Latest news with #Ravello
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Travel + Leisure
12 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
10 Postcard-perfect Towns to Visit on the Amalfi Coast, According to Locals
The first time I visited the Amalfi Coast, around 15 years ago, I nearly laughed out loud at the sheer improbability of it. In Positano, I gazed up at the candy-colored buildings stacked on top of each other, hewed into the mountains overlooking the sea, and the majolica-tiled dome of Santa Maria Assunta gleaming in the sunlight. What kind of mad genius could have created such a landscape? It seemed too beautiful to be real. The Amalfi Coast is no stranger to myths and legends, both of the ancient variety and the more modern kind. One claims that the area's name originates from the love story between the demigod Hercules and a nymph named Amalfi. More recently, the coast had another dolce vita heyday in the 1960s, with movie stars like Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor gracing its beaches and towns with their beauty. And its popularity has never really faded. I've returned countless times since that first trip, and on every visit, I find something new to love. But to get a more local perspective, I tapped two of the coast's best-connected insiders: Francesco Sersale, who runs Positano's iconic hotel Le Sirenuse, and Mariella Avino, owner and managing director of the legendary Palazzo Avino in Ravello. Here are our picks for the 10 best Amalfi Coast towns to visit and what to do in each of them. Beach scenes in Positano. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure Once a humble fishing village, Positano has become one of the most visited towns on the Amalfi Coast. Built into the mountain, it's a jumble of stairs and narrow lanes lined with shops selling linen clothes, jewelry, and much more. It's also home to a spectacular Roman villa covered in ancient frescoes hidden under the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. 'If you're staying at Le Sirenuse, my biggest tip is: don't rush. Take your time to enjoy the morning light on your terrace, a long breakfast, a dip in the pool,' Sersale says. 'For lunch, head to Da Adolfo, a Positano institution where bare feet and cold white wine with peaches are part of the ritual. Order the mozzarella grilled on lemon leaves. In the evening, head back to La Sponda for dinner by candlelight—and make sure to catch at least one sunset from Franco's Bar with an ice-cold paloma.' Scenes from around Amalfi. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure Once the seat of a powerful maritime republic, Amalfi is still a hub for ferries and other boats arriving from Naples and elsewhere. There's a lovely seafront promenade overlooking the beach, and the main street, Via Lorenzo d'Amalfi, is lined with cafes and shops selling handmade ceramics, summer clothes, and Amalfi paper. One of my favorite things to do here is stop for an espresso and perhaps a pastry at the historic Pasticceria Andrea Pansa, right in the shadow of the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea. The cathedral, its peaceful cloister, and its ornate crypt are also worth a visit. If you want to stay in Amalfi, you're spoiled for choice. My favorite hotels here are the Hotel Santa Caterina, a legendary member of the Leading Hotels of the World with a Michelin-starred restaurant and a saltwater pool at the beach club; Borgo Santandrea, which was featured on our 2022 It List; and Anantara Convento di Amalfi, featured on the 2024 It List. Scenic images of Ravello. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure High up in the mountains, affording fabulous views of the coast, this town is known for its two historic villas, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, which are both worth visiting. (The latter is a hotel, but you can buy a ticket to visit the gardens and the famed Infinity Terrace.) For a more under-the-radar gem, Avino recommends the Museo del Corallo. 'Founded by Giorgio Filocamo and now in the hands of his passionate daughter Tiffany, the Museo del Corallo is a wunderkammer of treasures. Historic coral pieces handmade and engraved by Giorgio are blended with beautiful, unique cameos and jewelry pieces,' she explains. Architecture in Praiano. The next town over from Positano, Praiano is smaller and more under-the-radar. 'Praiano is quietly beautiful. Go for an aperitivo at Bar del Sole, where locals gather at sunset, or hike down to Il Pirata for a swim and a drink by the rocks. If you're up for something more active, the Path of the Gods starts nearby,' suggests Sersale. Scenic images in Furore. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure Designated one of the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy), Furore is best known for its picturesque fjord, where the sea has cleaved its way into the towering cliffs, creating a small beach. Check into the new Furore Grand Hotel and be sure to book a table at their Michelin-starred restaurant Bluh Furore for an elegant dinner. The town is also home to the renowned Cantine Marisa Cuomo winery and the family's restaurant, Bacco Furore. Apostolic Church of San Giovanni Battista in Conca dei Marini. Tiny Conca dei Marini is home to an emerald grotto and is the birthplace of the sfogliatella Santa Rosa, the shell-shaped pastry filled with orange-scented ricotta that can be found all over the coast. 'Tucked away in a pretty cove on the beach in Conca dei Marini, La Tonnarella is one of my favorite restaurants on the Amalfi Coast,' Sersale says, calling it 'A rustic, warm, and inviting atmosphere that provides a family-friendly environment and mouth-watering dining experience.' Scenes from the town of Atrani. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure The smallest town in Italy by surface area, minuscule Atrani is just a 10-minute stroll from Amalfi—and the walk there will give you fantastic views of both towns. If it looks familiar, that might be because it was the setting for the Netflix series Ripley . With its many narrow alleys and stairs, it also served as inspiration for Dutch artist M.C. Escher. A tribute to him can be seen in a covered passageway in town. Cityscape of Vietri Sul Mare. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure 'This is where the coast's ceramic tradition lives on,' Sersale explains. 'Our Emporio Sirenuse 'By the Pool' plate collection was created in collaboration with Scotto, a wonderful artisanal ceramicist based here. 'It's worth visiting for the studios alone—many of which have been run by the same families for generations.' A walking trail in Scala. Cheryl Ramalho/Adobe Stock 'In Scala, I love going to Da Lorenzo, my favorite restaurant outside of the ones at Palazzo Avino! Luca and Gerardo treasure their parents' heritage with joy and dedication. Luca takes care of the service and makes you feel at home from the first step; Gerardo is the soul of the kitchen,' Avino says. 'My favorite dish there (not always available since it depends on the catch of the day) is the tubetti ai totani (squid pasa).' Landscape view of Nerano. Located within the Punta Campanella Natural Marine Reserve, Nerano has hiking trails that will lead you to the pristine Ieranto Bay, which is protected by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (Italy's National Trust). Sersale calls this town 'A quieter gem, tucked around the corner from the Amalfi Coast,' adding, 'Lo Scoglio is the spot for lunch—simple, exceptional, right on the water. The spaghetti with zucchini is legendary.'
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Travel + Leisure
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
The First Private Luxury Pool Club On the Amalfi Coast Just Opened—Here's a Look Inside
There's nothing quite as chic (or Instagramable) as an Italian summer filled with Aperol spritzes, colorful umbrellas, and poolside pasta and pizza. While you could find your picture-perfect moment almost anywhere along the Amalfi Coast, there's a brand-new spot for travelers seeking the most stylish, luxe experiences: La Piscina, A Caruso Pool Club. Billed as the 'first private luxury pool club on the Amalfi Coast,' La Piscina is the latest offering from Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, a Travel + Leisure reader favorite and frequent winner in the World's Best Awards. According to the press release, the pool club, which opened this spring, is all about embracing the Italian idea of villeggiatura, which is a prolonged, leisurely stay, and celebrating 'the endless Italian summer vacation.' Guests are encouraged to slow down, relax, and completely disconnect via private poolside cabanas, well-being programming, and an array of exclusive amenities. The highlight of La Piscina might be the infinity pool—complete with yellow-trimmed parasols and cushioned loungers, reminiscent of the Mediterranean social scene in the 1960s—overlooking the coast and the resort town of Ravello. But every aspect of the experience is thoughtful and expertly curated. Whether you're an overnight hotel guest or a visitor (day passes are subject to availability), you'll kick off your day at the pool club with the La Piscina Essentials kit, featuring sunscreen and Amalfi lemon-infused water, plus special snacks delivered throughout the day. Sunbeds and umbrellas are par for the course, and guests have the option to splurge for a two-person private cabana for an additional fee. And if you're in the mood to treat yourself, the extra free is worth it. You'll have the cabana all day, and it comes with sparkling wine, fresh fruit, a lunch credit, dedicated butler service, and access to other 'bespoke amenities.' Nearly every aspect of the pool club is inspired by ozio creativo , an Italian term that roughly translates to 'creative leisure." From outdoor yoga and live music to pasta-making classes, movie nights, and tours of the hotel's Mediterranean terraced gardens, there's a whole host of club activities for those who want to take an active, immersive approach to their summer. Although you're also welcome to park yourself by the pool all day, alternating between playing backgammon and Belmond's special edition Monopoly, and sipping on a spritz from the Caruso Grill and Pool Bar. La dolce vita at its finest. La Piscina is open to both guests and visitors until the hotel closes for the season on Oct 26.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
La Piscina: Amalfi's Most Exclusive Pool Club Opens at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel
A sun-soaked sanctuary of design, wellness and dolce far niente on the Amalfi Coast A new chapter in Mediterranean luxury has arrived with the launch of La Piscina, A Caruso Pool Club—the Amalfi Coast's first private luxury pool destination. Nestled within the historic grounds of Caruso, A Belmond Hotel in Ravello, La Piscina promises a refined escape that blends contemporary design with the charm of an 11th-century palace. The newly restyled infinity pool overlooks sweeping views of the coastline, while modern architectural elements meet original features in a seamless, sun-drenched sanctuary. Designed as more than just a place to swim, La Piscina unfolds as a curated journey through leisure, wellness, cuisine, and creativity. At the heart of La Piscina lies the concept of ozio creativo—the Italian art of mindful relaxation. Each day begins with sunrise yoga or 'sight-jogging' along Ravello's storied paths and transitions into immersive workshops like pasta-making, painting, and garden walks. As golden hour sets in, guests can unwind with cocktails by the water, take boat rides along the cliffs, or join astronomy sessions and cinema nights perched above the sea. Whether soaking up the sun or savoring moonlit swims, La Piscina celebrates the joy of doing everything—or nothing—with intention and beauty. The experience is elevated with exclusive touches like the La Piscina Essentials kit, which includes Amalfi lemon water, premium sunscreen, and foodie surprises throughout the day. Guests can play Belmond's custom-designed Monopoly or unwind with a classic game of backgammon between dips. For those seeking ultimate seclusion, two newly introduced private cabanas evoke La Dolce Vita, complete with panoramic views of Scala and the Dragon Valley, a welcome glass of local sparkling wine, spa rituals, a dining credit, and dedicated butler service—an indulgent day experience for in-house guests or visitors alike. Gastronomy is central to La Piscina's identity, with Executive Chef Armando Aristarco spotlighting local produce from the Amalfi and Cilento coasts. The poolside Caruso Grill champions La Dieta Mediterranea, offering a balance of tradition and wellness through dishes that are fresh, flavourful, and seasonally led. Guests can join complimentary cooking classes or attend signature Ditirambo nights—festive evenings hosted by Cilento producers with live music and dancing that bring regional culture and cuisine to life. Tying it all together is a deep respect for Campanian heritage. Artisanal accents, like hand-painted textiles from the iconic Livio de Simone studio, breathe vibrancy into the décor, with bold, retro patterns adorning everything from ceramic décor to sun loungers. This creative spirit pays homage to the Mediterranean's rich artistic legacy, grounding La Piscina in a sense of place that is both timeless and entirely new. Open until October 26, La Piscina is now welcoming guests and visitors alike into a realm where luxury and leisure flow as freely as the coastal breeze.
