10 photography travel journals
- POSITANO
The best view of Positano is from the sea: get here at sunset and You’ll be amazed by its beauty. The rock makes it look like a natural pyramid. Don’t forget to photograph the Monti Lattari right at its back: their crucial part of its timeless charm.
2. VESUVIO ( Mount Vesuvius )
You might think mainly about the seaside when discovering the Amalfi Coast but You won’t miss a visit to Mount Vesuvio: the ONLY mainland volcano active in Europe. It has erupted at least 50 times in history. It’s 1,281m tall and it’s surrounded by the Valle del Gigante ( Giant’s valley). Again, being here at dawn or sunset will be ideal. I got there on a foggy day which gave it even more of a fascinating atmosphere. One of the most unforgettable experience to put on Your bucket list.
3. NAPOLI
You need to keep Your mind open to fully embrace the lifestyle of this city. From the elegance of Piazza Plebiscito, its main square, to the raw streets of the Spanish Quarters, You might soon realize its several sides. You can opt for an Hop On Hop OFF tour that will allow You to visit both the city center and the nearby coast. Always wear comfy shoes because You’ll find stairs, narrow roads and hills to climb pretty often.
4. POMPEI & ERCOLANO
In A.D. 79 the volcano destroyed both Pompeii and Herculaneum : the ashes preserved it and kept it frozen in time. in 1592, while digging to build an underground channel to divert Sarno River, some ancient walls covered in paintings and inscriptions were discovered. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It will be almost impossible to get photos without tourists but, if You can, avoid weekends and get there soon in the morning or late in the afternoon. If You love History, You’ll love walking through the ruins, staring at the remains and trying to imagine how life was back then.
5. CAPRI
In the Tyrrhenian Sea this pretty Island has really all the photo features You look to create Your own holiday-postcards: delicious food, peculiar souvenirs, italian beach life, mountains, green water and that posh vibes that made it a luxurious retreat for international tourists. The name might come from Latin ” caprae ” which means “goats “, but the etymology is still uncertain. there are 2 municipalities, Capri and Anacapri. the Grotta Azzurra, the Faraglioni, the old harbors.. A small place full of things to photograph and enjoy!
6. FOOD & SOUVENIRS
Pizza was invented in Naples: do I even have to tell You what should you do when coming here? Take time for photos and make sure to recharge Your stomach eating with fried pizza, ragù ( a tomato sauce enriched with sliced meat that You eat with pasta), impepata di cozze ( a special bowl of mussels ), sfogliatelle ( shell-shaped pastry filled with ricotta cheese ) and many other specialties that Your personal trainer would not love you to ingest. About souvenirs, don’t forget to buy for someone ( or ask sombody to gift You with ) a cornetto, a lucky charm in the shape of a little horn, usually made out of coral.
7. ISCHIA
Another volcanic island in the northern end of the gulf of Naples, it’s mainly made of mountains with Mount Epomeo ( 788m ) its highest peak. Famous for its incredible spas, it has a roughly trapeziodal shape. I was surprised by its beauty since it’s a little bit less popular than Capri or Positano. Rent a vespa and drive to its top to enjoy a breathtaking view of Sant’Angelo.
8. CHURCHES
Don’t be deceived bye the simple and sometimes neglected facade of the many churches You’ll see in this area: the insight will unveil rich and astonishing details that will leave You quite speechless. Again another dichotomy that invites the tourist to trust the city and let it guide him/her among its beautiful secrets.
9. NAPOLI SOTTERRANEA ( Naples underground )
If you want an adventurous tour of Naples, walking in its underground will be a fun activity to program. A greek-roman aqueduct at about 40m under the ground will not be appreciated by claustrophobics but surely deserve the descent if You are fond of history and want to see a Second World War raid shelter. Light will be low so make the most of the artificial spots to shoot an interesting perspective of the city.
10. SUNSETS
Sunsets might sound like a photo-cliché, but they show a rare beauty here so make sure to shoot at least one on the Gulf. One of the best memory to bring back home.
Some useful items to bring with You:
Naples & Amalfi Coast guide:
Napoli, Pompei e la Costiera Amalfitana. Con carta estraibile
Nikon D600:
Nikon D600 Fotocamera digitale reflex 24.7 MP [Versione EU]
Hiking shoes:
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
10 photography | francesca pradella 