Our Amalfi Coast honeymoon was a dream. We spent three nights in Capri and five nights in Positano in October. The coastal village is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, and we lived la dolce vita for a glorious 10 days. It was warm but not too hot, we were able to lay out almost every day, and it was a lot less crowded than it would be during peak season. The Amalfi coast is the most perfect place and happens to be a Unesco World Heritage Site. From hotels and restaurants, boat trips, spritzes on the beach, to things to see and do, here’s a full recap of our Amalfi Coast honeymoon!

 

My Amalfi Coast, Italy Honeymoon Guide and Itinerary

 

The best time to visit Amalfi Coast

The summer months of June – September can be very crowded which, if you’re like me, sounds not ideal. Shoulder seasons can be the best time to visit, and that’s what we did. May is supposed to be fairly similar. Temperatures these months are typically in the 70s or 80s, so still warm enough for the beach, but not too hot, with reduced crowds. And children tend to be in school those months so you’ll see fewer children and families.

Our wedding was October 9th, and we headed right to Italy on the 11th. The weather was incredible and even though it was unseasonably warm, the lack of crowds would have been worth gong when we did. Amalfi is one of the best places I’ve ever been. We expected a few beach days, but were able to lay out daily.  I’d recommend going just a few weeks earlier to guarantee great weather, but always prefer traveling outside of peak travel season. It’s a very popular destination with panoramic views. The blue sea is gorgeous and the local cuisine is amazing. I cannot say enough good things about Italy’s Amalfi Coast for a honeymoon destination.

Planning our trip

This was by far our best-planned trip thanks to The Local Foreigner who planned my sister-in-law’s honeymoon (which looked and sounded perfect). We’re terrible planners and wanted this trip to be really special. After having us fill out a questionnaire, they put together the most amazing itinerary for us. The process was great. We included what we liked doing, how we like to travel (tours vs just wandering) and what we wanted to spend on activities. In the end, we might have required less planning than most since outside of the boat in Capri island. We just needed hotel and restaurant recommendations. Brooke gave us a list of hotels to choose from, recommend restaurants, and things to see and do. We chose what worked best for us and The Local Foreigner scheduled everything. We started on the magical island of Capri, and its Italian charm did not disappoint. 

Getting to Positano

We flew from Paris into Naples since we came directly after our wedding. Naples is the closest airport, but assuming you aren’t traveling from Paris, I would recommend flying into Rome or Milan, and then connecting to Naples from there. A driver picked us up and took us to a ferry that we took to Capri. The ferry was nice, not too crowded, and an easy boat ride. 

What to Pack for an Amalfi Coast Honeymoon

Lots of flowy dresses, linen, swimwear, sandals, and of course, accessories (sunglasses, hats etc). You’ll want to bring all your travel essentials, too. But think chic summer beach attire for Positano. 

October 11-13 at Capri Tiberio Palace

This hotel was beautiful, central to the (small) town, and had the best (free) breakfast I’ve ever had anywhere. The city and sea view were gorgeous and I loved the small town feel. Capri is such an ideal place  It’s an incredible five-star hotel and one of the best honeymoon hotels in one of the most beautiful places in the world. There are so many beautiful hotels – and whether you stay there or not, I highly recommend a visit to JK Place. When we go back someday, I’d like to stay there, although I did love that Capri Tiberio Palace was in the center of everything. 

What to eat and do

Dinner at Da Gelsomina:

A vineyard & restaurant really high up with the prettiest view. We took a cab to anacapri and then the restaurant’s shuttle to get there, but it was well worth it. The views of the sea were amazing! 

Il Riccio beach club & restaurant

Beach clubs are one of the best things about the Amalfi coast. They’re great for a laying out, lunch, and spritzes. We loved this place! 

Drinks at JK Place: 

The Local Foreigner recommended JK Place as a possible hotel option (It’s gorgeous so I understand why) but it it’s also really expensive, so we opted to visit for drinks.If you want to splurge, go for it, but we really loved our hotel (which was a lot less).

Dinner at Da Paolino: 

We had the most amazing pasta and wine under beautiful lemon trees. It’s a gorgeous outdoor dining room. We loved it. 

Chairlift to Monte Solaro: 

I am not a fan of heights and had no idea how long the ride would be, but I was a few spritzes in and went with it. It also got really chilly so I was freezing, but overall, was worth it. There’s a great view at the top and there were tons of cats up there! I really love cats.

Boat Tour around Capri: 

I highly recommend a private boat tour. I don’t have more details about the boat because Local Foreigner booked this for us, but it was the best experience. We had a private guide toured the Blue Grotto, The Faraglioni rocks, took a dip in the mediterranean sea, and the best part –  La Fontelina beach club. It would be packed during high season, but was perfect early October. All the 1950’s & 60’s movie stars & jet setters went here – Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, Clark Gable, Slim Aarons. We laid out, enjoyed more spritzes (let’s just assume those were a part of every experience) and had lunch. Loved it!


Positano

*We took a ferry from Capri to Positano

October 13-17 at Villa Treville

This hotel was a splurge, but it was well worth it. Take a free 5 minute private transfer boat ride to the beach – the best way to get around. The hotel had the best views of the city, too. The beautiful gardens, service, food, and rooms were incredible, and the property was gorgeous. The private beach wasn’t sandy, but it was still so beautiful. There wasn’t an outdoor pool, but we were on the water. Hotel Santa Caterina looked incredible, too.

What to eat and do

Tre Sorelle near the beach / docks

Ristorante Max

La Tagliata:

This restaurant is high up on the mountain with the music and TONS of food. I’d recommend going for lunch to enjoy the views though. We did hire a private driver for dinner which was well worth it. 

Beach day!

We planned for two beach / laying out days. Nothing beats laying out with a spritz!

Day trip to Sorrento:

We took a few day trips and this was a favorite. Just board the fairy from Positano to Sorrento, walked around, and had the best lunch at Inn Bufalino. It’s one of the most charming towns I’ve been to. 

Day trip to Amalfi & Ravello:

We enjoyed aperitivo on the terrace at Palazzo Avino (gorgeous views!), lunch at Cumpa Cosimo (the most charming little spot run by locals), and walked the gardens at Villa Cimbrone & Villa Rufolo. And again, so many cats. We took a bus that, in spite of how empty the beaches seemed, was packed. I’m not sure how much more a driver would have been but the bus ride was not my favorite. Still worth it! Ravello is a charming hilltop village, and was probably more touristy than I would normally like, but it is worth visiting. The cobblestone streets and inspiration behind writers like Gore Vidal, you’ll see some of the most beautiful views in Positano. I wouldn’t stay there since it’s so out of the way and a bit of a trek to get to, but I definitely recommend spending a day up there.

So, would I recommend an Amalfi Coast honeymoon?

Yes. A million times yes. It was so romantic with the most breathtaking views, gorgeous villas, beaches, and incredible wine and food. Few things beat taking a private boat (and a dip in the Mediterranean sea) to Fontelina, and laying out on the rocks with spritzes in hand. You basically eat and drink your way through the most beautiful places in the world, and the hotels are gorgeous. What’s not to love?