What to Do in Two Days in Naples and Amalfi Coast, Italy

This is my account of a short two-day excursion we took in Positano, Ravello and the Bay of Naples, Italy and the Amalfi coast in 2011. I talk about what we ate and where are the BEST views of the Amalfi coast of Italy. Buon viaggio!

As Italian food, wine, brick oven pizza, Tiramisu, lattes, and culinary tours in Italy have become very popular over recent years, many Americans have an increased great desire to visit the city of Naples and Amalfi Coast Italy in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.

Bay of Naples and Amalfi Coast, Italy

We were in this area for only two days so, we only had time to have a pizza dinner in the Bay of Naples, breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean see and a wonderful prime rib dinner on the mountain side where we got to pick out our own fresh meat!  I’ll never forget the ride up the mountain where I felt like we were going to go over the cliff in the dark! 

Can you see yourself sun bathing on the same beaches as Sofia Loren and Rachel Welch while sipping ice-cold Limoncello? Here you will find the amazing sites and food we ate in two days in the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

Positano is the “romantic city” as you can see, it’s written on the sign and I’ve found it be very true. With these breathtaking views, how could it not be romantic? I could just stare at the landscape for days and days! Imagine the hiking trails!

Driving in Amalfi Coast

By the way, if you plan driving while you’re there, you  will need an International Driver’s License. Luckily, they drive on the same side of the road as Americans. However, the roads are narrow and the drivers are aggressive. Passing at times may be illegal but, it doesn’t stop some of them. If you’ve ever driven in New York City, that’s similar to driving in Italy, in my opinion. 

Also, if you’re visiting in the summer at peak season, the roads may be closed in the town center of Positano because of the large crowds. Do research on where to rent cars, insurance, rates and fees long before you go (six months is ideal for good deals.)

Amalfi Coast, Italy

My Italian Background

I am the daughter of Italian immigrants so, I’m not only familiar with the Italian culture, I was raised within it and proudly of Neapolitan decent. All of my family, on both sides, mostly live in southern Italy while some of my father’s side live in northern Italy.

My parents spoke broken English and taught me the the Italian language (mostly dialect), authentic Italian food and traditions!

Yes, I speak Italian although not fluently, I certainly can get by on my own and make myself understood.

My mother was an excellent cook! You will find many authentic Italian recipes on my blog such as, Italian Sunday Gravy and Homemade Italian Meatballs and Sauce because of my strong Italian heritage. 

I’ve been to Italy ten or so times thus far to visit my relatives and neighboring countries such as-Switzerland, Lichtenstein, France, and Greece.

In Italy, I’ve been to Naples area,

I LOVE Europe and have a bucket list of places on my travel list. Each country is so different from the next. You can really appreciate each rich culture along with its appealing food, wine, language, people and breath-taking views!

My relatives live one hour (at 150 kilometers per hour which, is 90+ MPH) or so from Naples. My cousin lives one hour from Naples in the beautiful valleys of the mountains surrounded by vineyards one of which is theirs and their award-winning wine. Another cousin of mine who is a fabulous cook has a trattoria that only ten minutes away!

Sometimes, I just close my eyes and hold the door handle when we’re on the highway. We saw people driving on curbs like they were doing it on purpose…Oh that’s right, they were.

Sites of the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast, Italy

In visiting Naples and Amalfi Coast Italy, I’ve toured the City of Naples, Isle of Capri, and some popular towns in the Amalfi coast- Sorrento, Salerno and Positano (the beach scene from the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” staring Diane Lane and the cute Italian guy “Marcello”) which is one of the most beautiful coastlines I’ve ever seen. Having been to three islands in Hawaii, that is saying a lot.

The hillsides are adorned with colorful flowers and bright painted homes, blue blue blue water, and everywhere you turn is a breathtaking landscape. The picture below has not been photo shopped.

You can see why Limoncello liquor is so popular in Italy when you see lemon trees on the hillsides and the enormous size of the lemons! I now have Limoncello Martini, Limoncello Moscow Mule and a Limoncello Mojito cocktail recipes. 

As if the beautiful colors, water and landscapes are enough to amaze you, the food is amazing enough to make you want to move there.

My husband and I in the town of Ravello with a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea in Naples and Amalfi Coast Italy

Positano La Botteguccia Beautiful Sandals

Beautiful sandals from Positano

Custom-fitted sandals are sold in Positano and neighboring towns and are very popular because they are so unique. You will not easily find similar sandals in American stores. I saw quite a few shops selling them.

They are made of good leather soles and beautifully jeweled. I saw a pair of purple and lavender jeweled sandals, I just had to have them! They were the most beautiful sandals in the shop that day.

At that time in 2011, the exchange rate was not in my favor but, I knew I would have these unique, beautiful sandals forever and not regret the purchase which, I have not! The sandals pictured to the right I bought from La Botteguccia in Positano.

I receive compliments on them nearly every time I wear them. Oh, if only I could wear them all year-long. Next time I go to the Amalfi coast, I will surely buy another pair or two!

La Pizza Napolitana

Pizza Margherita from a restaurant in the Bay of Naples

One night, my family took me to the Bay of Naples where we had the best pizza. This pizza was the most flavorful, fresh pizza I’ve ever eaten. It was Neapolitan (round) which, are always served in personal size.

I ordered the Margherita which, is the traditional pizza in Italy. It is made up of sauce and cheese with basil leaves on top.

Make no mistake, this basic Margherita pizza consisted of all things tasty. It consisted of very fresh sauce, fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese and a tasty think crust topped with a fresh basil leaf.

Also, the Mozzarella cheese was made from the milk of buffalo, not cow’s milk which I believe makes it more flavorful. The tomato sauce was not made from processed tomatoes but rather, it was made from fresh or canned tomatoes.

My husband, who can’t speak Italian unless he is ordering food, loves to eat tasty, homemade food. He ate and ate and while drinking plenty of fine red wine too. I really don’t know if I talked to him much at meals because he was so busy devouring his food!

Napolitana Pastries

Naples is famously known to have the best pastries in Italy. I’m sure Sicilians think cannoli are better but, I haven’t been to Sicily yet, so I can’t judge. We stopped at a café  bar to get one of their pastries from the beautiful display case and wow was that Sfogliatella incredible. Who knows what the pastry chefs do to make the pastries sing to your taste buds in your mouth!

My husband and me near Naples and Amalfi Coast Italy

If you are contemplating going to Italy, I highly suggest visiting Naples and Amalfi Coast Italy. Although, we went in August, the springtime is a great time to go to avoid the peak season crowds and enjoy lower rates.

You will find so much history in Naples, Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius along with breath-taking views of the Amalfi coast. The exquisite shopping and world-class food will fill your desire to see and experience the great Italian culture.

Arrivederci!

This post was last updated on January 22, 2023.

I’ve found great travelling tips to Italy from the Expert Vagabond.