I spent the weekend exploring the beautiful south of Italy, the Amalfi Coast. I visited Sorrento, Positano, Capri, Pompeii, and Naples all within the span of 3 days, and it was the some of the most beautiful views I have seen thus far. I wanted to highlight each place and the things I was able to do while I was there...
Sorrento:
I stayed in Sorrento, and we unfortunately did not spend much more time than sleeping here, but walking through the streets lined with vendors and stores made it a very populated and vibrant town. I would definitely suggest finding accommodation in Sorrento and using the easily accessible ferry or train system to get to other parts of the Amalfi Coast. The hotels along the cliffs are breathtaking and the town is very easily walkable. There is much to see along the small cobblestone streets as stores and vendors are packed closely together, so I suggest exploring a little as well!
Capri:
This was a huge check off of my bucket list, as I have wanted to go here since 7th grade! It is a quick 30 minute ferry ride from Sorrento, and the port is right in the center of town. You can walk (hike) up to the city center, or use the convenient bus system to further explore. I did a boat tour around the island which I highly recommend, as I got to see the cliffs from sea level and the Blue Grotto (amazing!!). We weren't able to go into the Grotto as the tide was too high, but seeing it up close was still beautiful. There is a beach to hangout at and many stores to explore if sightseeing gets old (it won't).
Positano:
This was even more beautiful in person, if that's even possible. The bus ride down to the town was literally along the cliff with an alternating view of the bright blue ocean and the town perched on the mountain in the distance. If the weather is nice (or even if it isn't) the beach is the place to be. The sand is black from the rocky mountainous terrain, so it attracts and holds onto sunlight making an overcast day feel like a bright summer day. There are outdoor restaurants along the beach with incredible views, and even better food (seafood lovers heaven!). There are stores where you can custom make leather sandals, which are pricey but one of a kind. I could not stop staring up at the town built into the mountain, with the colorful houses and buildings; it truly looks like a postcard.
Pompeii:
History buffs, this is your place. The ancient town of Pomeii is the main attraction, and well worth the private tour. Our tour guide was super informative and engaging, as I would not have known half of the things I was looking at had I toured it alone. There is so much history packed into the ruins of the ancient town, and frankly, much more preserved than I had envisioned. Why not throw a little education into that vacation, right? Right. I highly recommend visiting here, the history books simply don't do it justice.
Naples:
Initially, I was discouraged from visiting due to the rise of corruption and poverty in this city over the past few decades. I was hesitant, but interested so I ventured into the city, unsure of what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to see a bustling, clean, upbeat city filled with people and activity. The main attraction for me was to try the pizza, and it did not disappoint! I got a small personal pizza for just 2.50 euro! There are many museums to explore in the city, though I did not have enough time to enter any of them. I walked along the marina which was both picturesque and peaceful and walked through the residential streets to get a taste of daily life. The apartments are piled close together, everyone hangs their clothes outside to dry, and everyone is outside engaging with each other if the weather is nice. It was the perfect place to spend just a couple hours and definitely not off-putting or dangerous as I had been warned.
Overall, the Amalfi Coast is a must visit on any trip to Italy. Whether you can visit all the towns, or just one, it will not disappoint. It is mainly driven by warm weather, so spring/summer is the prime time to visit, but nonetheless any time of year will be beautiful!
