Mortgage second

The Amalfi Coast boasts a full range of lodging choices, from deluxe to budget. Over the past 10 years, hotels, B&B’s and farm holiday homes have sprung up at an astounding rate. Depending on your requirements (and wallet), you may want to splurge and stay at one Positano’s deluxe hotels such as Le Sirenuse, where a double room with sea view starts at 850 Euro per night in high season. It’s terraces and pool look out over the majestic blue waters of the Amalfi Coast, with the hillside historic town of Positano just off to the North. If that doesn’t sound like heaven, have a look for yourself.

For the slightly less affluent traveler, the Eden Roc hotel, also in Positano offers semi royal treatment and many of the amenities of the finer hotels, but at about half the cost. Here a double room in high season will cost 350 Euro and up.

Another option altogether is that of the farm holiday, known in Italy as the “agriturismo”. These are a wonderful option not only for the budget traveler, but for those who like to truly get a glimpse of what life is like for a hard working Italian family, as most of these destinations are family owned and operated.

It may sound odd to think of this chic coastal region as a place to enjoy nature, but there are several ‘agriturismi’ to be found where prices are quite modest, the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the food is beyond this world. Tucked at the end of a hidden mountain road in the quiet town of Furore, the Agriturismo Serafina is run by the Fusco family.

Domenico and his wife Giuseppina inherited their acres of terraced farm land from Domenico’s ancestors, in times before a road even connected their farm to the rest of the town. Domenico had a vision of creating a legacy of this land, and this is exactly what he has done. He works the land, cares for the olive and lemon groves, vineyard, and gardens, while his wife Giuseppina cares for the 8 guest rooms and prepares meals for the guests using home grown ingredients.

Both use their “down time” for making and packaging their own products such as exquisite jams and preserves, limoncello, olive oil, wine, jarred eggplants, zucchini, cured meats, cheeses, butter, and so on. Their two daughters help with the whole range of chores, from tending to the livestock to serving guests at mealtimes. A stay at Serafina will leave an imprint in your memory that will last a lifetime, at a mere 50 Euro per person per night for lodging, breakfast and dinner.

By: Danielle Russo