Few people know the Amalfi Coast the way Carlos Souza does. The Valentino ambassador and perennial tastemaker has been returning to these cliffs and coves since the 1980s, when a yacht anchored off the Li Galli Islands first introduced him to Positano's particular magic. Decades later, his love for the coastline hasn't dimmed; if anything, it's deepened into something more personal: long lunches in Nerano, hidden beaches in Praiano, and a quiet loyalty to the places that have never needed to change. Here, he shares the corners of Amalfi he keeps coming back to, and the ones he thinks you shouldn't leave without seeing.
When I want a dose of culture, I visit:
Pompeii. Just a short distance from the Amalfi Coast, the ancient city continues to reveal extraordinary archaeological discoveries, making every visit feel alive with history and impossible to miss.
My first memory of Amalfi is:
My first experience of the Amalfi Coast dates back to the 1980s, when I was a guest aboard a yacht. After anchoring at the enchanting Galli Islands, we made our way to the breathtaking village of Positano, a memory I still cherish to this day.
The one place that every visitor must go is:
For dining, I cannot recommend Ristorante Lo Scoglio highly enough. The cuisine is deeply rooted in Neapolitan tradition, and every dish is simply extraordinary. It is, without question, a must-visit destination for any food lover.
One of my favorite beaches is:
The village of Praiano is truly a hidden gem, blessed with a stunning and uniquely beautiful sea. Be prepared, though, the countless steps carved into the cliffs will give your legs quite the workout, making it the perfect natural gym!
The meal I can't leave Amalfi without is:
The spaghetti alla Nerano at Da Maria Grazia is a legendary dish that fully deserves its stellar reputation, an absolute five-star culinary experience that visitors should not miss.
My favorite hotel is:
For accommodation, Le Sirenuse is an impeccable choice, offering world-class elegance and service.
If you're visiting Amalfi for the first time, be sure to stop by:
Ravello is a must for those seeking the most breathtaking panoramic views on the coast. Its stunning hilltop park, gazing out over the entire coastline below, is one of the most awe-inspiring sights the Amalfi Coast has to offer.
I feel at home in Amalfi when:
One of my most cherished moments on the coast is sitting down to a long, leisurely lunch at La Conca dei Sogni in Nerano. This simply magical setting perfectly captures the spirit of the Mediterranean.
I like to go shopping in:
Positano is not only one of the most beautiful villages on the coast but also a wonderful shopping destination, offering a fantastic selection of local boutiques, handcrafted goods, and stylish finds to bring home as souvenirs.
Describe Amalfi in three words:
Inspiring, delicious, and athletic.