Amalfi Coast and Capri

Last year Kate and I loved Capri so much we knew we wanted to go back again this year. I really wanted to check out the Amalfi Coast as well, so after Naples we left and headed to Amalfi via ferry from Salerno. (Most websites advocated taking the SITA bus from Sorrento to get to Amalfi, but the hotel owner we spoke to suggested the ferry from Salerno instead. This proved to be a fairly easy option and only cost us about 18 Euro each.)

Salerno's harbor

Amalfi and the other coastal towns proved to be quite beautiful, but bustling with tourists. I suppose we should have expected this but we were hoping for something a little different.

arriving in Amalfi

After spending a day on the beach, I found a little shade overlooking
the Duomo in Amalfi with a glass of wine (or two!)

The next day we went to Positano, another nearby town on the Amalfi Coast by ferry. We were there for about 5 minutes when I wondered if we were going to find anything to do, but we soon discovered a large selections of shops to peruse and I continued to stock up on ceramics made by locals. 

Positano

Positano, from the hill we climbed up...it really was quite spectacular

After returning from Positano, we took a local bus up to Ravello. Ravello is part of the Amalfi Coast area, but isn't along the sea. Instead it is one of the towns higher up in the line of cliffs. We had heard that it was quite beautiful and wanted to see what all the fuss was about. In my opinion, the best thing was the view we had over a glass of wine. 

a glass of wine in Ravello

Overall I think I was fairly underwhelmed by the Amalfi Coast. Having been to Cinque Terre before and spent several days in Capri, I was just not as impressed as I expected to be. Happily, Kate and I headed to Capri for two nights from Amalfi.

We stayed at the same hotel this year as we did previously, Hotel Weber Ambassador. It's close to the beach, has a great pool with amazing views, and provides a regular shuttle into town. The same cute driver was back again this year and that was definitely not disappointing. 

We even made a return visit to our sandal maker, Francesco, and bought some more of his wonderful custom made designs. 

Kate getting her sandals fitted

I bought a new pair of white sandals to sport this summer and as a present to Kate (for her going away gift and for her upcoming beach wedding) I offered to buy her a pair as well. 

new shoes! 

In Capri, went spent our time by the pool, reading and relaxing. It was a nice way for Kate and I to wrap up our two years at ASM together. We made our way back to Milan a couple days later and then it was time to say goodbye! 

Getting my book club book read early!

Not sure what this new school year will bring, but I'm sure to miss my traveling buddy and neighbor!