Travel to the enchanting Amalfi and Capri

Travel to the enchanting Amalfi and Capri

It's time to discover the cosmopolitan side of Italy. The trip to Amalfi and Capri combines Italian refinement with a sense of luxury. Very close to Naples, these are the best destinations for dolce vita, boating and lots of strolling in cobblestoned streets. Discover their beauties and travel through artful landscapes.

Amalfi, a colorful canvas

Amalfi is situated in western Italy and is a municipality in the region of Campania, in the province of Salerno. The Amalfi Coast is one of the most famous summer resorts for the locals. It is a 50km coastline that serves great medieaval town vibes and a picturesque scenery of rocky beaches and tiny coves. The unique beauty of the area made UNESCO include it in its World Heritage Sites. Thirteen cities belong to this region, the most famous ones being Positano, Praiano, Sorrento and Ravello.

Unique view of Amalfi

The Amalfi tour starts with authentic Italian coffee on Ruga Nova Mercatorum, the bustling street with shops and cafes, and a stop at Piazza Duomo, the city's most famous square. It is dominated by the Saint Andrew's Cathedral (in Italian: Duomo di Amalfi), patron saint of Amalfi, and an elaborate fountain. If you like museums, then you must go to the Museo della Carta, one of the oldest in Europe. In this Paper Museum, paper is produced with machines that have been preserved for centuries. At the Marisa Cuomo Winery you will taste local wines while enjoying the sea view.

The Saint Andrew's Cathedral

When it's time for hitting the beaches, you can explore the ones in Amalfi or rent a boat and go to neighboring ones. You will hardly find free space at Marina Grande, the city's most famous beach, so always have a back-up plan for the day. Very close to the port of Amalfi you will find Lido Delle Sirene, also known as Mermaid Beach, a small, organized beach that also has a trattoria. Next to it is La Marinella which is ideal for children, because of its shallow waters. In general, do not expect soft sand and long coastlines here, as the area is dominated by rocky coves, which in July and August are filled with people. If you need a peaceful swim go to Atrani, a quiet fishing village just one kilometer away from Amalfi.

La Marinella beach is located under an imposing rock

Must try flavors in Amalfi:

• Limonciello, whose birthplace is right here in Amalfi.

• Dunderi, a type of ricotta-filled pasta made since ancient times, a bit like gnocchi and has its roots in the neighboring town of Minori.

• Spaghetti Al Limoni, pasta with fragrant local lemons, a traditional recipe.

How to get to Amalfi: The port of Amalfi is connected to Capri, Castellammare di Stabia, Naples, Positano, Salerno and Sorrento. The closest to Amalfi is Salerno, one of the most beautiful Italian ports. Most routes only run in the summer months. If you are traveling from Naples to Capri you can take a bus or train, or rent a car. The distance between Naples and Amalfi is 70 kilometers. If you are traveling from Greece, you can reach Bari by ferry and then continue to Amalfi. From Bari to Amalfi, the distance is 270 km.

Capri and the living is easy

What an island! For many, Capri is synonymous to dolce vita herself. If you decide to take a road trip around Italy and arrive in Naples, Capri is a must stop. The ferry journey takes 50 minutes and you can get to Capri from Sorrento, Positano and other areas of the Amalfi Coast. If the destination seems expensive to you, make a one-day visit, where you will surely have a good enough sense of its cosmopolitan vibe.

You should also know that capri pants got their name from the island, after designer Sonja de Lennart photographed several movie stars, such as Grace Kelly, wearing them on the island.

The two main settlements of the island are Capri and Anacapri. When you get to Capri you will realize that photos are not enough to capture its authenticity. The deep blue waters of the sea will blow your mind and you will definitely want to take a long dive. Marina Grande has shallow waters and gathers a lot of people, especially on weekends and during the high season. The small Torre Saracena beach, which you will find near Marina Piccola, is a more quiet choice. In the Pool of Venus, that the Italians call Piscina di Venere, you will find the most romantic beach in Capri, paired with an unforgettable sunset.

The Grotta Verde cave

Capri does not have many attractions, but the famous Grotta Verde and Grotta Azzurra caves are definitely worth a visit. The shades you will see in the waters are unique and they change depending on the sunlight. The Gardens of Augusto (Giardini di Augusto) is another must stroll on the island, as it is a spot that stands out for its panoramic views.

The Grotta Azzura cave

Must try flavors in Capri:

• Capri's famous salad with mozzarella, tomato, basil olive oil and dressing is said to be a recipe that originated here, on the island.

• Pizza with parmesan, ricotta and marjoram, a classic version that you will find in Capri.

The famous Caprese salad

How to get to Capri: The port of Capri is connected to Amalfi, Castellammare di Stabia, Naples, Positano, Salerno and Sorrento. The itineraries from Naples to Capri are modified according to the season.

If you like to pin the places you visit, your map around Capri and Amalfi will have dozens. They are places where you don't even need to have made plans in advance, since you can choose to walk through the narrow streets of the settlements, take boat trips to the neighboring towns, try new Italian flavors and wines, with no stress about pre-booking and waiting in queues. All you need to book, is ferry tickets with Let's Ferry in order to explore the Amalfi Coast and Capri.