There are few places more idyllic than an Amalfi Coast yacht charter. The views are almost impossibly beautiful and the lifestyle is nothing less than La Dolce Vita. It’s no surprise that the entire coastline of the Sorrentine Peninsula is protected as a cultural landscape by UNESCO. When the anchor has been lowered and it’s time to hit the intoxicating cobbled streets of the many coastal villages, seek out the best bars and nightlife with this charter guide.
Africana
Let’s start with the big guns… any guide to the best nightlife on the Amalfi coast would be incomplete without the Africana club. This is the most famous club on the Amalfi coast and it’s found in Praiano. Africana was created within a huge natural cave at sea level, lending a unique atmosphere in which to party. Re-opened in 2011 after a lengthy revamp, this hotspot has lost none of its appeal. First opened in 1962, Africana has seen a long list of VIPs enter into its stony depths and it’s interesting to imagine Gore Vidal scrutinising Aristotle Onassis and Jackie Kennedy from a darkened corner while Rudolf Nureyev cuts a rug on the dancefloor. The modern day jet-set can still be found whiling the night away here.
Location Via Terramare, 84010 Praiano Salerno
Music on the Rocks
A good proportion of the nightlife on the Amalfi Coast centres round the picturesque seaside town of Positano.
This small fishing village became an exclusive hotspot in the 50s after John Steinbeck described it as a “… dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” Music on the Rocks is Positano’s one and only nightclub, appealingly positioned on a cliff edge terrace, within a few paces of the Spiaggia Grande beach. This place is an institution and regulars often dine on the first floor then take cocktails in the Fly Lounge on the third floor. The dancefloor gets rammed by around 1am and goes until dawn. The atmosphere is fun and the clientele are well-heeled and stylish, many are part of the super yacht scene. Note: This may be in a cave like setting but the dress policy on the door is strict, so make sure to look your best.
Location Via Grotte dell’incanto 51, Positano
Anema e Core Taverna
It’s a refreshing change to visit a cult venue and not have to worry about whether you look ‘right’ to join the elite. Despite the fact that Anema e Core Taverna is a legendary nightspot, which has seen the likes of Ernest Hemmingway and Giorgio Armani dancing together, there is no intimidating door staff and no impenetrable guest list here. Something of a cabaret bar, the friendly staff regularly creates an inclusive atmosphere that is fun and infectious and Hollywood VIPs cut loose and relax with the rest of us. No fancy interiors or extraordinary location here, these otherwise conventional Italian tavern in the heart of the village. The evening stage show is orchestrated by the incomparable Guido, who manages to convince the supermodels and megastars to fling caution to the wind and dance on the tabletops. Anema e Core promises unpretentious and unforgettable good times on your luxury yacht holiday in the Amalfi Coast.
Location Via Sella Orta 39/e 80073 Capri
Palazzo Sasso
For those who seek genuine refinement and an evening without the necessity for loud music and dancing on your yacht holiday, look no further than the Palazzo Sasso. Perched on a high cliff in Ravello overlooking the Gulf of Salerno, this lavish 12th century private residence has been meticulously maintained and now operates as a high-class hotel. Guests over the years have included dignitaries, film stars, captains of industry and the crowned heads of Europe. All of whom will at some point have enjoyed the local Campanie cuisine and sampled the fine bar at Rosselini.
Their award-winning Martini is evidently superb, and if you fancy a bite afterwards the two-Michelin starred chef, Pini Lavarra will not disappoint.
Location Via San Giovanni del Toro 28
Il Pirata
With a restaurant, wine cellar and lounge bar, Il Pirata is a perfect place to spend an entire evening. Why worry about moving on somewhere? Everything is there…and there in style. This renowned venue in La Praia is carved into the cliff face, with roped platforms facing the huge expanse of the sea. It’s a spectacular view to be enjoyed for hours over food and drinks. With a huge wine cellar in a natural cave and a slick lounge bar away from the restaurant, it’s little wonder that regulars here want to keep the place a secret. The sea-urchin linguine is exquisite and be sure to try some of the immaculately mixed cocktails.
**
Location** Via Terramare
La Sirenuse
One of the finer things in life is to await the onset of evening, watching the fiery red sun dip into the Mediterranean, from a terrace at La Sirenuse’s Champagne & Oyster Bar. The azure waters slowly transform into an inky blue and the lights from the buildings that hug the coastline create an almost fictional scene. So picture perfect is the setting that it could have been plucked from the imagination of an acclaimed novelist. Open only in the evenings from mid-May to mid-October, this is the place for a champagne millésimé or an expertly prepared cocktail. The friendly waiters also serve oysters, shellfish, raw fish and other delicacies as you soak up the incredible surroundings. It doesn’t get much better than this… so make sure to book as many others know this.
Location Via Cristoforo Colombo 30 Positano