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Interested in more Italian adventures? Travel to the coast of Capri and read about the variety of restaurants offered with a water front view: The Complete Guide to Capri Part I
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