One of our favorite traditions when venturing out with the kids to Amalfi Coast beaches is to head to some of the range of choices of restaurants with simple beach clubs in coves accessible only by boat along the coast, where you will find not only the best swimming, but also incredible cuisine with all produce from the local establishment’s family garden and only the freshest fish. At each location, as a lunch or dinner guest, you will typically have the use of the beach club included. To arrive at each of these, even if we are staying elsewhere on the coast from the port where the boat service is offered, we will take the local ferry to the port where the boat departs and then head on over to the beach restaurant. For example, when staying in Minori, we will take the ferry to Amalfi, then catch the Santa Croce boat, or if staying in Praiano, take a boat over to Positano, then catch the Da Adolfo boat.
Santa Croce Beach (Amalfi)
Ristorante Santa Croce The cove at Santa Croce beach is lovely for swimming with children, a place where you will find mostly locals arriving to swim and dine. The beach club also has kayaks and beach toys available to rent for very modest prices. The restaurant menu is simple, and reasonably priced, also offering a nice opportunity to have an early dinner as it serves continuously from lunch through dinner. I love the alici marinate, but I haven’t convinced the kids to try them yet. In this area, anchovies are only served caught daily, so they say that if a seafood restaurant does not have anchovies on the menu, one might want to question whether or not they are truly offering fish caught that day in general! My daughters love the tiramisu, spaghetti alle vongole, and calamari fritti. They even offer gluten free pasta by request. We love taking a peek at the garden.
To arrive, take the free boat service from the port at Amalfi running about every 20-30 minutes and takes 10 minutes to arrive. If you are facing the sea, head down to the dock to the left of the bus depot in the center of Amalfi (directly in front of the Hotel Residence), you will see the boat arrive with “Ristorante Santa Croce” on it. Reservations are not required, but recommended. The boat operator’s number is 338 7918315. There is also another restaurant here that is slightly more upscale, with a beach club, “Da Teresa,” offering a free boat service from the exact opposite side of the port of Amalfi, to the right of the bus depot.
Laurito (Positano)
Ristorante Da Adolfo The swimming at the beach at Laurito has been among my favorite spots along the Amalfi Coast since my first visit in 1990, when I swam in from a boat for a late lingering lunch with friends. Try the grilled scamorza on lemon leaves, a type of smoked mozzarella, and the menu changes daily with a range of seafood delights and fresh produce from the area.
To arrive, catch the free boat service from the port at Positano on a rather infamous little white boat with a red fish sign that reads “Bagni e Ristorante Laurito DA ADOLFO.” It is about a 5 minute boat ride. The boat departs and returns about every 10 minutes from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Conca dei Marini
Ristorante La Tonnarella This restaurant does not have its own beach club, but there is very nice swimming in Conca dei Marini for families. La Tonnarella has a slightly more sophisticated menu than the other two, so perhaps a nice choice for dinner or a long Sunday lunch. The polipo all’insalate (octopus salad) and the parmigiana di melanzane (eggplant parmesan) were top choices, but the entire menu is enticing so it’s difficult to choose.
To arrive, catch the free boat service from the port at Amalfi. For details, call Francesco at 338 8579842. Closed Sunday and Monday evening. Buon appetito and enjoy your swim!
Read more of our recommendations for family-friendly dining on the Amalfi Coast and tips for hotels and holiday rentals for families in the Amalfi Coast
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