Amalfi Coast stroll

Hi there,

There have already been quite a few travel journals about Naples, so this is more of a photographic stroll. There aren’t too many practical tips, but feel free to ask! This trip took place in May 2019.

It’s the day before departure, and I’m excited as can be! I’ve wanted to see Naples and its region for a while—this city everyone calls bubbling with life. While I’m packing my bags, I get a message from the airline saying there’s going to be an air traffic controllers’ strike and my flight might not take off... What? How? You’re kidding, right? I’ve been waiting for this trip for weeks. I check online, and yes, it’s true... What to do?!? I look up the train schedule and find out the train leaves a few hours earlier, with a stop in Milan and then straight to Naples. Decision made—I’m taking the train; it’s a new experience. I leave at 5 AM on an almost empty train, arrive in Milan 4.5 hours later, and rush to catch the train to Naples. This is my first time taking the train in Italy, and I love it. After an hour of travel, a gentleman arrives with a small cart and an authentic coffee machine on top. He asks me: *caffè, signora?* Si, si, si! And he starts the machine—here’s my first Italian espresso with little biscuits.



I arrive in Naples in the early afternoon. The station is packed, cars everywhere, and I’m already soaking up the atmosphere. I drop my things off at the B&B and head out to explore the city. There are incredible crowds everywhere, noise, food on every street corner, and every scene is a real photographic delight :) I’m in the Chiaia neighborhood and try my first street pizza, made right in front of me—how can I say it? Excellent. In the late afternoon, I wander through the streets before grabbing an aperitivo on one of the many terraces.









The next day, I head to Capri... It’s true, Capri is very touristy, but it’s worth seeing once in your life. After a choppy crossing, I’ve earned a good shower, a plate of pasta, and a limoncello. Then I set off for a walk through the little streets that go up and down endlessly. The view is stunning, and the kilometers add up... I’ve definitely earned a break by the pool with a gelato :)

I'm still on Capri, and this morning I'm heading to Anacapri and Piccola Marina. I start with an espresso and fresh orange juice at a terrace. There are lemons everywhere, in all sizes—perfect for photos! :) I have to say, I really loved Anacapri. I arrived early, and everyone was just waking up—the shops and restaurants were opening, which was a great chance to practice my Italian (which is basically a mix of French, Italian, and Spanish). I visited the Church of San Michele, wandered the streets again, and bought a few souvenirs...

After another espresso (yes, I love coffee), I took the bus and asked the driver to drop me off one stop before Piccola Marina. That way, I could walk down and enjoy the stunning views, with plenty of photo stops along the way. When I arrived at the bottom, it was tiny, charming, and not too crowded. I spent a few hours sunbathing and grabbing a light lunch. Then it was back to Capri for an aperitivo. Tomorrow, I'm off to Positano...











My walk down to Piccola Marina

Thanks for this sunny walk! 👍

This morning the weather is gray, and it’s going to stay that way all day... While waiting for the boat, I wander along the docks. Arriving in Positano is spectacular—too bad the weather’s so bad. As we get off the boat, little carts are waiting to take your luggage, and I thought they’d take the passengers too. But no... "I’ll bring your bag to the hotel, and you walk up on foot." Seriously?!?!?! And that’s when the endless climb begins—stairs and more stairs for a whole hour. Everyone stops to catch their breath. I kept thinking I’d go back down to the beach later, but it never happened... Exploring Positano in the rain, but that doesn’t take away from the charm of the place. In the evening, dinner on the big terrace of the B&B with a dreamy view.

Lovely morning with bright sunshine! Headed to Praiano, Amalfi, and Ravello..... Since I came by boat, I don’t have a car, so I opted for the bus. I arrived in Praiano, and it was the highlight of my trip. For once, I arrived from the top, and as I started descending, I kept thinking how tough the climb back up would be....

I felt like I was all alone in the world—well, almost—and the tranquility of this place completely won me over. I can’t explain why, it just did....

After lunch, a big storm rolled in, so I headed back to the hotel. Amalfi and Ravello will have to wait because it’s pouring. Unfortunately, I’m heading back to Naples tomorrow, so I’ll have to come back :)

Here are some photos of Positano in the sun before I left :)





Praiano

Made it all the way down to the beach! The way back will be by bus—just a few steps to climb :)





















As you can tell, I loved it!

I really wanted to enjoy Naples, but let's just say it's not the most relaxing place. I arrive in the late afternoon and I'm going to eat. Yep, in this country, you can eat at any time—and it's great! Then a little walk through the Quartieri Spagnoli, the Spanish Quarter. The late-day light is amazing, and it's the perfect playground. I'll be back here several times.

Thanks for taking the time to read this! :)

Your photos are gorgeous. I really love your travel journal. It’s so pretty.

You're welcome! It’s a pleasure to share and get feedback.

This morning, we headed up to Vomero Hill by funicular... and visited Sant'Elmo Castle in the rain. You can't go inside, but the view from up there is breathtaking. After a good pizza, we took a walk along the harbor. The weather cleared up....









With Capri in the background







And Vesuvius in the background

Thanks for this lovely and friendly travel journal. It brings back wonderful memories of our trip to the Amalfi Coast in 2007 and makes me want to go back. In the meantime, like everyone else, I had to cancel our planned trip to Switzerland in June, but it’s only postponed—we’ll go in June 2021 if the virus allows it.😉 Claude

Thanks so much—I’m happy to bring back memories! Too bad about your Switzerland vacation. I can imagine your disappointment. I had to cancel my trip to Puglia, so I’ll be spending my vacation in Switzerland instead :)

Today, a little tour of the historic center and the surrounding area. Did some light shopping for Italian products, had a plate of pasta and tiramisu. What else? :)

Hi Nathalie,

I just read your travel journal. Right away, it reminded me of Pier Paolo Pasolini’s book *The Long Road of Sand*. Thanks for this lovely Italian stroll.

Calyssie

Hi Calyssie

I don’t know it yet, but you’ve just added a book to my reading list. Glad you enjoyed the walk!

Thanks for this travel journal and the wonderful photos. Maybe a few more practical tips? Any hotels or restaurants you’d recommend, or even some price ideas?

Hi Max, I stayed in the Chiaia neighborhood—it’s really lively, but I don’t remember the price. There are lots of B&Bs there. For restaurants, I just picked randomly. I liked "a taverne do rè" near the port (it’s tucked away in a little street). And a classic pizza spot, 50Kalo. Have a great trip!

Hi there. Thanks for your gorgeous photos—they bring back our 2006 dolce vita in the same spots! Right now, we’re wrapping up our four weeks in Calabria (Tropea and the surrounding area), and the coastline is absolutely stunning with its Caribbean-like colors. ❤️🇮🇹🦐🍝⛱️🌞🐟🌊🍕🍹

Hi

Thanks, it’s great to relive memories through photos! :) Calabria... I hope you’ll put together a travel journal for your 4 weeks.

Have a great weekend! !

These photos are absolutely stunning—they really make me want to go there...

Hi,

Loved this really charming travel journal! Same as the others... it brought back some wonderful memories! Gorgeous southern Italy.

Great idea to use black and white photos. But avoid those tilted shots—it’s such a 60s/70s thing and doesn’t add anything since your photos are already beautiful as they are.

Keep up the good work, Jean.

Attached are a few memories from 09/2010... (Naples 1-3, Anacapri 4, from our terrace 5), not even mentioning Pompeii, Herculaneum, the museum, etc... but I hope that’ll be another trip for you.

Thanks! Don’t hesitate—it’s a gorgeous region.

Hi,

Glad I could bring back some good memories! Thanks for your message and what a lovely view from the terrace :) Have a great evening.

Yes, next year for sure—I’m going, and also the Cinque Terre!

I’m heading to Naples and the Amalfi Coast in early May 2026. Your photos are amazing—so full of life! I just hope I get fewer storms than you did. I’ve planned to get around by public transport and booked a place near the port and bus station in Amalfi… easier on my old legs. Thanks for this travel journal!