Life in Technicolor – Capri and the Amalfi Coast

Vibrant, intense and colourful

Vibrant, intense and colourful, the south of Italy never fails to amaze and impress. Encountering fiery souls, discovering poetic islands and admiring awe-inspiring vistas, travelling along the Amalfi Coast feels like a cinematic experience. Here, rays of light gently fall along an outstanding coastline jutting onto the sea, gourmet delights are a daily treat and history adds momentum to eternal places.

A treasure trove for the leisure traveller and sporty types alike, the exclusive, rare beauty of these places will conquer you and leave lasting memories.

1. Gardens of delight along the Amalfi Coast

Spring brings sweet melodies of flowers in bloom and warmer days, birds singing their happy tunes and the will to go out and explore. Picture a dazzling garden overlooking emerald waters, cliffs cascading onto the blue horizon and the ethereal feeling that life is ode to joy: visit the gardens in the Amalfi Coast and you won’t be far from this dream. The gardens of Villa Cimbrone in stylish Ravello rank among the most spectacular spots: sitting on a rocky outcrop, the gardens were created by the British aristocrat Edward Beckett and include grottos, a Moorish pavilion and many types of flowers.

Enjoy the Belvedere of Infinity for extraordinary views. Villa Rufolo is another Ravello gem that is set to amaze and astonish: the villa was built in the 13th c. and was once the residence of the powerful King of Anjou. The Scottish botanist Francis Nevile Reid landscaped its gardens in the late 19th c and made it the splendour that now welcomes visitors in an explosion of exotic colours, manicured flower beds, jasmine and water lilies and what is probably the most photographed maritime pine in Italy. Find time to visit Capri to capture the magic of Villa San Michele and the splendid gardens of Augustus. The latter were built by the German industrialist Alfred Krupp – who also had the winding Via Krupp road built – and are made up by a series of terraces decorated with colourful begonias, bougainvillea, dahlias and other spectacular flowers, the view stretching over to the famous Faraglioni. The Swedish doctor Axel Munthe had Villa San Michele built on the same island to capture “the sun, the wind and the voice of the sea” and the gardens astonish with their collection of pines, cypresses, hydrangeas, a vine covered colonnade, culminating with a stone sphinx guarding over the majestic view that includes the Bay of Naples and the Vesuvius

2. Walk your way to Heaven

Deciding to explore a country on foot certainly gives access to unspoilt areas and lets one connect with nature. There are countless hiking opportunities throughout Italy, but nothing beats the view of rugged cliffs rising from the sea in what can only be defined as a divine vista. The aptly named Sentiero degli Dei “path of the Gods” always delivers and is among a once in a lifetime experiences.

Legend has it that this is where the Gods passed to save Ulysses from the sirens – hence its name – and the whole area is awash with vines, typical of the Mediterranean shrub, with views stretching over the horizon towards the island of Capri. Starting in Agerola and ending in Positano, the path along the Monti Lattari is 9km-long and you can find two variants that will suit everyone. The return can be done with a ferry or a bus back to Amalfi and then on to your starting point. Hiking along this path you will feel the sense of time – the route was common already in the 10th c. AD – and the highlights include the overhanging Grotta del Biscotto – the Biscuit cave - villages carved in the rock and the so-called pistillo, a peculiar rocky spur that adds drama to this attractive view.

3. Towns of glory: scenic locations on the Amalfi Coast

Their names evoking film stars and the glitzy jet set, the incredibly spectacular towns on the Amalfi Coast always spark feelings of awe, in a succession of lovely natural settings with the theatrical backdrop of azure seawaters. Easily accessible, you will find that you can pack some of the most dazzling locations by travelling along the scenic, winding road that links Sorrento with Salerno. Swanky, pyramid-shaped Positano stuns for its positions and walking along its narrow streets, filled with luxury shops, is sublime; move east to visit quiet Praiano and the ancient fishing village of Conca dei Marini, already known to the Etruscans.

The almost hidden fjord of Furore stuns for its exquisite location, while Atrani sits between splendid Ravello and Amalfi, where the fabulous Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea lies on top of a sweeping staircase. Consider visiting the uncrowded village of Minori to discover the Villa Romana archaeological complex and Maiori for its sandy beach and lovely waterfront. This is superlative scenery to the nth degree!

4. Jewels in the bay of Naples – Capri, Ischia and Procida

After all the incredible sights that such a vivid, loud, colourful and proud city like Naples has to offer, you’d be forgiven to think that its surroundings fail to meet its match. And yet, the three islands of Procida, Ischia and Capri are jewels in their own right that make this exciting area of Italy an even juicier destination. The largest of them all, the volcanic island of Ischia, is famous for its thermal springs, wellness retreats, lush gardens and general fuss-free atmosphere.

Exploring Ischia is all about experiencing its authentic Italian soul, tasting the most delicious local cuisine and getting lost along the several trails that lead to various mounts – chiefly Monte Epomeo. The Castello Aragonese, among its most visited sights, dates back to 474 BC and the views from the top are mesmerizing; Once the home of British composer William Walton and landscaped by the British gardener and designer Russel Page, the La Mortella gardens are an explosion of Mediterranean plants, ponds, tropical spruces and perennials. Visit the island when one of its amazing festivals is on - Ischia Piano and Jazz Festival, Ischia Film Festival or the Feast of Saint Anne in July for extra special vibes.

5. Procida

Neighbouring Procida is the smallest of the three, albeit the most colourful and certainly tranquil. Enjoy a promenade walk along Marina di Corricella or swim at Chiaia beach- make it even more tranquil at Il Postino beach, made famous by the eponymous film with Massimo Troisi, while adventurous souls will love kayaking around the shores of this tiny secret. Off the coast of Sorrento, Capri is poetry in motion.

The glamour of celebrities and past emperors make this island a treat, with an overall luxe feel that somehow marries well with the lush nature that features gently throughout. The Blue Grotto, an aperitivo overlooking the bay or even sipping a glass while looking at this Mediterranean jewel, perhaps sitting aboard a luxury charter, count as exclusive treats that only the Italian peninsula can offer.

WHERE TO STAY

Capri Excelsior Parco

Capri La Floridiana Boutique Hotel

Capri on Board - Private Yachts

Trasfers
Daily boat excursions
Mini cruises (min stay 2 nights)

6. Capri on Board - Private Yacths

Get Lost on the Amalfi Coast, Capri and the Gulf of Naples
Amalfi Coast boasts a classic Mediterranean landscape, a sensual blend of both natural and cultural wonders. The breathtaking coastline is dotted with quaint towns and villages emerging from the hillside that offer unparalleled views of the vibrant sea waters below.

Capri on Board is a yacht Management Company specialized in yachting and luxury lifestyle, with experience in port and ship management. Impeccable service, logistics support and tailor made solutions for special events, wedding parties, yacht rentals, and mega yacht charters for a luxury experience.

Transfer "door to door" from the airport to the hotel or Villa (Capri, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi Coast)
Any kind of transfer in the area
Daily Experience, full and half day: Capri, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi Coast , Ischia or Procida
Mini Cruises, min stay 2 nights

Capri on Board - Private Yachts