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An Insiders’ Guide To Planning A Dream Amalfi Coast Trip

Positano, Italy

From clifftop hotels and candlelit towers to secret beaches and the best places to take a sunset cruise – we’ve enlisted fashion insiders and Italian tastemakers to share their most coveted Amalfi Coast addresses. Discover the restaurants, views and local rituals that make this stretch of coastline the most glamorous corner of the Mediterranean. By NATASHA BIRD

Lifestyle
Take a dip in Borgo Santandrea’s seawater pool – a fashion editor’s favorite

Clementina Jackson, fashion editor

My favorite spot is…

“Borgo Santandrea. When I’m told to imagine my happy place, this is where my mind immediately goes. It’s the most exceptionally beautiful hotel built into a sheer cliff along the coast, with the only private beach in Amalfi, an amazing restaurant, landscaped gardens and epic views at every turn. Request one of the suites with its own mini-infinity pool – it’s especially romantic at sunset.”

Carved into the coastline, Borgo Santandrea is steps away from its private beach
The hotel’s rooms and suites offer an impressive outlook over the Tyrrhenian sea

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…

“Have dinner at Torre del Saracino, an incredible two-Michelin-Star restaurant in a 14th-century tower that’s right on the sea, overlooking Mount Vesuvius.”

Local delicacies include…

“Pasta and fresh seafood in all their forms! My favorites are lemon ravioli with langoustine, scialatielli ai frutti di mare, paccheri pasta with absolutely anything, and spaghetti alla Nerano (the best can be found at Lo Scoglio da Tommaso). Mozzarella from Agerola is also a must-try, as are zucchine alla scapece.”

The infinity pool at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, is the perfect place to spend the day

For the best views…

“Swim in the infinity pool at the Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, which is in Ravello, where you can gaze out over the entire coast with a cocktail in hand.”

Something only the locals know…

“Positano’s main beach is an absolute no-go. Instead, walk around the rock to the much quieter Fornillo beach and have lunch at the family-run La Marinella restaurant.”

Follow Clementina on Instagram @clemcj

Hotel Buca di Bacco Positano

Federica Amati, author and head nutritionist at Zoe

My favorite spot is…

“Seeing the Amalfi Coast from the water at sunset (the pastel houses stacked on the cliffs) is the moment you understand why Positano has seduced travelers for generations. Positano is best enjoyed from a boat, but a stroll to the beautiful Byzantine Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta after dinner is gorgeous, too.”

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…

“Play tennis at the base of a cliff at Il San Pietro di Positano, and take the hotel lift through the rocks down the beach. Both are completely unique and unforgettable experiences.”

Local delicacies include…

“Grilled mozzarella wrapped in fragrant lemon leaves, spaghetti with local seafood, and whatever fish has come straight from the boats that morning. The food at La Taverna del Leone is delicious and serves fresh sea urchin.”

Enjoy a table with a view of Positano’s picturesque cliffside on Buca di Bacco’s romantic terrace

For the best views…

“Watch the Ferragosto fireworks [in August] from the terrace of Buca di Bacco. With the whole town glowing above the sea, it feels like being inside a painting. The hotel is owned by one of the oldest local families and they do everything with heart.”

Something only the locals know…

“The most magical Positano days start quietly on a boat, long before the crowds arrive, when the coast feels almost entirely yours. Sail round to La Praia beach and enjoy the views, then grab lunch at Da Adolfo or Il San Pietro di Positano’s Carlino restaurant, for a beautiful day away from the crowds. Adolfo won’t let you in if he doesn’t like you.”

Dr Federica Amati is a medical scientist and registered public health nutritionist

Imelda Shllaku, international hospitality expert

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…

“Arrive to Capri by boat, glide into Marina Piccola, and spend the day between the glamour of La Palma Beach Club and an elegant dinner at Bianca Rooftop Carne & Crudo, the restaurant and lounge bar of Hotel La Palma. It’s the ultimate island dream.”

For the best views…

“The most famous? From Punta Belvedere over the Faraglioni and Marina Piccola is iconic. The secret view? Punta Carena Lighthouse.”

What to eat and drink…

“You must try a traditional torta caprese and La Palma panettone, all year round.”

Why is there such an enduring love of the Amalfi Coast?

“Places such as Capri hold timeless beauty – the light, the sea, the effortless elegance… It’s not just a destination; it’s a feeling.”

Imelda Shllaku is the General Manager of the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace

Capri’s La Palma Beach Club enjoys the most stunning of seafront settings
As the Sersale family’s former seaside retreat, Le Sirenuse is now one of the world’s most exceptional stays

Antonio Sersale, hotelier

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience…

“Wake up in a suite at Le Sirenuse, relax and enjoy breakfast on your terrace before heading to the spa for a massage. Make your way down to the pier, where you’ll find a boat with a red fish sign, which will take you to Da Adolfo restaurant. Enjoy a spectacular lunch and relax on the beach. Just before sunset, the glamorous Riva Aquarama Special boat will pick you up from the main beach for an evening excursion around the Amalfi Coast and Capri. Back at Le Sirenuse, an aperitivo at Aldo’s bar, followed by dinner at La Sponda, will complete this fabulous experience.”

Where to eat and drink…

“Zuppa di cozze [mussels stew] at Da Adolfo; a club sandwich at Le Sirenuse; pasta alle zucchine at Lo Scoglio; and a Dipinto di Blu at Franco’s Bar.”

Revel in the sunshine and convivial atmosphere at Franco’s Bar, named in honor of Antonio’s father

Something only locals know…

“There is a secret freshwater cave along the coastline with a tiny entrance. The water is totally pure, drinkable and full of natural minerals and vitamins. We often go for a dip, but pretend it does not exist to avoid word getting out to too many people!”

Why do we never fall out of love with the Amalfi Coast?

“Authentic Southern Italian hospitality and charm; the geological wonder of the cliffs precipitating down into the crystal-clear Tyrrhenian Sea; the houses stacked vertically on top of one another; and the maze of staircases that criss-cross the towns.”

At Le Sirenuse, guests are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to the perfect spot for an aperitivo
Brushed-gold features, a pastel color palette and decorative tiled floors create a sense of Art Deco glamour at Palazzo Avino

For the best views…

“Palazzo Avino’s rooftop solarium holds a special place in my heart. It is the highest point of the property, and you have an open bird’s-eye view of the beautiful coastline. From there, you can just hear birdsong and you feel closer to the sky than the sea. It’s pure magic at sunset.”

Why do we never fall out of love with the Amalfi Coast?

“The Amalfi Coast is lost in time – it is still the way it was many years ago and offers that connection with tradition and authenticity that every curious soul is looking for.”

Antonio Sersale and his family own and run the storied Positano hotel Le Sirenuse

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