After Santorini, we flew to Rome, took a train to Naples and then drove straight to the Amalfi Coast. We were completely in awe as we arrived in the Positano area and spent most of our time there — the views were spectacular. Different from Greece but just as breathtaking, the coastline, colors and food instantly stole our hearts. We spent four nights on the coast following a recommendation, and it felt like the perfect amount of time to soak it all in. With orange umbrellas along the beach, pastel buildings clinging to the cliffs and mozzarella on every menu, how could you not fall in love? Below is a photo story of our trip with highlights and favorites.
We stayed at Casa Angelina, a modern boutique hotel in Praiano. The hotel felt like a contemporary art gallery: crisp white interiors, striking artwork, and dramatic views of Positano. The pool deck was surrounded by lemon trees, and the staff provided thoughtful touches like little treats on our pillows each night. Praiano is only about a 10-minute drive from Positano, and Casa Angelina runs a complimentary shuttle into town. We appreciated being a short distance from Positano’s busiest streets while still enjoying easy access to its shops and beaches.
We loved La Strada, an intimate restaurant across the street, so much that we went two nights in a row. The pizza was outstanding and the caprese we had felt like the best we’ve ever tasted. A few hundred steps below the hotel there’s a beautiful beach club where you can spend the day — the setting is unforgettable.
Our first day was spent wandering through Positano’s winding streets. Like Santorini, the charm is in getting lost among alleys, boutiques and cafés. We strolled down to the beach to see the famous orange umbrellas and explored shops filled with local goods and handmade pieces.
One local recommendation led us to Nana, where custom sandals are made on the spot. It was a fantastic experience: you choose a style and leather color, the artisan measures your foot precisely, and the sandals are crafted right there. The fit and craftsmanship were excellent.
On day two we took the ferry to Capri. We rode the funicular up the hill and spent the day exploring narrow lanes, shops and scenic viewpoints. We sampled lemon almonds and limoncello — both delicious. The blue grotto was closed due to high tide, and we didn’t make it to Anacapri this time, but both were recommended by other travelers.
Our final day on the coast included a cooking class at Buca di Bacco — easily one of the trip’s highlights. We joined three other couples and learned to prepare arancini, gnocchi with pesto, eggplant parmigiana and profiteroles. After cooking, we sat together by the water and enjoyed the meal we’d made, accompanied by endless wine and prosecco. The class was fun, hands-on and we left with a cookbook of the recipes.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
We also had a lovely illustrated map of our favorite spots in Positano and Praiano, highlighting recommendations for dining, shopping and activities — a helpful guide if you plan to visit.
Map Illustration by Striped Cat Studio
To Stay: Casa Angelina — a stunning modern oasis in Praiano.
For Dinner in Positano: Ristorante Max — often recommended as one of the best meals in town.
For Dinner in Praiano: La Strada — we went twice and loved the pizza and warm service.
For Dessert: Collina Bakery — near the start of the walking streets, known for excellent almond and pistachio cookies and colorful mini donuts.
For Custom Sandals: Nana — handmade sandals made to measure while you watch.
For Moccasins: Tre Denari — leather moccasins in many colors, comfortable and affordable.
For Clothing: Louise — a colorful boutique with handmade pieces, and Palo Borracho — an open-air shop under bougainvillea.
For A Cooking Class: Buca di Bacco — a hands-on class where you prepare a full multi-course meal with wine and prosecco.
Huge thanks to Katie for helping organize the trip and to Casa Angelina for making our time on the Amalfi Coast so special. If you enjoyed this travel recap, there are more stories from our adventures to explore.
p.s. Some favorite photos from the trip are available for purchase through the photographer’s shop.