A bit of Shopping along the Amalfi Coast

Compared to other Italian hot spots, the Amalfi Coast doesn’t offer a huge selection of shopping in terms of diversity beyond the usual t-shirt and limoncello stores but there are some notable exceptions that will still work out your credit card. If you are looking for designer boutiques that is best found on Capri, and instead look for more unique pieces on the mainland coast. Positano has variety and boutique finds, while Ravello has very elegant selections of ceramics, and Amalfi is great for picking up food items and smaller gifts. So be prepared to fill your suitcase as you will not go back empty handed.

A little etiquette first. In Italy, especially in smaller shops, it is customary to greet the shop owner with a hello, or “Buongiorno!” Many times shops are considered extensions of people’s home and should be thought of the same way upon entering. Politeness does go a long way and even if you don’t speak Italian, do smile and say hello to people.

Ravello 

A bird nest overlooking the blue sea, Ravello posses elegance and good breeding. While there are ceramics all over the Amalfi Coast, I found the more unique designs with real palatial feel along these quiet streets in the sky.

Ceramiche d’Arte Carmela (Via del Rufolo, 16) – Off the main piazza, on the way to the Villa Cimbrone, is my favourite shop for ceramics. Exciting designs, classic styles plus that little bit more. They will ship so shop knowing they will pack it up and send it to you with minimal hassles. I found a rich red platter with yellow acanthus leaves which remains one of my most stunning purchases.

Wine Amalfi Coast (Via Roma, 38) – On the other side of the piazza, under the arch,  is a small but very well stocked wine shop specializing in the best of local wines and spirits. You want that special, not your run of the mill limoncello, or a bold Taurasi wine, this is a great place to buy your wines.

Cameo Factory (Piazza del Duomo, 9) While the name of the shop doesn’t give it the most elegant introduction, this small store just under the duomo has some outstanding cameos and coral jewelry. It is increasenly hard to find fine, handworked pieces of this type anymore and you can still find some lovely items here.

Amalfi

The bustling and charming seaside town of Amalfi is a great place to pick up those decorative bottles of limoncello. A couple smaller ceramic shops along the main road offer inexpensive yet very pretty gift options, while little food shops sell traditional Italian food items.

Pasticerria Pansa (Via Duca Mansone I, 40) This is one of those baby grand old world European cafes. Glass cabinets displaying mouthwatering pastries and candies, mirrored walls and polished wood, make it a must. And after you have had your coffee, make sure you pick up some of the most beautiful marzipan and biscotti.

Limoncello Il Profumo shop (Piazza del Duomo) – Right next to Pasticerria Pansa is a small picturesque boutique selling nothing but limoncello in a wide selection of beautiful bottles. From the traditional painted local scene to some really artful ones, they are all delightful.

Positano

Energetic and more tourist traveled Positano has a bit more variety and can range from art galleries to flip flop shops. Much of the selection feels a bit dated and expected, yet the places that are nice, are very particular and offer exceptional finds.

Emporio Le Sirenuse (Via Cristoforo Colombo, 103) – Probably the best stylish boutique along the coast with lovely resort clothing pieces along with unique home items.  Fanciful pillowcases like the ones used at the hotel and their famous scents, some chic decorative home designers like Carlo Moretti glass pieces displayed next to light scarves and pretty bags.

Ceramica Assunta (Via C. Colombo, 97 & 137) You will see many ceramic shops along the Amalfi Coast, some are better than others and it depends what design and style you are looking for. I like this shop for its extensive selection of good craftsmanship and its whimsical animal plates are quintessentially Positano. Beautiful plates and colourfully designed pasta bowls. There are three shops to choose from, one down in Positano Centre by the beach, and the other two near the Sirenuse hotel.

Cafiero Luigi, Vendita Oggetti Usati, (Via C. Colombo 171) Love this tiny antique shop at the top of the road. Displaying its whimsical and eclectic selection of antique pieces along the road and decorating the ledge overlooking the sea, there is something very special about this place. From the iron worked pieces to the rare decorative glass vase this place is from times past.

Don Catello sandals (Via Franco Franchi, 5) Antonio the shop keeper is one of the friendliest people you will meet and a delight to spend time with. He also knows shoes, and the ones in his shop are extremely stylish. Comfortable and bejeweled handmade sandals are one of a kind and you will leave feeling like Cinderella on the way to the ball.

Casa Bottega Positano (viale Pasitea, 100) This charming little bistro serves up healthy meals and is a local favourite for their fresh smoothies. But they also have a little shop in the front that has artisan homewares hand made in the area. Pretty linens and unique ceramics from here make for a one of a kind elegant souvenir or gift.

Don’t leave the Amalfi Coast without a beautiful bottle of limoncello, a pair of sandals, and a piece of decorative ceramic work. They are things that will transport you back to Italy when you are home.

Updated July 2020