Summertime has arrived in Italy, the scorching heat is making it difficult to venture out into the city.  My dear friend Laura from Ciao Amalfi will tell us how she keeps cool along the Amalfi coast.  

Please welcome Laura!

Visitors travel from all over Italy and around the world to the Amalfi Coast during the warm summer months to cool off in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Just looking at the water makes you feel cooler, with its mesmerizing shades of blue and the sun sparkling on the gentle waves.  

And, indeed, there is no better way to stay cool on a hot summer day on the Amalfi Coast than to head to the beach. Fortunately, you usually don’t have to go far before finding a tempting spot.  But if you’re dreaming of long, sandy white beaches, the Amalfi Coast isn’t for you. The rugged mountains of the Amalfi Coast plunge down into the sea creating beautiful coves and small, rocky beaches. For comfort, plan on visiting a private lido, or beach, where you can rent sun beds and umbrellas. Most have small bars or restaurants where you can dine overlooking the sea and enjoy the cool breezes.  

The rocky natures of the coastline makes for fine snorkelling and diving, which are popular summer activities. Many lidos also offer kayak, canoe and paddle boat rentals, which is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the water and stay cool. One of my favorite beaches on the Amalfi Coast is called Santa Croce, and is accessible by a long flight of stairs or, more comfortably, by a boat service from Amalfi.  

If lounging by a pool and soaking up the warm sun is more your style, consider staying in a hotel with a fabulous pool. Nearly all larger hotels on the Amalfi Coast have pools, but keep in mind that many smaller or more budget oriented hotels and bed and breakfasts might not. The Hotel Caruso in Ravello has one of the world’s most exquisite infinity pools overlooking the Amalfi Coast. While at the Hotel Luna in Amalfi you can enjoy the sea water pool just steps away from the sea with beautiful views of the nearby village of Atrani.  

One of the best ways to explore the Amalfi Coast during the summer is by boat. You can easily rent a boat in many of the towns on the Amalfi Coast, especially Amalfi and Positano. This is certainly the best way to really see the coastline, to discover its secluded beaches only reachable by water and to experience the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast. And when it gets too hot, all you have to do to cool off is dive into the blue sea! 

Laura Thayer is an art historian and freelance writer living on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy. She writes about travel for MNUI travel insurance and blogs about life on the Amalfi Coast at her own site Ciao Amalfi.

Photos © Laura Thayer, Ciao Amalfi!