Amalfi For All Ages
I first fell in love on my honeymoon a decade ago and have since been back seven times. Most of my trips have been childfree (thank you grandparents!) longs weekends away with my husband, and there's no doubt the beautiful coast and stunning culinary scene make for a romantic break. We’ve enjoyed Positano, Ravello and Capri as a couple, but the place I keep to returning to is Sorrento.
And the great thing about this area is that it has something for everyone. Just before Covid stuck we enjoyed a week in Sorrento and nearby Sant'Agata with both my parents and our two young children. And boy was I grateful we snuck this trip in before everything closed down!
Now, it helps that all eight of us adore food. My four and six year olds love nothing more than tucking into olives, pizza, pasta and gelato, so I had no fear they’d get bored. It’s true much of our activity centred around eating and drinking.
We really are spoilt for choice on restaurants. Michelin-starred Don Alfonso with its ancient wine cellar is well worth pushing the boat out for if it’s a special occasion. Even better, almost all welcome children with open arms.
One of the best-kept secrets of Sorrento is Marina Grande - just a 10 minute scenic walk from the centre of town. The marina boasts a numbers of beautiful waterside seafood restaurants frequented by locals (always a good sign!) – Trattoria Emilia is a personal favourite. We all enjoyed many leisurely lunches here boat watching and people spotting. Marina Grande also has a super fun beach, which is a fairly rare find in the area. Granted it’s not golden sand, but it’s small, enclosed and safe - perfect for children to swim and splash around in. Don’t forget your bucket and spade!
But what about my parents? Was there enough for them to enjoy the trip? Absolutely. One highlight was a trip to an olive oil factory. Tasting is compulsory! The children enjoyed sampling the balsamic vinegar too. Mum also never tired of visiting the many shops selling local linens and limoncello. Not sure how many tablecloths one person needs!
And of course, no trip to the Amalfi Coast is complete without a visit to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. My son is obsessed with earthquakes and Dad loves all things history. So this was a trip that ticked all the boxes. It was a hot and exhausting day but worth every second. In fact, this trip probably deserves its very own blog post…watch this space.
So, there we have it. My whistle-stop guide to the Amalfi Coast and why it really is the perfect choice for all ages.
I’d love to help you explore this magical destination. So email or call me for a chat and I can find your perfect Italian holiday.