In September, Conor and I went to our friends’ wedding in Amalfi, Italy. It was a dream: the clear blue water, the mountainous terrain, lemons everywhere, THE FOOD. It was a truly magical and beyond romantic experience. While we were pretty much occupato the entire time we were there, I could not help but notice what an amazing spot it would be to honeymoon! Here are some of the most romantic highlights from our trip. Allora, andiamo!
Stay on a lemon farm (or at least visit)
This was probably the most surprising gem of an experience. We booked an AirBNB and were not really sure what to expect. Since most of our friends had chosen to stay nearer to the water, we wondered if we had made a mistake. NOPE. Every morning we woke up in a little slice of paradise. We literally watched people walking donkeys through the fields of lemons. There was a waterfall right next door. Breakfast every morning under the lemon tree canopy. We felt far from the hustle and bustle of all the tourists in town, even though it was just a quick walk away. The one downside–it is a pretty steep walk up the hill after our long nights. But I do wonder if it helped me with not gaining any weight on the trip! (Downright miraculous really!)
If staying there isn’t your cup of tea, they have lemon experience tours! This company owned our AirBNB and had a booming tour business. You definitely don’t want to miss the more mountainous side of town.
Go for a swim at Hotel Luna
Yes, this is really us. Can you feel the bliss??
Um, the picture above says enough, right? The pools are built into the rocky terrain, and have access to the sea. It’s private and quiet compared to the nearby spiaggie (beaches)! Maybe the highlight is a little Italian man named Pepe who runs the show there. Watch out, he may become your new best friend.
Bonus points: go for a midnight swim in town with your boo. Yeah we did that too! Skinny dipping anyone? #romanticAF
Sail to Capri
Can you even with that crystal clear, turquoise water? I CANNOT.
Taking a day trip to Capri is a must. Capri is a little island about 20 miles away from Amalfi. It is a bit of a tourist mecca, so best to go in the off season if you can. It’s probably most well know for its blue grotto. We visited a private beach club, La Canzone Del Mar, while we were there. We had a fabulous lunch and swim there. Be aware, if you do choose to swim there, they will charge you €!
Spend some time in Ravello
The view from Villa Eva - the reception venue for the wedding.
Taken in the town square at cocktail hour. The sun was just breaking through the clouds. *magic*
Ravello is a charming town set in the hills looking down on Amalfi and the sea. It’s a little slice of heaven. It’s where the wedding actually took place, so we didn’t have time to do enough exploring. But can you beat cocktail hour in the main square in town after a fresh summer shower? The views are unbeatable. You can apparently hike to and from Amalfi, but I wouldn’t recommend it in heels! The town almost transports you back to a simpler time. Don’t miss it.
Eat like the Locals
This was served in a parmesan cheese bowl. I’m still drooling, months later.
A little prosciutto panini? Yes please!
Grilled octopus (polpa griglia!) in a chili tomato broth. Absolute heaven.
Yes- enjoy the carbs. But don’t miss out on some of the freshest seafood ever. We are talking literally fisherman to table here people. The grilled octopus shown above may be the best thing I’ve ever eaten in the entirety of my life. And yes, don’t sweat the carbs and fat. You are walking enough to just enjoy. Also, food is real in Italy. Ingredients are better, fresher, and food isn’t over processed. Soak it all up! Try to avoid the tourist traps though. Things to watch out for- Alfredo sauce (an American invention), the use of the word “marinara” (another American invention!), and pictures on menus.
Other thing of note
Go shopping! The Amalfi coast is known for it’s gorgeous painted ceramics. Stock up!
Don’t drive. Please don’t drive. But, if you do drive: it’s critical to pick up your car within the reservation time. Unlike in the US, they will give your car away, and automatic transmissions are hard to come by. If you aren’t comfortable driving a manual transmission around coastal cliffs and hills, that is. We ended up in a SUV. We had to drive it through the tiny narrow streets all the way up to our AirBNB. Our Italian host literally called my husband a hero for not hitting anything or anyone. No one needs that kind of stress! There are ferries, trains, and buses that can get you where you need to go!
Positano. We were supposed to visit Positano but our plans were disrupted. From what I hear, it’s also on the not to be missed!
This is by no means a comprehensive list of what you could do during your stay on the Amalfi Coast. But I hope it inspired some wanderlust and could help you visualize what your coastal honeymoon could look like! Can you feel the romance?? I’m still swooning. What’s on your honeymoon short list? -AHS