Experiencing Italy for the first time is a bit like falling in love. The excitement of what is unfolding. The unexpected joy. The overtaking beauty. The flourishing adventure. The feelings you didn't even know were there. That moment when you just don't think it can get any better, and then it does... that is Italy.
Sorrento
This beautiful adventure began in Sorrento, a coastal town in southwestern Italy. Known for its sweeping water views, the Sorrentine Peninsula provides views of Naples, Vesuvius as well as the Isle of Capri. Sorrento welcomed me with abundant sunshine, vibrant colors, and a natural energy that made me want to walk and explore. I spoke my first word of Italian on those cobbled streets, had my first sip of limoncello (made right there), found my way into Piazza Tasso, where I indulged in my very first, can-never-go-back-from-here, never be the same again, margherita pizza. Truly, once you taste the crisp, Italian, wood-fired pizza, with just the right flavors, sauces and spices, you will wonder how you have waited your whole life to experience it. After lunch, I wandered along, perusing the artisanal shops, interacting with the locals, making sure to thank them, as they were such an important part of the day. I allow myself to enjoy any little indulgence I may wish. Today, it happened to be pizza and the very best chocolate pastry I have ever had. Tomorrow, we visit Mount Vesuvius, famous for its eruption in 79 CE that caused the destruction of the city of Pompeii.
Amalfi Coast
I could never have known the beauty that would unfold as I began the famed Amalfi Drive. The Amalfi Drive is a section of road which runs along the stretch of the Amalfi Coast between the southern Italian towns of Sorrento and Amalfi. This pristine stretch of coastline is unlike anything I have ever seen in my life. The winding roads, towering cliffs, grand villas, pebbled beaches, multi-colored fishing villages and cliffside lemon groves were almost too much beauty to process. It literally brought me to tears. And this was not my first international travel experience. It was just that beautiful.
Positano
We arrive in Positano, and it stuns from sky to sea. A chic retreat, Positano is characterized by its dramatic coastline, enchanting views and vibrant waters. I don't know whether it is the sea air that wakes up all my senses, but the sky and ocean have never appeared so blue as in this coastal region. I wander upward as I enjoy a perfect little gelato cone and shop for handmade leather sandals. After a full day of exploring, I indulge in a late dinner at La Sponda, the Michelin-starred restaurant within the iconic Le Sirenuse hotel.
The next day, I plan an entire afternoon at la spiaggia. Spiaggia Grande is one of the largest beaches on the Amalfi Coast, and one of the most glamorous, attracting a fashionable crowd of artists, actors and celebrities. You may choose to lounge on a public beach or visit my favorite hideaway, the Arienzo Beach Club. Pro tip: Beach club access must be booked in advance.
Capri
Capri, the island of dreams, boasts majestic cliffs and an impossibly blue sea. Capri, and that cobalt blue, may be among my most vivid memories of my time along the Amalfi Coast. The friends I was with chartered a boat and we enjoyed the sun and sea from the boat rather than amongst the crowds. The day could not be more clear, the water cool and the company, perfect. We also got to venture over to the Blue Grotto, a dark cavern where the sea glows an illuminated blue. It is no wonder you will find many yachts anchored in Marina Grande.
My last day on the island before heading out of the Amalfi region, I found myself wandering in and out of the quaint Italian shops. One, in particular, is quite memorable as the woman in the shop outfitted me in a beautiful red dress. She had a very particular way of styling it, tying the belt just so. I felt glamorous. I looked at myself in the mirror and it was an entirely different version of me.
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Stay tuned to see what happens to our little bella as the Italy series continues onward to Rome, Florence, Tuscany and Venice.
