-From Tanya, Senior Travel Consultant

For all of my travelling life I have always been drawn to Italy, and it has seen me re-visit on almost all of my European holidays.  In May this year, my Italian obsession only increased when my partner and I arrived into the beautiful Amalfi Coast for the first time.

From the winding cobbled streets and steep lanes leading to hilltop views, to the vast valleys of lemon trees, vibrant eateries along the streets and beachfronts, and, of course, the best gelato you’ll ever encounter— the Amalfi villages offer an unforgettable Italian sensory overload!

The beauty of the Amalfi Coast is no longer a secret.  If you are visiting during peak season (May-Sept), so is everyone else, and it isn’t for the faint hearted!  Plan your days in advance; get out early beating the heat and the crowds; stay in the smaller less crowded villages with ferry access,  as you will quickly discover, exploring the villages by ferry is far easier than by road.

Highlights and tips to consider:

• A day trip to Capri and the Blue Grotto.  Take the first ferry and go up the Cable Car to Capri Town as soon as you arrive.  From there you can take the Funicular for even more expansive views.

• A day trip to Pompeii.  You can take a bus from most of the villages, or a ferry and train from Salerno.  Definitely a must see.

• Enjoy the locals.  We stayed in Atrani which is a 10 minute tunnel or coastal walk from Amalfi Town, what a hidden gem!  Amalfi Town is a bustling village during the day but at night you are one of the locals.  This also goes for visiting Positano or Sorrento, at night the crowds of day trippers have dispersed so you can enjoy the local village life.
• Hike the Path of the Gods.  Start in Bomerano (a short bus ride from Amalfi) then hike around 3hrs to Nocelle (above Positano), the views are some of the best of the Amalfi coastline.
• Visit Ravello.  From Amalfi, take a scenic hike through the valleys (and approx 1700 stairs) to the hilltop village of Ravello.   You can also take a 25min bus ride to enjoy the medieval facades, the panoramic views and ancient history of this quieter, less crowded beauty.
• Restaurant Reservations.  During the busy season, the cliff and hilltop restaurants boast the best water views and they also come with a price tag, and a waiting list.  Book in advance so you don’t miss out.
• Tempting your palate.  Your Amalfi visit isn’t complete until you experience the most ‘Instagrammable’ lemon sorbet. For seafood enthusiasts, you will fall in love with the famous pasta dishes brimming with the local delicacies, and of course, no meal is complete without a traditional Limoncello to end the evening!

Belissimo!