After months of being quarantined and a slow restart, earlier this month marked the reopening of travel between regions in Italy and, an even bigger step, the reopening of borders in the European Union. While we’re all happy here in Amalfi to see shops and restaurants opening again, it has been quite the transition from empty streets to seeing the piazza bustling again and people soaking up the sun on the beaches. I couldn’t say it wasn’t a bit of a shock for most people here after the unreal silence of those months of quarantine in Amalfi. And, of course, there are so many questions to be ans ..read more

When you think of Italy, where do you dream of visiting? For so many travelers around the world, the Amalfi Coast and Capri are top of that list. It was exactly the same for me. Living here for more than a decade has only confirmed what I felt on that first visit. This place has a certain something that just makes you want to stay. Or, at the very least, come back as often as possible! Since traveling isn’t possible at the moment, it was a special experience to sit down at my desk and guest edit the Capri Special Report April/ May issue of Dream of Italy. I hope through the words and images th ..read more

While travel and most everything has been on hold this spring, the April 2020 issue of Italia! Magazine featured an article I wrote called 48 Hours in Scala. For those of you following Ciao Amalfi for some time now, you’ll know that I’ve spent a lot more than 48 hours in Scala. About 12 years actually. Until last summer, when we moved down into the historic center of Amalfi, I lived in the charming area of Minuta in Scala with my husband. It’s a peaceful and beautiful area with views to set your heart dreaming. I treasure my time in Scala for so many reasons, especially the quiet atmosphere an ..read more

Five of the Amalfi Coast’s luxury accommodations have come together to create a unique opportunity to raise money to fund vaccine research for Covid-19. Created by the Il San Pietro di Positano, Le Sirenuse, Palazzo Avino, Hotel Santa Caterina, and Don Alfonso 1890, the fundraiser aims to raise €200,000 by offering 40 vouchers worth €5,000 each that can then be used for a stay in the next two years at your chosen hotel. The money raised will be donated to the G. Pascale Foundation at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori in Naples, the Fondazione Melanoma Onlus, and the Rome-based biotech company Taki ..read more

I know what you’re probably thinking. Worst idea ever, right? The Amalfi Coast Road might be one of the world’s most beautiful drives, but it is certainly not one of its easiest – from the driver’s seat. Full of twists and turns, barely wide enough for two cars to pass let alone big buses, blind curves galore, and 9 billion scooters (that’s the official count) zipping in and out of traffic make the Amalfi Coast a challenging place to drive. Let’s not even get started on parking … John Steinbeck’s 1953 Harper’s Bazaar essay on Positano is very often quoted for the line about how Positan ..read more

While Amalfi will always have my heart, the island of Capri has a very special place there as well. Recently, I had the chance to share some of my favorite things about Capri in the February 2020 issue of Italia! magazine. With an artistic bent, this article offers a small glimpse into some of the people, places, and experiences that for me really get at the true essence of the island’s magic. I say a small glimpse, because I could go on and on sharing about the remarkable artistic heritage of this island – both the locals and the many many artists who have spent time on Capri over the ..read more

Sitting above Naples and commanding a particularly regal view over the city and the Gulf of Naples beyond, the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte was once one of the several residences of the Bourbon kings of Naples. Originally conceived in the 18th century to display the royal family’s prestigious collection of art, it officially became a museum in 1950. Now one of the finest in Italy, it’s a must for art lovers visiting the area. Recently, I spent a day exploring the museum and had a chance to visit the special exhibit Santiago Calatrava. Nella luce di Napoli that is on display now throug ..read more

Now that the holiday season has wrapped up, it’s that time when we start looking ahead at the year to come. If you’re planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast in 2020, I’ve gathered together some special experiences to help with your planning or perhaps even inspire you to book a trip to the Amalfi Coast this year. This is by no means a complete list of all there is to see and do on the Amalfi Coast and the surrounding areas. (Psst … Moon Amalfi Coast is a great resource for that!) These are just a handful of events I’m looking forward to this year along with places in Campania I’m eager to explore ..read more

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