From Canals to Coastlines: An Italian Escape

Wander through Italy with our founder, Melissa. From Venice to the Amalfi Coast & Puglia.

Positano Cliff View

Bonjourno, Have you ever wanted to adventure to Italy but don’t know where to go? Already in love with Italy and thinking about where to go next? Here is a guide to “la dolce vita” places to stay, delicious restaurants and excursions not to miss in three of our favorite regions; The Amalfi Coast, Venice & Puglia.

Positano Beach & Cliffs

Almalfi Coast - Positano

The Amalfi Coast is magical for its effervescent coastal cool ambiance. With its dramatic cliffs, sparkling turquoise waters and charming seaside villages, the iconic island of Positano makes our top three must visit destinations in Italy.

Picture yourself lounging on the beach, exploring bougainvillea lined streets filled with well made italian leather shoes and fine linen, dining on delicious coastal cuisine or cruising along the coast by boat. Positano offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for a not to miss quintessential la dolce vita vacation.

Positano Photo by Maria @positano_photo

Where to Stay:
Hotel Villa Franca - Comfort and views overlooking the bay - a lot of steps to climb to get to it.
La Bizantina - Balcony views of the bay mid-island.
L’Ancora Hotel - Lovely rooms with views overlooking the bay - also a lot of steps to climb.

Where to Eat:
Breakfast - We recommend booking a hotel with breakfast included. Italians know how to serve up a buffet that will satisfy all palates and dietary needs.
L’Ancora Hotel - Enjoy a casual light lunch with beautiful daytime views overlooking the famous Spiaggia Grande Beach.
Osteria Le Tres Sorelle - Immerse yourself in la dolce vita right on the beach for lunch or dinner.
Eden Roc Hotel - Enjoy a cocktail and views upon views from way above.
La Scalinatella - Stunning night-time bay views and white table cloth mid-island.
Orama - A lovely Bougainvillea charmed dinner spot higher up on the island.

Positano is an adventure worth the effort and the vertical steps you will climb while on the island. Here is how to get there. Fly into Rome or Naples. From Rome, catch Italia Rail fast train to Naples that takes about 1.15 hours. From Naples go to Molo Beverello for a 90-120 minute boat ride to the Positano port. We like Positano Jet for this leg of the journey. And, If boating is not your cup of sea tea, you can also hire a driver from Rome (3.5 hrs) or Naples (90 minutes) to take you directly to your hotel. Now onto the good stuff, our experiences that we think are pretty great!

Things to Do:
•Atrani - The smallest town in all of Italy that is quaint and interesting to see in minutes.
•Ravello - One of the most enchanting towns with beautiful gardens and extraordinary cliff views also known for its lemons and lovely pottery too.
•Capri - Rent a captain and boat to tour the grottos around the island.
•Visit Ana Capri if you have an extra day.
•Shopping locally 7 days a week in Positano is always a good idea and their special artisan market takes place on a different day in each city; in Positano it is on Saturday but check local listings to confirm.

View from Island of Capri

Venice

Venice, Italy, is a city like no other, where winding canals replace roads and gondolas glide past centuries-old architecture. It is made up of 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges, this UNESCO World Heritage Site with so much rich history is also known as one of the most romantic cities in the world, Venice is a dream destination filled with iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal. From getting lost in hidden alleyways to sipping espresso in charming piazzas, every corner of this floating city invites wonder. Whether you're searching for the best things to do in Venice, where to stay in Venice, or how to explore Venice by gondola, this guide will help you uncover the magic of this unforgettable Italian gem.

Venice is also not very easy to get to but it's worth the adventure to get there. You can fly into many Italian cities and catch a train here or fly directly into Venice. From there, take a water taxi to your hotel - it's magical.

Streets of Venice Photo by Alina Indi @alinaindiphoto

Where to Stay:
Violino D’Or - A 5-Star hotel centrally located near all the major sites in Venice. It is also right next to a gondolier station where they sing and play accordions throughout the day. A delicious buffet breakfast was included.
Palazzo Stern - A 4-Star hotel near the Grand Canal yet away from the crowds. Book a room with a view.

Where to Eat:
Breakfast - Book a hotel with breakfast, this is our favorite way to start the Italian day.
Aman Hotel - Go for afternoon tea - historical grandeur meets contemporary luxury.
Harry’s Bar - One of Ernest Hemingway's favorite places.
Venice M’Art - Dine on the canal and go during sunset for breathtaking views
Nevodi - Traditional Italian fare meets wine and seafood and is near the best Gelato... Gelateria Il Pinguino.
Trattoria alla Madonna - A local favorite down a romantic alleyway with homemade pastas.
Trattoria alla Rivetta - A tiny local favorite serving traditional Italian cuisine.
Gelateria Il Pinguino - Best Gelato in town - a local cued us into this one.

Things to Do:
•Gondola Ride - We recommend the one at the Grand Canal - not only for the lively atmosphere but also for the quintessential postcard photo from Venice.
•Murano - Hand blown glass that will blow your mind seeing its masterful construction.
•Burano - The most colorful town in all of Europe and home to the famous Burano lace. Hire @blitzexclusive for this tour or Murano and ride in style in your own private and beautiful 'motoscafo' (teak powerboat.) It is pricey but worth the convenience.
•Peggy Guggenheim Museum - A fantastic collection of modern art in her priviate home.
•Biennale - A stupendous contemporary art exhibition that draws artists from all over the world. It is held every two years and was last in Venice in August 2024.
•Day Trip to Verona if you are wine lovers for delicious Valpolicella and Amarone red varietals at the Ugolini Winery or enjoy the most effervescent proseccos from Bortolomiol.  Verona is also known as the “little rome” for its replica of the Colosseum where performances take place throughout the year. Time did not permit for us but it comes highly recommended by those we know that have been.
•Shopping - Get lost in the plethora of shops and enjoy all the fun finds.

Puglia Region

Tucked away in the heel of Italy’s boot, the Puglia region is a hidden gem known for its whitewashed hill towns, crystal-clear beaches, and rich culinary traditions. Unlike the crowded tourist hubs of northern Italy, Puglia offers an authentic and slower-paced experience, where olive groves stretch for miles and ancient villages like Alberobello and Ostuni captivate with their charm. Whether you're looking for the best places to visit in Puglia, unique things to do in southern Italy, or where to stay in Puglia for a coastal escape, this sun-drenched region is a must for travelers seeking beauty, culture, and undiscovered Italian magic.

Olive Trees on property at Stefandelconte Masseria in Fasano, Puglia

Where to Stay in Polignano A Mare:
Grotta Palazzese - Stay here for the best cliff side views anywhere in the world.

Hotel View from Grotta Palazzese 

Where to Stay in Fasano:
Masseria Stefanodelconte - Stay here for the most authentic bread and breakfast experience in Fasano. We recommend renting a car to adventure from here or hire local drivers. 
Borgo Egnazia - A 5-Star special place to stay for an anniversary celebration.

Where to Eat:
Fasano Restaurants:
Breakfast - You can’t go wrong with a local espresso anywhere. We always suggest including breakfast with your hotel stay.
Anticalama - This is worth the drive for dinner if staying in a nearby town. It is a 5-minute walk from Masseria Stefandelconte.
Polignano a Mare Restaurants:
Grotta Palazzese Beach Club - A lovely spot for a light lunch.
Aquamarea - Great for a light lunch and an insider's recommendation to a private view of the famous Lama Monachile beach.
Serafini - For the most romantic table for two, an aperitivo and cliffside views
Restaurant.
Grotta Palazzese - It is a tourist favorite with views to take your breath away. Book dinner well in advance.
Antiche Mura - A delicious seafood restaurant in the historic city center.
Meraviglioso - Michelin star awarded and well deserved serving Apulian seafood and overlooking the sea.
Da Tuccino - An elegant experience with an array of unique seafood options.
Bella Blu - don’t miss this Gelato!

Things to Do:
•Pugliamare is a local tour company that we highly recommend and used for several adventures, transportation and dinner reservations too.
•Ostuni - A historically charming whitewashed medieval town overlooking the Adriatic Sea
•Grotte di Castellana - A 90 million-year-old karst cave 122m below street level. Experience fascinating stalactites, stalagmites & fossils. It is cool, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
•Alberobello - A world heritage site with the ever-quaint Trulli buildings - hire a local guide. 
•Check out an Italian beach club; Our hotel had its own, and it was well worth the experience and relaxing atmosphere.
•Shopping is always a good idea for olive oils, linens and other fine Italian handmade items.

Views of Ostuni 

Whether you're dreaming of soaking up the sun along the Amalfi Coast, gliding through the canals of Venice, or exploring the charming villages and hidden beaches of Puglia, visiting Italy offers an unforgettable mix of romance, history, and natural beauty. Each region has its own unique allure, making Italy a top travel destination for every kind of adventurer. Start planning your Italian escape today and discover why the Amalfi Coast, Venice, and the Puglia region belong on every travel bucket list.

Venice Streets Photo by Alina Indi @alinaindiphoto