Perfect weather, the Med at your feet, charming people, lick-your-lips amazing food—sound good? Well then get packed; we’re going to Italy… The Amalfi Coast to be specific. Loved by celebs and civilians alike, this is a true gem of the world. Trust me when I say, you won’t want to leave (I nearly cried when we left in July)!
We were lucky enough to spend 10 days in the area and explored every nook—from Positano to Maori—but if I could do it again in five days, I’d stick to Ravello, Minori and Atrani. Here’s my checklist…
The Essentials, clockwise from top:
1. Commes des Garcons Wallet, $138
This pouchette doubles as a clutch for evenings. Plus, the bright green guarantees you’ll be able to spot it in your luggage.
2. Claire Vivier Canvas Trop, $230
Pick a carry on that’s not only roomy enough for your things but stylish, too, so it can double as a day bag.
3. Kerastase Huile Celeste, $39
Spray this sun-protecting spray on wet hair, comb through and throw up into a messy bun for the ultimate in easy chic hair.
4. Leighton Denny Graycious, £11.25
OK I may be cheating giving you a UK stocked product, but this polish can’t be beat! And don’t get on me about wearing grey in summer—it will pop on tan toes and look unexpectedly refined.
5. Rough Guide to Naples & the Amalfi Coast, $15.59
Simply the best advice other than word of mouth.
What to Wear for Day, clockwise from top:
1. Topshop Boutique Blue Silk Shorts, $76
Color is the name of the game this summer and typical of the Amalfi Coast, but that doesn’t mean jean shorts. Err on the dressy side here outside of your hotel walls if you want to feel a part of the area—Italians here seem to be innately stylish.
2. Old Navy Slouchy Pocket Tank, $12.50
When traveling, I never leave home without a handful of basic white tanks or Ts. Nice to throw on and go, but also easily dressed up with the right jewelry.
3. Topshop Black Silk Shorts, $70
Your other alternative to jean shorts (and with an elastic waistband to boot, so go ahead and eat the whole pizza!).
4. Anthropologie Header & Stretcher Bangles, $28
Wear the whole stack or pull out a couple—the best thing about these bangles is that there’s one to match any outfit. The ultimate in multitasking jewelry!
5. Matt Bernson Woven Ankle Braid Sandals, $176
You will walk a lot here, so pack a sandal that’s going to stay on your foot! Only brave souls should rent a car here (read: skinny roads that snake along), but lucky for your, Atrani and Minori are close enough to walk to. Ravello is a hike (at the top of the cliff), but I did it, and so can you!
What to Wear by the Sea, clockwise from top:
1. T by Alexander Wang T-Shirt Dress, $85
Doubles as a cover up and a dress you can wear out sightseeing or even dressed up for dinner.
2. Vix Ericko Bikini, top, $84 & bottoms, $88
3. Madewell String Bikini, $29.50 for each piece
Don’t get caught out with just one bikini! You will need backup when one is drying.
4. Ambre Solaire SPF, from about $9
Use this—you won’t burn and you’ll still come home with color.
What to Wear to Dinner, clockwise from top:
1. Kimchi Blue Cutaway Cardigan Jacket, $58
When the temps cool down at night, you’ll be glad you had this to drape over your shoulders. Plus, it’s perfect to wear on a cold plane.
2. Madewell Market Tank Dress, $138
You can wear this in the day too, but this hibiscus pink will look amazing on your new tan as night falls! And if it’s wrinkled from travel, just hang it in the bathroom while you have a steamy shower.
3. CC Sky Pave Spike Stud Earrings, $55
Keep jewelry simple here with just a hint of sparkle.
Where to Stay:
1. Villa Scarapiello at the base of Ravello is where we stayed, and I’d stay here again in a heartbeat. Lovely people, breakfast every morning beneath the lemon trees, a salt water pool AND you can jump straight into the sea! It offers rooms and apartments, if you’re a group. And the team here will organize boats to pick you up straight from their dock if you’d like to tour the coast by sea (highly recommended).
2. Villa San Michele is visible from Villa Scarapiello, and they’re both run by the same people. San Michele is slightly less expensive than Scarapiello, and it has a very good restaurant. No pool but again, you can jump straight into the sea.
3. Me.Fra Camere is a collection of double rooms in Atrani. Great if you don’t want to spend too much but still want amenities like private bathrooms. Not overlooking the water but on the main square of Atrani, which is amazing for people watching! No pool either, but you’re about a minute away from one of the only free beaches on the coast.
Where to Eat:
1. Cumpa Cosimo in Ravello proper (ie up the cliff) is nestled on a small road off the town center. The food is hearty and delicious—and if you butter up the Italian Momma who strolls through the restaurant, you might even get a free tiramisu!
2. A. Paranza in Atrani is tops for seafood. You just can’t go wrong—good for a special night out or just when you want a seafood feast! Great wine list too.
3. You can’t beat La Botte in Minori on value for money. The pizzas are massive, pasta is perfectly cooked, seafood is fresh—what more could you ask for? We were repeat customers.
4. Bar Birecto is in the heart of Atrani’s main square and ideal for lunch. Sip a glass of wine, try one of their bruchettone (huge bruschettas) and watch the kids and families mingle in the square. Free wifi as well—not easy to come by here.
What to Do:
Interesting one given that the eating is almost an event in this part of Italy! And besides spending as much time as possible in or on the Mediterranean, don’t miss the views from Villa Cimbrone in Ravello proper—stunning building and grounds too. or Pascal’s Ceramics (ceramics is the thing here so don’t come home without at least a mug!). And while the shops may be too small to have a website, seek out the cobblers in Minori and Maori for custom-made leather sandals… For months you’ll love when your friends’ faces light up at the thought (even though prices really are very reasonable… but they don’t have to know!).
Most of all? Relax. This is the ultimate place for it.
Author: Nicole Warren
