Exploring the Enchanting Amalfi Coast with Friends

Day 4: A Day of Dramatic Beauty and Hidden Gems on the Amalfi Coast

Discover the dramatic beauty of Fiordo di Furore, explore the historic Castello Lauritano, and savor Amalfi's culinary delights.

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Chasing Coastal Wonders


Today was all about embracing the dramatic beauty that the Amalfi Coast is so famous for. I woke up with a sense of excitement, knowing that we were going to explore some of the most picturesque spots in the area. With my camera in hand and my friends by my side, I was ready to capture every moment of this adventure.

Our day started with a hearty breakfast at Silver Moon. It's a cozy little place, and I opted for a simple yet satisfying omelette. Fuelled up, we were ready to tackle the day's itinerary. Lena always teases me about my need for a good breakfast, but hey, a brewery technician needs his energy! It’s a habit ingrained from my Canadian upbringing – gotta be ready for anything, eh?

Discover Silver Moon in Amalfi, where vibrant atmosphere meets exquisite Mediterranean cuisine amidst breathtaking coastal views.
Discover Silver Moon in Amalfi, where vibrant atmosphere meets exquisite Mediterranean cuisine amidst breathtaking coastal views.

Our first stop was the breathtaking Fiordo di Furore. Getting there was an adventure in itself, with winding roads clinging to the cliffs. The view as we approached was simply stunning. The Fiordo is a narrow, deep gorge with a tiny beach nestled at its base. The water was crystal clear, and the dramatic cliffs on either side created a sense of awe. I could only imagine what it would be like to attend the international high-diving tournament held here in July. Maybe I'll have to come back! We spent a good hour just taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere. Sophie would have loved playing on that beach, I'll have to remember it for a future family trip.

Explore Fiordo di Furore, a hidden gem on the Amalfi Coast boasting stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.
Explore Fiordo di Furore, a hidden gem on the Amalfi Coast boasting stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.

Sometimes, the most beautiful places are the ones hidden away, waiting to be discovered.


After the Fiordo, we made our way to Castello Lauritano. The drive was scenic, passing through lush chestnut groves. The castle itself is perched high on a hill, offering panoramic views of Amalfi, Scala, and Ravello. While the castle is largely in ruins, it still exudes a sense of history and grandeur. I tried to imagine what it must have been like during the time of the Maritime Republic, when this fortress played a vital role in protecting the coast. The views from up there were incredible, stretching across the Gulf of Salerno to Punta Licosa. It was easy to see why this spot was chosen for a fortification – the strategic advantage was clear. Apparently, the Lauritano family, who have been in the area since 1125, built their residences around here, giving the place its name. I read somewhere that the family even had a chapel built in the 17th century after a plague. Quite a history!

Experience the breathtaking views at Castello Lauritano, a historic castle offering stunning vistas of the Amalfi Coast in San Lazzaro, Italy.
Experience the breathtaking views at Castello Lauritano, a historic castle offering stunning vistas of the Amalfi Coast in San Lazzaro, Italy.

For lunch, we headed to Ristorante La Caravella. This place is a gem! The restaurant has a Michelin star, and it's easy to see why. The ambiance was elegant, and the service was impeccable. I decided to try the seafood pasta, and it was divine. The flavors were fresh and vibrant, and the pasta was cooked to perfection. My friends tried other dishes, and everyone was equally impressed. It's amazing how the Italians can take simple ingredients and turn them into culinary masterpieces. The wine list was extensive, and our server helped us choose a local wine that paired perfectly with our meal. I made a mental note to bring Lena here someday – she would absolutely love it.

Discover exquisite Mediterranean cuisine at Ristorante La Caravella in Amalfi, where seafood meets elegance amidst stunning coastal views.
Discover exquisite Mediterranean cuisine at Ristorante La Caravella in Amalfi, where seafood meets elegance amidst stunning coastal views.

After lunch, we did a little shopping in Amalfi. We stumbled upon a charming shop called Ciuccio. It was filled with unique, handcrafted gifts that celebrated Italian culture and craftsmanship. I learned that the ciuccio (which means donkey in the local dialect) is a symbol of the Amalfi Coast and a good luck charm. Apparently, it became popular in the 1930s thanks to a German artist named Richard Dolker, who wanted to redeem the donkeys from their hard work carrying lemons. I ended up buying a small ceramic ciuccio as a souvenir for Sophie – she loves animals, and I thought it would be a fun reminder of our trip. It’s funny how a simple donkey can represent so much about a place.

Discover unique handmade gifts and artisanal treasures at Ciuccio, a charming gift shop in the heart of Amalfi, Italy.
Discover unique handmade gifts and artisanal treasures at Ciuccio, a charming gift shop in the heart of Amalfi, Italy.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Sensi Restaurant for dinner. This restaurant also has a Michelin star, and it promised to be a special experience. The restaurant is located in a beautiful 18th-century palazzo, and the décor is a blend of modern and classic styles. The atmosphere was romantic, and the views of the Amalfi waterfront were stunning. I opted for the tasting menu, which featured a variety of innovative and creative dishes. Each course was a work of art, both visually and gastronomically. The chef clearly had a passion for using local ingredients and creating unique flavor combinations. The wine pairings were also excellent, and the sommelier was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It was definitely a meal to remember. I was surprised to find out that the restaurant was founded in 2017. They've certainly made a name for themselves in a short amount of time!

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Sensi Restaurant on the Amalfi Coast - where every meal is a celebration of flavor and beauty.
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Sensi Restaurant on the Amalfi Coast - where every meal is a celebration of flavor and beauty.

Reflecting on the day, I realized how much the Amalfi Coast has to offer. From dramatic landscapes to historical sites to culinary delights, there's something for everyone. I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore this beautiful region with my friends, and I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's adventures. Tomorrow, we're planning to explore more of Amalfi itself, including the Amalfi Coast's Lands and the Chiostro del Paradiso. And of course, we'll be trying out some new restaurants and bars – Bar Nettuno for breakfast, Baglio Amalfi Italian Bistrò Cucina , vino&drinks for lunch, and Lo Smeraldino for dinner, with a stop at Wine Bar La Risacca. Who knows what discoveries await us?

For now, it's time to rest and recharge for another day of exploring the enchanting Amalfi Coast. Ciao!
Go to day 3 Emerald Depths and Infinity Views: A Day of Wonders on the Amalfi Coast
Go to day 5 A Day of Coastal Wonders: Exploring Amalfi's Hidden Gems
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Exploring the Enchanting Amalfi Coast with Friends

Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich culture of the Amalfi Coast on a 10-day adventure with friends, staying at the charming Luna Convento.

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Meet this Featured Explorer

Michael Thompson
  • Occupation icon Occupation: Brewery Technician
  • Country icon Country: Germany
  • Age icon Age: 34

Servus! I'm Michael, a Canadian expat living in Heidelberg, Germany, with my wife, Lena, and our daughter, Sophie. I'm a brewery technician by trade, but my true passion lies in exploring new places, savoring delicious beers, and capturing it all through my lens. Join me as I share my travel experiences, from the charming corners of Germany to adventures further afield. Whether you're planning a family trip or seeking inspiration for your own travels, I hope my stories and tips will help you create unforgettable memories.

Interests:
  • Craft Beer
  • Hiking
  • Photography
  • Canadian History
  • German Culture
More about Michael Thompson

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  • Castello Lauritano

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  • Sensi Restaurant

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    Discover unique handmade gifts and artisanal treasures at Ciuccio, a charming gift shop in the heart of Amalfi, Italy.

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