About this property
Built in the traditional local style, in an elevated position above the coastal road, the authentic Villa Finocchiara welcomes up to twelve guests for a relaxing break on the enchanting Amalfi Coast. Even after its renovation in 2007, this hillside retreat has not lost its traditional charm, with archetypal Amalfian features and striking views from its sun-drenched terraces on all three floors.
The villa sits on a hilltop up 113 steps from the main coastal road. Guests enjoy several parking spaces in a private parking lot at the base of the property, a luggage ‘elevator’ which will bring luggage and groceries, from the parking lot directly up to the property, and a great restaurant situated at the bottom of the steps leading up to the property.
As you enter via the tufa steps on the middle floor, you will find the first two of the villa’s six delightful double bedrooms, which share a large bathroom with a Jacuzzi, walk-in shower and immaculate ceramic tiling from Vietri Sul Mare, just a few kilometres along the coast. Fine ceramics are one of this region’s most famous exports, and colourful tiling features in all five bathrooms. Different patterns feature in all of the bathrooms’ walls and floors, adding a layer of authentic Amalfian style to the superb fixtures and furniture.
The living spaces have a pleasing flow, with the homely living room offering sumptuously comfortable sofas and a large television to unwind in front. This, in turn, leads to a spacious kitchen diner that lends itself to social morning coffees and lunches at the farmhouse-style dining table. As well as a terrific range stovetop, espresso machine and a sequence of bar refrigerator units that can accommodate plenty of local wines and Limoncello, there is a beautifully restored fireplace, ideal for winter visitors. You will discover more of this villa’s exceptional features, such as stonework at the poolside dating back over eight hundred years. This has been expertly incorporated with the villa’s renovation, its arched coves leading to two of the bedrooms.
As well as offering welcome refreshments on summer days, the stunning infinity pool offers fabulous views of the sea and the neighbouring hillside. For a blissful morning experience, switch on the waterfall feature and watch the yachts and hydrofoils enter Amalfi harbour, following others as they head out on the cobalt Mediterranean waters. Uncork a bottle of Falanghina and relax in the rattan lounge on a poolside terrace that’s a beautiful place to gather at all times of the day. This glorious viewpoint takes on an entirely different atmosphere as the sun sets. The illuminated houses on the hillside opposite, along with the poolside lighting, generate a truly magical feel. Suppers at the covered dining table are a joy. If a day at the poolside has left you with little energy for cooking – even at the impressive large barbecue - there is a delivery service available from the excellent restaurant next door.
Villa Finocchiara is just a short walk from the charming harbour town of Amalfi, with plenty of other delightful towns and villages along the thirty-four-mile Amalfi Coast. Even if you prefer not to drive, the towns between Amalfi and Salerno are easy to reach by ferry or bus, with taxis readily available in the central coastal towns. Amalfi is a graceful place that you will find a little easier to walk around than some of its steeper neighbours. You will find all the essentials for your stay at Villa Finocchiara and much more, with a terrific Thursday morning market at the port and a wealth of superb cafés, restaurants and shops.
If you fancy a stroll around, compared to some of the more vertiginous towns along the coast, Amalfi is an ideal day out. The promenade is a feast for the eyes, with a bustling harbour full of colourful boats and bright, whitewashed buildings rising gently up the hillside.
The eye-catching architecture and beautiful scenery extend well beyond the stunning cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo - as the local saying goes- “For an Amalfitan, the day he goes to heaven is just like any other day”. You will discover a terrific range of independent shops, as well as delightful cafés and restaurants – the phenomenal seafood, in particular, is not to be missed.
A short but scenic fifteen-minute drive will bring you to the gorgeous clifftop town of Ravello, known as the ‘Balcony of the Amalfi Coast’. A long-standing refuge of artists, musicians and authors over the last two centuries, Ravello hosts a range of cultural events throughout the year, including the Ravello Festival. This open-air event takes place at Villa Rufolo throughout July and August, with atmospheric musical performances set against the spectacular backdrop of the Gulf of Salerno. Michelin-starred restaurants share piazzas with trattorias and pizzerias, offering visitors a wealth of enticing dining options between taking in the breathtaking architecture and enjoying some of the best shopping along the Amalfi Coast.
Great shopping is one of the hallmarks of the towns and villages along this thirty-four-mile stretch of coast. Pastel-coloured buildings adorn the narrow streets, housing beautifully designed stores packed with everything from fine Italian leather bags and stylish clothing to ceramic art and one of the region’s most famous exports – Limoncello. Made with the freshest Sorrento lemons, this locally produced liqueur is available in its dedicated stores in various imaginatively designed bottles. Whether you prefer the traditional local recipe or artisanal varieties infused with peppermint or juniper, this is an unmissable treat to enjoy while staying on the Amalfi Coast.
Taking small bottles of Limoncello home as gifts is de rigueur when you visit here, but beware – the bottles’ corks can be a little unpredictable in your luggage - we recommend grabbing some decent tape to seal the bottles before you pack them!
As expected, this part of Italy is rightly proud of its culinary and winemaking heritage. There is no shortage of options for terrific local restaurants and trattorias, not to mention cookery classes and tasting tours – getting you right to the heart of this region’s passion for food and wine. There are vibrant weekly markets in the towns close by, with Ravello and Sorrento hosting theirs on a Tuesday. These street markets have their picturesque backdrops, with crowds gathering at Amalfi’s port on Thursdays treated to an incredible view from the oceanfront path. Those arriving later in the week can gather fantastic ingredients for weekend dinners at Maiori on Friday, as well as have the chance to wander along the promenade and enjoy this pretty harbour town.
Wherever you stay along this uniquely beautiful, thirty-mile stretch of coast, you will find plenty of tour operators close by, offering a range of unforgettable experiences. Take a boat cruise over to Capri, with its famous blue caves and crystalline waters, or head an hour by road to the archaeological marvel that is Pompeii. As well as guided sightseeing tours, many operators offer deluxe packages that include extras, such as snorkelling, lunch and wine tastings, so be sure to shop around to find one that suits you.
Accommodation
Villa Interior(300 sqm)
Bottom Floor
- Lounge/dining room
- Double bedroom with double bed (bed can be converted to twin beds) with en-suite bathroom with shower
- Double bedroom with double bed (bed can be converted to twin beds) with single sofa-bed, en-suite bathroom with shower
Middle Floor (pool level, accessed via an external staircase, not connected internally with the bottom floor)
- Double bedroom with double bed (bed can be converted to twin beds)
- Kitchen/dining room
- Double bedroom with double bed (bed can be converted to twin beds) with panoramic window
- Double bedroom with double bed (bed can be converted to twin beds) with terrace access
- Bathroom with shower/sauna cabin
- Living room with terrace access
- Bathroom with hydro massage bathtub
Top Floor (accessed via an external staircase, not connected internally with the first floor)
- Living room with corner kitchen
- Double bedroom with double bed (bed can be converted to twin beds) with single sofa bed
- Bathroom with shower
- Access to private terrace with outdoor shower
Outside Grounds(700sqm)
- Swimming pool (can be heated, 8m x6m, from 1.10m to 1.60m depth) open approximately end-April to end-October
- Shaded terrace and gardens
- Outdoor shower
- Dining table
- Solarium terrace with built-in seating
- Sunbeds
- Barbecue
- Parking for two cars with a pulley system for luggage
Facilities
- Air conditioning
- Wi-Fi
- Central heating
- Outdoor stereo with CD player
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Iron with board
- Mosquito nets
- Safe