Is The Amalfi Coast Overhyped?

Everyone has an opinion about the Amalfi Coast — mostly that you should skip it. Too crowded. Too touristy. Too much of a tourist trap. We get it, but respectfully disagree. Because once the day trippers pack up and leave, what's left is one of the most beautiful places we've ever been. Three nights minimum, non-negotiable.

And, there's one thing we tell everyone to do if you're planning a trip to Positano. An experience so good it brought us back a second time, and one we ended up planning our entire itinerary around. More on that at the end of this post.

Before we get to the good stuff, let’s pack!

Shop everything HERE!

For years (like 50), I knew I had cousins in Italy who I’d last seen in London when I was 4 years old. In 2018, after months and months of searching, I finally found them on Facebook. And ever since, the Amalfi Coast has become a place I can’t seem to get enough of! So, when I was planning my “very big” birthday, I knew we’d all be coming back to Amalfi together. After days of intense hotel research, I landed on the Palazzo Avino in Ravello — the “Pink Palace.” Stunning Mediterranean views, everything pink, and the dreamiest place any of us have ever stayed.

This is genuinely one of the best hotels we've ever stayed at (and we're not exaggerating). Everything about it is dipped in pink: umbrellas, lounge chairs, cocktails … and somehow, none of it feels over the top. The pool sits on what feels like the edge of a cliff, with a view so beautiful it’s hard to describe without sounding dramatic. Run by the Avino family themselves, it feels personal in a way most hotels this beautiful usually aren’t. Truly a hotel that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Upon arrival, we received a nice little upgrade from the manager, and our spacious room became the hangout for the whole family. It was the Deluxe Suite with Sea View and Terrace. We had breakfast every morning on the terrace with beautiful views, and it was truly the perfect place to celebrate my milestone. You can see the lovely layout above.

La Scogliera in Positano holds a special memory of celebrating one of my birthdays there with my middle son, and it’s still one of my all-time favorite beach clubs. It’s tucked among the rocks of the Amalfi Coast, a place you can easily spend an entire day. The views are stunning and the food is incredible. But my favorite part? Dipping in the sea and then napping on the loungers. You truly feel like you’re living in a dream.

Da Adolfo - Getting to Da Adolfo is half the fun! A little red boat leaves right from Positano, just a quick ten minute ride with stunning views back at the coastline. It's known as a legendary, unpretentious beach shack, and the vibe matches: casual, beachy, completely unbothered. It's famous for simple local dishes like mussel soup, clam pasta and grilled mozzarella wrapped in lemon leaves, all of which we tried and loved. It's also cool enough to have landed its own Staud collaboration on Net-a-Porter, which tells you everything you need to know.

Palazzo Avino Clubhouse by the Sea - Another favorite day, hands down. Some of the best Margherita pizza we’ve ever had, limoncello spritzes by the water, and a 20 minute shuttle ride that felt a bit windier than expected but oh so worth it once you arrive. It sits perfectly on the water, and it’s Ravello’s only private beach club with direct water access, and the views (and people watching) are 10/10. Locals cruise by on their boats blasting music, which somehow makes the whole afternoon even more entertaining. A pool? Wood fired pizzas delivered straight to your chair? Everything’s pink? The list goes on. Just another reason Palazzo Avino is worth the trip.

Le Sirenuse Mare - The brand new beach club that just opened this past June is officially on our bucket list. The photos alone have us dreaming, and if you’ve been (or you’re staying at Le Sirenuse), please tell us everything.

Casa e Bottega is equal parts bistro, design store and dream world. Local linens, hand blown glassware, plates so pretty I'm still thinking about them. Of course, I had to bring home the cutest espresso cups and saucers — and I use them every day.