There’s the Amalfi Coast of postcards — and then there’s the one you experience when you climb a thousand stairs, hunt for lemons and question whether beauty can be too perfect.

In this second part of our Amalfi journey, we descend into Positano’s vertical maze of pastel houses and narrow alleys, talk honestly about the curated glamour of one of Italy’s most photographed towns, and finally succeed in our long-running Amalfi lemon mission. From there we cross over to Sorrento — a surprisingly grounded, practical and stunning base with views of Capri and Mount Vesuvius — before diving deep into Pompeii. What we expected to be “just ruins” turned into one of the most fascinating historical experiences we’ve had in years. Walking real Roman streets, seeing ancient street food counters and understanding how an entire city was frozen in time changed the way we look at history.

This episode is about perspective: when to go, how to move around, where to stay, and why sometimes the most famous places still surprise you — if you approach them right.

If you’re ready for lemon zest, volcanic history and a more balanced take on the Amalfi Coast, come along.

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Positano

A vertical cliffside town famous for its pastel houses, narrow staircases and glamorous beach scene. Visually spectacular and unmistakably curated, Positano is iconic — but best enjoyed with realistic expectations and good timing.

https://www.instagram.com/visitpositano/

Sorrento

A practical and scenic base overlooking the Gulf of Naples, with easy ferry and train connections to Capri, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. Less flashy than Positano, but balanced, grounded and beautifully located.

https://www.instagram.com/visitsorrento/

Pompeii

One of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites, where an entire Roman city was preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Walking its streets offers an immersive, tangible connection to ancient life.

https://www.instagram.com/parcopompei/

Mount Vesuvius

The volcano that shaped the region’s history and buried Pompeii. Still active and visible from across the Bay of Naples, it remains a powerful presence in the landscape.

https://www.instagram.com/parconazionaledelvesuvio/

Amalfi Coast

A UNESCO World Heritage coastline known for dramatic cliffs, winding roads and Mediterranean light. Best experienced in spring or autumn to avoid peak-season intensity.

https://www.instagram.com/amalfi_coast_official/

Capri

Just a short ferry ride from Sorrento, Capri offers dramatic rock formations, turquoise coves and classic Italian island glamour.

https://www.instagram.com/visitcapri/

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Travel sometimes begins long before you reach the sea. With a WhatsApp debate about scooters, a rental car with modest horsepower and the quiet realization that some places are victims of their own beauty.

In this first part of our Amalfi Coast journey, we drive from Naples across the Monti Lattari, spiral through mountain roads, chase elusive Amalfi lemons and arrive in Ravello - a hilltop town that feels suspended between history and luxury. At Villa Rufolo, 360 meters above the sea, we walk through terraced gardens, Moorish arches and rooms filled with light, trying to understand why artists, composers and jet-set icons have all fallen for this stretch of coastline. The views are almost unreal, the blue of the sea impossible to properly describe, and the roads as dramatic as the cliffs themselves.

We also talk honestly about what it means to travel here today — traffic, parking, high season, buses that run “eventually”, ferries that double as scenic cruises, and why timing matters more than ever. Because yes, the Amalfi Coast is spectacular. But it rewards those who arrive prepared.

If you’re ready for Italian blue, winding roads and a place that truly lives up to its legend, come with us.

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You can find our advertising partners here.

More of Reisen Reisen can be found here.

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Ravello

A hilltop village 360 meters above the sea, known for its villas, quiet elegance and breathtaking coastal views. Ravello feels calmer and more refined than the busy shoreline towns, especially in shoulder season.

https://www.instagram.com/visit_ravello/

Villa Rufolo

A 12th-century noble estate with Moorish architectural elements and terraced gardens overlooking the Mediterranean. The views from its gardens are among the most iconic on the Amalfi Coast.

https://www.instagram.com/villarufolo/

Path of the Gods

One of Italy’s most famous hiking trails, running high above the coastline with panoramic views stretching toward Capri. A 4–5 hour walk that offers a completely different perspective on the region.

https://www.instagram.com/pathofthegods/

Amalfi

The historic maritime town that gave the coast its name. Compact, lively and right by the water, it’s both a transport hub and a postcard-perfect stop.

https://www.instagram.com/visitamalfi/

Monti Lattari

The mountain range separating Naples from the Amalfi Coast. Crossing it by car offers dramatic switchbacks and sweeping views over Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples.

https://www.instagram.com/parcoregionaledeimontilattari/

Ravello Festival

A renowned summer music festival featuring classical concerts set against panoramic sea views. A cultural highlight from June to September.

https://www.instagram.com/ravellofestival/

Amalfi Coast

A UNESCO World Heritage coastline famous for its dramatic cliffs, colourful villages and Mediterranean light. Best experienced outside peak season for a more relaxed atmosphere.

https://www.instagram.com/amalfi_coast_official/

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