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Italy’s Amalfi Coast is probably the most idyllic stretch of coastline in the Mediterranean, with its cozy towns nestled on rugged cliffs above crystal-blue water. Your options are practically limitless on a trip to the region, whether you decide to take a day trip to Pompeii or Naples, or hop on a hydrofoil to the exquisite Isle of Capri.
Before You Go: Need-to-know info
Entry requirements: Passport
Currency: Euro
Language: Italian
Flight time (to Naples): 8.5 hours from New York City; 15 hours from LA; 14 hours from Dallas
When to Go: The Amalfi Coast at its best
Best weather: April to June, September and October; July and August are the hottest months, and may also be the most crowded.
What to Do
Ravello: The sweet life personified, Ravello is an achingly romantic, cliff-perched village along the Amalfi Coast. Spend days sipping brunello on a terrace gazing over the sea and evenings at the striking Palazzo Avino, a 12th-century villa.
Positano: It’s got everything: great food, wine, beautiful beaches and sightseeing. Wear your most comfortable shoes (it’s a vertical village) and tour the twists and turns of this mythic spot. Buy a painting from a local artisan, indulge in fresh fish (try Max restaurant), and sip Bellinis while you watch the sunset. Stay at least one night on Capri — the island comes alive at night. Have a drink at the Grand Hotel Quisisana, and, if you’re really brave, sneak down to the famous Blue Grotto for a daring, after-dark swim.
Procida: What makes movie producers beg to film here? An isolated, back-in-time experience on the tiny island of Procida, which was the backdrop for Il Postino (aka The Postman), The Talented Mr. Ripley and several other flicks. The scenic port of Marina Corricella boasts Bar Graziella, one of the island’s most famous local hangouts. Ordinary visitors and celebrities alike can’t resist the eatery’s delicious food, like grattata di limone (a crushed-ice beverage) and to-die-for piadine. If you’re looking for a more grown-up romantic experience, there’s always Ristorante Caracalè, a converted fisherman’s-hut-turned-seafood-bistro. With the restaurant’s selection of fine Italian wines and top area catches, you’ll be in top form.
