A TYPICAL DAY ON THE AMALFI COAST: LIVE LIKE A LOCAL!

The Amalfi Coast is not a place to visit in a hurry, but to be experienced slowly. Away from the usual tourist itineraries, there is an authentic way to enjoy this land, following the rhythm of its inhabitants. Here's how to spend a day like a true local: you will feel part of the life in the coastal villages!

by R. Cascone

If you're not the type of tourist who rushes from place to place but really wants to have authentic experiences in the places you visit, then this is the place for you! Sometimes the hustle and bustle of life prevents us from lingering in one place, even when we're on vacation: we rush from morning to night from one place to another to see as many places as possible and take as many photos as we can. Of course, for those who have little time, it's almost a necessity, but not everyone wants to turn their vacation into a race against time! Read our article if you want tips on how to enjoy a day on the coast as if you lived there all year round!

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1. Early morning: wake up to the smell of coffee and sea

One of life's joys is having a relaxed breakfast, with the prospect of a beautiful day ahead. That's why I recommend starting your day with a simple but tasty breakfast (strictly sweet!) at a local bar: espresso or cappuccino accompanied by a croissant or sfogliatella to get you off to a good start! Waking up early and going out into the villages will also give you the opportunity to observe people at work in the early morning: baristas, shopkeepers, fishermen returning from their night's fishing (if you are in seaside villages such as Cetara!).
If you are staying in a seaside village, a walk along the promenade is another wonderful way to start the day; otherwise, take a stroll through the still quiet alleys: you will feel refreshed! Among other things, early morning is also the ideal time to take photos of places that are usually crowded; if you are looking for the perfect shot, take advantage of these hours!

2. Late morning: shopping at the market or in the village shops

The day has started in the best possible way and now you can enjoy many local activities, such as visiting the local markets to buy fruit, cheese, and bread. This is also an opportunity to stop and chat with the market workers, and perhaps get some advice on seasonal products to try. Also, take a look around to observe the daily habits of the locals: some go to church, others stop in the square for a coffee and a chat, while others simply sit on a bench to read. These activities may seem trivial, but they are often the most effective way to connect with local people: by participating in simple everyday moments.

3. Simple and authentic lunch

After a morning of sightseeing, it's time for lunch! Just as workers stop for a well-deserved break, you too can spend the middle of the day enjoying a simple, authentic, and irresistible meal! There are many trattorias where you can enjoy traditional dishes: spaghetti with the famous anchovy sauce from Cetara, scialatielli allo scoglio, fried fish, squid and potatoes... ending with an enchanting dessert - delizia al limone, chocolate eggplant, pasticciotto atranese... In short, you'll definitely leave the table happier! I just recommend avoiding places that could turn out to be “tourist traps,” such as those offering tourist menus. Instead, choose simple restaurants and bistros, a little further away from the “Instagrammable” places... you'll definitely get to taste the most authentic cuisine of the Amalfi Coast.

4. Slow afternoon: rest, a walk, or a chat in the square

As in all Mediterranean countries, in Italy the early afternoon hours immediately after lunch are usually dedicated to rest: shops and restaurants close for a while, and the villages fall silent and peaceful. You too can take advantage of this to rest a little before starting your evening activities or, if the “siesta” is not for you, you can try some photographic itineraries or a city trail and enjoy magnificent views from unusual vantage points. Stop to admire the view from a strategically placed bench, observe the details of the narrow streets in the historic centers, and perhaps even explore some little-known gardens: these are truly precious moments to be experienced!

5. Late afternoon and evening: aperitivo with a view, dinners, and traditional events

The bars reopen their doors and life resumes at a more lively pace: it's aperitivo time! As you will see, at the end of the working day, it is not uncommon for people to stop and chat at a bar before returning home: the aperitif is therefore a moment of gathering, an opportunity for those who live on the coast to relax and socialize. Here are some truly unique bars: take inspiration from these ideas! Right after aperitif, it's time for dinner: once again, try to avoid the most touristy places and stop at typical restaurants and trattorias. Otherwise, especially in the summer months, look for some local events in the surrounding area! Festivals, patron saint celebrations, and concerts are often organized in the squares: these are occasions that involve locals of all ages and where you can get to know or actively participate in local traditions. And this is the best way to end the day: with singing, dancing, and traditional food, surrounded by the joy of music and the enthusiasm of the people who live in these places. After a day like this, you will feel like you belong, even if only for a little while, to the life of the villages of the Amalfi Coast.

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