Pastel-hued buildings dot the rocky cliff face of Amalfi's most popular destination - Positano
From luxe hotels and ancient Roman ruins, to restaurants that will satisfy even the most demanding of gourmands; this stretch of Italian coastline truly has it all
NAPLES
Kick things off by checking yourself into the Partenope Relais hotel. Situated smack bang on the Naples harbour front, this boutique property - with its neoclassical facade and quirky cinematic theme - is comprised of 24 spacious rooms, each offering stunning views.
Naples most famous sweet treat, Sfogliatelle
TOP TIP: The hotel's on-site restaurant is a go-to for sweet-toothed locals to get their fix of Naples most famous treat, the delectable Sfogliatelle (pastry filled with sweet ricotta.) So naughty, but oh so good!
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Walking the ancient streets of Pompeii
POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM
Walking in the footsteps of ancient Pompeians at Pompeii, you'll experience what life was like 2,000 years ago. Visit public baths, wine bars and shops, step into private villas and see preserved frescoes and mosaics.
Often overlooked, nearby Herculaneum was a wealthy seaside town of around 5,000 residents when it was buried by Vesuvius. It’s proximity to the eruption has meant that roofs and other organic matter (including boats, skeletons and papyrus scrolls) are in a much better state of preservation than Pompeii.
Skip the lines and visit both of these world heritage UNESCO sites in one day. ToursByLocals connects travellers with local tour guides for a personalised sightseeing experience like no other. Gauging tastes and time constraints, your guide will put together an itinerary showcasing the best of these two ancient wonders.
One of Herculaneum's best-preserved mosaics, Casa di Nettuno ed Anfitrite
TOP TIP: While in Herculaneum make sure to see the jaw-dropping Casa di Nettuno ed Anfitrite. Named after the vibrant glass paste mosaics studded with seashells depicting Neptune, this is one of the most impressive Roman wall decorations ever found.
A room with one hell of a view - Villa Cimbrone Hotel, Ravello
RAVELLO
Overlooking the Amalfi Coast - some 350-metres above the Tyrrhenian Sea - sits Ravello, a medieval village full of winding cobblestone streets, fragrant gardens, and postcard-perfect views. But for one of the most breathtaking vistas, check into the Villa Cimbrone Hotel . For centuries what was an aristocratic residence is now an exclusive hotel that boasts some of the most beautiful gardens in Italy. Little wonder that the A-list guest list here ranges from Greta Garbo (who stayed at the villa several times in the 1930s) through to Justin Timberlake, more recently.
TOP TIP: The Amalfi coast is a culinary holy grail. For a truly unforgettable dinner, book yourself a table at Belmond Hotel Caruso’s Belvedere Restaurant. Famed for its superb selection of fresh, local Mediterranean dishes, this eatery combines Michelin quality fare with the traditional charm of Italian home cooking. But perhaps most impressive is the outdoor terrace, complete with one of the best views in the town.
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Il San Pietro in Positano - a regular on the 'best hotels in the world' lists
POSITANO
The town of Positano is the most popular destination in the Amalfi. Pastel-painted houses dot the rocky cliff-face and the streets are framed by vast bunches of purple bougainvillea.
Base yourself a short drive or walk away from the town centre at the exclusive hideaway of Il San Pietro. Regularly named one of the best hotels in the world, this is a favourite check-in for European royalty and Hollywood stars in search of some privacy and TLC. Indeed, its celebrity guest roster reads like a list of who’s who with Gregory Peck, Tina Turner, Barbra Streisand, Dustin Hoffman, and Sting all having vacayed here.
TOP TIP: Take advantage of the hotel’s amazingly secluded private beach – a natural cove with crystal waters and a large sunbathing deck - accessed via a James Bond-esque elevator, which takes guests from the lobby to the beach in seconds through 88-metres of solid rock.
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A classic seaside holiday spot, Sorrento is the perfect base for exploring the Amalfi Coast
SORRENTO
Overlooking the Gulf of Naples, this handsome town has La Dolce Vita in spades. A seaside holiday spot, Sorrento is the perfect base for Amalfi Coast-hopping and for exploring the elegant resort island of Capri, which is just a 20-minute ferry ride away.
Among the most renowned hotels in the area, the Bellevue Syrene sits in the most picturesque corner of the town with terraces overlooking the stunning gulf. Opened in 1820, the property is built on the foundations of a Roman villa. Indeed, for history buffs, the mammoth network or Roman-era grottos directly below the hotel are a definite highlight. To access the beach guests must traverse through these ancient tunnels - just as their Roman counterparts did before them - in order to soak in the warm azure seas.
TOP TIP: Take advantage of the Syrene’s Club Lounge between 10am and 8pm daily for complimentary canapes and cocktails.
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GETTING THERE
Etihad Airways offers connections from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Naples. To book, visit etihad.com or call 1300 532 215.
Trains allow easy connections within the region with Rail Europe. For more information see raileurope.com.au