My main destinations around Naples were Pompei and Mount Vesuvius, but I also wanted to see the Amalfi Coast. So, I booked a day trip to the Amalfi Coast from Naples. I loved it, it gave me a good preview of the major villages. One day, I hope I will be able to take at least four days to really have the time to visit them and stay the night, to really enjoy their special atmosphere.
First Village On The Amalfi Coast: Sorrento
Before arriving in Sorrento, our minibus stopped in a limoncello shop. These day trips sometimes really feel like traps for tourists. The view was nice and there were toilets, so it was useful, but the shop looked nothing like a traditional company. Plus, the products were quite expensive.
Despite being a famous tourist attraction, Sorrento felt more authentic to me. Going down the street from where the bus left us, there was a nice view of the port and Mount Vesuvius. The little streets were really cute, there were shops with delicious food at every corner, and a small church. We had about an hour to walk around, and that was way too short. I think I could have spent the whole day there drinking fresh orange juice, entering every shop and taking pictures of the streets. But it was a day trip, so I hopped back on the bus.
Second Village: Positano
This is probably the most beautiful village of all the Amalfi Coast! Its cute and colourful houses are perched on the mountain and really give the village a unique charm. There were a lot of people, but I could walk around without problem. It was in September, maybe it’s not that easy during Summer.
As recommended by a friend, I ate a spaghetti omelette, and it was surprisingly good. It’s very filling. Under the shadows of the flowers in the streets, I went down to the port while eating. I enjoyed the view and the colours before going up again. In a café not far from the bus stop, I drank a coffee before heading to the next village.
The Village The Amalfi Coast Was Named After: Amalfi
The road from Positano to Amalfi is incredibly beautiful. The window was open, my hair was flying in the wind and I could see the blue sea down the cliff. The bus went through Praiano and Conca dei marini. We didn’t have time to stop, but those are definitely places I want to visit next time.
Then, we stopped in Amalfi. The name of the Amalfi Coast comes from there. Amalfi is a bigger village, and there were many more people compared to Positano. I walked around, took some stairs and ended up at the top of the village. Amalfi felt a bit like a labyrinth. Finally, I found my way back to the center of the village and to its huge cathedral. There again, there were many interesting shops. Unfortunately, I had no time left. I went as far as I could to see the center, but then, I had to go back to the bus. It was very frustrating. My biggest regret was not being able to taste the special lemon cake they make in Amalfi.
Fourth And Last Village: Ravello
In Ravello, I took a break. I sat in a café with an old couple of Canadians (Ottawa) from the bus and chatted with them. It was nice to take the time to talk and meet new people. This kind of trip makes me feel like I have to run everywhere if I want to see the village, and I hadn’t had much time to breathe since the morning.
However, after finishing my drink, I did walk around a little bit. The village is quite nice and offers a beautiful view over the sea. I had to run a little bit to catch the bus, but made it in time.
After that, we went back to Naples, all pretty much exhausted, half asleep in our seats (except for the driver, of course).
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