As I mentioned two weeks ago, TJ and I had been eagerly anticipating this trip since late 2019… having canceled it twice over the 2020 and 2021 years I was skeptical it was going to happen this year. It wasn’t until we hopped off the plane in Napoli that I realized we were actually in Italy, and that our 10 (well now 12) year anniversary trip was going to happen.
All of that to say, the trip was more than worth the wait and exceeded every single expectation we had. I felt as if we were waking up in a dream everyday from the sheer beauty of the Amalfi Coast and because I have dreamed of this trip for so long….
We ate all the pizza, pasta, and gelato our bellies could hold… enjoyed libations at all hours of the day… and spent almost every single waking hour in the Italian sun.
It had been seven years since our last trip to Europe (right before I found out I was pregnant with Harper) and I forgot how magical it was… the history, the architecture, and the culture make it a trifecta for a memorable trip.
And now that we’re back to life, and back to reality, I’ve compiled a full post on what we did, where we stayed, where we ate, and what we wore.
I hope everyone has had a good couple of weeks, and that you’re enjoying the long summer days!
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TRAVEL DAY
We had a 23 hour travel day to reach our final destination and it was obviously well worth it. Once we arrived at the Napoli airport, we had prearranged transportation pick us up. You can take public transportation if you want, but it takes about an hour and 20 minutes to get from the airport to Positano (minimum, with a private car) and that’s without traffic. Our trip was right at rush-hour and it took a full 2 hours. The roads are windy, so if you get carsick at all, private transportation might be the best route.
(Cardigan (15% off with code Natalie15), Tank, Leggings, Sandals (SHANNON10 for 10% off), TJ’s Tee, TJ’s Joggers, Sneakers)
(Set)
DAY 1
Our first full day in Positano was amazing. I read “One Italian Summer” this spring; per my mom’s recommendation; and took so many of the spots in the book as recommendations for this trip. Sharing what we did, and what we would recommend below:
Le Agavi Beach Club: we chose to stay at this hotel for several reasons. One, it was removed from the central downtown positiano area, which really nice since it is so crowded. Two, they have a beach club as well as a water taxi that can take you to several spots along the Amalfi coast. The rooms are spacious, with spectacular views, and everyone is so kind. L
Franco’s Bar: we came here for cocktails and the most spectacular views. Highly recommend the limoncello spritz. It opens at 5:30pm, and we had a strong inclination to get there early. Arrived at 5:15, there was already one couple waiting in line. By 5:20, there was a line 20-30 people deep. If you want to go, get there early (at least 15 min ahead of time) for a prime front row seat.
Chez Black: I read about this iconic spot in “One Italian Summer.” Looked it up and immediately booked a reservation. It’s on the main beach and absolutely delicious. The pizzas come out heart shaped, the golden oysters are amazing, and you can’t go wrong with the pasta. Friendly staff as well!
(Swimsuit, Hat)
(Dress, TJ’s Shorts, TJ’s Top)
DAY 2
Basically eating and drinking our way along the Almafi coast, haha… Day 2 was Saturday for us, and it was such a gorgeous (yet HOT) day exploring the coast.
Drive Along the Amalfi: we took a drive along the Amalfi coast with @positanodreamtours in his Fiat 500 and captured beautiful photos along the way. We headed up to Ravello, where we explored the town square, walked around Villa Ruffalo and Villa Cimbrone, with the latter having the most spectacular infinity balcony and views.
Salvatore Milano Fruit Stand: freshest fruits, with the best fresh squeezed orange juice. Great to quench your thirst on a hot afternoon.
Lunch at Ristorante Bruno: this spot was recommended to us by a local and it didn’t disappoint- everything was so fresh and the views were spectacular.
Dinner at Tagliata: such an amazing experience. It’s farm to table, with a fixed price, *no* menu dinner. You sit down, they ask if you like red or white wine (we were divided so they brought us a bottle of each 😂), and then they bring out 5 courses… everything from fruits, meats, pastas, and dessert. Everything was delicious, the atmosphere was fun, and the views were gorgeous, especially as the sun set. They do have a shuttle service that will pick you up and take you back, but they forgot to pick us up, so we ended up taking a taxi.
(Skirt, Top, Sandals (SHANNON10 fo 10% off), TJ’s Shorts, Tee)
(Set)
DAY 3 + 4
Day 3 + 4 on the Amalfi Coast: we chose to head to Capri in the middle of our trip.
If we could redo…..: Something we both wished we had done differently was stay on the island for two nights, either at the beginning or end of our trip, to allow more time for exploring. The first day we did lunch at a beach club/swimming in the water, and then we had to come home, so we booked the next day so we could explore the island more. When we docked in the main marina, it was SO crowded, it took an hour to get from the marina to the city center (the taxi, bus, and funicular lines were so long that we ended up renting a scooter to bypass the crowds more quickly- so fun, highly recommend).
Getting there: We rented a boat (most hotels will orchestrate this, and this was the company our hotel used- they were great- beautiful boats and very friendly.) and on the first day, we enjoyed a tour of some of the coves/islands that are on the way to the island, and were able to enjoy time swimming in the sea. You can also take a ferry from lost of the cities/towns along the coast.
La Fontalenia: the famous blue and white umbrella beach club. I was skeptical if it was worth the hype, but it was. 100%. The food was delicious, everyone was very friendly, and it was just an overall great experience. I had the seafood risotto 🦞👌🏼 We made reservations 3 months in advance for lunch- so I highly recommend making reservations well ahead of time if you want to visit.
Blue Grotto: We attempted to visit the blue grotto both times we visited, but it was closed due to choppy water/winds (but highly recommend this).
Shopping: amazing shops- both high end and souvenir!
Dinner: we were back in Positano for dinner and ate at our hotel’s beach club, Remmese– beautiful, right on the water, with delicious fish!
(Dress (15% off with code NATALIE15))
(Suit, Skirt, TJ’s Top, Swim Trunks)
DAY 5
Day 5 was a spacer day… we were tired, exhausted from the heat, and so we laid low… went back to two favorite spots: Chez Black for lunch and Ristorante Bruno for dinner. We hung by the beach club and swam in the sea during the day….
DAY 6
Our last day of the trip and one that we will never forget (but then again; that’s been everyday 😂) see below for our recs.
Rented Scooters: never thought we’d do this, but rented a scooter and rode along the coast, over to Amalfi, for the morning. We stopped at the most beautiful fruit stand again for fresh pressed orange juice, took in the gorgeous views, and grabbed lunch at a street side restaurant when we returned (highly rec: Il Fornillo ).
Dinner at La Sponda: located inside the @lasirenuae hotel, it was quite possibly one of the most spectacular dining experiences. From the breathtaking views, impeccable service, champagne cart (yes please), delicious food, and Franco + Andrea playing music in the background, it was an unforgettable evening. We didn’t get out of the restaurant until 12pm (and had 8:15 reservations). We literally rolled home, we were so full. We made these reservations 2 months in advance, and requested a time slot that would allow us to take in the beautiful sunset.
(Set)
TRAVEL HOME
Cozied up for the 24 hour journey home….
