Worth getting out of bed for...

Viewpoint

The views from Casa Angelina are mind-expanding enough but for one of the most staggering vistas in the world head to the gardens of Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, or have lunch at hotel itself and make sure you get a table nearest to the view. Don't forget that the views of the land from the sea can be just as impressive as vice versa.

Arts and culture

The town of Ravello is brimming with beauty, including the gardens of the Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone and the art-beating views out to sea. While there, pop into the 11th-century Duomo in Piazza Duomo – Ravello is one of the few villages on the Amalfi Coast to boast an ancient cathedral. The Amalfo Coast's incredible scenery has lured many an artist to the area – independent art galleries pepper the path to Positano. The coast itself is riddled with caves – most famous are the Coral Caves and La Grotta Blanca , where the water prefectly reflects a painting of the Virgin Mary .

Something for nothing

The Sentiero degli Dei ('Path of the Gods') is a spectacularly scenic trek along the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Starting from Praiano, walk a few hundred metres towards Bomerano, until you reach the marble plague commemorating Giustino Fortunato, the economist who named the path, then follow the mountainside track to the monastery of San Domenico. It's a strenuous hike, all right, but more than worth the effort for the views alone. Go in the late afternoon for the added bonus of a stunning sunset.

Shopping

After the boutique wonderland that is Capri, Positano is the capital of the Amalfi Coast’s fashion scene, with myriad petite shops and galleries selling an array of jewelled, silk kaftans, Murano glass and designer dresses. The town’s famous for artisans, tailors and cobblers who will make beautiful shoes or clothes to measure – and sometimes while you wait.

Daytripper

The majestic ruins of Pompeii (www.pompeiisites.org) and the ascent of still-smoking Mount Vesuvius are on every tourist's tick-list, but they're definitely worth the drive. En route, stop off at L'Agriturismo Casa Scola on Via Fornace in Gragnano (+39 081 539 2198) and savour home-made wine and pasta – if you're in luck, you'll get a tour of the pasta and cheese factory.

Best beach

The craggy coastline is riddled with deserted beaches perfect for picnics. Charter a boat for the day and scout out your own private hideaway – the little cove near De Filippo's island is stunningly set among the rocks, with nothing but the local fisherman's house in sight.

Walks

Rent a Vespa or a car to zip along the coast road to your starting point – your passenger can keep an eye out for what may be hidden beach marvels down below – the long trip down to the shore (and back up) makes for a bracing stroll among beautiful scenery. Alternatively, wander up through the lemon trees to Ravello (take lots of water – it's a thirsty walk). At the top, the Garden Restaurant on Via Boccaccio will replenish your energy levels (+39 089 857226).

Children

Owing to a lack of readily accessible sandy beaches and a innumerable number of steep steps, the Amalfi Coast is not ideal for younger travellers – it's best kept as a romantic destination à deux.

Activities

Make the short crossing from the Amalfi Coast to Capri (go early to beat the crowds), either by charter boat from Positano's Noleggio Barche Lucibello on Via del Brigantino (+39 089 875 032), or hop on the hydrofoil from the town docks. Once in Capri, you can shop and sun-lounge to your heart's (and wallet's) content, or you can sign up for a day-long cookery course with twice Michelin-starred chef Renato and hone your Italian kitchen skills preparing six courses in his private villa (www.theinternationalkitchen.com).