Dream Escape to the Amalfi Coast

I’m a passionate traveler and have been to many places, but certain countries have left a deeper mark on me than others. Italy, for instance, is my second home; I go back every year whenever I can. The country is stunning from top to bottom, but I have a soft spot for the Naples region and the Amalfi Coast. I returned there for three weeks last year and came home with unforgettable memories.

Heading to the Gulf of Naples

My husband and I decided to drive down and rent a house in Termini, an adorable little village at the tip of the Amalfi Coast. It took us two days to leisurely make our way down the Italian "boot." After a stop at a hotel in Ostia (Rome's port), we headed straight for our vacation rental. Once we arrived, we were blown away by the view. On one side, we could admire the island of Capri; further east, the island of Ischia; and then the Gulf of Naples, overlooked by Mount Vesuvius. This place is a paradise in any season. In fact, the Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

First Visits Around Pompeii

Our first excursion was to the site of Pompeii. We dedicated an entire day to exploring this marvelous Roman city, which was devastated by Vesuvius in a matter of minutes in 79 AD. I was surprised and amazed by how advanced the Roman culture was centuries before our era. It was a massive, highly organized city. You can still see the remains of commercial streets, water cisterns, an aqueduct, and many public buildings that were partially destroyed by an earthquake in 62 AD. What struck me the most, and I must say, with a sense of dread, were the human and canine figures found frozen in time by the volcanic eruption. You can even see the terrified expressions on their faces.

Continuing the tour, we discovered thermal baths in perfect condition, as well as bas-reliefs on certain houses and exceptionally well-preserved mosaics. I also admired religious buildings like the Temples of Venus, Apollo, and Jupiter. I explored the Building of Eumachia, the Lupanar (brothel) with its evocative frescoes, and various artisans' and merchants' homes. I remember there was even a sign on one of them where the owner was advertising a house for rent for the holidays. This place is unique and not to be missed.

In a similar vein, we also visited the site of Herculaneum near Naples and the one at Paestum. The latter is truly admirable. You can see beautiful, incredibly well-preserved Greek temples there.

The Island of Capri, a Jewel

On a beautiful, sunny day, we decided to visit the island of Capri. You need to take the ferry from Sorrento, which is the closest port. From there, it’s a half-hour crossing to reach the enchanting island. It’s better to hire a guide, as they know exactly which spots to see and which restaurants serve the best authentic local cuisine.

This island is a Mediterranean jewel; it has been sung about and praised in poetry, but nothing beats seeing it for yourself. You can discover a hotel that was built by Le Corbusier. Nearby, you’ll find the magnificent residences of Claudia Cardinale, Sophia Loren, and the Grimaldi family, just to name a few.

In Capri, there is a specialty called dark chocolate with lemon. You can visit the factories and bring some home, it’s excellent. And you certainly shouldn't forget to buy the famous limoncello, a liqueur made from lemons. After Capri, we spent plenty of time enjoying the coast and headed to Amalfi. This steep, cliffside town is magnificent. You have to see everything: from the Amalfi Cathedral to the Chiesa di Santa Maria a Piazza, not to mention the many chapels, museums, and narrow streets steeped in history.

There are so many other places to see in the area, given its rich heritage. I am still in awe of everything I discovered in this "bellissima" Italy, and I’ve already planned to return in a few months.