By Pamela Nandi | Sep 11, 2025

From the scent of lemon blossoms drifting through sun-drenched streets to ancient alleys echoing with stories of Greek legends, my journey across Southern Italy was nothing short of a romantic time capsule. Through Naples, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Capri. I traversed some of the Mediterranean’s most soul-stirring sights, sounds, and tastes.

📍 Destinations: Naples • Sorrento • Capri • Amalfi Coast • Positano

🕰️ Duration: 4 Days | ✈️ Arrival/Departure: Naples International Airport (NAP)

💡 Ideal For: Culture lovers, scenic explorers, luxury & food enthusiasts

Destination 1: Naples, Italy – A Taste of Tradition, A Walk Through Time

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Welcome to Naples – Italy’s soulful southern gem and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Nestled in the Campania region and facing the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, this historic port city blends old-world charm with gritty authenticity, offering a rich mosaic of art, food, culture, and ancient heritage.

Whether you’re sipping espresso in a 19th-century galleria or savoring fried pizza in a backstreet trattoria, Naples is a feast for the senses.

🌅 Day 1: Arriving in Naples – Where Pizza Tells a Story

Check-in: Ramada by Wyndham, Naples
A convenient city base just steps from the central station – ideal for hopping into the heart of Naples.

🍕 First Stop: A Pilgrimage to Pizza

You can’t visit Naples without diving headfirst into its most iconic culinary treasure: Neapolitan Pizza. Just outside the central station, I began my culinary journey at I Sapori di Parthenope, indulging in their signature Pizza Gourmet – Montoro. This wasn’t just a pizza; it was a heritage plate.

Key Ingredients:

• Montoro Coppery Onion (Cipolla Ramata di Montoro) – sweet, golden, and grown only in Southern Italy’s Montoro valleys.
• Buffalo’s Fresh Ricotta – rich, creamy, and ethereal, made from the whey of buffalo mozzarella.
• Irpino Salami (Salame Ciarcia Irpina) – artisanal, fruity with hints of juniper.
• Agerola Milk’s Fior di Latte – soft, floral-scented cheese from the Amalfi coast.
• E.V.O. Oil – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, drizzled to perfection.

Every bite told a story – from Campania’s countryside to the bustling streets of Naples.

Paired with a glass of their House Wine – Vino della Casa Rosso, I melted into the Neapolitan rhythm.

📸 Travel moment: A playful exchange with the server (“No salami!” “Yes salami!”) and a selfie with the chef by the wood-fired oven—an authentic slice of Naples life.

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🌅 Day 2: Discover Naples: The Soul of the South

I soaked in the serene, early-morning views of Naples from the top floor of my hotel lobby, a quiet moment that made the city feel truly magical.

☀️ Morning Rituals: Coffee & Sfogliatella

Woke up to the divine scent of Italian coffee and warm sfogliatella, that flaky, shell-shaped pastry filled with semolina, ricotta, and orange peel. This is how Naples says “Good morning” – a daily ritual that feels sacred.

This is how the Neapolis starts their day. More than just a meal. Such tastes and aromas have never been experienced before full of Neapolitan specialities.

🚍 Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & A Walk Through Centuries

Naples is an open-air museum—a city layered in time, from Greek foundations to Roman ruins and Baroque brilliance. I dove deeper into its monumental districts, Greek-rooted settlements, and bold street art. Naples balances art, chaos, and charm like no other city. It’s a heady blend of 4,000-year-old history, modern hustle, and unfiltered authenticity.

I opted for the Hop‑on Hop‑off Tour which is a convenient and scenic sightseeing bus experience to explore Naples’ top attractions like Spaccanapoli, the waterfront, and historic landmarks at their own pace.

📍 Morning Highlights:

• Ancient Streets – Exploring the ancient streets of Neapolis felt like flipping through centuries of a vibrant European storybook.

• Castel Nuovo – also known as Maschio Angioino, is a medieval fortress in Naples symbolizing royal power and architectural grandeur overlooking the city’s bustling port.

• Fountain of Monteoliveto – a stunning Baroque monument honoring King Philip III of Spain, blending regal symbolism with artistic elegance in the heart of Naples.

• Piazza del Plebiscito – The city’s grandest square, framed by historic landmarks and a striking semicircular colonnade, serving as the city’s civic and cultural heart.

• Teatro di San Carlo – the oldest continuously operating opera house in the world, renowned for its opulent interiors and world-class performances in the heart of Naples.

• Port of Naples – a bustling Mediterranean hub that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern cruise terminals, offering stunning views of the bay and Mount Vesuvius.

• Piazza Sannazaro – a lively Neapolitan square known for its central fountain, elegant architecture, and proximity to the scenic seafront promenade of Mergellina.

• Piazza Vittoria – a tranquil square in Naples overlooking the bay, known for its open space, sea breeze, and proximity to the elegant Riviera di Chiaia.

• Palazzo della Borsa – a grand neoclassical building in central Naples, historically serving as the city’s stock exchange and symbolizing 19th-century economic prestige.

• Ponte di Chiaia – a historic 17th-century stone bridge in Naples, elegantly arching over Via Chiaia and connecting key quarters of the city with timeless charm.

• Venus of the Rags by Michelangelo Pistoletto – a contemporary installation juxtaposing classical beauty with modern-day commentary, located in Piazza Municipio.

• Affluent Coastal Hillside – Picture-perfect rentals with ancient Roman ruins and panoramic views at Posilipo.

Spaccanapoli Walk

No Naples experience is complete without walking the legendary Spaccanapoli – a narrow spine that slices through the heart of Old Naples. Every step unveils street performers, artisan shops, spontaneous bursts of opera, and the aroma of garlic and basil in the air.

Landmarks Along the Way:

• Gesù Nuovo Church – A simple exterior hides opulent Baroque interiors. Quite possibly the most stunning church in Naples.

• Piazza San Domenico Maggiore – A serene square surrounded by baroque charm and buzzing cafes.

🍴 Foodie Finds: Naples Street Food Safari

As the sun warmed the stone-paved streets, I sampled one of the iconic Neapolitan street eats Fried Pizza (Pizza Fritta) at O Munaciello located in the old town. Fried Pizza (Pizza Fritta), a wartime creation born from necessity and now a staple. Stuffed with buffalo ricotta, provola cheese, and Neapolitan ham, then fried to golden perfection—it looked like a calzone and tasted like a dream.

🥂 Paired with a refreshing gluten-free Italian beer – Birra Senza Glutine, it was street food heaven.

🍦 Sweet Treats & Coffee Culture

To cool off from the Neapolitan heat, I tucked into Black Cherry Gelato at Caffè Moscati – velvety vanilla with luscious cherry chunks, freshly made without preservatives. A taste of Italy’s dolce vita in every spoonful.

🛍️ Retail Therapy at Galleria Umberto I

If you’re a lover of fashion, design, or simply beautiful architecture, Galleria Umberto I is a must-visit.

This 19th-century glass-domed arcade rivals Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and offers a dreamy blend of shopping, fine dining, and people watching all in the heart of downtown Naples.

☕ Final Sip: Caffè alla Nocciola

Before sunset, I settled into a corner café inside the Galleria at KeKafè Napoli and ordered Caffè alla Nocciola a signature hazelnut espresso mousse that combines the rich intensity of Neapolitan espresso with creamy roasted hazelnuts from Campania. Velvety, nutty, and unforgettable.

🌊 Last Stop: The Gulf of Naples

I ended the day at the breathtaking Bay of Naples (Golfo di Napoli) – a 15 km sweep of coastline framed by cliffs, islands, and Mediterranean sunsets. Each of the islands – Ischia, Capri, and Procida located in the bay boasts unique scenic beauty enhanced by cliffs, dramatic coastal paths and the remains of volcanic eruptions.

✨ Final Takeaway

Naples is not just a destination – it’s an emotion.
From the first bite of pizza to the last sip of espresso, it’s a city that pulls you into its soul with grit, flavor, and beauty.
Raw, real, and irresistibly Italian.

🍋Day 3: Lemon Dreams & Amalfi Coast Wonders – Sorrento, Positano

🥐Morning Indulgences – Breakfast in Naples

The mornings in Naples always began with temptation – the irresistible aroma of fresh pastries wafting through the breakfast room. Neapolitans hold a special place in the pastry world, and it shows in their buttery tart shells and shortcut crusts filled with everything from savory ricotta, eggs, and smoky bacon bits to sweet candied fruits laced with cinnamon.

One bite of the apricot–orange tart stole my heart with its bright citrusy notes, while the black cherry jam pastry offered a timeless indulgence. The traditional touch of orange flower water in the pastry dough elevated every flavor, making each variation crunchy, fragrant, and utterly heart-melting.

Fueled by this rich Neapolitan breakfast, I set off early for drove along the scenic roads of the mythological coast, protected by UNESCO. A land of remote history and legends, with the villages nestled in the cliffs offering breathtaking views, ancient remains, terraced lemon groves and lively alleys full of local shops and cafes.

Tip: Travel from Naples to Sorrento (~1.5 hours by train or car)

🍋 Morning in Sorrento: Where Lemons Meet the Sea

I spent hours wandering through its traditional Italian architecture, basking in panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, and indulging in a sensory feast at the Sorrento Excellence Limoncello Factory. The limoncello tasting was a citrusy symphony – zesty, sweet, and delightfully intoxicating.

Perched high on the Sorrentine Peninsula, Sorrento is Italy’s sun-kissed ode to citrus, charm, and cliffside serenity. Surrounded by lemon groves, this coastal gem has been a tourist favorite since Roman times and for good reason.

Sharing some breathtaking views captured from the village.

🎨 Midday in Positano – The Instagram Capital

Positano is Italy’s answer to a postcard fantasy. Cascading down vertical cliffs in a kaleidoscope of Mediterranean hues, this village is both a historical stronghold and a modern-day influencer’s paradise.

Once a vital part of the Amalfi Republic, Positano thrived during the 15th–17th centuries and continues to seduce travelers with vertiginous streets, hidden alleys, and panoramic points that blur the line between earth and sky.

The pit stopped just before arriving at Amalfi and I still cannot take my eyes off the ravishing cliff-hanging small towns, the exuberant beauty of the mountainscapes, the renowned Path of the Gods overlooking the gorgeous stretched coastline.

Photogenic drama captured through my lens.

Lunch in Amalfi: A Roman Classic by the Sea

By afternoon, I reached Amalfi town, the namesake of the coast, and settled in for a meal that celebrated Italian tradition:

• Spaghetti alla Carbonara – Fresh, homemade spaghetti coated in a silky sauce of eggs, Parmesan, and garlic-butter tossed pancetta, each bite delivering a luxurious crunch.
• Insalata Mista – A refreshing mix of greens and tomatoes, lightly drizzled with olive oil.

Simple, rustic, and deeply satisfying.

⛵ Coast-to-Coast Boat Ride – Stunning Seaside Vistas

Imagine cruising along a ribbon of road woven into craggy cliffs, the Tyrrhenian Sea sparkling below. That’s the Amalfi Coast recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and rightly hailed as one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal stretches.

From Amalfi town to its 13 charming seaside siblings, the region weaves together history, mythology (shoutout to Hercules and the nymph Amalfi), and Mediterranean drama. My coast-to-coast boat ride delivered cinematic views of cliffside villages, hidden beaches, and timeless beauty.

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⛪ Amalfi Cathedral – The Town’s Beating Heart

In the late afternoon, I strolled through its bustling town square to visit The Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea (Duomo di Amalfi) dominates the town square with its striking Arab-Norman architecture, sweeping staircase, and rich spiritual heritage. Its cloisters, crypt, and twin basilicas reflect the layered history of this Mediterranean port.

🍰 Sweet Pause at Pasticceria Pansa

Founded in 1830, Pasticceria Pansa is Amalfi’s oldest bakery, still run by the same family across five generations. Stepping inside felt like traveling back in time.

Here, I savored the iconic Delizia al Limone – soft sponge domes filled with lemon cream and glazed with syrup. Zesty, fragrant, and melt-in-the-mouth, it was the Amalfi Coast on a plate.

🌅 Final Reflections

Southern Italy is not just a place – it’s a feeling. It’s lemon-scented mornings, cliffside laughter, lyrical languages, and ancient stories whispering from sun-baked stones. Whether you’re a lover of history, a foodie, or a hopeless romantic, this slice of the Mediterranean will steal your heart.

🛏️ Returned to Naples in the evening.

🎁 Souvenir Tip: Bring home bottles of limoncello, handcrafted ceramics, or coral jewelry as a slice of Amalfi magic.

🌊 Day 4: Capri – The Jewel of the Mediterranean

An early morning ferry from Naples carried me across sapphire waters to Marina Grande, Capri’s bustling harbor, where pastel houses hug the shoreline and luxury yachts glide past like floating palaces.

Tips: Best to buy the ferry tickets in advance.

🌊 Capri: Glamour Draped in Blue

Capri isn’t just a destination – it’s an emotion wrapped in sapphire waves and lemon-scented breezes. With its 5km of dramatic coastline, hidden grottos, and luxury yachts, this island redefines Mediterranean elegance.

Since 1955, Capri has lured celebrities and travelers alike. I explored the sun-drenched vistas, strolled along the boutique-laden lanes, and marveled at the island’s effortless grandeur. It’s no wonder it’s called the “Jewel of Southern Italy.”

Boat Ride Marina Grande

As we cruised around the island, our skipper pointed out iconic sights:

• Mount Tiberio with the legendary Salto di Tiberio (Tiberius’ Leap)
• The Grotta Bianca (White Grotto) and the lofty Arco Naturale (Natural Arch)
• The modernist Villa Malaparte, perched like a sculpture above the sea
• The famous Faraglioni Rocks – three towering sea stacks named Stella, Mezzo, and Scopolo. Passing through the arch of the Faraglioni by boat was pure magic—a postcard moment etched in blue and stone.

🍕 Lunch with a View

I stopped at Bar Iolanda Souvenir & Snack Bar, where the view of Capri framed my meal.

Pizza Margherita – crisp, bubbly crust topped with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. This Neapolitan classic was first created in 1889 in honor of Queen Margherita, with its ingredients representing the Italian flag. A slice of history, and heaven, in every bite.

Draught Birra – chilled, rich, and the perfect pairing.

Tiramisu – Though a Venetian specialty, enjoying it here in Capri was unforgettable. Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa came together in a no-bake dessert that truly lived up to its name: “Pick me up.”

🚋 Capri Town by Funicular

After lunch, I boarded the funicular from Marina Grande to Capri Town. As the cable car climbed, the scenery unfolded rugged cliffs, lemon groves perfuming the air, and the Tyrrhenian Sea sparkling below.

🌅 Final Reflections

Capri is a dream dressed in Mediterranean blues – a blend of natural wonders, culinary classics, and timeless elegance. Whether cruising past the Faraglioni, savoring a pizza Margherita, or wandering boutique-filled alleys, the island casts a spell that lingers long after you leave.

⛴️ In the evening, I boarded the ferry back to Naples, carrying with me the taste of lemons, the scent of the sea, and the timeless allure of Capri.

🍽️ Dinner at Le Petiit – Ramada by Wyndham, Naples

Food is love, and dinner is the ultimate date with flavors and mine at Le Petiit was the perfect finale to my Naples journey.

🥗 Seafood Salad – A refreshing medley of tender squid and shrimp, lightly dressed with creamy dill and paired with crisp greens and Roma tomatoes. Fresh, delicate, and a delightful start to the evening.

🍲 Tuscan-Style Cannellini Bean & Bacon Soup – Rustic and soul-warming, this hearty classic came with golden croutons and a snowfall of Parmesan. Every spoonful carried the comfort of Tuscany, rich in protein and richer in flavor.

✨ Thoughtful plating, heartfelt flavors, and a touch of countryside charm—this dinner was more than a meal. On my last evening in Naples, I let food do the farewells.

🎁 Souvenirs from Southern Italy – A Taste to Take Home

No trip is complete without bringing a piece of it back home and in Southern Italy, the best souvenirs are edible memories. My suitcase may have been light on trinkets, but it was brimming with the flavors of Campania: pasta, herbs, and olive oil. Each ingredient carried the sun, soil, and spirit of the Mediterranean, ready to be relived at my own table.

🍝 Farfalle from Sorrento – The delicate bow-tie pasta I carried home was more than just a souvenir. Tossed in olive oil with shrimp, roasted herbs, cream cheese, and a final snow of Parmesan, it was Sorrento on a plate – simple, fragrant, and unforgettable.

🍄 Fettuccine with Love – A year later, I recreated the flavors of the Amalfi Coast with a creamy Pesto Mushroom Fish Fettuccine. One bite and I was back on those sun-drenched terraces, hearing the waves crash against the cliffs.

Southern Italy isn’t just a destination; it’s an ongoing love affair that continues in my kitchen. Every dish cooked from these souvenirs is a postcard of flavors—a reminder that some journeys never truly end

✨ Final Travel Tips

• Transport: Use the Campania Express Train or private transfers; ferries between coastal towns are scenic and efficient.
• Currency: Euros (€)
• Packing Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes (stone streets!), sun protection, light layers
• Best Time to Visit: April–June or September–October (avoid peak summer crowds)

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📌 Save This Itinerary

💡 This 4-day journey is perfect for a luxury long weekend or as part of a longer Italy itinerary. If you’ve followed my Northern & Central Italy guides, this seamlessly flows into your Southern escape.