For more information and to book please visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or let us arrange your whole trip, by calling +44 (0)20 8987 4312 or from the USA dial 1 866 610 3867.
Just to the south of Naples, this postcard-perfect promontory attracts landscape-hungry artists, glamour-hungry film stars and spaghetti-hungry gourmets from around the world. The serpentine coast road weaves around and tunnels through the mountains, never losing sight of the sea. It’s a route made for summer drives with the warm salty breeze in your hair, or for cliff-top hikes and hidden-beach picnics. Crumpled-wedding-cake towns spill down to the shore, where weathered fishing skiffs dock to unload the catch of the day, alongside summer sun-seekers sipping limoncello at the terraced bars of Positano or Praiano.
Nothing says ‘Amalfi Coast’ like a tot of limoncello in a chilled ceramic tumbler. The region is famed both for the ceramics produced by its craftsmen and the sweet lemony nectar expertly prepared from the lemon trees that litter the rocky cliff sides. The genuine article is made with lemon rind, not juice, hence its distinctly sweet flavour, and the drink is slowly supped as a digestivo in bars and restaurants all over the coast.
Picking up a bottle of limoncello from the factory on the way up the hill to Ravello. There's an aluminium door to the right of the road – just knock.
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in Amalfi Coast
High on the cliffs at the edge of Priano, Casa Angelina emerges gleaming from the rocks; a bright, white, clean-lined hotel that wisely lets the views do the talking.
La Minervetta's floor-to-ceiling windows and its three sun terraces are perfect platforms for admiring the panoramic views of the Bay of Naples.
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
June–September Opera, dance, music and theatre take over the village of Ravello and its gorgeous gardens, as the Ravello Festival events fill various villas including the famous Villa Rufolo (www.ravellofestival.com). April–September Positano Art Festival runs throughout the summer season month, featuring such diverse spectacles as fashion shows and canoe races, both classical and modern dance and theatre. See www.positanoartfestival.com for details.
Ever-popular and serving the best ice-cream in town, this café/restaurant down by the beach offers cakes of all description, coffees, snacks and fantastic people-watching possibilities from its terrace.
35–37 Via del Brigantino, Positano
Traditional lives music and randomly ringing bells competes for with cries of 'Vive le donne!' for the attention of this restaurant's clientèle. The food is as authentic as the atmosphere, with excellent traditional Italian food – the vegetable antipasti come recommended, as do the fresh fish straight from the sea.
172–178 Via Pasitea, Positano
Follow the coastal path from Positano to Fornillo and you’ll find this very traditional family-run restaurant next to the tower. Take a seat outside overlooking the sea and feast on fresh seafood and pizza, to the sound of the waves.
12 Via Positanesi d' America, Positano
This quaint town-centre eaterie comes complete with a vast wine cellar and walls lined with 18th-century paintings. The terrace is lovely for lengthy summer lunches.
22 Piazza dei Mulini, Positano
For a pre-club dinner on Thursday–Sunday, head to this classy-cool dining spot in the Music on the Rocks club. The views – and the music – are great.
51 Via Grotte dell’Incanto, Positano
Exceptional salads and fine fresh fish are on the varied menu at this informal lunch spot overlooking the east coast.
4 Via Boccaccio, Ravello
A privately managed fine-dining restaurant in the Hotel Caruso. The terrace is magical with a view to match that of Villa Cimbrone – worth going for this alone, although the seafood and mozzarella di bufala are big draws in their own right.
2 Piazza San Giovanni del Toro, Ravello
Chef Pino Lavarra worked with Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons and has made Rossellini’s one of the best Italian restaurants in Italy serving uncomplicated food with the finest ingredients, earning two Michelin stars in the process.
28 Via San Giovanni del Toro, Ravello
A family-run trattoria on the seashore with a very local flavour: recipes have been handed down the generations and local musicians frequently come to sweeten the air. Ask for seafood recommendations – you won't be disappointed.
1 Via Marina di Praia, Praiano
In short: meat, wine and views. This hilltop restaurant near Positano serves plate upon plate of expertly barbecued farm-style fare in simple rustic surroundings. Tackle gargantuan portions, sup seemingly endless red wine, and admire unbeatable panoramas of the craggy coast.
22 Via Tagliata 80064 Positano, Italy
This seaside club is the place to head for an upmarket disco experience in sexily lit, cave-like surroundings – great for people-watching, too.
(+39 089 875874)
The warm and multi-coloured Mediterranean interior makes for an interesting place to linger over an aperitif. There's also a great wine selection.
35–37 Via del Brigantino, Positano
This wine bar is one of the few places in the area with contemporary decor, but it still retains a cosy, local feel. The delicious Italian vintages can be accompanied by simple but delicious rustic fare, including meats, cheeses and home-made bread.
56 Via Capriglione, Praiano
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