THE TRAVEL EDIT | AMALFI COAST BEACH CLUBS
amalfi coast
five beach clubs in five days
The spectacular Amalfi Coast is a storied destination that has attracted generations of travellers. Known for its understated sophistication and timeless beauty, it’s a place that has escaped modernisation, retaining its historic palazzos and lush gardens, simple pastel-hued fishing villages, pristine beaches and rocky shorelines.
In this edition of the Travel Edit we take inspiration from Stuart’s Amalfi Forever series and share some of our favourite beach clubs where you can indulge in a little ‘la dolce vita’.
Da Adolfo, Positano
Da Adolfo is an Amalfi Coast institution. No trip is complete without a day spent at this rustic beach-shack trattoria nestled between dramatic cliff face rocks in a small cove of Laurito.
It’s a relaxed atmosphere where you are warmly welcomed by the spirited and deeply tanned next generation of Adolfo’s close-knit family.
Since its inception in 1966, Da Adolfo has attracted A-List glitterati, politicians, honeymooners, holidaying families, and posses of backpackers deft enough to arrive early to secure a rare unreserved sun-bed.
The iconic Da Adolfo boat with the wooden red fish set high on its mast will ferry you to the beach club from the main port in Positano – reserve a sun-bed in advance and head over mid-morning to soak up the sun and the vista across the Mediterranean before settling in for the famous Da Adolfo lunch – simple Italian fare at its finest; mussel soup, grilled mozzarella on lemon leaves, fresh fish, and local white wine (garnished with fresh peaches, if you please).
Sail back late afternoon and you will enjoy some of the best available views of Positano town as you cruise into the port.
La FontelinA, CAPRI
One of the world’s greatest beach clubs. La Fontelina has attracted A-list international jet-set since the 1960s with Sophia Lauren, Bridgette Bardo and Clarke Gable amongst the early visitors.
La Fontelina remains ever relaxed and effortlessly chic – iconic blue and white striped umbrellas, matching deck chairs and low-lying mattresses encased in white cotton scattered across the tiered concreted bathing platforms. Every position offers enviable views to Capri’s most iconic sight, the towering mystical Faraglini rock formations.
Lunch in the exceptional trattoria situated in the thatched-roof pergola. Then retire to your sun-mattress with an ice bucket of Rose ready for holiday backgammon battles.
It’s a day trip from the Amalfi Coast – take the Hydrofoil from Amalfi or Positano or hire a private boat for the day. Once in Capri, you can reach La Fontelina by walking down 300 meters of winding path and steps from the Punta Di Tragara– flat shoes are a must! And while it is quite the walk, it offers stunning bird’s eye views of La Fontelina and La Faraglini. Or if boating in sounds more your speed, catch the beach club’s boat from Marina Piccolo.
LA CONCA DEL SOGNO, NERANO
A beloved lunch spot for jet-setting celebrities and the super yacht crew, La Conca del Sogno is a chic white beach club tucked away in a small private bay of Nerano.
Set on a cliff terrace, surrounded by citrus trees and olive groves, this luxe beach club is perfectly located on a point between Amalfi and Capri.
While away the post-lunch hours sun lounging on one of La Conca’s tiered bathing platforms with steps leading straight down to the clear emerald sea. Or find a sunbed on the idyllic white pebbled beach nearby.
The best way to arrive - if you’re commuting from further south on the Amalfi Coast - is by boat. La Conca del Sogno can also be reached by road and a short scenic walk, or by arranging for the Club’s boat to collect you from the Nerano pier.
One Fire, Praiano
One Fire - an oasis of bright orange parasols and sunlounges – is located at La Gavitell Beach in Praiano. Frequented by day-tripping, perfectly tanned Neapolitans and holidaymakers of all ages; it’s the perfect beach club if you’re looking for fun party vibes and all-day sun.
Near impossible to see from the road, you’ll find One Fire by weaving your way down 450 stairs from Praiano’s main road (Piazza San Gennaro) or plan ahead hire a boat from Amalfi or Positano you’re your own Capitano to sail you directly to the sunbathing platform.
Yes, there’s lunch and its delicious but this club is more about sun lounging with Aperols, dips in the deep turquoise water, lively DJ beats, and the daily cocktail induced chanting and dancing to celebrate the wild 4.30pm watermelon splitting ceremony (and then there’s watermelon for all!). Those who have been know it’s absolutely worth staying for that unique moment.
La ScoglierA, POSITANO
Complete you beach club adventures in style at La Scogliera.
Spoilt with the best views across Positano’s main beach and back to the terraced pastel township, La Scogliera is a modern beach club, perfect for the day if you feel like paying a premium to indulge in a little beachside luxe.
It has it all – sun-lounges in your own private nook, impeccable wait service with drinks, snacks and lunch delivered to your lounges or your nearby table for two, floating sun-beds for lazing in the turquoise waters of the Med, and sunset DJ sets if you feel like staying into the evening.
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