A bright and sunny new day welcomed the start of my Amalfi Coast tour and the views I witnessed along the long winding roads were magnificent.
It’s evident to see why UNESCO has deemed the Amalfi Coast to be a fine example of the Mediterranean landscape. This incredible stretch of road combines dazzling vertical scenery, coastal mountains that plunge into the sea, aligned with picturesque towns such as Positano and Ravello which are both well worth a visit to view their many churches and statuesque villas.
Whilst in Amalfi, I stopped off for lunch at the pretty restaurant Da Gemma Trattoria which is located just off the main busy street in Amalfi. This hidden gem allows you the opportunity to enjoy an appetising lunch amongst a peaceful and serene ambience whilst watching the hectic stream of tourists and locals rush by. I was served a tasty smoked mozzarella, grilled in lemon leaves, fried pizzetta and culatello ham for my starters. A wholesome home-made ravioli filled with goat’s cheese served with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil followed for my main course which I enjoyed immensely.
My journey back to Sorrento was a quiet affair as I slept in the car due to sheer exhaustion of the hills and many steps I climbed whilst observing the quaint and pretty areas of Positano and Ravello and also being substantially full from a hearty lunch too.
I was now midway through my Italian experience and I was eagerly awaiting my trip to the famous and glamorous Capri island. After a 20 minute crossing from Sorrento to Capri via Hydrofoil, I could tell this small but perfectly formed haven attracts so many tourists who seem to be seduced by the high-end hotels, boutique designer shops, handmade leather sandals, right through to the elegant yachts aligned on the cove-studded coastline, cool restaurants, bars, cafe’s, limitless limoncello and its famous Blue Grotto. In short, Capri is absolutely stunning and she knows it.
Whilst travelling around Capri I discover Anacapri which is a petite area located in the hilltops of the island. An amazing lunch was prepared at the La Terrazza di Lucullo which is situated in the marvellous Cesar Augustus Hotel, a boutique outpost blessed with striking and unspoilt sea views from the island.
I really enjoyed my time in Capri and thoroughly recommend a day visit to this slice of Italian sophistication.
Sorrento has been a real joy to explore and it was fitting to end this part of my tour at II Buco for my final supper. II Buco is a Michelin star restaurant located in the very heart of Sorrento, set within a backdrop of an old monastery and serves outstanding and authentic Italian cuisine, it really was a pleasure to dine there and I thoroughly recommend a visit.
My final stop of this enchanting Italian trail is Ischia which is a volcanic island with jaw-dropping views. It’s also the largest and most developed of the islands in the Bay of Naples. My residence whilst in Ischia is the Grand Hotel Punta Molino which is a fetching property set amongst its own sandy bay and is ideally located and a short stroll from the busy centre of Ischia. My room is bright, airy and furnished in a deep Mediterranean finish with Vietri hand-painted tiles. A cosy bathroom area with all the necessary amenities finish off the room nicely.
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