9 min.
Naples & the Amalfi Coast (powered by Spotify)
It was incredible to drive all around one of the most loved and beautiful part of Italy. This area is well known all around the world for its superb lemons and amazing food, from Amalfi and Sorrento to Naples this area should be called The Capital of Italian Food, and also the amount of archaeological sites such as Pompeii and Paestum is impressive!
Best archaeological site: Paestum
Paestum was an ancient town of Magna Graecia, the southern coastal territories of what today is called Italy and its name comes from the god Poseidon. Today Paestum is an important historical site but is unknown if compared to Pompeii or other major areas. Three massive temples, the ruins of some buildings, an amphitheater, the Diver and a couple of thermal pools are only some of the beauties that you can discover here. Totally deserve a visit!
The ruins show an ancient version of the greek Doric order that is the main feature of the temples of Hera (two out of three) and Athena. This buildings were all built around 500 BC but in different years. Paestum is well known also for some tomb’s decorated ceilings and walls that were found here.
The rebirth: Pompeii
Pompeii was an ancient roman town near Naples that was totally destroyed and buried for centuries by a violent eruption in 79 AD. It is nowadays one of the most important cultural and archaeological gems of the italian artistic and historical heritage. It’s really difficult to do maintenance here because the amount of buildings discovered is impressive and they need daily restoration works, it’s very expensive. However, in the last years the condition of the site is getting better and better, totally worth a visit! (…of a minumum of three hours)
The gem: Positano
Positano is a small town on the Amalfi Coast and is well known for its particular location, because the entire city is located on the side of a mountain. It is probably this characteristic that makes it to be one of the most loved and photographed spot of the entire coast. Positano’s main sights are its black beach and the church of Santa Maria Assunta which is made of majolica tiles and has an icon of a black Madonna which is told to be stolen by pirates from Byzantium and then transported all over the Mediterranean.
The best view: Sorrento
Sorrento is a town located on the opposite side of the Bay of Naples and it’s a popular location for its view and because its near to Naples, Amalfi and Pompeii. The view from here is something incredible, like a postcard.. From its reef you’ll be able to see Naples, all the bay and the Vesuvius. Sorrento is also the homeland of limoncello, a typical liquor made of lemon peel… here you can also taste some particular types of pizza with lemon, sorrentinan cheese and walnuts. Worth a bite!
If you’ve planned to stay in Sorrento for a night or more we would reccomend you the restaurant “Tasso”, it is very near to the city centre and it offers a wide list of amazing foods!
Otherwise if you want to taste a real pizza, made with fresh and genuine ingredients, with a touch of sorrentinian tradition (such as lemons, local cheese and walnuts) you should try the restaurant Acqu’e sale that offer you amazing dishes with a view on the Naples bay. You can also order a gluten free napolitan pizza but, since it’s freshly made every day in only four or five portion you should call and ask for it.
And why not sleeping looking at the vesuvius like a real Holliwood star… we suggest you this amazing hotel located in Sorrento.
Food experiences
Obviously this should be a ‘must’ of your visit in the homeland of italian most famous and loved food: pizza and pasta. Campania, and especially Naples, is well known all around the world as the birthplace of the original napolitan pizza which is different and well better than all the other type of pizza that you can taste all over Italy and all over the world. Another well known italian food that comes from Campania, and in particular from places such Gragnano and Benevento. Here in the photo is a fried pizza from Positano, so tasty!
This region of Italy is also well known for Mozzarella di Bufala and fish and in some typical restaurants such as “Officina del mare” in Naples you can taste both of them in a delicious way! Here in the photo is a Mozzarella di Bufala with raw shrimps, a cream of pumpkin and pistachios.
The Typical: Grapefruit juice with a view
One of the most common things to see on the sides of the road from Sorrento to Amalfi are the stalls that sell fresh and biological fruits. Also in this season (winter in Campania is like spring in Milan) many sellers stop their little truck in the parking areas and they sell fruits and freshly squeezed juices. However, be careful with your choice! Juices are almost always inexpensive while fruits such as pomegranates, cedars and lemons can cost a lot!
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