Smart spending
Five things to do
1. Rent a scooter: Go for a ride along the Amalfi Drive. The roads are narrow, winding and a little scary but the views are breathtaking. Stop off at all the towns between Positano and Ravello and take a dip. Pop in to Da Adolfo restaurant on your way home. It sits in front of some of the bluest waters you’ll ever see.
2. Visit a ceramic factory: The one that caught my eye is Ceramica Casola, which has been in operation for three generations. There are plates, vases, decorative tiles and outdoor furniture. It ships all over the world but be sure to bring your credit card if you fancy any of the bigger items. A hand-painted tiled outdoor bench remains etched in my mind not only because of the workmanship but because it cost the equivalent of a business-class ticket back to Australia. 3. Book a day trip out to Capri: There are three ways to get to the island from the Amalfi coast. You can catch a ferry and explore the island yourself, join an organised group tour or book a private boat tour. We opt-
ed for an organised group tour out of Sorrento. The full day tour to Capri and Anacapri was prepaid in Australian dollars and set us back around $250 ($125 a person). Be sure to get some custom-made sandals (stamped with your initials) when you’re in Anacapri. Gladiator leather bespoke sandals start from ¤90 ($130).
4. Savour a sandwich from a deli: While there’s no shortage of fine dining you have to try a traditional panino caprese made with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. You can pick one up from just about any deli. Best of all, you can grab a sparkling piccolo or a Peroni to wash down what was for me the best sandwich I have ever had. Lunch for two with drinks set us back just ¤17.
5. Enjoy the stairs: Be sure to pack your runners because Positano has plenty of stairs. Not only are they a great way to burn off the calories from the day before but they’re meant to be used as “short cuts” that weave in between the houses. It’s a great way to meet the locals.