The scenery on the Amalfi Cost is dazzling. It’s certainly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.  The town of Positano climbing the Italian hillside with the colorful beach umbrellas below, all lined in rows facing the marina filled with boats swaying in the sea is simply spectacular.

We had the good fortune to stay at the Hotel Villa Franca during our time in Positano and it was heavenly. Hotel Villa Franca is the crown jewel of Positano. It sits at the top of the hill overlooking the ocean and all of the city below it. We had an incredible view from our balcony. My favorite in Italy! Similarly, the view from the rooftop bar and pool at Hotel Villa Franca is not to be missed.  Have I mentioned that the views are amazing?!?

We walked the 600 steps from Hotel Villa Franca to the city center of Positano and back several times each day to explore the winding streets covered in vines and to enjoy the rocky beaches of Positano’s Marina Grande.

 

This one shouldered Missoni dress makes the ideal beach cover up.  I’m a sucker for Missoni zig-zag!  Their renowned knitwear is luxurious and vibrant, perfect for time spent on the coast.

The Amalfi Coast is known for lemon-everything.  Lemons grow just about everywhere and are often the size of softballs.  Make sure to stop by the lemon sorbet cart in the city center of Positano.  It’s a fresh and tasty treat to help you cool off from the Italian sun.  We were repeat customers!  Limoncello is another product famous in this region and throughout the entirety of Italy, so be sure to try it if you find yourself on the Amalfi Coast.

One of the prime spots to take in the beauty of Positano while sipping limoncello, or any drink for that matter, is Franco’s Bar.  It’s a newly-opened, extremely posh, al fresco bar that’s part of the Le Sirenuse Hotel.

Before we hit the beach we decided to tackle the hike to Nocelle, a village up the hill from Positano.  It was no small feat.  In fact, the Concierge at our hotel kept insisting that we take a bus.  But our minds had been made up and we were going to hike it!  We walked about a half mile out of town up the road from Le Sirenuse (another splendid hotel), and then the hike really began, 1,865 steps up the ancient steps that ascend the hillside.  Nocelle is quaint to say the least.  There is a piazza in front of a church and a few staircased “streets” where you can wander looking at small vineyards and the local housing.  The hike is ambitious but the views are well worth the hard work.

Arienzo Beach is where it’s at!  We spent one of our favorite days lounging on the bright orange chairs and swimming in the ocean.  A small boat meets you at Positano’s Marina Grande and takes you to and from the secluded beach, just a few minutes down the coast.  Arienzo Beach is less crowded than the Spiaggia Grande at the base of Positano.  Plus it has a dock to jump off of (or to cannonball off of if you’re my husband), and the beach bar has some of the best seafood around.  Be sure to order their white wine with peaches, a local favorite.

 

 

Similar styles can be found here:

Missoni Dress – This one shouldered Missoni Knit Dress has a similar silhouette to the one I own.  I love the bright colors of this Missoni Kaftan Cover-Up, this fun, flirty Missoni Poncho, and this Technicolor, keyhole  Missoni Mini Dress.   And this Missoni Halter Dress would be perfect for a strapless swimsuit.