A SPRING WEEKEND IN AMALFI, RAVELLO, AND POSITANO: A SLOW-PACED ITINERARY
Want to take advantage of the first beautiful sunny days of spring to spend a weekend on the Amalfi Coast? Here’s an itinerary for a slow-paced, relaxing getaway during the most enchanting time of the year.
by R. Cascone
As you know, spring is the perfect season to explore the Amalfi Coast. The villages are still quiet, the trails and gardens are in bloom, and the days are getting longer—in short, it’s the ideal time to plan a weekend getaway! Here, I’ll give you some tips on how to plan your “slow” spring weekend in Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano: grab a pen and paper!
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Villa Rufolo gardens in bloom
Day 1: the history of Amalfi and the charm of Atrani
Here you are: you’ve arrived in the town that gave its name to the entire Amalfi Coast, and you can’t wait to explore it! Amalfi will welcome you in the warmest way imaginable. As soon as you enter the historic center, you’ll be amazed by the magnificent cathedral. Enjoy breakfast with a view of the square: there’s truly nothing better than a coffee and a sfogliatella while watching the bustle of the square, with its busy locals and tourists captivated by the way the sunlight plays on the colorful mosaics of the church’s pediment. Of course, once breakfast is over, visit the cathedral and its splendid cloister: they’re definitely worth it!
Continue your tour of the city with a stroll through the historic center and admire its artisanal boutiques: you’ll discover the wonderful Amalfi paper, one of the city’s iconic products, with ancient origins (we’ve written about it here). If you’re fascinated by how paper is still made today, you can also stop by the Paper Museum: it will be a fascinating journey through the city’s history.
After lunch at a local trattoria (you’ll find plenty in the center!), spend the afternoon on a short walk that will take you to the town next to Amalfi: it’s the tiny Atrani! Italy’s smallest village will leave a lasting impression: it’s a real gem and home to some truly remarkable sights. You can find them all at this link.
Day 2: Ravello's fabulous villas and gardens
On the morning of the second day, you simply must head up to the hills, specifically to Ravello! Why? Well, simply because Ravello is at its most beautiful in the spring! After visiting Piazza del Duomo, walk just a few steps and enter Villa Rufolo: the gardens will welcome you with stunning colors, a myriad of plant species, and spectacular views of the Gulf. But that’s not all! After lunch (if you can, look for a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea!), spend the afternoon at Villa Cimbrone: now a luxury hotel, its gardens are open to the public (check opening hours here). In addition to centuries-old plants and a maze of paths, you can admire 18th-century statues and busts, and then be dazzled by the beauty of the iconic Terrace of Infinity (which has even appeared in Hollywood films!).
Once evening falls, head back to Amalfi, or—by bus or if you have a car—make your way to Cetara and enjoy a seafood dinner (don’t forget that this is where the famous Colatura d’Alici DOP was born!): it’s the perfect way to end any day on the Amalfi Coast!
Day 3: Positano, here we come!
No weekend in this corner of southern Italy is complete without a stroll through Positano. Hop on a ferry and head to the pearl of the Amalfi Coast! Even from the sea, you’ll understand why Positano is the symbol of the Amalfi Coast around the world: the colorful houses perched over the sea, the terraced fields, and the majolica-tiled dome of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta create one of the most famous views ever!! Stroll along Marina Grande, snap photos of the houses in front of you, and then slowly explore the village’s main street: Positano is sure to leave you speechless. The church is also worth a visit, or, if you’re a fan of ancient history, you might decide to check out the MAR—the Archaeological Museum of Positano! It’s crazy to think that there’s a Roman villa beneath the modern city, isn’t it? Well, it’s true! You’ll find all the useful info here.
Even though your weekend has come to an end, you can certainly say you’ve enjoyed the beauty of spring on the Amalfi Coast: between cultural walks, breathtaking views, and strolls through nature as it awakens, you’ll find that you, too, will return refreshed and with new energy for everyday life.
Some practical tips
To get around the coastal villages, I recommend taking advantage of the super-convenient Travelmar ferries! Not only do they connect all the main ports, but they’re also affordable, accessible to everyone, and from the water you’ll get a unique and exceptionally beautiful view of the villages along the Amalfi Coast!
Finally, another recommendation I’d like to give you is to check if there are any special events scheduled in the area you’ll be visiting: during Easter, for example, it’s not uncommon to come across the Stations of the Cross or other incredibly charming religious celebrations; At other times, markets or cultural events are organized. In short, these are all experiences that enrich your trip, so keep your eyes open!
- Pack everything you need for your weekend! Here are some tips on what to pack for your trip to the Amalfi Coast.
- Looking for advice on where to stay once you’re on the Amalfi Coast? Read our article to choose the best accommodation based on your needs!
- The Paper Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Click here for all the info.
- Looking for ideas on things to do on Easter Monday? Here are a few!
- Want to experience a day on the Amalfi Coast like a local? Read our tips on how to make the most of it!
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