Trip 3… Naples Day 4
“Every sunrise is a new painting, every sunset a masterpiece”
When heading on holiday, you usually have one main goal —and everything else is a bonus. For me, visiting Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii were top priorities. I wanted to immerse myself in the rich history of the Greeks and Romans in Pompeii, and experience the breath-taking views from the cliffs and coastlines of Amalfi. Today was the day to live that dream and take in the Amalfi Coast and its surrounding towns to the fullest!
I woke up to another glorious morning—birds chirping outside my window and a cool breeze sweeping through, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. With three towns to explore and lunch in between, I dressed in my best clothes and comfiest shoes, ready to discover hidden gems and soak up the charm of southern Italy.
An early rise meant rushing through breakfast to fuel up for the day. When the coach arrived, we were among the first to board, making brief stops at other hotels to pick up fellow travellers. The anticipation built with each new passenger. Onboard, the tour guide effortlessly switched between English, Spanish, Italian, and possibly Portuguese—an awe-inspiring skill. It made me reflect: some people speak three or four languages fluently, while many of us struggle with one!
Our first stop was Sorrento, a town that looked like it had leapt straight from a 1960s film. The architecture, the atmosphere, the colours—it was all picture-perfect. After the tour guide pointed out our meeting location and time, we set off to explore. Small shops and stalls lined the charming streets, selling jewellery, bags, and—of course—lemons. When you're in Naples, especially near the Amalfi Coast, you know you're going to see lemons everywhere!
Whenever I travel, I have a few traditions. One of them is to purchase a watercolour painting of the place I visit. I found the perfect piece in a quaint shop—it captured both Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast beautifully. A true treasure!
At the bottom of a scenic lane, we reached a green lookout area that offered stunning sea views. Clear blue skies, pastel buildings, cobblestone streets, buzzing Vespas—no cars in sight. I felt utterly at peace, standing there, breeze in my hair, soaking in the moment. I couldn’t help but feel deeply grateful to be in such a beautiful place.
On the way back, I stumbled into a hidden alleyway shop where I picked up a lemon-themed scrunchie (perfect for the occasion!) and a baseball cap to guard against the sun. Back at the rendezvous point, I admired the waving flags and nearby landmarks once more, already imagining myself returning here for a longer stay. Sorrento: 10/10, highly recommend!
Next up: Positano. The coach ride offered stunning views as we hugged the coastline, with sea views on one side and village stories from the guide filling our ears. in July heat made the bus stuffy, but thankfully, I had an air vent blowing gently beside me.
After winding roads and tight corners, we arrived at the top of the town. Positano greeted us with charming shops and cliffside architecture reminiscent of Sorrento, but with its own unique flair. As we made our way downhill, we passed churches, art-filled plazas, and leafy lanes. Eventually, we found a gelateria where the lemons were so large they used them as bowls for sorbet!
Using my Duolingo-learned Italian, I ordered “fragola e stracciatella con una cialda.” My GOODNESS—it was divine. 10/10, highly recommend!
With gelato in hand, we reached the bottom where the beach stretched out before us, flanked by restaurants and boat docks. I sat there, heart full, enjoying the scene before me with sweet, creamy joy.
Positano: 7/10
While beautiful, I wish I’d had more time to explore deeper. The crowds were dense, and the climb back up was no joke—but what I saw was stunning. A gem worth revisiting.
By now, we were starving. We stopped at Calajanara Restaurant, perched on the roadside with a breath-taking view. Homemade pasta and lemon cake filled our stomachs and hearts. If you're lucky enough to snag a window seat—prepare for a view straight from a postcard. On the other side of the car park was a tiny oasis: a colourful bench, plants, and music stands—a perfect retreat for a quiet moment.
Rating: 7/10.
Finally, we made it to Amalfi Coast—the highlight of the trip. It was exactly as I imagined: towns cascading down cliffs, markets bursting with lemons, and that iconic view of the coast from every angle.
We parked by the beach and entered the main square, where a large fountain sparkled in the sunlight. Behind it stood a grand staircase leading to a majestic church overlooking the town. I stood still, taking it all in—grateful, amazed, and inspired. This day, these towns, this journey—it all felt like a beautiful dream I didn’t want to wake from.
One last detour before heading back: we needed a toilet. Tip for travellers—public restrooms often charge around €0.20, so bring change! After queuing at a restaurant loo, we hopped back on the coach, ready to head home.
Our driver, Giovanni, safely dropped us back after a long, hot, adventure-packed day. A big shout-out to “Get Your Guide”—this trip (and our Pompeii one too!) was not only affordable but completely worth it. Highly recommended!
That evening, we freshened up for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. The menu was limited, but the ambiance made up for it. Just as we finished dessert, the moon rose over Mount Vesuvius, glowing a surreal orange. Phones came out, everyone wanted to capture that once-in-a-lifetime view.
Back on the balcony, we played cards under the moonlight, winding down after the day’s journey.
One full day left before returning to reality. I’m about 75% through this holiday and have been having the time of my life. What started as a scary leap turned into a heart-expanding adventure.
Time to rest, reflect, and recharge.
Tomorrow: a lie-in, a dip in the pool, and more memories to make.
Ciao for now.
E x
