Amalfi Coast Expectations vs. Reality: A Photographer’s Honest Review by Jennifer Lind Schutsky

To be honest I thought Amalfi was one of the most overrated tourist destinations in Italy. We found so many other private beaches while we were in this area and when we were further south in Calabria. This area was overcrowded, there were cigarette butts in the water. We found parking in a mountain cave, which cost I want to see €20 for several hours and that was the cheapest parking we could find. We thought about stopping for lunch somewhere and ended up avoiding that altogether. Our favorite parts of this day trip to Amalfi included the lemon Italian ices (11 euro each). I'm glad we went and saw what it was all about but I have to say if you're on a time crunch you could probably skip this location.

Suggested Itenerary: Evening Positano Beach & Village Stroll:

Start your journey in the picturesque village of Positano. Wander the narrow streets filled with colorful houses, boutique shops, and art galleries. Head down to Spiaggia Grande, the main beach, and take in the stunning coastal views.

Breakfast: Collina Bakery (Positano) Grab a fresh pastry and cappuccino for around €4-5. Known for its delightful cornetti and other baked goods, it’s a perfect way to start the day with a view.Late Morning: Path of the Gods Hike (Sentiero degli Dei) Path of the Gods (Free)After exploring Positano, head to Nocelle or Bomerano to begin the famous Path of the Gods hike. This trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and lush greenery. It’s a moderately challenging hike but incredibly rewarding. Take time to admire the scenery and enjoy the peacefulness.

Lunch:La Tagliata (Montepertuso)Enjoy a traditional Italian meal with fresh local ingredients. Prices for dishes like pasta, grilled meats, and salads range from €10-20 per person. The restaurant is perched on the hill with sweeping views, and it's known for its family-style meals and organic produce.

Afternoon: Amalfi Town: Amalfi Cathedral & Piazza Duomo (Free to enter cathedral, small fee for museum)After lunch, make your way to Amalfi Town and visit the famous Amalfi Cathedral, a stunning example of medieval architecture. Explore the Piazza Duomo and its surrounding streets filled with charming shops and cafés.Limoncello Tasting (Alcohol-free!)While you don't drink alcohol, you can still explore shops selling limoncello and try some non-alcoholic lemon-based treats like granita or gelato, a local specialty.Sweet Treat:Pasticceria Pansa (Amalfi)Known for traditional pastries like delizia al limone (lemon cake). Stop here for dessert, with items costing around €5-7.

Late Afternoon: Ravello & Villa Rufolo Ravello (Free to explore town, €7 entrance to Villa Rufolo) Finish your day in the beautiful hilltop town of Ravello, known for its gardens and music festivals. Visit Villa Rufolo, which has lovely gardens and terraces overlooking the coast, perfect for a relaxing end to the day.Dinner (Optional in Ravello or Amalfi):Cumpa' Cosimo (Ravello) A cozy, family-run trattoria offering hearty pasta dishes for around €12-15. Try their famous homemade ravioli or gnocchi, which are local favorites.