A yacht charter onboard Motor Yacht Loon cruising the Amalfi Coast is nothing short of spectacular, but sometimes sought-after destinations can become oversaturated with the same bucket ‘to do’ list. Amongst the charming villages and dramatic coastal landscapes dotted with lemon groves and vines, there is a whole host of authentic experiences to seek out that are unique to this magical area of southern Italy.
The Amalfi Coast and its picture-perfect postcard towns and anchorages span from Sorrento to Salerno. This region encompasses renowned destinations like Positano, the UNESCO site of Ravello, and Amalfi, as well as smaller, lesser-known towns like Nerano, Furore, and Praiano. From gastronomy washed down with the finest liquor to experiencing traditions of a once-passed era and getting off the tourist track, we want our guests onboard Yacht Loon to get the real taste of this idyllic coastline.
Here are some of the things not to miss on an Amalfi Coast yacht charter itinerary:
Iconic Tastes on the Amalfi Coast
Starting your culinary journey should begin in the town of Amalfi at the historic pastry shop, Pasticceria Pansa, which originated in 1830, a perfect place to enjoy freshly baked pastries. The Delizia al Limone, the lemon-infused sponge cake, is a must-try here. While Italians know how to do baked goods, their piece de resistance is, of course, pizza. Be sure to visit its birthplace, Naples. You can eat some of the best dough in Italy here, especially at 50 Kalo, one of the few pizzerias included in the Italian Michelin Guide. Alongside them in the guide is Sorbillio, serving up authentic Naples-style pizzas using organic produce.
When it comes to fine dining, there is no shortage of that to experience here. The first Michelin-starred restaurant in southern Italy was La Caravella, and since 1959, the cuisine here in Amalfi has been showcasing family and local traditions. Today, there are plenty more Michelin-starred restaurants to enjoy. For authentic farm-to-table food, we can book you a table at the famous Lo Scoglio, a family-run restaurant in Nerano. While enjoying the fresh produce directly from the owner’s farm, also be sure to order the spaghetti alla Nerrano. Chef Stanley Tucci hailed this dish as life-changing in his series ‘Searching for Italy.’
After meals, to fulfil a sweet tooth, you cannot visit Italy on Loon without enjoying some gelato; one of the best spots can be found at Baffone Gelateria Artigianale in Ravello. If you want to try your hand at making it, at Gelateria David in Sorrento, the owners here teach others the secrets of their 130 flavours. From gelato to sorbet, to taste the best lemon sorbet, head to the Valico di Chiunzi; here, high up in the hills, you will find the last sorbet maker in Tramonti: Attilio Di Lieto.
Raise a Glass in Amalfi
Just like food, when it comes to the region’s offerings, they also have plenty to shout about when it comes to the drinks. The Amalfi Coast is renowned for the Italian liqueur Limoncello, which is made from the large Sorrento lemons. There are so many places throughout the coast to try it, and you will always be given it after meals, but the one place you should go to taste while on your Loon charter is tasting it directly from the lemon groves of II Convento. It is also well worth trying the Crema di Limoncello, a smoother and richer alternative. Another digestif of the area to enjoy is Nocillo, an infusion of herbs and walnuts.
Soaking up the Mediterranean rays can be done with any refreshing drink, especially onboard when the professional crew of Motor Yacht Loon create tasty cocktails. But when ashore, be sure to have a glass or two of prosecco. For aperitivo hour, head to the iconic Le Sirenuse hotel in Positano and enjoy your prosecco mixed with Aperol for a spritz with a panoramic view at the chic Francos bar.
Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil in the region, there are plenty of choices for visiting vineyards and wine tasting along the Amalfi Coast and Mount Vesuvius. The Marisa Cuomo Winery overlooks the Furore Sea and is an incredible place to sit and enjoy the tastings while soaking up the picturesque views. Back down at sea level, in Positano, you will find Le Tre Sorelle wine room, where you can taste over 40 local wines from the Campania region.
Art and Craft on the Amalfi Coast
The history of craftsmanship spanning the Amalfi Coast has developed over centuries and is rooted in the area’s history. Capri is an island that harnesses creativity, a hideout for writers and artists in generations gone by. Today, the creative tradition of sandal making still flourishs on the island. Passed down through the generations, the art of sandal making isn’t just for the practicality of walking the rocky shorelines but also for the fashion appeal. Visit the workshop and store II Sandalo Caprese in Anacapri, and Salvatore will create your one-of-a-kind creation to take home.
Halfway between Amalfi and Positano is Praiano, another location that has long-inspired artisans. The narrow streets here are lined with artisan shops full of hand-painted pieces, ceramics, luxury perfume, and handmade paper. The region was one of the first places in Europe to start making paper in the 13th century. Visit the Museo della Carta, housed in an old paper mill just outside of Amalfi, to find out more about this craft’s history. Vietri sul Mare is also a town where you can seek out artisanal shops, particularly the ceramics found at Ceramiche Sara.
Another regional tradition is anchovy fishing in the small village of Cetara, hailed as the ‘anchovy capital of the world.’ You can join local fishermen to learn about their tried-and-tested century-old artisan techniques and then enjoy the results.
For a reminder of your time cruising the Amalfi Coast onboard Yacht Loon, why not take the scent home with you? Carthusia on Capri, the smallest perfume laboratory in the world, has been creating fragrances since 1948, and their fragrances encompass the essence of Capri.
Uncrowded Adventures on the Amalfi
While cruising the Amalfi Coast, there are plenty of activities to do that can enable you to escape the crowds. During a Mediterranean summer, the beaches can get overrun, but at the village of Furore, there are hidden beaches found within a natural lagoon-like fjord. Off the tourist trail, it is less busy than others, and its secluded nature gets you away from the hustle and bustle of the towns.
For a more active experience, the famous hiking trail in the region is the Path of The Gods, which is perfect for stunning views but can get busy in the summer months. Instead, leave early from Motor Yacht Loon and catch the sun rising over the mountains.
Lesser-known hiking trails are found within the Valle delle Ferriere. A visit here will showcase how the local communities have lived off the lands for centuries. There are plenty of trail maps, or Captain Paul can arrange a local guide to show you the way while introducing you to the region’s local farmers and winemakers.
Indulge in Amalfi’s Relaxing Retreats
During a Loon charter, there are always plenty of opportunities to relax and to take your itinerary at a slower pace. The Amalfi Coast also has a selection of more relaxing activities and plenty of beaches. Fontelina Beach Club on Capri started as a small shack but quickly became a hotbed for movie stars and celebrities. Head to this chic spot on the island’s south coast, easily accessed by Yacht Loon’s tender, to relax on the beach while keeping your eyes peeled for VIPs.
Another place to unwind is at the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel and Spa. Offering unique lemon-themed treatments, from lemon and rosemary foot baths to lemon clary face masks, enjoy the treatments within the walls of this original 17th-century building, once home to a monastery.
We love helping our guests get off the beaten track and immerse themselves in the local flavours, sights and traditions. The Amalfi Coast is one of our favourite places to cruise and should be included on an Italy superyacht charter itinerary with Motor Yacht Loon.
If you are interested in creating a bespoke itinerary with Yacht Loon, email us at info@motoryachtloon.com. Check out our social channels to see what we are getting up to this Mediterranean season.
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