Exploring the Divine Coast - Bake from Scratch
Towns line the stunning Costiera Amalfitana from the Sorrento peninsula to Vietri sul Mare. While driving and taking buses past the historic villas and luxurious hotels is an option, the coastal road connecting the villages is narrow and can become quite congested during the peak season, as many stop to enjoy the views. We suggest settling in one area and taking day ferries to the places you wish to explore.
Photo by Joann Pai
SAVOR LOCAL BAKERY DELIGHTS
Cookbook author, food writer, culinary instructor, and Amalfi Coast local Ursula Ferrigno shared some of her favorite bakeries with us. Follow Ursula’s culinary escapades on Instagram at @ursulaferrigno.
Pasticceria Sal De Riso
Minori
URSULA’S PICKS: Indulge in the torta ricotta e pere, a pear and ricotta cake on a hazelnut biscuit base, and the Torta Caprese, a flourless chocolate and almond cake, made by pastry chef Salvatore De Riso.
salderiso.it and on Instagram at @pasticceriasalderiso
Pasticceria Pansa
Amalfi
URSULA’S PICKS: Be sure to try the renowned Delizia al Limone, featuring the unique Sfusato Amalfitano lemon. A close second is the Sfogliatella Santa Rosa, which consists of crispy puff pastry filled with semolina, ricotta, and candied orange peel. (Don’t forget to check out more about Pasticceria Pansa in our Bakery Profile on page 29.)
pasticceriapansa.it and on Instagram at @pasticceriapansaofficial
Savoia Antica Dolceria
Amalfi
URSULA’S PICKS: Experience the Babà al Limone, a sponge cake soaked in lemon syrup, which offers a refreshing variation from the traditional rum-soaked version.
savoiapasticceria.it and on Instagram at @savoiapasticceria
Photo by Joann Pai
EXPLORE VIETRI SUL MARE
The picturesque town of Vietri sul Mare marks one end of the Amalfi Coast. If you recognize the exquisite Italian ceramics from the North Carolina-based company VIETRI, this town inspired the founder, Susan Gravely. Today, artisans continue to hand-paint at Ceramica Artistica Solimene, an excellent spot to find locally crafted souvenirs. Take a leisurely walk through Vietri sul Mare to appreciate the brightly colored tile door frames adorning the shops and enjoy lunch with a gelato.
ceramicasolimene.it
Photo by Joann Pai
VISIT A GRANITA STAND
As you make your way along the coastline, several small stands invite travelers to pause for a view and enjoy a refreshing granita made from local fruits. Our favorite was located between Vietri sul Mare and Maiori and was truly delightful, marking a highlight of our visit to the area.
Photo by Joann Pai
STAY AT GRAND HOTEL EXCELSIOR VITTORIA
While on the Amalfi Coast, we chose to stay in Sorrento at the five-star Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, where we enjoyed breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius each evening from the Terrazza Vittoria. The hotel was recently named the best in all of Italy, and it's easy to see why. The entrance offers a grand welcome as you drive through a beautiful Mediterranean garden and citrus grove, where you might even witness citrus being harvested for the hotel's Marmalade Riserva, crafted by the culinary team and jarred for guests to take home. According to legend, Roman emperor Augustus had a villa at the same site, but since 1834, the hotel has been owned and operated by the Fiorentino family. Beyond the luxurious amenities and service at Excelsior Vittoria, the hotel is conveniently located above Marina Piccola, where ferries arrive and depart. There’s even a private elevator exclusively for guests that provides direct access to and from the hotel, simplifying ferry exploration. For those who prefer a more grand arrival, there is a helicopter landing pad, and the concierge service can arrange transfers to/from Naples.
excelsiorvittoria.com and on Instagram at @excelsiorvittoria
JOIN US FOR A DAY ALONG THE AMALFI COAST
Visit our YouTube channel and accompany us on a day of exploration along the Divine Coast. Watch here.
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Exploring the Divine Coast - Bake from Scratch
Towns are scattered along the stunning Amalfi Coast, stretching from the Sorrento Peninsula to Vietri sul Mare. Although you can drive or take buses past the famous villas and extravagant hotels, the coastal road that links the villages is narrow and can get quite congested during the peak season as everyone pauses to take