This stretch of Italy's coastline is truly legendary, immortalized in novels and films and adored for its stunning beauty. During our recent visit over a long weekend, we quickly realized that it would take a lifetime to explore all that the Amalfi Coast has to offer. To properly enjoy 'la dolce vita' (the sweet life), select one town to call 'home' and relax there for a few days, perhaps with a day trip or two to other spots along the coast. Or do as we did and visit other areas on your way to and from the airport.

We found relaxation in the quiet fishing village of Nerano, located on the western portion of the Amalfi Coast, thanks to our friends who had invited us to join them on their second vacation to the area. While the large ferries do not stop there, we easily booked a day trip to Capri and found friendly locals and exceptional cuisine.

Scroll down for photo highlights from our first holiday on the Amalfi Coast, as well as the details you need to plan your own vacation of discovery.

A Quiet Evening in Nerano at the Marina del Cantone

Lunch in a Secret Oasis at Beach Club and Restaurant La Conca del Sogno

Dining Under a Lemon Grove in Anacapri on the island of Capri

Exceptional Views from botanical garden Giardini di Augusto on the island of Capri

A Glimpse of Navigating the Winding Roads Along the Coast

Wandering the Gardens and Estate of Villa Rufolo in Ravello

Overlooking Nearby Scala from Villa Cimbrone in Ravello

The Gardens of Villa Cimbrone in Ravello

Here are the particulars for our trip:

TIME OF YEAR: The first weekend of June. The weather was spectacular, with clear, sunny days and temperatures around 75℉/24℃.

TRAVEL: Flight to Naples, then rented a car for the 1.5-hour drive to the western part of the coast. Naples to Positano is about a 2-hour drive. We stopped for a few hours in Pompeii, as it's on the way from Naples to the coastal region.

GETTING AROUND: Not easy, but that may be part of the charm. While there is a bus system, traveling between villages can take several hours. Driving the narrow and busy roads and attempting to find parking can be difficult, but it's certainly possible.

STAY: Airbnb home rental in the small fishing village of Nerano, with beach access and plenty of restaurants at nearby Marina del Cantone. There are a variety of Airbnb options in that area, but if you prefer more hotel-like amenities, La Conca del Sogno is nestled in a bay of its own and offers a beach club and outstanding restaurant, located a scenic 20-minute hike from Marina del Cantone. For a more central home-base, try the B&B DieciSedici in Amalfi, as recommended by the New York Times.

EAT: If you find yourselves in Marina del Cantone, Il Cantuccio offers waterside views with a menu focused on fresh fish. For fine dining, book ahead for a table at Michelin-starred Quattro Passi above the bay. On a day trip to the island of Capri, we enjoyed the most beautiful al fresco lunch under a lemon grove (see photo above) at La Zagara in Anacapri.

WANDER RATING: 5/10. It's easy to wander within the same village, but it's time-consuming to explore neighboring towns since you have to drive or take a bus. There are cost-effective ferry options if you are staying in larger towns like Amalfi or Positano, but if you're located in a smaller village, hiring a boat is expensive. We looked into visiting Positano for an evening and the quote was $400 for a boat from Marina del Cantone.

Contact us or leave a question in the comments below should you be looking for more ideas for a vacation along the Amalfi Coast. You can also find inspiration with our other destination guides in Europe and beyond to help you plan an incredible vacation.

See you on the road,

Tara