How to Spend a Long Weekend in Amalfi, Italy

The Amalfi Coast has been on my bucket list since moving to Europe. As a teenager I visited a good amount of Italy on a cruise with my family, but always wanted to visit the colorful buildings gripping the coastline. When the opportunity presented itself to spend a long weekend in Amalfi, Italy this September, there was no way I was going to pass it up.

We stayed in Amalfi with Jon’s dad and his dad’s fiancé. They were wonderful and actually did much of the planning. I’m usually the planner when it comes to trips, but it was actually nice this time to sit back and relax. The trip also came at a great time as the Bloomeffects website launched just days before. It ended up being a much needed break. Although I could have easily stayed longer!

Read below if you want to know how to spend a long weekend in Amalfi, Italy.

Xx, Kelsey

WHEN WE WENT

The high season for the Amalfi Coast is June – August. Prices will be high and everything will be overcrowded. We went for the very last weekend of September and found it to be lovely. The weather was still very hot in the sun during the day. At night the temperatures dropped a bit, but never more than I could handle without a sweater or jacket.

It’s also much less crowded if you go just off-peak. Jon and I were down in the city Sunday morning and it was PACKED with buses and tourists. I would have hated to see it in the middle of July or August.

WHERE WE STAYED

We stayed at Hotel Miramalfi just minutes outside Amalfi, Italy. Many people aim to stay in Positano or Sorrento, but I found Amalfi to be quaint and charming. Hotel Miramalfi doesn’t come cheap, but then again neither does anything in the Amalfi Coast. If you want to have the best time, unfortunately you should be prepared to spend some money.

HOW WE GOT THERE

The nearest airport to Amalfi, Italy is Naples. We flew in to Naples in the morning and took a few hours to go visit the famous pizza place from Eat, Pray, Love. If you have time, Pizzeria Da Michelle is so worth spending a few hours in Naples. The menu is “cheese or no cheese” and the service is quick. Arrive before opening in order to get seated without waiting in a line for hours.

We booked a car service to drive us to the hotel in Amalfi. You can take public transportation, but I’ve heard it’s very difficult. Driving is also an option, but I can tell you I wouldn’t want to be responsible for driving a rental car on those narrow, winding roads.

WHERE WE ATE & DRANK

First thing’s first. Can you say pasta? I aimed to have pasta and/or pizza at every meal. Did not disappoint.

Ristorante La Caravella – This is a Michelin starred restaurant that does not disappoint. Great wine, and some of the best pasta. The amuse bouche they give you is the first dish to earn a Michelin star by a woman in Italy. And her recipe for ravioli is to die for. Smoked mozzarella I will never forget. If there’s one place you go on your long weekend in Amalfi, Italy, make this it.

Pizzeria Donna Stella – The Amalfi Coast is famed for its lemons, so when I saw this restaurant in a lemon grove, I knew we had to go. After a long day out on the boat, the pizza and bottles of wine we’re perfection. I also split a lemon ravioli with Jon. An affordable spot with lots of Italian charm. Little old Donna Stella herself even stopped by our table.

Ristorante Eolo – Another Michelin starred restaurant. This one with an adorable interior and view of Amalfi lit up at night. Pasta wasn’t as memorable as La Caravella, but Jon had the fresh sea bass which was stellar. Great wine too!

Bistro f.Lli Pansa – The perfect cafe seating across from the cathedral to enjoy a drink. We sat here and had a spritz while watching the golden cathedral glow as the sun sank. Highly recommend.

WHAT WE DID

Day 1 – Thursday was a bit of a travel day for Jon and I. It consisted of flying in to Naples (grabbing the best pizza I’ve ever had) and driving down the coast to Amalfi. In the evening we went down to the town with Jon’s dad and his fiancé to explore a little. We caught up over drinks and then wandered around until we found dinner.

Day 2 – Friday was an all-day boat tour, and the highlight of the trip. We spent eight hours crusing up and down the coast with a glass of Prosecco in hand. I can’t recommend enough trying to secure a boat. Positano and all the beautiful buildings along the coast look amazing from the water. Plus the Amalfi Coast is so hot, it’s the perfect way to get some sun without burning up.

Day 3 – We were exhausted after our boat day, so we spent Saturday chilling at the hotel beach. The beach is more cliffside chairs and reminded me a lot of the beaches in Croatia. We spent most of the day laying in the sun and then dipping in the ocean when we got too hot.

In the evening we went out for a sunset cruise. With another glass of Prosecco in hand, we sat on the front of our boat as we watched the sun go down behind Positano. Incredibly stunning and totally worth taking the time to do.

Day 4 – Sunday Jon and I spent an hour or so at the pool before checking out. We had an afternoon flight, so it was a quick trip down to the city for lunch and back up. We did notice that Sunday at lunchtime Amalfi was insanely packed. It took us 15 minutes to go a 2 minute drive.

OVERALL

Spending a long weekend in Amalfi, Italy can be a magnificent and beautiful place. But be prepared and know what to expect. If you’re traveling during peak season, it’s going to be crowded, expensive and very hot. Definitely go slightly off-peak and do everything you can to make a boat happen. The views (and the pasta) are everything!

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Outfit 1: Zara polka dot dress | Steve Madden sandals | Quay sunglasses

Outfit 2: Shein swimsuit | Asos sunhat

Outfit 3: Mango dress

Outfit 4: H&M jumpsuit from a few years ago (similar style here)