There’s a phrase often associated with the Amalfi Coast: “It bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.”
That line sums up my entire experience. The Amalfi Coast is not just a destination—it’s a memory you carry with you long after the plane lands home, lingering in your mind like the scent of lemon blossoms in the spring.
Positano: Where the Dream Begins
After a blur of long flights, delays, and jetlag, we finally made it to Le Sirenuse in Positano. Once a private family retreat, this boutique hotel has the intimacy of a summer home but the sophistication of a luxury resort. From the moment we walked in, it felt like stepping into a scene from an Italian film—terracotta walls glowing in the late sun, laughter drifting from the Champagne Bar, and the Mediterranean stretching endlessly below.
Dinner on that first night set the tone for everything to follow. Between the sparkling coastline views and our plates of fresh seafood, we felt an immediate sense of “we’ve arrived.” Later, cocktails at Franco’s Bar—an alfresco gem perched above the town—sealed the evening. Golden-hour drinks never looked so vibrant.
The next morning brought one of my favorite memories: a boat ride along the coastline. The view from the water—those pastel villages clinging impossibly to the cliffs—is unlike anything else in the world. I’ll admit, a touch of seasickness had me craving dry land, but that worked in my favor because it led us to Spiaggia Grande, the famous beach dotted with rows of blue-and-white striped umbrellas.
It was busy, of course, but something about that scene—sun-warmed skin, turquoise water, and the hum of Italian chatter—made it impossible not to smile. What I didn’t realize was that this moment would become even more unforgettable. My fiancé had secretly hired a local photographer, and before I knew it, he was down on one knee. Against the backdrop of Positano, I said yes.
That night, we celebrated at La Sponda, Le Sirenuse’s Michelin-starred restaurant, serenaded by Italian guitarists under the glow of hundreds of candles. Truly, it felt like the universe had scripted the evening just for us.
Ravello: The Hilltop Haven
Our next stop was Ravello, a town perched high above the coast and long celebrated as the “city of music.” Checking into Belmond Hotel Caruso, we were greeted with a poolside lunch that left us both grinning—because really, does it get better than starting your Monday overlooking the Mediterranean with a plate of fresh pasta?
One highlight here was something I’d been anticipating for weeks: a lemon tour. The Amalfi Coast is practically synonymous with lemons, and turning them into limoncello the traditional way felt like tapping into the region’s heartbeat.
Transportation can be tricky in these towns, but that’s where Salvatore came in. We hired him and his vintage Fiat Jolly—complete with wicker seats—to whisk us through Ravello’s winding lanes. More than just a driver, Salvatore was a storyteller, guide, and friend, showing us secret corners of the coast that felt untouched by time.
Exploring the gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo added another layer of magic. Walking through archways lined with blooms and standing on terraces that dropped away into the endless blue sea, I understood why artists, musicians, and dreamers have flocked to Ravello for centuries.
Capri: A Colorful Escape
The final leg of our journey took us to Capri, and the energy shifted immediately. Where Positano is romantic and Ravello serene, Capri is lively, chic, and bursting with color. We stayed at Capri Tiberio Palace, a hotel that embodies everything about the island—eclectic, vibrant, and full of charm.
Our first stop was La Fontelina, the iconic beach club where the hours melted away. We lounged, swam, napped, and sipped rosé until the sun dipped low. It was the kind of day where time ceases to matter.
Dinner that night was under a canopy of lemons at Da Paolino. Imagine dining al fresco while the scent of citrus drifts through the air and lanterns cast a golden glow—it was as magical as it sounds.
The next morning, adventure called again. We rented a private boat and set off for the legendary Blue Grotto. Inside the cave, the sunlight filtering through the water created a luminous blue so surreal, it felt like we’d stumbled into another world. It’s one of those experiences that photos will never do justice to—you simply have to see it to believe it.
Capri also offered time to indulge in another passion: shopping. Wandering its chic streets, stopping in linen boutiques and local ateliers, was an experience in itself. Our final dinner at JKitchen, overlooking the Bay of Naples, was the perfect farewell—every dish a masterpiece, every view unforgettable.
A Journey Etched in Memory
Nine days passed in what felt like a heartbeat. Between the engagement, the meals, the endless walks through sun-drenched streets, and the warmth of every person we met, the Amalfi Coast etched itself permanently into my story.
On our way home, we paused in Rome for one last gelato, a wish at the Trevi Fountain, and a nighttime stroll through the cobbled streets. It was the perfect coda to a trip that blurred the lines between dream and reality.
If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s this: the Amalfi Coast doesn’t just capture your attention while you’re there—it captures your heart forever.