If all that you're searching for in a little escape is some sunshine, aromatic wine and perhaps a little bit of holiday romance then lets get salty, sexy and stuffed by the shores of Italy.
ELBA
The third largest (and perhaps less heard of) island of Italy.. but wow do her beaches and quaint community make up for her lack in size. Be a tourist like a local!
Getting there. From rome, on a train change at Campagniola maritime and head onto Portimbo maritime. Once there, there’s a few options to get you to Elba by fast boat or slow boat, and even though its a small island there is still two ports. We headed for Portoferraro on a one hour boat.
Expect. Beautiful beaches, Campari spritz, stunning sunsets, espressos, pizza, pasta, water sports, walks, lots of Italian tourists…and not much else.. Its somewhere to lie back on your sun bed and soak up the sun! (We got lucky and my girlfriend happened to be there staying at her holiday house...so every morning we woke up to the beach only a stone throw away!)
CINQUE TERRA
Listed a unesco world heritage site since 1997.. and its pretty damn easy to see why! This candy coloured coastal vision will blow your mind. Literally a postcard image, the five Italian fishing villages are all accessible from each other by a beautiful walk in the national park or a scenic train ride. Watch the sunset at one of the many seaside restaurants, sipping a juicy local wine and devouring a plate of fresh seafood cabanara.
Getting there. Easy by train. Levanto or La spezia are bigger train stations that will then connect you to the railway line for the 5 fishing villages, alternativly you can stay in these bigger places and do day trips. The trains run continuously all day!
Tip. If the five fishing villages; Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are a little out of the price range or just too hectic...in the summer it can be pretty hard to find a bed, then you can stay at Levanto or La spezia which have alot more accom on offer. I would also recommend getting more than just a day pass...this walk is breathtaking so do it slowly, take it all in and if its a hot day then stop off to swim at one of the many watering holes!!
THE AMALFI COAST
Its literally what your dreams are made of... sun, sea, sexy cocktails and luxury. If you have the moolah then here is the place to splash out...literally!! However don't think this place is exclusive to the rich, famous and well to do.. I can guarantee you even on a budget this coast show you just how sexy mother nature can be!
Getting there. Easy to access by train or even taking the ferries which is definitely the most scenic! The main transportation hubs for the Amalfi coast are Sorrento, Salerno or Naples. From these destinations you can also easily catch ferries or buses connecting them to each other and all of the other beautiful towns sprawling along the coast and the island of Capri.
Tip. Not much time is needed in Salerno... personally I would just transit through there! I also believe that whilst having a hire car would be convenient, unless you are an amazing driver with comprehensive insurance I wouldn't risk it! The roads are chaotic and you literally will be spending half the trip reversing around windy one way cliff roads to allow buses to squeeze past.. Public transport will get you everywhere just fine and then you don't have to stop at just one aperol spritz.
Capri is an absolute MUST, if you're a little short on cash a day trip will be suffice. Hire a scooter when you arrive at the port and get them to map out the main swimming spots, it will take you the entire day to see most of Capri and wow how impressive she is! Our personal favourite was Grotto Azzurra where the water was the most magical blue and you can dive straight from the rocks. Just a few steps up from this is a gorgeous restaurant if you can afford to treat yourself to a tasty beverage whilst kicking back on the most comfortable sun beds! Another place to kick back and enjoy the view while tucking into one of the tastiest pastas you have ever had is 'La Palette'. This little gem is nestled up in the village above the main square and is well worth the walk!!! Enjoy a few cold beers with one of the most spectacular views on the island!
Sorrento is a great little hub as it is well connected with buses and ferries and has a gorgeous little town to wander around...not to mention on of the best secret water holes I have ever swam in! 'Bagni Della Giovanna', is a short but sweaty walk out of the city or you can catch a bus closer by! She is an absolute MUST and I would recommend packing a little picnic with plenty of water so you can spend the entire day there! After the treck back into Sorrento you will want to treat yourslef with something tasty...and I have the perfect place to wine and dine!!! The restaurant, 'Parrucchiano', is a Sorrento institution & one recommended to me by my Italian friends. The restaurant itself is huge, with countless tables & an army of waiters. We were sat at the most picturesque end of the restaurant, with lemons everywhere you looked, & our romantic dinner for two was set.
What you will work out quite quickly in the Amalfi is that laying in the sun can be expensive...when you're charged about $20 an hour for a sun bed it adds up...so a little off the beaten track we found something special: Furore. It can be reached again by bus, or car and I would definitely recommend it if you're someone who is seeking a little adventure and thrill...as it is perfect for jumping off! Also if you have some snorkeling gear be sure to bring that along! On that note its worth investing in a good thick towel for this leg of your adventure..I wasn't so smart and my thin sarong left me feeling like I was laying back on 1000° hot stones!
