A Week on the Amalfi Coast
NIGHT 1- VIETRI SUL MARE
On our first night we made our way into town to explore! We chose to stay in Vietri Sul Mare because it was the most affordable airbnb we could find for the week we were visiting and it was right next to the train station and not too far from the ferry port. It still took us 1-3 hours to get to every spot we wanted to which was a bummer but taking books on the train and soaking in the gorgeous views on the ferry helped pass the time! If I were to replan this trip I think I would have liked to stay in Sorrento.
The town was filled with charm, and it was enjoyable staying in a quieter town. Vietri Sul Mare is known for its beautiful ceramic!
DAY 1 - SORRENTO
How we got there: train from Vietri Sul Mare to Sorrento (we transferred from one station in Pompei to another about a mile walk away) then walked from Sorrento train station to Foreigners Club, taxi to Via Capo, walk to beach
DAY 2 - CAPRI
How we got there: We took the train to Naples then taxi to ferry port then ferry to Capri
Viator Boat Tour--> Whenever I travel out of the country I always research excursions through Viator Travel - they are the best!
After our boat ride, we took the bus up to the city and went shopping & exploring. It felt like we were in the rodeo drive of Italy - all of the designer stores were lined up on a posh street with gorgeous views of the city and ocean. We even stumbled into a wedding in one of the squares - so magical!
I enjoyed this pizza right next to the ferry port and this lemon cake from BGA in Piazzetta- both gluten-free & delish!!!!!!!
I also got a gelato across from the Prada store and they have gluten-free cones which was a treat!
DAY 3 - POSITANO
How we got there: Ferry from Vietri Sul Mare to Positano (the views on these ferry are seriously breathtaking!! best way to get around)
What we did: we paid €37.50 a person for a lounge chair at L’incanto, I got lunch at the restaurant and my friends ordered pizzas to our lounge chairs. We had access to nice bathrooms, roomy changing rooms, a few bars on the beach and phone chargers in the restaurant & bar.
Around 3:00 we walked up into town and did some shopping. I got a few bags from C❤️B Positano & loved looking at the beautiful linen and lace clothing in all the shops!
DAY 4 - 8 HOUR BOAT RIDE AROUND THE AMALFI COAST
How we got there: Train from Vietri Sul Mare to Sorrento, Viator sent a car to meet us at the train station (very easy to find them and we did not wait long to take off) from there we took a 40 minute ride down to the port to wait for our boat!
DAY 5 - ISCHIA
How we got there: Train to Naples, taxi from train station to ferry port, ferry to Ischia
We all agreed this was one of the most beautiful places we have ever been - and for only 35 euros each!?!?
Booking this was a bit difficult - I had to do a bank transfer beforehand to reserve our spots. There was an option to call 2-3 days before but I wanted to make sure we were all set here. The walk to get down and up was breathtaking both because of the beautiful views and because I literally couldn't breathe going uphill LOL
Truly was something out of a movie - I will definitely be coming back to this island and this beach club as well. Next time I would love more time to explore the thermal water and gardens!
DAY 6 - VIETRI SUL MARE & VICO EQUENSE
Then we walked down to the beach the long way. I was completely enchanted by the views of the ocean, cliffs, and beach clubs we passed along the way. This walk along the coast is one of my favorite moments of the trip!
Our plan today was to just explore our town before our cooking class with no set itinerary, so we ended up paying 15 euros a person for chairs at Vietri beach club. I loved looking for sea glass down by the water and this spot also had a restaurant, bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms!
We arrived in Vico Equense early which was such a treat! The most gorgeous park looking out at the city is located right next to the cooking class and we enjoyed beautiful views and took photos before the class.
DAY 7 - POSITANO
How we got there: Ferry from Vietri Sul Mare to Positano, boat from Positano to Beach Club
The boat from Positano port to the beach club is included - just walk to the Arienzo Tent to check in and they will give you a sticker then direct you towards the boats that take you to over to the beach club! We were welcome to stay any times from 10-6. We arrived around 11:30 and by 5:00 it was nearly empty which made for great photos! This was also the only beach club we went to that gave us towels!
This was one of the most expensive days we had & it was worth it! We wanted our last day to be extra relaxing - We booked the deluxe experience:
Everything I packed in my carry on and person item:
-10 dresses
-7 bathing suits, 2 sarongs, 1 button down cover up
-6 tops
-2 skirts, 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of pants
-3 pairs of sunglasses, 1 hat, 1 belt
-2 purses, 2 tote bags, Jewlery box, toiletries, makeup, waterproof bag, waterproof phone holder
-electronics and tripod
-2 pairs of sandals, 2 pairs of sneakers, 1 pair of flip flops
-socks, underwear, bras
-2 pajama, lounge outfits
Helpful to note...
-most public bathrooms require you to pay 0.50-1 euro so make sure to always have coins with you!
-gratuity is not mandatory or expected, some restaurants have a cover charge of a few euros
-pizza is not pre cut here! & no, they don't have ranch!
-airbnb and hotels will charge city tax for most stays
-most beach clubs do not provide towels, we bought some at a little shop for 5 euros (definitely needed it at Bagni Regina Giovanni on the rocks)
-you have to pay for water by the bottle and will always be offered still or sparkling
-some markets and smaller food places will only accept euros (same with bathrooms) but otherwise I was fine to use my Visa card everywhere we went
-Book as many activities/excursions in advance as you can
-We did not make any dinner reservations and did not have any trouble finding places to eat - though I imagine touristy spots require a reservation with notice
-sometimes, like the Europeans, trains run on their own time - and beware that not all stations have bathrooms - the one in Vico Equense did not
-I have colitis so I have a medical card that is supposed to ensure restuarants let me use their restroom if I need to - they dont care here and still may refuse you so be aware and try to always know a public restroom nearby - and have euros ready!
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