Shopping

Shops are usually open in the morning from 9am to 12:30pm, and from 4pm to 7:30pm. Some places may be closed on Wednesdays, so call before you go or ask your hotel concierge.

Naples:
If you want to buy some local handmade products, walk around the Quartieri Spagnoli; this area still has the highest number of old craftsmen shops. The sophisticated and expensive Capodimonte porcelain, cameos and gouaches are particularly famous. The latter are small paintings that represent the most charming and characteristic Neapolitan views, which date back to the 18th century, when the first visitors wanted to take away a souvenir from the city.

Sorrento:
If you wish to buy any clothing, consider going to the weekly street market. This is held on Monday in Sant’Agnello and on Tuesday in Sorrento. You can find all sorts of clothing and other personal items that you may need during your stay. This is usually cheaper than shops but be sure to know your price. Vendors in these street markets come from around Naples (they are not locals) and they know how to recognize a tourist. The keyword is BARGAIN. If you know the price and they try to take you for a ride, just leave.

Amalfi Coast:
Buy anything lemon. This of course means limoncello, the lemon drink that bars usually keep in the freezer in the summer. A 750 mL bottle costs around 10 Euros, but it is definitely worth every single drop. Another souvenir that one must not fail to bring home is nocino, which is made of Sorrento walnuts and coffee beans. The mixture produces a fine flavor that can surely jolt one’s senses.

Amalfi/Positano:
Women will be delighted to know that Amalfi celebrates womanhood with a wide variety of women’s clothing and accessories. The village of Positano, in particular, is a treasured haven for women who want to bring home their own version of the vibrantly colorful Italian fashion. Countless blouses, dresses and fabrics hang from the ceilings, walls and doorways of the distinctly white Positano shopping areas. While they may be quite expensive as compared to other fabrics, one can take consolation in the fact that Amalfi textiles are carefully processed and handmade, making them lavish and ornate not only to the eye but also to the touch. Likewise, the colors are so alive that they can definitely perk up a dreary mood or demeanor. Another popular item in Positano is its sandals and swimwear, which are must-haves, especially when planning a trip to the beach.