LGBTQ+ Travel Guide: Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most beautiful regions, where pastel-coloured buildings and flower-filled gardens tumble down the cliff-side towards the glistening sea. There are fragrant lemon groves and fabled coves, and historical monuments that sit alongside swanky beach restaurants and chic boutiques.

The winding coastal road from Sorrento to Salerno is dream driving territory (or chauffer driven if you plan to test out the local limoncello at every stop) and you can easily get out on the water from pretty Positano to explore grottoes and secluded coves.

But we want to know more about this stylish and sophisticated spot – and the best advice comes from a local. To get the inside scoop on an LGBTQ+ holiday to the Amalfi Coast, we chatted to Anita Sessa, Head of Guest Services at luxury boutique hotel, Casa Angelina.

Tell us about Casa Angelina and why we should come and stay… 

Casa Angelina is a slice of modern minimalism at the heart of the Amalfi Coast, with an emphasis on elegant simplicity and first-rate food. The hotel brings a fresh, pared-back look with a white-on-white palette that highlights the blue sea and sky outside and the contemporary artwork on display inside. Understated chic is Casa Angelina’s design ethos.

Will our LGBTQ+ guests be welcome?

LGBTQ+ guests are very welcome – we have a high number of repeat gay couples who love staying with us. Casa Angelina is well-known for its openness and relaxed approach. It’s the ultimate romantic hideaway for all.

What local sights in the area would you recommend?

A zip around the curves of the Costiera Amalfitana in an open-top Fiat500 or on a Vespa to reach the enchanting village of Ravello for an authentic ‘Dolce Vita’ experience. Or a romantic trip on a local gozzo boat cruising along the coast, taking in the sights of Capri, stopping for lunch at one of the exclusive restaurants that can only be reached by boat – like the famous Conca Del Sogno. And inhaling the zesty scent of the Amalfi lemon groves on a private local lemon tour… to mention just a few!

Tell us about the best local restaurants and bars… 

Our authentic village of Praiano offers a few family-run restaurants like trattoria pizzerias for relaxed meals. Some are right on the seafront and you can walk to them from our hotel. Also in the nearby town of Positano there are iconic restaurants like Chez Black on the main beach. Our Concierge Personal Assistants are always happy to provide the best recommendations.

If we wanted to see the best of the area in 24 hours, what should our plan be?

Start off the day with a morning half-day boat tour (it takes 4 hours, so ideally from 9AM to midday) along the coast onboard our Master Angelina Boat. Disembark in Positano for a light lunch and stroll around the town. Then take a private chauffer driven car from Positano to Ravello to visit the ancient Roman Villas (Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone) with a stopover in Amalfi for coffee and a lemon delight at the famous Pansa Patisserie. Head back to Casa Angelina at sunset for a private live cooking and dining experience at our Rooftop Terrace, reserved on an exclusive basis, which has 180°-degree views of Positano and the entire bay.

What do you love most about the area?

We love the tranquil atmosphere, the oasis of peace and calm that Praiano offers, while still being close to the action of Positano.