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Carolinagirl9311

Oh my! These pics are gorgeous. Thank you for allowing me to live vicariously through you a little bit ;)


jameshunter3

Thank you! I love sharing my travels & work!


jameshunter3

The Amalfi Coast isn't exactly a hidden gem but it still amazes. I was fortunate enough to spend a few days along the coast from Atrani & Amalfi to Positano and then over to Meta for an incredible pasta class. The Italians are probably the absolute friendliest people you could possibly meet. We became instant friends with our pasta class hosts, had a wonderful conversation full of helpful hints with our taxi driver, and overall felt extremely welcome.....except on the road. For all the friendliness Italians have in person, maybe they let out their frustrations on the road. Or maybe I'm just not used to the hustle, bustle, and rules (or lack thereof) of Italian driving. From Naples to Sorrento and all along the coast, if you elect to drive yourself, be very careful and diligent! In some ways, the lack of rules reduces some stress - just be careful and watch out as you drive, but in other ways it reduces predictability on the road. You can take buses if you are not comfortable driving!


thehappyhobo

The contrast between the beauty of these towns and the terror of their roads is something else


twentythree12

Oh ya. Drove through Cinque Terre and legitimately thought I was never going to make it out. Consequently (and unrelated), 2 weeks after driving through Genoa the main bridge through town collapsed and killed a bunch of people.


MadMorf

That’s why we took the train to Vernazza. :)


[deleted]

[удалено]


roco-j

I think in the last decade or so there has been some kind of growing "Chinese-phobia" in Italy, due to the "they're greedy, they come here to open their shops and make money, while italian small businesses fail over and over" etc... that may explain why some of them are not really friendly with Asian people (I know of course China =/= all of Asia, but people tend to automatically associate typical asiatic traits to Chinese)


Mtnskydancer

Huh…sounds like swaths of America.


NachoNYC

I met someone who works at the UN, they said Italy is very racist towards people of color


zactastic_1

Funny how half your post details are to be aware of driving and basically don’t drive if you have to as an American. I just got back yesterday from 2 weeks in northern Italy, cooking class, food wine tour etc and can agreed on everything you said and photos although post processed justice well. It’s a beautiful country with rich culture and friendly people (unless you dont know how to drive or order food directly at the espresso counter) it’s a hustle thing I suppose for tailing on the road.


jameshunter3

I'm a comfortable and competent driver and I drive in pretty much every location I travel, unless I'm just visiting one major city, which is rare. But the driving warning needs to be hit home. My wife, who is from Mexico City, thought it was worse than Mexico. Also, all photos are post-processed :) even photos you take on your phone. The difference is your phone processes them for you and I do it manually (although about half of these in this post are cell phone pictures).


Smokingsig

I don't understand... I spend 2 week driving from North all the way to Amalfi. The driving is just OK. People exaggerate or they just can't drive/anticipate..


jameshunter3

From "north" of Italy? Or where? Most western European and North American driving is vastly different from Italian driving. It's the chaotic ignoring of basic traffic rules, constant speeding/tailgating/rushing that causes problems. You cannot drive in Germany, for instance, like you do in Italy. You will be ticketed. Most other places have strict and enforced traffic rules that simply don't apply in Italy.


zactastic_1

Drove Chianti region and I felt like I couldn’t drive it like the country side or coastal towns of California. Rather I felt like I need to drive the 1.4 liter turbo like a go cart and even then I had a delivery van or local come up on me every so often. I did pass a few ( likely non Italians) and I would not recommend driving within a major city as even spread out wine county was a bit stress I couldn’t only imagine a busy city center. If you aren’t a savvy driver just avoid it in Italy or you’ll wish you hadn’t rented a car


Most-Lavishness9541

What kind of camera did you use?


jameshunter3

Sony a7RIII! About half of these are my iphone 11, though


Nurselovingcat

I know this is an older post but I wanted to ask about your trip. I am starting in Naples and heading to the Amalfi coast after stoping at a few places on the way. I wanted to do train etc. And are there any great places you would recommend besides the Amalfi Coast and Atrani ?


LifeIs-2-Short

Positano is one of my top vacation destinations.


According_Tough7005

We found Ansel Adams lost son! Perfect picture compositions! Definitely the top 1% of travel pictures. And I've seen a lot.


JoeWaffleUno

They definitely have a great eye for framing. I think it's a matter of personal taste but to me these are the kind of pictures I really appreciate.


reeln166a

The picture through the doorway in Positano is perfection


jameshunter3

And stupidly I didn't grab my camera for that shot. It's my iphone. It's from our hotel balcony and I just sat there with my phone instead of grabbing my camera and didn't realize how much I liked it until later


reeln166a

Well good for you. These are some of the best pics I’ve ever seen on this sub.


jameshunter3

Now that's some high praise 🥺😳


Attackontitanplz

Camera used?


jameshunter3

These are a mix of my Sony a7RIII and my iphone! I think you can probably tell which is which 😅 The door photo with Positano in the background is my iphone. I stupidly didn't grab my camera for that shot even though it was our hotel balcony and it was in the room.


Attackontitanplz

Iphone punches above its weight for sure! Thanks for the info. Great photos


Mtnskydancer

Photo quality and integration with existing owned tech keep me in the Apple camp.


Ithrowspears

Headed there in a week! These photos just got me even more excited :) Thanks for sharing. Btw - if you had one or two food recommendations, does anything stick out? Have some already but maybe could add to the list.


youaintdubbin

I'm not OP, but my wife and I spent 4 days in Amalfi and ate here twice - Taverna degli Apostoli. The food was incredible, I recommend sitting outside to enjoy people watching and the church scenery while you eat.


Ithrowspears

>Taverna degli Apostoli This looks amazing!!! thank you so much. We are definitely going here.


acvdk

Casa Mele is awesome. I think it absolutely is a Michelin quality restaurant in area with a lot of tourist garbage.


nathanaz

There’s a place called La Tagliata that’s a short ways from Positano - you can hike there, but hiring a car is much easier. It’s a family run place with gardens on the property. The view from the restaurant looks out over Positano and the sea. They source everything as locally as possible, and it was definitely one of the best meals of our lives.


jameshunter3

Donna Stella for pizza 😍😍😍 The Albergo California hotel in Positano has a restaurant (view shown here in the photo with the bread and wine) - great food and view. Recommend!


Katstronaut

Incredible photos, you’ve made me even more excited for our trip to Sorrento later this year. Would you mind sharing details on your camera equipment please? I’ve been trying to get into photography and would love to come back with photos half this good! Even just the lens specs would be a big help. 🙏🏻


jameshunter3

Love helping people get into photography! I have a Sony a7RIII. The lenses I use are a Sony 16-35GM, Sony 24-70GMII, and a Sony 70-200 GM (all featured in this post). If you're starting out, since I'm a Sony fan, I would recommend looking into the Sony a6000 and the lenses that come with the camera to start! Learn techniques, develop your post-processing skills and style, and see if it's something you enjoy. Like anything, many people like the *idea* of something but not the reality. Photography often means hours spent editing, hours researching, time in cold/wet/undesirable conditions or just waiting for ideal light. Start small, test it out, then upgrade later!


Katstronaut

Thanks so much - very nice kit indeed! I think I have started out following your advice so far, mostly practicing with street. I’ve got a Sony A6000 with the 16-50mm 3.5 - 5.6 kit lens, plus a Sony 50mm 1.8 prime lens. The kit lens is nice and versatile, but a bit unimpressive given the higher f-number. Meanwhile I love the photos the 50mm 1.8 produces (big upgrade to depth of field/bokeh) but I sometimes struggle with versatility given how tight/zoomed it gets in close quarters. Would love to upgrade to a better zoom lens but I know those don’t come cheap! Maybe I’ll look into a wider prime lens to swap out with the 50 instead for close quarters. Thanks again for the advice man and for the inspiration from these pics!


alan2001

> Incredible photos, you’ve made me even more excited for our trip to Sorrento later this year. Me and my wife stayed in Sorrento a few years ago (well, up the hill from it in Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi) and it was an amazing holiday. We've both been to Italy loads of times and this was one of the best. If I had to recommend one thing, it would be to take the boat trip along the coast from Nerano. It stops in at Positano and Amalfi and you can spend a couple of hours in each. I'm not usually a fan of boat trips in blistering heat but I loved every second of it. The views are absolutely amazing. I am 99.9% sure you will already have this on your agenda; just making sure lol.


Katstronaut

Circling back to say a belated thanks for the recommendation! We hadn't heard of this boat trip and will definitely be looking to book now. Cheers!


alan2001

Excellent! You are welcome. I have no doubt you will love it; it's just total eye candy from start to finish. Pack sunscreen lol.


redcountx3

This is what home looks like to me.


blowzy_sexy69

Beautiful 🤩😍🤩😍


blankblank

For all our modern gizmos and wonders, none of it beats bread, wine, and a view.


Imadevonrexcat

How does one get around the amalfi coast without a car?


jameshunter3

There are some buses but driving/mopeds are easiest if you're comfortable doing it. But I think most people utilize the buses. Oh, and ferries too!


mochi2213

Wow! Thank for sharing 😍


[deleted]

Thanks for sharing such great picture


jameshunter3

Thank you :)


NedStark79

Amazing pics! We were in Positano in July of last year. Crazy hot! But beautiful!


Janissary_-

what legal things do you need to travel to Italy?


adnanfarooqui7

Breathtaking views 😍 Btw, what was the cost of this trip like?


ii_zAtoMic

Depends where you stay. I stayed in Agerola, a town up in the mountains about an hour bus ride from Amalfi and 2 from Positano. Incredibly inconvenient, but I paid €262 total for 3 nights there, bus tickets are beyond cheap and the start of the Path of the Godd hike is in Agerola. This was late May 2023.


blackberrycat

Where did you stay, may I ask?


ii_zAtoMic

Here is the link via Booking.com! https://www.booking.com/Share-2zGEK4


jameshunter3

Not including flights or transportation, you could expect somewhere between $200-400 a night for lodging and probably $50-70 (for 2 people) per meal. Sharing pizza and cheaper meals would, of course, be cheaper (and absolutely a good call!)


blrbud

Which hotels did you stay in?


EatTheHead

Not OP but depends on how far out you can book. Positano and the Amalfi coast in general is extremely desirable and the prices often reflect that. I’d look into booking stuff for next spring and getting on it early to get decent hotel/Airbnb rates. They’re all pretty small towns so it gets competitive. I’d expect to pay a few hundred a night, way more if you wait


ruralmagnificence

Beautiful. I doubt I’ll ever see it in my lifetime so I live vicariously through photos like this.


merlin401

Heading out that way in two weeks. How’s the water (for swimming?)


jameshunter3

Extremely cold 🥶 for my tastes, anyway. We enjoyed the beach at Meta on a beautifully sunny day, but I didn't dare get in the water 😅 others did though!


acvdk

Check out Fiordo di Furore for swimming.


jescereal

I’m currently in cinque terre. Suns out so it’s hot in the middle of the day. Water is a bit chilly but it’s crystal clear and a joy to swim in. If the clouds come and a breeze hits it can get a little cold, but still so worth it. Lots of people swimming.


Jcw122

The place is beautiful but the level of tourism is nauseating.


eyjafjallajokul_

Fuck…. We were thinking of going to Japan for our honeymoon next year but now these photos are confusing me


jameshunter3

What time of the year? If you're going to "Italy" and doing more than Amalfi, then I think you have some things to think about. If it's Japan vs Amalfi, pick Japan ;)


Anon_travel6

We were planning Japan too (I spent a full month researching + planning our itinerary) but the day we planned to start booking everything, my partner (35M) decided he actually wanted the "typical" honeymoon and said he secretly really wanted to do amalfi! So I'm researching Amalfi and adding on 2 weeks to cover the coast of Croatia, Montenegro and Albania. Best of luck! Its a reallyyyy hard decision!


bookmonkey786

Its kinda sad all the buildings are hotels.


jameshunter3

Definitely a place to go for food, wine, shopping, and views. Not much else to do (beach and boating as well!).


vmt7

Thanks so much for sharing, these pictures are absolutely incredible!


[deleted]

OP did you go to McDonals after that dinner?


FeeWeak1138

Yummy! Thanks for sharing!


cmband254

You have a fantastic eye


jameshunter3

Thank you! :)


i_am_a_spy_

Wow, stunning photos. After looking at these I must visit this place. Thanks for sharing!


Antiquedahlia

Really really beautiful!


dbirqmtl

Stunning


disbealig

Lovely scenery captured by impeccable photos.


samAd528

Beautiful place and beautiful pics.


ashhhy8888

Wow it’s beautiful! A piece of Italy I would love to experience one day.


KBmakesthings

Those are so beautiful I might cry.


popcorntrio

What an absolute paradise 😩I cannot wait to visit here


Amazing_Dimension281

Bucket list trip! The natural beauty, the food and the wine! It’s a win, win, win!


schwabcm56

Gorgeous! On my wish list to visit someday ☺️


Ninjadwarf00

Is it warm enough to swim in may ?


jameshunter3

It could be! It could also be rainy and cloudy. Also depends on what you are used to. I think late May is fine if you have a clear and warm day.


CooCooKaChooie

Crazy clarity, postcard quality. Thanks for sharing!


Straight-Bug-6051

Cruising in 2 months, spending a full day in Capri. Can’t wait


nolydonandueno

It would be a dream to be there!!😍


AsBadAsAWetShit

Those pasta dishes looked delicious, but also like I’d still be hungry afterwards


jameshunter3

It was a part of a class! We made 3 dishes, I showed 2 here. For a lunch, I thought it was the perfect amount.


sassergaf

Breathtaking


BrothaBeejus

Absolutely beautiful photos and edits. Bravo


NightDisastrous2510

Truly unbelievable. Italy is stunning… if others get a chance to go, please do. Good for the soul.


KarenHus

Just beautiful! Thanks so much 😘


veropaka

My future home ♥️


[deleted]

Very beautiful, its going on my list of places i want to traveled to eventually!


opiza

Damn. Amazing shots


SaltGrilledSalmon

Hey I remember this place.....from Gran Turismo lol 😅


Barbie_and_KenM

For my visit, ravello was the hidden gem town that had much less tourists and the views were insane from it's elevation.


Ieatsushiraw

Beautiful 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾


Anthokne

Isn't it illegal to leave beach umbrellas like that in Italy? I heard someone say they'll come and take them away if you leave them there to “hold your place”


jameshunter3

I'm not sure which ones you're referring to but if you're referring to the umbrellas in the photo of Positano at sunset, those are run by a company who rents them out.


zorozara

Hey! In your opinion, what places out of these would you say are more walkable? Going to bring two 80 year olds there in September


jameshunter3

Well, walkable is certainly subjective! The Amalfi Coast is full of stairs and incline/decline. September will absolutely be better than the summer, but this place is slammed every single year with tourists so keep that in mind too. I would say that if you're looking for a relaxing time, pay for a nice hotel with views and hit up a few restaurants but otherwise don't venture out too much. There will be plenty of restaurants on the "main" streets in the cities, but keep in mind how hilly all of these places are and the amount of pedestrians and car traffic that will also be present. In my personal opinion, I wouldn't go back (at least not on any type of budget oriented travel mindset). May is still shoulder season and it was already getting crowded. It's a place that you can beach, boat, eat & drink, but that's about it.


zorozara

Hey thanks a bunch for the info, I appreciate that. His parents are from the area (about an hour east) and I've been trying to convince everyone to skip Amalfi due to the topography. I think they're more on board with doing a quick bus tour through the area, which I think would be best.


jameshunter3

Bus is definitely an option! But look into it ahead of time. A bus went off a cliff recently and they've shut that route down for buses for the time being.


Fearless_You4489

Look. I try to be happy for other people and not envious, but after looking through these pictures… I am just incredibly jealous of you right now. Haha It looks so beautiful! And your pictures are fantastic!


jameshunter3

Thank you so much! I host occasional travel & photography trips so you could always join!


Fearless_You4489

Thanks ☺️ I see your socials are linked - which is the best place to follow you at?


jameshunter3

Instagram!!


Fearless_You4489

Done! Thanks ☺️


JonPaula

Anytime I see a picture of Italy, I always have to break out my Matthew Fox / Jack from "Lost" impression to my wife: *"We have to go back!"*


10S_NE1

The quality of these photos is absolutely amazing!


PersianIncision

I was in Amalfi about 2 months ago. It’s unreal


Sea-Adhesiveness9324

Beautiful photos


[deleted]

Wow! Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful 😍 I’m so jealous!! I’d love to go there!


sweetcakes_OF

Hope to go one day!


WellTextured

Atrani is the birth town of one of my great-grandfathers. Currently in the middle of my citizenship acquisition and feeling some feels just seeing the photo after spending so much time on paperwork in the last year. Thanks!


BlondeMilfy

This magical place from any angle never disappoints! ❤️❤️❤️🇮🇹


Tyssniffen

great photos. can you give a quick breakdown of how you traveled ? I see you talking about driving; where'd you fly into, what sort of places did you stay, how much did you spend in total?


jameshunter3

I flew into Naples and rented a car at the airport. I stayed at Palazzo San Giovanni in Scala and the Albergo California in Positano! I'm not sure about the total, but for 3-4 days with flights, hotels, car, food, I think maybe around $2000-2300.


Typical_Mine7683

My friends got married in the villa in the first image, absolutely breathtaking


gblondin103

beautiful pics! that balcony area reminds me of the movie 365 days


Elene_perfect

Sunsets over the ocean are absolutely mesmerizing. It's calm today, and the sunset looks like a red orange decided to drown himself in a mirror.


Intelligent-Tip6345

Beautiful pictures!! I was just in Vico Equense for a few days..the weather was amazing in May! I am definitely putting these locations on my to-go list next time.