Lago di Como

EXPLORING LOVELY LAKE COMO

Just one hour by car from Milan, for many Lake Como evokes images of glitz, glam and celebrities, James Bond, and the posh golden streets of the world famous Bellagio. However, there is a softer, more authentic quality to this lake and region. It’s natural beauty is unquestionable, but it is the people and tiny villages that dot the mountainsides and lake shores that make it truly magical. The following guide entails our tips for exploring lovely Lake Como and the surrounding area.

The southern tip of Lake Como is approximately one hour by car from the Milan Malpensa Airport, with Bellagio and Menaggio slightly further afield. Options for accessing the region include hiring a car, organizing a shuttle service, or taking a bus. We recommend spending at least three to four days here to fully experience the lake and relax. Lake Como is just one of several lakes in the Italian Lakes region, and while here we would also recommend day tripping to the nearby Lakes Lugano and Maggiore.

We have visited in previous summers and most recently in August during the Covid-19 pandemic. While it was it was fairly quiet during the pandemic, with mostly locals and Italian tourists, during the normal summer months certain villages around the lake are much busier with tourist traffic. We recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall for a more relaxed (and cheaper!) vacation.

EAT

Al Prato One of the top resturants in Varenna- make a reservation early!

Gelateria del Borgo A trip to Italy would not be complete without a little gelato. We loved this spot nestled within the charming streets of Bellagio. The shop offers several flavors from which to indulge!

Gelateria il Gabbiano Another gelato stop, this time on Menaggio’s promenade. Enjoy a glass of wine and scoop of gelato from their terrace overlooking the lake.

Hotel du Lac Bellagio Ristorante A casual, family-friendly eatery across from the ferry station in Bellagio. Try the seasonal risotto dish!

Hotel du Lac-Varenna Beautiful lakeside lunch in Varenna with refreshing drinks and local dishes.

Osteria II Governo 1801 An easy choice when in Lezzeno. Super charming with a cute patio, this restaurant offered delicious local food and friendly service.

Ristorante Silvio All the research we did recommended this family owned restaurant in Bellagio. We haven’t made it there yet but wanted to pass along the suggestion!

Il Ristorante Di Paolo Centrally located in the heart of Menaggio, this local dining experience pulls out all the stops. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner as well as the service- the staff were very welcoming and shared their favorite local dishes. The Tiramisu was incredible!

DRINK

Cafè del Pess In the heart of Menaggio’s waterfront and piazza, this cafe is the most happening spot in the village. Pop in for a morning espresso, a lunchtime pizza, a late afternoon aperitif or a bottle of wine after dinner.

Domasino wine Sorasso Lago di Como is a local winery on the northwestern shore of the lake producing dry white, rose and red wine under the Domasino label. We found many restaurants offering their wines and enjoyed trying them. It is possible to visit Sorasso for lunch or dinner and a wine tasting.

Enoteca Cava Turacciolo This small wine bar (cave) near the Bellagio port offers an incredible selection of local wines. Come for a tasting or a nightcap. We loved the selections of Barbaresco for reds and their Gavi di Gavi for whites. Make a booking as space is limited!

Enoteca Re Di Quadri Wine bar in the heart of Menaggio

Grand Hotel Tremezzo A favorite stop for an Aperitivo while taking in the stunning views from the Terrace.

Nilus Bar A cafe in Varenna with a terrace overlooking a small beach and the village’s multi-colored buildings. Stop in to refuel on espresso before climbing the cobblestoned streets to explore the village.

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni A highly rated 5 star stay in Bellagio only means they also offer fab views and delicious cocktails. While in Bellagio stop by for an Aperitif or stay for dinner. They also offer live music from their talented pianist!

PLAY

Rent a boat The best way to explore Lake Como is by water. It is possible to rent a small powered boat without a boating license with AC Boat in Menaggio. AC rents by hour or for a full day. Our favorite sites on the lake from the water included Nesso (a tiny village on the west bank with a beautiful waterfall emptying into the water), Isola Comacina (the only island in Lake Como, the side facing the east bank offers a quiet place to swim) and Villa del Balbianello (more below).

Lidos Looking to spend a low-key afternoon relaxing and swimming in the lake? There are many lidos - beach/pool clubs - that dot the lake’s shores. Most of the villages catering to tourists, including Bellagio and Menaggio, have their own lidos. An entry fee will usually get you access to a deck chair and umbrella, DJ-spun tunes, and drinks and food are available for purchase. We spent a relaxing afternoon at the Menaggio lido, which had the nicest area for swimming that we saw in the village.

Take a private cooking class Learn how to prepare fresh pasta from scratch from local chef, Frederica. Conduct the class in her own space or invite her to your apartment or Airbnb. The food was incredible! Frederica’s website is in Italian but she speaks English.

Varenna The most beautiful village on the lake (wethinks), Varenna’s colorful harbor should not be missed. Walk along the lakeside Walk of Lovers, explore the winding hillside of cobblestoned streets, and check out the lovely Villa Monastero. Varenna is easily accessible by ferry from Bellagio and Menaggio.

Villa del Balbianello Admire the 16th century architecture and beautiful gardens inside this estate. The villa can be reached by a lush forest trail from Lenno or admired by boat.

Villa Monastero The jewel of Varenna, this 12th century villa was a former nunnery. Today its sprawling grounds contain a gorgeous, lakeside villa (now a museum) with a large botanical garden. The garden cafe is a sweet stop from which to sip an espresso and admire the surroundings.

DAY TRIPS

Lake Maggiore Just 1.5 hours from Menaggio, pop across the border into Switzerland to visit the sparkling waters of the Valle Verzasca (a mountain spring that feeds the lake a few miles to the south), the Verzasca Dam (featured in James Bond, you can bungee jump here), and enjoy lunch in the lovely lakeside town of Ascona. We had an incredible, local Ticinese meal in the charming courtyard of Ristorante Grotto Broggini. Try the Merlot di Bianco wine (yes, it is a white Merlot made in Ticino).

Lake Lugano About an hour from Menaggio, the city of Lugano is located within the Ticino region of Switzerland and combines Mediterranean vibes, Italian charm and Swiss efficiency. Don’t miss the Villa Principe Leopoldo. Go for a drink, dinner, or stay there as your budget permits. This 5 star villa offers stunning views overlooking Lake Lugano and the city of Lugano.

STAY

There are three villages we would recommend from which to base yourself in Lake Como - Bellagio, Mennagio or Varenna. All are beautiful and charming and offer ferry access to the surrounding villages on the lake.

Bellagio The most famous village on the lake, Bellagio is the poshest and most popular with tourists. Its golden hued streets and buildings offer plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and activities.

Como We historically have not stayed in Como directly for more than a day wile transiting to another village- for this, the Hilton is always a safe option. On our list but not yet stayed is the stunning Villa d'Este down the lake in Cernobbio

Menaggio A quiet, family-friendly village on the lake’s western shore, Menaggio has one of the main ferry ports, a pretty promenade and piazza, and a handful of good restaurants. We would recommend the Grand Hotel Menaggio or Bellavista Hotel, and also loved our stay at this two bedroom flat through HomeAway (it was right on the lake with incredible views). This location is also easier to get to by car from Switzerland, whereas to access Varenna and Bellagio you would need to take the ferry across.

Varenna Small yet beautiful, Varenna is our top pick for a romantic getaway.

Lenno The main attraction near Lenno is the Villa del Balbianello. This is a lesser known spot but offers a good variety of Airbnbs if you struggle to find something in the surrounding villages. While Lenno is a solid option, it is not our first choice compared to the three listed above. The village has tourist necessities and is still served by the mid-lake shuttle so it is easy enough to travel to nearby villages.

Tremezzo Splash out and stay at Grand Hotel Tremezzo, which is literally as Grand as they come. This 5-star stay is only open for summer season from March through October. For a more more affordable option in the area, try Grand Hotel Cadenabbia or an Airbnb.

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Lake Como

Zermatt

One of the most well-known resorts in the Swiss Alps, Zermatt’s car free mountain village sits at the base of the iconic Matterhorn. With stunning views and slopes that pass into Italy, this spot should be high on your list!

Taking the train is the easiest option as it is just three hours from Zürich. It is also possible to drive to Täsch, park and take the regional shuttle train to the village.

EAT

Chez Heini Traditional Swiss restaurant in the village.

Chez Vrony No better place on mountain. This chic alpine hut can be reached by skiing or via the winter hiking trails near Findeln. The views are incredible and the food is to die for! Try the tart flambée. Booking needed.

Findlerhof This rustic mountain restaurant near Chez Vrony is right off the Sunegga/Findeln lift. It has unmatched views of the Matterhorn, excellent service and a variety of go-to mountain dishes. Try the rösti. Booking needed. 

Giuseppe A change of pace from the traditional Swiss menus, this Italian eatery will not disappoint!

Schäferstube Alpine chalet restaurant with huge cowbells and a traditional menu. Go for the fondue or the raclette.

Snowboat  go for a lively evening with friends. The menu changes periodically but most recently we went for the burgers and cocktails. All around great choice for a fun night out!

DRINK

Drink like a local and order a Schümli Plümli, the perfect way to warm up while skiing in the Swiss Alps!

22 Summits Just a few steps away from the Matterhorn-Express and the center of Zermatt, this new 4 star hotel is an upscale spot for a coffee or drink.

Cervo Alpine-chic chalet at the bottom of Sunnega with live music and local beers

Champagne bar As the name states, this little champagne hut is the perfect apreski stop for views of the matterhorn and flutes of champagne. Located on the ski slope down from Sunnega.

Gee's Bar Nice cocktails and live music nightly. One of the few spots in the village open late

Hennu Stall Cosy drinks at the bottom of Furi-Zermatt slope.

Papperla Pub Mix with the locals with listening to live music and DJs.

Unique Hotel Post Be sure not to miss this spot- located in the heart of Zermatt, this Hotel offers three restaurants and five different bars and clubs.

PLAY

Zermat offers year-round mountain activities, and the mountain is accessible from the village by multiple lifts: Rothhorn, Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. If you are not keen on mountain sports, the village also offers other activities like wellness spas and shopping.  

Hiking (summer season) With a 400 kilometer network of hiking trails, Zermatt is famous for views at every stop. Our local favorite is the Five Lakes Trail (4-6 hours).

Matterhorn Trail (Nr. 29)-Beautiful hike from Schwarzsee - Stafelalp - Zmutt - Zermatt (station). You can also do the hike in reverse but be sure to check that the gondola at Schwarzsee is running!

Furi Suspension Bridge Trail (Nr. 17a) The suspension bridge reaches 90 vertical metres above the Gornerschlucht gorge.  The roundtrip hike from the village is about 1.5 hours. Follow trail signs for “Hängebrückenweg Furi”

Mountain biking, climbing, etc.

Ski or snowboard Zermatt has over 360 kilometers of the most amazing ski slopes at affordable prices. The average price per lift pass is CHF 75. Here for a few days? Opt for the International pass which includes access to Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche in Italy.

Snowshoe or winter hiking 70 kilometers of prepared winter hiking trails for non-skiers. Hike up to Findeln (1.5 hours) and enjoy a lunch or coffee break in the small mountain village.

STAY

Ari Resort Located next to the Matterhorn express gondola station, this beautiful property offers apartment stays- all rooms include a Matterhorn view! About a 10 minute walk from the center of the village.

Chalet Castor This chalet sleeps a large group of up to eight friends. Book through Mountain Exposure Zermatt.

Hotel Bellerive One of our first experiences in Zermatt and still one of our favorites. Book early!  

Panorama Ski Lodge Chic and modern alpine flats with Matterhorn views. Dog friendly =)

Zermatt

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Western Cornwall

A WEEK IN WESTERN CORNWALL

Cornwall is the land of legends — literally — as English lore tells it was home to warrior King Arthur and his Camelot. After spending a week in western Cornwall, we were charmed by not only its history (it’s also known for piratical activities and the smuggling trade), but rugged coastline, splendid hikes, stunning beaches and incredible seafood. The Cornish peninsula is home to both the most westerly and southerly points on the British mainland, and the Atlantic Gulf Stream warms its waters and climate, making it the sunniest spot in the UK. We felt the peninsula’s beautiful beaches were akin to those we’ve seen in Bermuda and elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Western Cornwall is an easy drive from London (roughly five hours, passing by Stonehenge), but it is also possible to train from major cities in the mainland UK or to fly into Newquay, the commercial airport that serves Cornwall. We recommend driving as there is much to see and many remote areas where a car is necessary. Take care while driving as roads are small and hemmed in by high hedges which affects visibility.

Prior to your visit, consider purchasing a National Trust membership. The National Trust looks after many of the nation’s coastlines, historic sites and countryside and green spaces, and is the biggest conservation charity in Europe. National Trust members receive free entrance and parking at many beaches and sites across Cornwall.

EAT

The Allotment Deli This sweet shop on Fore Street in St. Ives features local produce, cheese, beer and wine and more. It’s the perfect stop to satisfy your beach picnic needs.

Porthminster Beach Cafe Upscale dining on the beach and an excellent wine list. Perfect for date night or dinner with friends. Bookings essential.

Porthmeor Beach Cafe This trendy eatery overlooks Porthmeor Beach and the St. Ives’ coastline. Go for lunch or brunch then spend a few hours at the beach. Make a booking in advance.

Moomaid of Zennor Ice Cream Parlour Their shipwreck flavor is the best in town!

Rock Pool This hidden gem in Mousehole has a lovely, tiny patio that overlooks rock pools and Saint Michael’s Mount island. We recommend it for lunch or a sunset cocktail and snack. Try the crab sandwich.

Roly’s Fudge Pantry Try their famous vanilla clotted cream fudge.

St. Ives Bakery Several merchants mentioned that this bakery had the best bread in town and they weren’t wrong. Don’t miss the Turkish loaf or the jam-filled “cruffin” (a cross between a croissant and muffin).

Yellow Canary Next door to The Allotment Deli, they have delicious desserts.

DRINK

The Balcony Bar & Kitchen This casual eatery and bar overlooks the St. Ives harbor and is great for an afternoon beer or cocktail. If you’re feeling peckish they also have tasty tacos.

Beer Huis Grand Cafe A Belgian beer hall in St. Ives with an extensive draft and bottle list.

Wine While English wines is generally not incredibly well known on the international market, its well past the point of up and coming and actually quite good! Many English winemakers are experimenting with cooler weather grape varieties and Cornish wineries are no exception. Here were a few of our favorites:

Knightor Vineyard A bit off the beaten path, this vineyard near the Eden Project is a favorite spot for weddings. Their wine shop has an incredibly friendly bartender and we loved their very special, limited edition Portscatho Bacchus 2018.

Polgoon Vineyard Visit for a tour and tasting, though book in advance! We enjoyed their Seyval Blanc & Ortega blend. They also produce ciders.

We heard great things about Camel Valley and Trevibban Mill wineries but were unable to visit this trip.

PLAY

Beaches Cornwall’s beaches are gorgeous - soft, white sand that spreads for meters out to sea during low tide, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and grassy highlands. There are so many spectacular spots, but our favorites in St. Ives included Porthmeor and Porthminster. We also loved the family friendly Carbis Bay Beach, a five minute train ride from St. Ives. If you are up for a drive, it’s worth checking out Chapel Porth Beach in St. Agnes and Godrevy to the north, as well as Sennen Cove near Lands End.

Hiking The South West Coast Path is England's longest waymarked long-distance footpath and a National Trail. It stretches for 630 miles from Somerset to Dorset, and lines the entire coastline of Cornwall. Download the iWalk Cornwall app for a comprehensive guide to over 200 hikes in the region. Some of our favorites included:

Lands End The most westerly point in England features incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and coastline to the north. Head south on the trail to check out the Enys Dodnan Arch and beach. This is an easy, two hour hike.

Lizard The Lizard Peninsula is the most southerly point in on the British mainland. We didn’t make it there but our friends raved about the hiking.

Godrevy Point An easy, family friend hike around the Point with views of the lighthouse, Godrevy beach, and if you are lucky a family of beached seals!

Mousehole Harbor This tiny fishing village is a relic of the past - visit to admire its working harbor and fisherman cottages. There are a handful of great places to eat here as well.

Saint Michael’s Mount An island is famed for its medieval church and castle that rise above Mount’s Bay. At low tide the island can be accessed by walking across the Marazion beach and tidal causeway.

St. Ives St. Ives is a beautiful, hip village with a Mediterranean vibe and a large harbor that is excellent for swimming or walking during low tibe. Spend a few hours perusing its cobblestoned streets and admiring the views from its beaches and harbor. The town also has a lovely, independent boutique scene. We especially loved Sweetlime (international-inspired jewellery and home goods) and The Painted Bird (ethically sourced home goods and gifts).

Tate St. Ives An art gallery overlooking Porthmeor Beach that features modern and contemporary British works. Artists have flocked to St. Ives since the 19th century for its beautiful natural light and landscapes, and the Tate is just one of the village’s many art galleries.

Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden Linked to the Tate, this museum and sculpture garden feature the works of Barbara Hepworth, a modernist English sculptor and artist.

STAY

St. Ives is a great base from which to tour the rest of western Cornwall, as it has three beaches right in town, a great restaurant and pub scene, boutiques, galleries and more. You pay for the convenience, however, and finding parking can be difficult unless it is included with accommodation. We enjoyed staying at this two bedroom HomeAway property with sea views on a quiet street. St. Ives is small and most properties within the village provide easy access to all it has to offer. However, it is quite hilly with narrow streets and those who are less mobile may find it difficult to walk around.

Those looking for something a bit quieter or more affordable than St. Ives should look just a few miles southeast in Carbis Bay, a family-friendly seaside resort village with its own beach. The train from Carbis Bay to St. Ives takes approximately three to five minutes and costs just £1 each way.

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Western Cornwall

Jungfrau

The Jungfrau region is a picture perfect, “postcard” destination. With views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, it is revered as one of the most beautiful valleys in Switzerland. We’ve lived in Switzerland for seven years and easily count it as one of our favorite corners of the country. Beautiful alpine meadows, waterfalls, charming chalets and iconic mountain views are waiting beyond every peak and turn.

If planning to travel in Switzerland for a few days via train, it is worth looking into the SBB Swiss pass for discounted rail tickets.

Jungfrau is a “must” stop on any Swiss holiday to connect with nature, enjoy stunning vistas of the Alps and the peaceful village life. Our favorite villages in the region include:

Grindewald Located at the foot of the Eiger North face, Grindewald offers a wide range of summer and winter activities. The village is best reached by car (2 hours) or train (2 hours 45 minutes).

Lauterbrunnen The village sits at the base of the Jungfrau valley and is surrounded by five other Swiss villages, the most notable being Wengen and Mürren. Lauterbrunnen can be reached by train and car. It is 20 minutes by train from Interlaken and 2 hours from Zurich HB. If you are traveling by car, check with your hotel or lodge on parking availability. Many offer free parking.

Mürren This quiet, car-free village offers stunning views of the Alps. We usually hike to the village but it is worth an overnight stay if it is your first time. The main street has shops with typical Swiss products and outdoor gear for local sports. From Mürren, visit the beautiful area of Allmendhubel which offers stunning views at 1907 meters. For those staying in Mürren or the other car-free village, Wengen, there is a paid parking garage next to the main stations.

Wengen Celebrated for is amazing views over the valley, Wengen offers more restaurant and nightlife options than Mürren. Stay here if traveling with a group of friends or family.

EAT & Drink

Air Time Café This is a quick(er) option for lunch in the Lauterbrunnen valley. A great spot for a sandwich and a cold beer or coffee to go.

Da Sina Pizzeria The perfect restaurant and pub combo when you have had enough cheese and chocolate. The pizzas are highly recommended and the service is friendly.

Hotel Eiger Restaurant We visited this spot after the Mountain View Trail hike for lunch. The terrace offers incredible views of the Eiger and a variety of options for meals.

Hotel Schonneg`s Restaurant 1903 This charming restaurant specializes in traditional Swiss cuisine. Try the delicious Flammkuchen!

Restaurant Baeren This spot serves up European dishes using local and regional products that vary by season. Weather permitting, try dining on the terrace to enjoy the beautiful views. En guete!

If you plan to hike and are looking to pack your lunch, there is a Coop grocery store in Wengen village near the train station. Or, checkout the local Chäs-Gruebi for cheese, wine and other regional products.

PLAY

Cable Cars An alternative to skiing, take advantage of the many trains and cable cars that feature views of the region’s highlights, including Kleine Scheidegg, Jungfraujoch and Grindewald First.

Day Hikes In late-spring through autumn, enjoy 500 kilometers of marked hiking trails with amazing views of the Alps. Check the Jungfrau region website before starting your journey, as trails may be closed in shoulder season due to snow and weather conditions. We are enclosing a few of our favorite hikes below:

Bachalpsee This circular trail begins at Grindewald-First and goes to Balalpsee and back. Round trip it takes about 1hr 45 minutes and covers 5.8km. Enjoy the alpine meadows and beautiful views of the mountain lake with the reflection of the Alps.

Mountain View Trail Looking for a hike with iconic mountain views? Look no further. This hike lies high above Lauterbrunnen valley, goes through alpine meadows and ends in Allmendhubel/Mürren. To start, take the gondola from Lauterbrunnen to Grützschalp. Follow the yellow-marked hiking signs to Allmendhubel (they will also say Mountain View Trail). Tickets for the Grützschalp gondola can be purchased via the SBB app or at the ticket counter in the Lauterbrunnen train station. One-way covers 5.1km in about 2 hrs, and is medium grade.

Panoramic Trail (Panoramaweg) This hiking trail goes from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidigg. You can, however, start your journey from Wengen by taking the cable car from Wengen to Männlichen. You can also hike this portion but it is a steep climb and will add 2-3 hours. One way, the trail is 4.5km and doable in 1.25 hrs. It is easy grade.

Jungfrau Marathon trail (partial) Looking for a longer, more challenging hike? Try the hike from Wengen —> Wengeralp —> Kleine Scheidegg through the Jungfrau Marathon trail. The length one way is 7km, taking roughly 2hr 45min, and medium grade.

Lauterbrunnen Valley There are two good options:

• Staubbach Falls Close to the Lauterbrunnen train station, this waterfall is the third highest in Switzerland.

• Trümmelbach Falls These famous falls comprise of 10 glacier waterfalls, that are accessible via underground lifts, tunnels, paths and platforms.

Winter Skiing Wengen’s Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen is the ideal starting point, boasting 110 kilometers of beginner, medium and difficulty pistes. This area allows access to the neighboring resorts of Grindelwald-First and Mürren-Schilthorn. For non-skiers and boarders, it also offers toboggan runs, sledging (Swiss sledding) and 50 kilometers of winter hiking trails.

Summer Sports If planning a visit in warmer weather, do not miss the opportunity to go canyoning, paragliding, river rafting, sky-diving and zip-lining.

STAY

We recommend staying in Wengen for ease of access around the region. For a relaxing stay near the train station, we recommend Hotel Wengenerhof. While the interior is a bit dated interior (typical in Switzerland), the hotel is reasonably priced for the region. Opt for a mountain view room for amazing views of the valley. The hotel is also pet-friendly.

Another good option is Hotel Schönegg (recommended by a friend).

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Lauterbrunnen Valley /Wengen

Positano

An escape that needs no introduction, Positano consistently tops our list of the most stunning coastal villages in Europe. It is no surprise that this trendy village is a highlight stop on any trip to the Italian Amalfi Coast. Come here to enjoy amazing food, wine, views, beaches, and beautiful weather. We visited over a long weekend but generally recommend at least three days. If you have time, combine this stop with a trip to Naples and Capri.

The best way to arrive in Positano is through Naples. Most cities within Europe will have have direct flights in and out of the southern Italian city. To get to the Amalfi coast, we highly recommend renting a car or hiring a private transfer. Most car rentals and shuttles depart from Napoli Centrale, the central train station in Naples, and it is very easy to take the Alibus directly from the airport to Centrale (have euro cash on hand). The drive from Naples Centrale to Positano takes roughly 90 minutes. We have had mixed experiences with transfer companies.

Note that the Amalfi Coast is packed with tourists from all over the world during the summer months. If you want to visit between June and August, book accommodation several months in advance. The shoulder seasons, including the months of April - May, and September, are lovely and quieter times to visit this region.

EAT

Buca di Bacco 1916 A cafe in the harbor with amazing ocean views. Excellent choice for dinner or for an afternoon cocktail.

Collina Bakery Take away coffee, traditional baked goods, and gelato. Yes, please!

Next2 Simple yet elegant delicious cocktails and amazing food. This was one of our favorite meals in Positano. Opt for a seat on the terrace for a romantic setting.

Ristorante Bruno High street views overlooking the beautiful village of Positano. A more casual option with moderately priced dishes.

Ristorante La Sponda Recommended by a friend.

DRINK

Amalfi Coast is also well-known for the famous Amalfi lemons which are literally the size of grapefruits, maybe bigger. Be sure to try the local Limoncello as an after-dinner digestif.

Champagne Bar at Le Sirenuse Classy stop for pre-dinner drinks, great views over the village and sea.

Music on the Rocks Looking for an authentic disco and night club experience? The club offers excellent views and vibes with a mixed crowd of locals and tourists. Music can be hit or miss depending on the night but overall offers some nightlife in the village.

PLAY

The Amalfi Coast is best explored by boat. We highly recommend taking at least a day trip, if not longer, to explore the surrounding coastal villages and islands. Do not miss Capri and Amalfi during your stay! Capri is a small, chic island off the coast of southern Italy, and offers some of the best beaches and shopping. Capri can be reached by ferry from Positano (about 40 minutes). You can check out the ferry schedule is here.

Marina Grande Beach Relax and enjoy the sun at the main beach in Positano. Go early to get a lounger. They typically run about 10€.

Positano Boats We chose the Emerald Grotto & Amalfi Coast tour. We skipped the grotto and instead lounged on the boat. We definitely recommend exploring the village of Amalfi. Although touristy, we enjoyed checking out the local shops, wine bars, and gelato stands for a break from the sun.

Positano Village It is definitely worth an afternoon or a morning to enjoy the colorful village itself. Wander around the winding streets, enjoying the small boutiques and local Italian shops. Bring your camera as the views at every turn are picture-worthy. This village is a photographers dream!

Ralla Antonio Custom sandals in Positano! Although small, the shop offers a wide variety of styles and colors. The owners are friendly and the process of custom fitting is fairly quick.

STAY

We traveled with a group of friends so we stayed in an AirBnb on the hill close to Next2. Definitely book in advance to secure a spot within the village itself. While small and walkable, walking around Positano is not for those who have difficulties managing steps. There are incredibly steep stairs the higher up you stay in the village. If you are renting a car, also be sure to inquire about parking at your accommodation.

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Positano