Amalfi: Know Before You Go

Drive (or ride) the coastline: The views from any point on the Amalfi highway are at worst, breathtaking. This is the only road from Sorrento to Salerno along the West coast of Italy and totally worth the experience.

Things to know: The road is very narrow at many points, and it is along a cliff (if you are a nervous driver, ride a bus or hire a car with a driver). If you rent a car, know that you can only drive based on the last number of your license plate, even numbers drive on even days and odd numbers on odd days, between 10 am and 6 pm. The traffic is thick on a slow day and parking is extremely limited. Knowing these things, pack your patience and plan ahead to enjoy the views.

Amalfi: Not just the name of the coastline! Amalfi is a beautiful town along the coast and has ferries to many other locations along the coast, including the Isle of Capri. If you drive here you may find parking near the port (public paid parking) or if you are very lucky, along the road. Amalfi is one of the few places you can access the Mediterranean Sea at a small public beach near the port. Venture into the village and see the Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo, there's a small fee to walk through. Everyone stops on the steps to get a great photo. Stroll up Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi taking in the amazing lemons that are native to the area and the other unique sites of the area.

Ravello: While just up the hills from the coastline, Ravello is a wonderful place to visit. Take a bus from Amalfi as there isn’t any parking there. The Duomo di Ravello is a must-see and you can have a glass of wine at Enotavola Wine Bar nearby. I recommend Ravello and Amalfi on the same day as they are both small and don’t take long to explore.

Praiano: This cute village on the Amalfi highway is wonderful. There are a number of great restaurants with great views. Bring your courage and walk the highway to explore the local shops. Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Gennaro is a spectacular church just off the highway with a bar and gelateria just across the street. There are countless pottery shops and beautiful places to just stop and take in the views.

Positano: One of the larger towns on the coastal drive. Positano offers views to the South and East, away from Capri, and has a number of beaches with access to the Mediterranean Sea. There are a ton of Amalfi pottery shops.

La Strada – Top Terrace: This amazing restaurant was recommended to us by our host. The view and the food were exactly as she told us. The staff has been with the restaurant for years and were some of the friendliest people we met during our time on the Amalfi coast (that is saying something if you have ever met Italians in their home). The Lemon Ravioli and the special of the day, grilled fish, were delicious. We shared the panna cotta for dessert, simply wonderful. All of this while enjoying the Amalfi sunset over Capri.

Ristorante La Dolce Vista: Another restaurant with a great view of the coastline. The grilled seafood platter and the Scialatielli ai frutti di mare were very good. Again, the view of the evening sun setting was simply breathtaking.

Bar del Sole: Great wine, gelateria, and bar. We stopped in to relax and enjoy some gelato. That turned into some great mixed drinks while taking in the sun. Although we did not have a meal here, the food we saw looked and smelled great. Very popular place with great views of the Sea and the Duomo.

Tari Art Restaurant, Amalfi: This very upscale restaurant was a great little place for lunch while walking through Amalfi. The staff was wonderful, very friendly. The seafood was fresh and prepared perfectly. The linguini with clam sauce was very tasty.

Saracen Tower: Awesome circular terrace with amazing views of the coastline. We popped in for drinks. The staff was friendly and the beer was the coldest I have ever had. The food looked and smelled great. Come for the views!