Savor These Hidden Gems on the Amalfi Coast and Sicily

Organizing a trip to the Amalfi Coast can be intimidating. Organizing a trip to the Amalfi Coast and Sicily? Downright overwhelming. These regions, renowned for their rugged beauty, mythical history, and perennial elegance, can be tricky to plan for. With a seemingly endless number of “can’t miss” experiences from culinary to cultural to hiking to shopping, where does one begin to plan the perfect itinerary? 

First off: forget the perfect itinerary. The place itself is the perfect itinerary. Allow the people to guide you. Write your own story. Lose yourself to the charm and beauty of this place. Let each of your senses bathe in the richness of the flavors, the colors, the sun, the history, the sea, and dolce far niente. Let go of any and all expectations. Instead, truly allow yourself to simply “be” here. 

With our Carl Friedrik luggage in tow, the Cool Material team set out to do just that. Following the recommendations of locals and foreigners alike, here are some of our suggestions. We hope they can serve as a loose list of ideas as you explore the romantic wonders of these popular destinations along the Amalfi Coast and on the island of Sicily.

Ambiance and Authenticity. Owned and operated by two sisters born and raised in Amalfi, Donna Stella is a local pizzeria hidden within the cobblestone alleyways, away from the main thoroughfare and crowds below. Its courtyard is nestled amongst a grove of lemon trees. Here you can enjoy the best pizza on the Amalfi Coast  accompanied by the magical ambiance of the courtyard. (Order the Teddy, a riff on the margherita enhanced by generous dollops of fresh ricotta.) With lemons the size of grapefruit, and the scent of their white blossoms all around you, this is where you will find the essence of what makes Amalfi so special. 

Sanctuary and Stillness. The Anantara Convento di Amalfi was recently named to Travel + Leisure’s list of the 100 Best New Hotels in the world. Upon entering the reception area, you will immediately understand why. High above the busy street and harbor below, this converted 13th-century Capuchin monastery feels like an alternate reality. Located between the cliffs and the sea, the beauty and serenity of this place offers something few hotels on the planet can offer: an opportunity for contemplation. From the 800-year old church and cloisters, to the 52 completely unique rooms, to the cliffside pool, to the award-winning Anantara Spa, the Convento di Amalfi is a peaceful reprieve from the modern world. 

While in this state of absolute serenity, what better time to savor the flavors of the Amalfi Coast? Overseen by dynamic Chef Claudio Lanuto, the Michelin-starred Ristorante Dei Cappuccini offers an opportunity to indulge in the finest Mediterranean inspired cuisine; including fresh, local seafood and produce from the monks’ gardens, paired beautifully with a curated selection of local and international wines. Paired with live music and panoramic views of the sun slipping beneath the sea, the only thing you will be left wanting is more time.   

Family and Fun. For a unique Amalfi Coast experience, be sure to check out La Tagliata’s cooking class. This fun, modern spin on an otherwise traditional concept has gone viral for a reason. Classes of 15-20 are given a tour of the grounds, which includes picking vegetables and ingredients for the meal, and saying hello to the farm’s donkeys, pheasants, emus, chickens, cows, and rabbits. Once the long table is set, the volume gets turned up. Literally. The hosts pump up the jams, fill wine glasses to the brim with homemade white wine (aka “gasolina”) and get everyone in full-on dance mode to commence the “cooking” class. Over the course of the three plus hours, you will make new friends, laugh until your sides ache, dance harder than you have at any discotheque, and leave feeling more alive than you have in a long, long time. The food is pretty good too.   

Design and Delight. For a perfect morning in Positano, Casa e Bottega is not to be missed. Fresh flowers, vegetables, cookbooks, and hand-sewn tablecloths adorn the long table and bookshelf in the entryway. Houseplants hang from the ceiling and light fixtures, breathing life into the clean white space. It’s airy and light. Minimalist pieces from local artists complete the picture. The steaming espresso machine in the back catches your ear, while the bar area covered in fresh produce ahead catches your eye. The quality of the food matches the environment; simple, thoughtful, fresh.

Contemporary and Curated. Overlooking the Teatro Massimo, Doba Restaurant offers a refined dining experience in a setting unlike any other in the ancient city of Palermo. Head chef and owner Domenico Basile has created a fabulous menu harnessing the local flavors of Sicily while providing patrons with panoramic views and a tranquil ambiance above the city streets. For an expertly crafted meal sourcing local ingredients, a terrific wine list, and impeccable service in a unique and romantic environment, Doba is a must. 

Heritage and Harmony. Built in 1969 and regarded as the best five-star resort in Sicily, Le Calette exudes the chic elegance of a bygone era. Nestled into Caldura Bay on the eastern slope of Rocca di Cefalù, Le Calette was designed by engineer Santino Cacciola and built into the natural surroundings of the rocky coastline. Surrounded by  botanical gardens, the complex itself is a rich blend of the architecture, art, and culture of Sicily itself. The stylish communal spaces open up to the sea breeze and endless horizon, creating a welcoming aura unlike any other. With three private beaches, fifty-four stylish rooms and suites, Dario Pandolfo’s Michelin-rated Cala Luna Restaurant, and a sea-inspired wellness center, there are few places as charmingly luxurious as Le Calette. It is truly a jewel of the Sicilian coast.

Charming and Central. For a budget-friendly option in the historic city center of Cefalù, look no further than Scirocco B&B. The bright, colorful rooms share a lovely central kitchen and incredible rooftop terrace with some of the best sunset views of the medieval city. Starting your day in the shadow of Castello della Rocca, you can enjoy an array of delicious breakfast options while taking in the sea breeze and unobstructed coastline. In the evening, sip an aperitivo and listen to the cathedral bells as you watch the emerald hills reach towards the setting sun in glorious splendor. 

Romantic Refreshments. For a romantic little getaway off the main Taormina thoroughfares, check out Timoleone Cafe. Whether you choose a table in the private courtyard or on the idyllic steps, you’ll be delighted with the service, ambiance and quality of the dining experience. Don’t miss the cocktails, which are off the charts. Specializing in drinks with more of a tropical type of vibe, Timoleone is unique to the majority of the eateries and tavernas in the Taormina area.

Rugged Beauty. For those looking for a more outdoorsy way to explore Sicily, the Zingaro Nature Reserve offers an unforgettable experience. This seven-kilometer coastal  path surrounded by wild foliage gives hikers the opportunity to explore some of the best beaches in Sicily. Along the way, you’ll also spy some pretty amazing caves while taking in panoramic views of the vibrant turquoise waters. With Scopello serving as the southern entrance to the coastal hike, seven small coves serve as perfect sanctuaries from the heat and dust of the trail above. Each of the beaches is amazing, but Cala Dell’uzzo might be the most picturesque beach in all of Sicily. If hiking is not your thing,  the beaches are also accessible by private boat tours from San Vito lo Capo and Scopello.