How can you spend a peaceful and unique soujorn on the Amalfi coast, free of tourist hordes that swamp everything between Amalfi and Positano, with an apartment to yourself, a vista of the ocean, the coast line and of Ravello? The answer: The Agriturismo Il Campanile Salvatore Aceto. I spent a wonderful three weeks at The Agriturismo Il Campanile, enjoying the warm hospitality of Ornella and Salvatore Aceto and the charm and beauty of their terraced lemon groves above Minori, a tranquil charming town just minutes beyond the tourist crush of Amalfi. It was a time full of peace, quiet, amazing views, warm sun, cool breezes, kind and gracious hospitality, interesting fellow guests and a few challenges.
An old farmhouse perched high in the terraced lemon groves has been completely renovated into two comfortable apartments with small kitchenettes and combo living/dining rooms. The lower apartment has a wide terrace with dining table, chairs, sun loungers and a gorgeous view of Minori, the coast and Amalfi in the distance. The upper apartment is similar but has a rooftop terrace that commands a superb view and is ideal for private sun bathing. Ornella and Salvatore were gracious, generous with their time and energy and always cheerful and helpful during my extended stay. Aside from renovating the old farm house, Ornella and Salvatore have also converted one of the terraces into a covered banquet and picnic area. They also have a playground area for guests with small children.
It is worth remembering that "agriturismo" means a working farm with added accommodations for tourists. It does not mean a hotel, a B&B or an all inclusive resort. A certain amount of rusticity must always be expected. And you need to be realistic about your level of fitness. All tourism anywhere on the Amalfi coast involves some climbing of hills, of stairs, of roads and trails. There are 200 plus steps from the road to the apartments at Agriturismo Il Campanile. From the road you can either take the city run minibus into town or take the additional 450 some steps down from the road into town. You will have the reverse to come home for the day. Either the minibus, if it is running when you need it, or about 650 steps from town to the apartments. It can be done. Just be realistic.
By the end of my stay I could say that it had been a unique and warmly memorable experience and that I was very glad I had selected Agriturismo Il Campanile for my time on the Amalfi Coast.
