Our guide to self-catering in the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast, where azure waters meet dramatic cliffs adorned with pastel-coloured villages, is a Mediterranean paradise nestled in the heart of Italy. This region offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights, making it the perfect destination for those seeking an unforgettable self catering villa holiday. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore, with the scent of lemon groves wafting through the air and the promise of a sun-soaked day ahead. Our handpicked villas provide the ideal home for your adventures, combining comfort with the freedom to tailor your experience exactly as you wish.

Self-catering at one of our villas allows you to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, creating a personalised and intimate experience. From sourcing the freshest local ingredients to preparing delicious meals in your villa's kitchen, the charm of daily routines takes on a whole new meaning. Imagine starting your day with a vibrant, locally-sourced breakfast on your private terrace, savouring the delicate flavours of Italian cuisine as you plan your day. Not far from your villa, the quaint towns of Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento wait to be discovered; each offering their own unique charm and array of experiences.

The freedom to create your own schedule and dine in the comfort of your villa offers a level of flexibility and relaxation that is unparalleled. Whether you choose to spend your days lounging by the pool, exploring historic sites, or indulging in the local gastronomy, each moment becomes a treasured part of your holiday narrative. With no set itinerary, you can follow your whims, whether that means a spontaneous trip to a local market or an afternoon spent basking in the sun on a secluded beach.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or embarking on your first villa holiday, we aim to help you make the most of your stay. 

Supermarkets

Positano

Among Positano’s many treasures are the local supermarkets that cater to both residents and visitors alike. The best supermarkets in Positano offer an array of fresh, high-quality products that reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage. At the top of the list is the Delicatessen Di Giovanni, a beloved local shop known for its exceptional selection of Italian cheeses, cured meats, and freshly baked breads. This family-run store prides itself on sourcing products from nearby farms and artisans, ensuring an authentic and delightful experience. 

Another standout is Alimentari Franco e Li, where customers can find an extensive range of fresh produce, seafood, and gourmet items. The friendly staff are always willing to provide cooking tips and recommendations, making it a favourite among food enthusiasts.

For those looking for organic and specialty items, Bio Alimenti Positano offers a wide variety of health-conscious products, including gluten-free, vegan, and organic options. Its commitment to sustainability and quality resonates with environmentally conscious shoppers

Lastly, La Bottega di Brunella is a quaint supermarket that captures the essence of Positano’s charm. With its rustic decor and carefully curated selection of local wines, olive oils, and handmade pasta, it is a culinary haven for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the flavours of the Amalfi Coast.

Each of these supermarkets not only provides essential goods but also contributes to the vibrant tapestry of life in Positano, making them indispensable to the community.

Sorrento

Among the many charms of this picturesque town are its supermarkets, which offer a blend of traditional Italian fare and modern conveniences. One of the best-known supermarkets in Sorrento is the Deco Supermercato, located conveniently in the town centre. Deco is celebrated for its wide selection of fresh produce, local cheeses, cured meats, and an impressive array of Italian wines. The friendly staff and reasonably priced goods make it a favourite among both locals and visitors.

Carrefour Market, located conveniently in the heart of Sorrento, is also a popular choice for its extensive selection of both local and international products. The staff at Carrefour are known for their helpfulness and multilingual abilities, ensuring that visitors feel welcome and well-assisted.

Supermercato Pollio, a family-run shop, offers a more intimate and personalised shopping experience. While it may be smaller than some of its competitors, Pollio prides itself on its high-quality products, especially its fresh seafood. The warm atmosphere and attentive service make it a favourite among locals.

Another standout is Conad City, a supermarket chain that has established itself as a reliable option for quality products. Conad City in Sorrento is particularly noted for its clean, well-organised aisles and a fantastic bakery section where you can find fresh bread and pastries baked daily.

For those seeking organic and health-conscious options, the Bio C’ Bon offers an excellent variety of organic fruits, vegetables, and gluten-free products. This supermarket prides itself on stocking ethically sourced and eco-friendly items, catering to the growing demand for sustainable living.

Food markets

Positano

Among the must-visit spots is the bustling Positano Street Market, where you can find an array of fresh produce, from juicy lemons and ripe tomatoes to fragrant herbs and spices. This market is a treasure trove for those looking to immerse themselves in the authentic tastes of the region.

Another favourite is La Bottega di Brunella, a charming shop that combines artisanal crafts with gourmet delights. Here, you can sample and purchase homemade pasta, locally produced olive oil, and delectable limoncello, all of which make perfect souvenirs.

For those with a sweet tooth, a visit to Collina Bakery is essential. This quaint bakery offers an assortment of traditional Italian pastries and sweets, alongside freshly baked bread that will tantalise your taste buds.

Finally, no trip to Positano is complete without exploring the Fish Market, located near the beach. This market offers the freshest catch of the day, perfect for those planning to cook a seafood feast or simply enjoy a delicious meal at one of the nearby restaurants. 

Each of these markets provides a unique slice of Positano's rich culinary heritage, making them essential stops for any food lover visiting this coastal town.

Sorrento

One market not to miss out on is the bustling Sorrento Street Market, held every Tuesday. The market is also a treasure trove of local cheeses, freshly baked bread, and an assortment of olives, allowing visitors to sample the very essence of Italian cuisine. 

Another recommendation is the Coldiretti Market, which operates on weekends and emphasises farm-to-table products. This market is perfect for those seeking organic and artisanal goods, including honey, jams, and traditional Italian pastries like sfogliatelle. The market’s friendly atmosphere allows for engaging conversations with the growers and producers, providing insights into their time-honoured methods.

For a more immersive experience, the Marina Grande Market located by the harbour offers the freshest seafood straight from the Tyrrhenian Sea, including clams, octopus, and anchovies. This market perfectly complements the coastal charm of Sorrento, making it a favourite among both locals and tourists. 

Typical breakfasts in The Amalfi Coast

A typical breakfast on the Amalfi Coast is often a light yet satisfying affair, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients. One might start the day with a "cornetto," a local variant of the croissant, often filled with deliciously sweet options like lemon cream, inspired by the region’s famous lemons, or chocolate. These pastries are typically enjoyed alongside a steaming cup of espresso or a "cappuccino," providing a perfect balance of warmth and flavour to kickstart the morning.

Another staple of the Amalfi breakfast is the "sfogliatella," a shell-shaped pastry that boasts a crisp, flaky exterior and a rich filling, which can range from sweet ricotta cheese to citrusy custard. This pastry is a testament to the region’s penchant for creating intricate and indulgent treats.

For those who prefer something simpler, fresh bread is often available, accompanied by locally produced jams and honey. The flavours of these spreads are often enhanced by the region’s abundant fruit orchards, featuring figs, apricots, and, of course, lemons. Additionally, the Amalfi Coast’s proximity to the sea means that seafood sometimes makes a surprising yet delightful appearance on the breakfast table, from anchovy-topped bruschetta to smoked fish platters.

Cheeses and cold cuts also make an appearance, particularly in more substantial breakfasts. You might find a selection of local cheeses like mozzarella di bufala or provolone, alongside slices of prosciutto, salami, or mortadella. These items are often enjoyed with bread or crackers, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

For those who prefer something heartier, a "frittata" made with eggs, vegetables, and sometimes cheese might be on the menu. This dish is both nutritious and flavorful, embodying the Mediterranean diet's focus on fresh produce and simple preparation.

Fresh fruit also plays a significant role in the morning meal, with vibrant, sun-ripened produce like oranges, peaches, and grapes providing a refreshing start to the day. Yogurt, often drizzled with honey and sprinkled with nuts or granola, is another common feature, offering a nutritious and satisfying option for health-conscious locals and visitors alike.

Typical lunches in The Amalfi Coast

Lunchtime in this Mediterranean paradise is a vibrant affair, steeped in tradition and brimming with fresh, local ingredients. A typical lunch might start with a plate of "antipasti," featuring marinated vegetables, olives, and local cheeses like mozzarella di bufala. The region's access to the sea means that seafood often takes centre stage. Delicate dishes such as "insalata di mare" (seafood salad) made with octopus, shrimp, and calamari, dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil, are common. For those who prefer something heartier, "scialatielli ai frutti di mare," a type of thick, short pasta mixed with a variety of fresh seafood, captures the essence of the coastal cuisine.

The Amalfi Coast is also renowned for its lemons, which are larger and more aromatic than typical varieties. These lemons find their way into many dishes, whether it's a zesty "spaghetti al limone" or a tangy lemon dressing on a crisp salad. The bread here is often dipped in "colatura di alici," an anchovy sauce that adds a burst of umami to any meal. No lunch would be complete without a side of "panzanella," a bread salad that soaks up the flavours of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and basil, all drizzled with olive oil and vinegar.

For those who appreciate a meatier option, "braciole al ragù" is beef rolls stuffed with garlic, parsley, and cheese, simmered in a rich tomato sauce and offers a satisfying bite. Seasonal vegetables such as eggplant and zucchini are often featured, whether grilled, roasted, or incorporated into dishes like "parmigiana di melanzane," a baked eggplant parmesan layered with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

To finish, dessert might include a slice of "delizia al limone," a lemon sponge cake filled with lemon cream, a treat that perfectly encapsulates the citrusy essence of the region. 

Of course, a meal on the Amalfi Coast would not be complete without a glass of local wine, perhaps a crisp Falanghina or a refreshing Greco di Tufo, to complement the vibrant flavours of the food.

Typical dinners in The Amalfi Coast

One of the most iconic dishes you’ll find is Spaghetti alle Vongole, a simple yet flavourful pasta dish made with fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and a sprinkle of parsley. The clams are often sourced directly from the local waters, ensuring a taste that is both fresh and authentic. 

It couldn't be an Italian dinner without a lemon inspired dish. Lemon Risotto, is a well known recipe where creamy arborio rice is infused with lemon zest and juice, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and sour flavours. For those who prefer meat, a traditional dish like Pollo al Limone, or lemon chicken, showcases the versatility of these lemons, marinating chicken in a blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs before roasting it to perfection.

Seafood lovers will relish in dishes such as Grigliata di Pesce, a mixed grill of the day’s freshest catch, often including prawns, squid, and local fish like branzino or orata, simply seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and herbs, then grilled to bring out their natural flavours. For a heartier option, there’s the Zuppa di Pesce, a rich seafood soup brimming with fish, shellfish, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, best enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the broth.

No meal on the Amalfi Coast would be complete without a nod to the region’s outstanding produce, such as insalata caprese, a salad of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with the finest extra virgin olive oil. 

Throughout the meal, enjoy exceptional local wines such as the crisp and aromatic whites from the villages of Furore and Ravello, or the robust reds from the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

As the sun sets over the Tyrrhenian Sea and the evening breeze carries the scent of citrus and the sound of waves, a dinner at the Amalfi Coast is not merely a meal, but a memorable experience in your villa that will be remembered for years to come.

Your starter shopping list

• Fresh bread and pastries

• Condiments such as jam and honey

• Fresh fruit and vegetables

• Coffee and fresh juice

• Eggs

• Yoghurt

• Cured meats and local cheeses

• Fresh meat and seafood

• Lemons (lots of them)

• Pasta/risotto

• Olive oil and vinegar

• Herbs

• Local wine

Our favourite self catering villas in The Amalfi Coast

Villa Delfina is a lovely property just above the beach at Marina del Cantone with extraordinary sea views and direct beach access via a flight of steps. The charming al fresco area with built in barbecue is the perfect spot to enjoy your homemade Italian meals.

Villa Turchese is a beautiful seaside villa with original features and is located within walking distance of the long beach. This villa holds a large al fresco dining area with a built-in kitchen consisting of a sink, hob, pizza oven and preparation area; so all the guests can get involved in cooking. 

In a matchless spot overlooking the beautiful Bay of Naples, Villa Sorrentina is a contemporary property with a pretty pool, and is within easy reach of romantic Sorrento. The large kitchen with island unit is positioned perfectly next to french doors leading out to the alfresco area; so guests have multiple choices on where to dine. 

Our Villa Specialists are happy to book a range of experiences for you. If you're feeling inspired by these experiences and would like to speak with one of our Specialists, make an enquiry or browse our Amalfi Coast collection today.