A Fun Two Days in Naples and Amalfi Coast, Italy

As Italian fashion, 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. 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 Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Naples and 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 with it. My parents spoke broken English and taught me the language, authentic Italian food and traditions. I always understand good food!

My mother was an excellent cook! You will find many Italian inspired recipes on my blog such as, Italian Sausage and Spinach with Ziti and Homemade Italian Wedding Soup because of my strong Italian heritage. My parents were Italian immigrants.

I’ve visited Italy ten or so times in my lifetime to visit my relatives and see neighboring countries-Switzerland, Lichtenstein, France, and Greece. I just love Europe and have a bucket list of places I still want to see. Each country is so different from the next and one can really appreciate each culture along with what is appealing food, wine, language, people, sites, etc.

My relatives live one hour (at 150 kilometers per hour which, is 90+ MPH) or so from Naples. My cousin has a bed and breakfast 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 doing it on purpose.

Sites of the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast, Italy

“Welcome to Positano” sign in Naples and 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. This is how I was inspired me to create the recipe: Mini Strawberry Key Lime Pies with Limoncello.

There are jaw-dropping views almost everywhere you turn. As if the beautiful colors, water and landscapes are enough to amaze you, the food is good 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

Beautiful sandals from Positano

Amalfi Coast Beautiful Sandals

Custom made 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, we had pizza in the Bay of Naples. 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 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 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. 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.