There’s the Amalfi Coast of postcards — and then there’s the one you experience when you climb a thousand stairs, hunt for lemons and question whether beauty can be too perfect.
In this second part of our Amalfi journey, we descend into Positano’s vertical maze of pastel houses and narrow alleys, talk honestly about the curated glamour of one of Italy’s most photographed towns, and finally succeed in our long-running Amalfi lemon mission. From there we cross over to Sorrento — a surprisingly grounded, practical and stunning base with views of Capri and Mount Vesuvius — before diving deep into Pompeii. What we expected to be “just ruins” turned into one of the most fascinating historical experiences we’ve had in years. Walking real Roman streets, seeing ancient street food counters and understanding how an entire city was frozen in time changed the way we look at history.
This episode is about perspective: when to go, how to move around, where to stay, and why sometimes the most famous places still surprise you — if you approach them right.
If you’re ready for lemon zest, volcanic history and a more balanced take on the Amalfi Coast, come along.
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This episode is an AI-assisted English translation of our original German recording. It has been carefully adapted, refined, and reviewed with great attention to detail to fully reflect the tone, depth, and spirit of Reisen Reisen – der Podcast, the largest German-language travel podcast hosted by Jochen Schliemann and Michael Dietz.
You can listen to more episodes of Reisen Reisen in the original German podcast feed, or follow us on Instagram for further travel inspiration.
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Positano
A vertical cliffside town famous for its pastel houses, narrow staircases and glamorous beach scene. Visually spectacular and unmistakably curated, Positano is iconic — but best enjoyed with realistic expectations and good timing.
https://www.instagram.com/visitpositano/
Sorrento
A practical and scenic base overlooking the Gulf of Naples, with easy ferry and train connections to Capri, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. Less flashy than Positano, but balanced, grounded and beautifully located.
https://www.instagram.com/visitsorrento/
Pompeii
One of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites, where an entire Roman city was preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Walking its streets offers an immersive, tangible connection to ancient life.
https://www.instagram.com/parcopompei/
Mount Vesuvius
The volcano that shaped the region’s history and buried Pompeii. Still active and visible from across the Bay of Naples, it remains a powerful presence in the landscape.
https://www.instagram.com/parconazionaledelvesuvio/
Amalfi Coast
A UNESCO World Heritage coastline known for dramatic cliffs, winding roads and Mediterranean light. Best experienced in spring or autumn to avoid peak-season intensity.
https://www.instagram.com/amalfi_coast_official/
Capri
Just a short ferry ride from Sorrento, Capri offers dramatic rock formations, turquoise coves and classic Italian island glamour.
https://www.instagram.com/visitcapri/
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