NEL BLU

NEL BLU sits on Piazza Roma in Cetara, a small fishing village on the Amalfi Coast known more for its anchovy production than its tourist infrastructure — which is precisely what makes it worth seeking out. This three-star hotel occupies a beachfront position, placing guests directly at the edge of the Tyrrhenian Sea rather than a walk away from it. With a near-perfect rating across its reviews, the property punches well above its category in terms of guest satisfaction.

Cetara itself is a working town with a narrow pebble beach, a medieval tower, and a handful of trattorias serving colatura di alici — the fermented anchovy sauce the village has produced for centuries. Staying here means choosing authenticity over the more polished resort experience found further along the coast. The pace is slower, the crowds thinner, and the views across the water toward Capo d'Orso are unobstructed.

For families or couples arriving by car — the sensible choice given Cetara's position on the winding SS163 — private parking removes one of the Amalfi Coast's most persistent headaches. Guests can check in from 15:00 and, before checking out at 11:00, still catch the early morning light on the water from a beachfront room before the day begins in earnest.