If you’ve been to the beautiful Amalfi coast in southern Italy before, you will immediately recognise that this photo was taken in the magnificent town Positano. How can one possibly turn one's back to such magnificent hills, colours, architecture, and nature.. It’s like walking on a street when your eyes meet the eyes of another and you’re mesmerised. You’re under the spell of eyes that have caught yours and you can’t hold back. This is the effect Positano had on me and I cannot write, talk, and think about it enough ever since my first visit. I have been back again since and therefore I am sharing my recommendations on what to do, and where to eat under my MUST experience article below.

Whether your are a traveller or not, you will know or recognise the incredible ‘follow me to’ work of Murad and Nataly Osmann. I have been absolutely in love with the whole idea and each and every single one of their photos. This led me to spontaneously ask my travel partner to hold my hand and take a photo of me whilst we were swimming in Spiaggia Grande in June. This photo was spotted by many travel pages with millions of followers such as Awesome travel pictures, Fantastic Earth, Places to see before you die and many more, so you may recognise it. Most of all I hope it inspires you to visit and continue reading my endless love story with La Costiera Amalfitana.

Hotel Caruso Infinity Pool with Breathtaking hilltop views over the coast

LA DOLCE VITA AMALFITANA

As such an Italy lover, wherever I go I always feel I'm living the ‘dolce vita’. If your understanding of it is anywhere similar to mine then fly to Naples, rent a car, and drive to the Amalfi Coast. You’ll be in for an unforgettable experience. The Amalfi Coast is like having several lovers at very close proximity to one another. You have to spare time for all of them but make sure you don’t give less time to one than the other. There will be a big competition between them to win over your heart, and to be honest you will fall in love with, and settle with them all. Sorrento, the largest town on the coastline - a little rough around the edges but once you start spending time with him the starts to grow on you. And when you leave, you feel a sudden ache in your heart missing his encapsulating charm. You then take a drive along the beautiful coast until you reach Positano, the one place on earth you don't swim towards the open water, you swim backwards to admire the scenary captured in my photo. You are HOOKED. He's got you under his skin just like that. Afternoon strolls on the beautiful narrow streets with the scent of fresh lemons in the air, he introduces you to the best aperetivo spots and unique shops. He makes you experience the true Italian 'Dolce Vita'. But then it's time to say goodbye and take a boat over to the exciting Capri which you've always been curious to discover. You don't want to say goodbye once again but it's time to board. The minute you step off the boat your diva side awakens and you immediately connect with Capri's posh aura and you're ready to be spoilt. He will sweep you off your feet with his elegant and expensive taste. Two days with him is enough to make you want to live there with him forever. Then it's finally time to reach your end destination. Standing tall, he stares at you with his heartwarming smile.. You're MESMERISED. This is true love and he's called Ravello. You see many happy couples saying their vows, riding their honeymoon Vespa's and all you want to do is say 'YES' to him hoping he will ask you to stay with himforever. He is your greatest dream, your forever lover. Journeys always end, and you have to say your goodbyes, but you never stop silently loving someone you once loved out loud.

HOW AND WHEN TO GO?

In closest proximity is Naples Airport and the best way to travel around the coast is either by renting a car at the airport or by using the local buses. If you’re feeling confident enough to go around the crazy curved hills then renting a Vespa really does add to the experience but please be careful and make sure you wear a helmet! The best time to visit is of course the dry and sunny season. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of the coast then I would recommend to visit in May, June, and September as in July and August this place is absolutely buzzing not only with tourists but also with locals visiting. Completely up to you depending on what you prefer. I’ve done and loved both for different reasons.

MUST EXPERIENCE:

- Buy an iconic Lemon: Yes I’m serious a lemon. They can weigh up to 5kg’s per lemon but smell absolutely incredible. What better souvenir can there be than the lemons they are famous for?

- Indulge in homemade limoncello: again, with such incredible lemons the Amalfi coast is the home of the best Limoncello in Italy. Enjoy!

- Rent or take a boat trip to Capri

- Try a Sgroppino: a local southern Italian drink you cannot leave without trying! Made from limoncello, sorbet and wine or Prosecco – I completely fell in love with it the first time my Italian friends made me try it after a delicious lobster spaghetti lunch in Capri.

- Gelateria Buonacuore Capri: you will immediately notice this small gelateria from the queue outside it. There is a queue for a reason. The gelato is out of this world and they make their own cones fresh in front of your eyes. Nut lovers - try the pistacchio - this was my favourite!

- Dinner at ‘Da Vincenzo’: if you’re into your food as much as I am, then make sure you book a table at Da Vincenzo before you arrive on holiday. Set on the hill in Positano you can enjoy delicious food facing the incredible view of the town all lit up. Try the octopus and artichoke skewers from the Starters – I still think about it sometimes

- Evenings Passegiata: put on your evening dress and your linen shirts and experience a walk around the small towns, Piazza’s and just sit anywhere you fancy! Everywhere you will get a good Aperol Spritz or wine and enjoy the last rays of sunshine reflecting on your face warming and calming you gently as you sip away.

- Shop hop: Enjoy going in and out the small stores where they sell beautiful handmade home-ware porcelain products that are very typical to the region. You will find many products with lemons on them. There is also beautiful clothing, Italian leather, and fine jewellery. Something for all as they say.

- Romantic scenery lovers: book yourself a night's stay in Hotel Caruso in Ravello. This place simply is the most stunning place I've ever seen. If you don't want to spend much money but still want to visit then go for an aperetivo in the evening and try their Bellini's. The BEST I've ever had!

Enjoy the Amalfi coast, go and experience the most liberating feeling there, travel, fall in love with each town, and come back wanting more.