Amalfi Coast Relaxation

About Naples

Naples is the capital of the Campania region and the third largest city in Italy after Rome and Milan. Naples was founded in the 9th century BC by Greek sailors who gave it the name "Neopolis" meaning “New City.” Throughout the centuries, the city grew and became a magnificent cultural center, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. However, local mafia, the Camorra, caused corruption of the municipal government and the city deteriorated, becoming poor and dirty.In spite of everything, Naples is fascinating, perhaps precisely because of the blend of poverty and neglect with the splendor of past royalty and the many rulers who left their mark on the city's.

There are still 3 impressive fortresses left standing: Castel Del Uno and Castel Nuovo, which stand at the openings to the sea like formidable bodyguards, and Castel Sant'Elmo, which watches over the city from above. There is a gallery named for King Umberto I which was built as a shopping center in the glorious architectural style typical of the 19th century. Today it is quite neglected and is home to several local shops and cafes. On the other side of the street, in front of the gallery, is the San Carlo theater building, the Neapolitan opera house that was a serious challenger of the La Scala opera in Milan. It even won the competition both for its beauty and its era. Following a long period of closure and extensive renovations, the San Carlo theatre has reopened to the general public, and it is definitely worthwhile to visit. The Duomo (Cathedral) of Naples is named after the city's patron saint, Gennaro Patrona. Residents of the city gather there three times a year to witness the miracle of how the coagulated blood of the saint, which is found in a special glass vessel, turns into liquid. This is the sign to the residents of the city that the saint is still with them, watching over them. The Royal Palace of Naples takes up an entire street and ends at Piazza Flavicito, a huge square that was neglected for many years and had even been used as an overnight parking lot for public buses. The square has been renovated, and today you can once again stroll there, enjoying its size and grandeur. At the end of the square is the famous historic café, "Gambrinus," which was host to writers and intellectuals such as Emile Zola, Oscar Wilde, and Ernest Hemingway and still offers its outstanding coffee... You’ll exit the café on Via Toledo, the bustling pedestrian street filled with shops and international brands. One of the alleys branching off Via Toledo is the gateway to the Spanish Quarter. Originally a closed military residence, the area became home to prostitution and crime over the years. Recent renovations in the quarter succeeded in both cleaning it up and maintaining its authenticity, and it has become a pleasant area for both residents and tourists. It is worthwhile visiting the Spanish Quarter if only to see the "temple" that the residents built there in memory of Diego Maradona, the star of the local soccer team who became an idol after the team's successes during this period. Spaccanapoli, the most visited street in the city, traverses the city in two, hence its name which means, literally, “Naples splitter.” Branching off from the Spaccanapoli are alleys that lead to several other sites, such as the National Museum of Archaeology, which is considered one of the most beautiful museums in Italy. It’s recommended to visit Naples in the transition seasons - from March to May and September/October - when the weather is mild and dry and it is off-peak time for tourists. In the summer, you’ll find large crowds as well as hot and humid weather, and the winter months can be rainy.

About Sorrento

Sorrento, a lively coastal town in the Campania region of southern Italy, sits at the entry to the Amalfi coastal road, one of the most stunning routes in the world. Because of its beauty and its convenient location, Sorrento buzzes with tourists from all over the world throughout the year – and it is an excellent base for excursions in the region.

Located on a cliff at a height of 50 meters (164 feet) above sea level, Sorrento overlooks the Gulf of Naples, the island of Capri, the city of Naples, and the Vesuvius volcano. The ancient Greeks believed that sea nymphs, mythological figures who were wonderful singers, lived in Sorrento. Their singing drew mesmerized sailors to the shore, causing them to crash their ships on the rocky shore. According to Homer's account, Odysseus blocked his soldiers’ ears to prevent them from listening to the songs of the sea nymphs, and thus they passed through the area uneventfully. Sorrento is the birthplace of the famous 16th century poet, Torquato Tasso, whose statue stands in the main square that is named after him. The main street, Corso Italia, extends from both sides of the square and is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants as are the small streets that branch off from it. A flight of 200 steps leads from the square to the small marina that serves as a docking place for the speedboats that take tourists and vacationers by sea to the islands, Naples, and to the towns along the Amalfi road. Public buses and trains are available for those who prefer to stay on land, and there are public and private parking lots for those who arrive by car and start their journey on the magical Amalfi road from here.

About Positano

The cliffside village, a stunning beach town, is the most picturesque and romantic of all the towns on the Amalfi coast - no wonder that it's become a vacation magnet for masses of wealth, young Americans who are looking for a relaxing, chilled vacation. In Positano, you will find expensive hotels, luxury boutiques, and restaurant.

The Piazza dei Mulini is a lively hub of shopping and sightseeing in Positano. You’ll find trendy fashion as well as local artists displaying their distinctive crafts. Handmade leather sandals are one of the unique things to buy in Positano, for an authentic experience, get yourself fitted for a custom pair in one of the many shops. For a spectacular view of the town, Spiaggia Grande is the place to be. This large and bustling beach offers kayak rentals and boat trips and, with its vibrant nightlife and abundance of charming restaurants, is Positano’s social center. If you’re looking for more activity, visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta – one of Positano’s architectural gems – or explore the Sentiero Degli Dei nature trail with its stunning views which links Positano to the other Amalfi coastal villages. There are no cars allowed in the town’s steep, narrow streets so leave your car in a central parking lot and roll down the town’s slopes by foot to the popular pebble beaches.

About Capri

The island has been attracting vacationers and tourists with its beauty throughout history– from the emperors Augustus and Tiberius of the ancient Roman Empire to Hollywood celebrities of today.

In addition to basking in its beauty, what is there to do in Capri? The main attraction on the island is the Blue Cave. It is said that the Emperor Tiberius, who was hypnotized by the mystical kiss of the Blue Cave, used to hold parties in "modest clothing" in its waters, illuminated by blue light. To get to the Blue Cave, you have to hire the services of the boatmen who are waiting at its opening, sailing their boats to and from the cave. Entrance to the cave is dependent on the waves – at times, the opening is blocked at high tide. Once you've arrived and stepped inside, the sight is indeed unforgettable. Capri was used in the years following the fall of the Roman Empire as a place of refuge and exile for monks, and it was revived in the 19th century when tourists from Germany and England discovered its magic. The island can be reached by speedboat, ferry, and private boats which are available for rent. Once on the island, there are minibuses and open-top taxis to take you around. Even if you haven't entered the Blue Cave, a visit to the island is highly worthwhile, especially the ride in the steep, open cable car that climbs slowly from the center of the town of Anacapri to the top of Monte Solero, the Mountain of the Sun. Rising high above gardens full of lemons, tomatoes, and basil bushes, you’ll reach a breathtaking 360 degree view of the island and its surroundings. Many movies have been shot on Capri, and it received additional publicity thanks to the book, “The Legend of San Michele," written by the Swedish doctor Axel Monte who lived there for several years and tell its story. A winding path through the white houses in Anacapri leads to the writer's villa which now serves as a museum. In the two towns on the island, Capri and Anacapri, you’ll enjoy seeing small alleys between white houses, well-kept gardens, shops, restaurants, and many lemon trees from which they make the famous local limoncello drink. While spending a day in Capri can be enough to see the sites, you may want to stay overnight in one of the small boutique hotels, relax in one of the restaurants with a magical view, and order the local specialties. Caprese is an outstanding dish which originated on the island and is made of sliced local red tomatoes topped with slices of good mozzarella cheese, fragrant green basil leaves, and, above all, a sprinkling of virgin olive oil. And, of course, finish off with a shot of refreshing limoncello. The good life... Ready to start planning your trip to Capri? Tourist season on Capri is traditionally from the spring to the first weekend in November, and April to mid-June and September to mid-October are considered by locals to be the ideal time for a visit.

About Naples

Naples is the capital of the Campania region and the third largest city in Italy after Rome and Milan. Naples was founded in the 9th century BC by Greek sailors who gave it the name "Neopolis" meaning “New City.” Throughout the centuries, the city grew and became a magnificent cultural center, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. However, local mafia, the Camorra, caused corruption of the municipal government and the city deteriorated, becoming poor and dirty.In spite of everything, Naples is fascinating, perhaps precisely because of the blend of poverty and neglect with the splendor of past royalty and the many rulers who left their mark on the city's.

There are still 3 impressive fortresses left standing: Castel Del Uno and Castel Nuovo, which stand at the openings to the sea like formidable bodyguards, and Castel Sant'Elmo, which watches over the city from above. There is a gallery named for King Umberto I which was built as a shopping center in the glorious architectural style typical of the 19th century. Today it is quite neglected and is home to several local shops and cafes. On the other side of the street, in front of the gallery, is the San Carlo theater building, the Neapolitan opera house that was a serious challenger of the La Scala opera in Milan. It even won the competition both for its beauty and its era. Following a long period of closure and extensive renovations, the San Carlo theatre has reopened to the general public, and it is definitely worthwhile to visit. The Duomo (Cathedral) of Naples is named after the city's patron saint, Gennaro Patrona. Residents of the city gather there three times a year to witness the miracle of how the coagulated blood of the saint, which is found in a special glass vessel, turns into liquid. This is the sign to the residents of the city that the saint is still with them, watching over them. The Royal Palace of Naples takes up an entire street and ends at Piazza Flavicito, a huge square that was neglected for many years and had even been used as an overnight parking lot for public buses. The square has been renovated, and today you can once again stroll there, enjoying its size and grandeur. At the end of the square is the famous historic café, "Gambrinus," which was host to writers and intellectuals such as Emile Zola, Oscar Wilde, and Ernest Hemingway and still offers its outstanding coffee... You’ll exit the café on Via Toledo, the bustling pedestrian street filled with shops and international brands. One of the alleys branching off Via Toledo is the gateway to the Spanish Quarter. Originally a closed military residence, the area became home to prostitution and crime over the years. Recent renovations in the quarter succeeded in both cleaning it up and maintaining its authenticity, and it has become a pleasant area for both residents and tourists. It is worthwhile visiting the Spanish Quarter if only to see the "temple" that the residents built there in memory of Diego Maradona, the star of the local soccer team who became an idol after the team's successes during this period. Spaccanapoli, the most visited street in the city, traverses the city in two, hence its name which means, literally, “Naples splitter.” Branching off from the Spaccanapoli are alleys that lead to several other sites, such as the National Museum of Archaeology, which is considered one of the most beautiful museums in Italy. It’s recommended to visit Naples in the transition seasons - from March to May and September/October - when the weather is mild and dry and it is off-peak time for tourists. In the summer, you’ll find large crowds as well as hot and humid weather, and the winter months can be rainy.

Amalfi Coast Relaxation

Grand Hotel Santa Lucia

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Maison La Minervetta

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Hotel Eden Roc

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Hotel Canasta

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Relais Della Porta

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