Bookings Consultant Emily spent a few wonderful May days exploring the sights, sounds and tastes of this beautiful corner of Italy.
May is a great time of year to visit the Amalfi Coast: there’s a perfect mix of hot sunny days for spending on the beach and cooler days for enjoying the plentiful sights. I’m lucky enough to have visited the area a handful of times and on this occasion we decided to bookend our trip with a few nights in Naples.
Naples won’t be for everyone, but I find its ramshackle appearance endearing, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied for a day or two. And of course, the pizza is INCREDIBLE! We ate ours at Pizzeria Starita, which was full of locals (always a good sign).
We decided to visit the delle Fontanelle cemetery – a huge cave filled with thousands of human skulls and bones. It sounds gloomy but it was incredible to see.
The Madre art gallery was a great way to escape the afternoon heat. It’s perfect for modern-art lovers.
Our first night was spent at the delightfully quirky Micalo, located in the trendy Chiaia Riviera.
It’s just a short walk from the seafront.
From Naples we took the train further down the coast – a cheap and easy way to travel, but it can get very busy. It also stops a lot! Next time we might try the ferry, which is slightly more expensive but a little more scenic.
After a few days with family, we checked into my favourite hotel from the entire i-escape collection: Maison La Minervetta. It’s an immaculate cliffside retreat just a 10-minute stroll from central Sorrento.
I spent lots of time on these stripy loungers…
…Looking out across the sea.
My main piece of advice if you want to stay in this amazing hotel is BOOK WELL IN ADVANCE. It’s understandably popular!
To celebrate a very special occasion (happy 70th birthday, Dad!) we splashed out on an incredible lunch at Relais Blu Belvedere, about 45 minutes by car from Sorrento.
It has awe-inspiring views out to Capri.
We didn’t stay on Capri this time around, but I would highly recommend including a day trip or even a couple of nights on the island in your itinerary. The delightfully eclectic Caprisuite is a perfect base.
Our last stop was Villa Dei D’Armiento, which is the perfect solution for those looking to escape the bustle of Sorrento but remain within walking distance. We were suitably impressed by the lush and tranquil gardens, which made a peaceful retreat from the half-term crowds.
Our Deluxe Room was extremely airy and spacious, but I fell in love with the charming Terrace Room at the top of the hotel. Though the room itself is small, it’s flanked by 3 private terraces offering a 360-degree panorama and sea views. Perfect for a romantic stay!
