Exploring the Enchanting Amalfi Coast with Friends

Whispers of the Past, Visions of Beauty

Today was a day of venturing slightly off the beaten path, seeking out the hidden gems that whisper stories of centuries past and celebrating the natural beauty that defines this coastline. It's days like these that truly make a trip memorable, offering a deeper connection to the place and its history.

Our Sunday began, as many good days do, with breakfast at Bar Della Valle. It's becoming a bit of a ritual, grabbing a quick bite and a strong coffee before heading out for the day's adventures. The pastries were fresh, the coffee was strong, and the views were, as always, spectacular. It's amazing how a simple breakfast can set the tone for an entire day. I even managed to practice a bit of my Italian with the barista, who seemed genuinely amused by my attempts. Lena always laughs at me, but hey, I'm trying! Sophie, of course, just wanted a croissant, and she was happy as could be.


Experience the essence of Amalfi at Bar Della Valle, where delicious flavors meet stunning coastal views in a cozy café atmosphere.

Fueled and ready, our first stop was the Grotta dei Santi, near Atrani. This cave, tucked away just a bit above the old pedestrian road connecting Amalfi and Atrani, is a fascinating place. It's not particularly well-known, which made it all the more appealing. The Grotta dei Santi, or Cave of the Saints, is adorned with frescoes that some historians believe date back to the 10th century. Imagine, art created over a thousand years ago! The frescoes depict various saints, though identifying them precisely is difficult due to the passage of time and some damage from moisture. It’s believed that the cave may have been used as a place of hermitage by monks from the nearby monastery of Saints Cirico and Giuditta. Standing there, surrounded by these ancient images, I couldn't help but feel a connection to the people who had come before us, seeking solace and spiritual connection in this very spot.


Explore the breathtaking Grotta dei Santi in Atrani, a captivating grotto that offers rich history and stunning natural beauty along the Amalfi Coast.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found not in the grand monuments, but in the quiet, hidden corners of the world.

After the Grotta dei Santi, we decided to take a little detour to Ischia to visit the Belvedere Mortella gardens. Getting there involved a ferry ride from Amalfi to Ischia, which in itself was a treat. The sea was calm, the sun was shining, and the views of the coastline were simply stunning. Ischia is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and it's known for its thermal waters and lush gardens. The gardens were created by Susana Walton, the wife of the composer Sir William Walton. The gardens are divided into two main areas: a lower garden, known as the Valle, and an upper garden on the hill. The entire area spans about 2 hectares and boasts over 3,000 species of rare and exotic plants. As someone who appreciates a good beer garden, I have to say that this was a whole different level of botanical beauty. Lena was in her element, snapping photos of every flower and plant she could find. Sophie loved running around the winding paths, discovering hidden fountains and little nooks.


Experience breathtaking views and tranquility at Belvedere Mortella, a scenic spot in Minori, Italy, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.

The design of the garden was conceived with refinement and ability, taking advantage of the suggestive natural landscape with its openings towards the Mediterranean Sea. Russell Page, a landscape architect, designed the layout of the garden integrating it among the picturesque rock formations of volcanic origin. There's also a museum housing a collection of images created by Cecil Beaton, and Lele Luzzatti has even designed a colorful little theatre there. The gardens also host musical events, which I would have loved to attend if our schedule allowed. Maybe next time!

Back in Amalfi, it was time for lunch, and we chose Ristorante Amalfi Cantina Miseria E Nobilta - Musica Dal Vivo. The name alone was enough to pique my interest. This place is known for its live music and lively atmosphere. The food was good, classic Italian fare, but the real highlight was the entertainment. A local musician was playing traditional Neapolitan songs, and the entire restaurant was singing along. It was one of those moments where you feel completely immersed in the local culture. I even tried to sing along, much to the amusement of Lena and Sophie. I swear, my Italian is getting better, even if my singing isn't!


Discover the perfect blend of authentic Italian cuisine and live music at Ristorante Amalfi Cantina Miseria E Nobilta in the heart of Amalfi.

After lunch, Lena wanted to do a little shopping, so we stopped by Stefania Boutique Amalfi. I'm not much of a shopper myself, but I always enjoy seeing what catches Lena's eye. This boutique seemed to have a nice selection of clothing and accessories, and Lena found a beautiful scarf that she absolutely loved. Sophie, of course, was more interested in the gelato shop next door. I did appreciate the craftsmanship though, and the shop seemed to feature the work of local artisans, which is always a plus in my book. I am always interested in supporting local businesses when I travel.


Discover Italian elegance at Stefania Boutique Amalfi, your go-to destination for fashion, swimwear, and unique accessories on the stunning Amalfi Coast.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Dei Cappuccini for dinner. This restaurant is part of the Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel, and it offers stunning views of the coastline. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with a cool ambiance and homey decor. The food was excellent, a bit more upscale than our lunch spot, but well worth it. I had the seafood pasta, which was cooked to perfection. Lena opted for the vegetarian option, which she raved about. And Sophie, well, she was happy with her spaghetti bolognese. The service was also top-notch, very friendly and attentive. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring and discovering.


Experience exquisite fine dining at Dei Cappuccini in Amalfi; where traditional Italian flavors meet breathtaking coastal views.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore more of Amalfi itself, including the Amalfi Coast Viewpoint and Parco del Dragone. We'll also be trying out a new breakfast spot, Gran Caffè, and having lunch at Hostaria Acquolina. In the evening, we're thinking of checking out La Dolce Vita bar for a nightcap. It sounds like another wonderful day in paradise. I think I will need sunglasses for that viewpoint though, since I forgot mine!

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for this incredible experience. The Amalfi Coast is truly a magical place, and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to explore it with my family. It's days like these that make all the planning and preparation worthwhile. It’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime. And, of course, sharing those memories with all of you!

Before I sign off, I wanted to share a little anecdote from today. While we were at the Belvedere Mortella gardens, Sophie spotted a lizard sunning itself on a rock. She was absolutely fascinated by it and spent a good ten minutes just watching it. It was such a simple moment, but it reminded me of the joy and wonder that travel can bring, especially when experienced through the eyes of a child. It's moments like these that make travel so special. And with that, I bid you goodnight from the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Until tomorrow!