Lemons and the Sea, That’s Amalfi
Amalfi, a word and place synonymous with lemons, clear waters, pastel villas clinging to cliffs and vintage convertibles. The gorgeous (and centrally located) town of Amalfi is all of these things and so much more!
Being less than a 20 minute bus ride away from the romantic Ravello (more on our beautiful day in the village of the skies soon!) and similarly less than a 20 minute ferry ride over to Positano, Amalfi is the perfect base for exploring this region and where we started our journey.
Arriving by boat mid-morning, we wheeled our luggage straight to the main square and took a sharp left to find a stairway of citrus heaven right outside the doors of our adorable accommodation, Residenza Luca (which ad the most amazing views over the Duomo and Cupola from the breakfast terrace)! We got a quick lunch recommendation and immediately set off on foot in search of our first taste of the Costa d’Amalfi.
It certainly was an adventure through the winding streets to find Pizzeria Donna Stella but let me tell you, it is worth the trek all the way from Australia (I still have dreams about it now)! But I must advise, don’t be afraid to ask for directions when travelling the Amalfi coast. Another kind restaurant owner even insisted on personally taking us in the right direction after he saw our completely confused faces walking past a few times. Don’t worry, we made sure to visit him for lunch the next day to thank him for his hospitality.
We finally found the very unassuming entrance off one of the white washed passageways and when we entered we were greeted with the most beautiful sight. The courtyard was completely covered with a canopy of lemons. It was completely intoxicating for the eyes and the nose! We took a seat under the dappled light and quickly decided to go all in…
We ordered the O’ Cuopp’e Donna Stella (a mixed plate of aranchini, potato croquette, mini fried pizza and eggplant dumplings) to start. We devoured them in minutes. With refreshing lemon spritzers in hand, we ordered a Capricciosa and Diavola pizza. BEST PIZZA EVER and let me tell you, we eat a lot of pizza. We finished our lunch with a firm favourite and typical dessert of the region, ricotta tart. No surprise, it was incredible too.
Wandering the streets and alleys back down into town, the intricate façade and cascading stairs of the Duomo di Amalfi were inviting us in to discover its beauty. The cloisters and its central oasis garden were the real highlight for us.
Now, well into the afternoon, the suns warmth was making us crave the sea. We took a stroll along the promenade and down the wharf to get a better look at the colourful fishing boats.
Heading back to our B&B through the main square, we couldn’t help but stop at Pasticceria Andrea Pansa, the famous cafe that is as elegant and beautiful as its delicious pastries. Decadent hot chocolates with lemon cream crostata and a coffee eclair was the perfect way to end a perfect day in Amalfi.
xx Carla, The Strawberry Story