Positano, Italy, stands out for its bright, scenic homes built into steep cliffs.

This inviting village offers striking design, small shops, lively ceramics, fresh seafood, and wine tastings in spots like former caves.

Enjoying these features - and others - led me to pick Positano as the base for our family trip to the Amalfi Coast to mark my dad's retirement.

Even though Positano met every expectation, we grew even fonder of Minori, a quieter find along the shore.

We Found Minori While Hiking the Path of the Lemons

One highlight of our journey was the hike on Sentiero dei Limoni, a scenic terraced route linking Maiori and Minori.

We started in Maiori and reached Minori partway through the walk.

First we stopped at Agricola Ruocco, a family lemon farm perched above the sea. A simple gate and sign listed treats such as lemon ice, sorbet, limoncello spritz, and more.

The garden featured cozy seats and lights hung from branches, with sweeping views of the water.

After talking with the owners and enjoying cool drinks and homemade sorbet, they let us walk through the groves just above.

Having time alone under the lemon trees with sunlight streaming through felt like a scene from a film.

The warm welcome made us feel at home and far from the crowds in Capri, Sorrento, and Positano.

We Kept Hiking and Sampled More of Minori

After the drinks we continued the trail and paused for a meal at Cuonc Cuonc, another family spot.

Fresh tomatoes hung from vines, floral cloths moved in the breeze, and local cats rested in the sun.

High above the town buildings, this farm felt closer to daily life than the busier places in Positano.

We sipped wine and enjoyed meats, cheeses, olives, pickles, honey, seasonal jams, and stuffed zucchini blossoms, plus handmade pasta with lemon cream sauce. It ranked as my top meal of the trip.

Before returning to Positano we explored the center and visited a seaside bakery famous for delizia al limone, which lived up to its name.

Along the way we found many striking photo spots in this easy-to-walk town.

My camera stayed busy as I passed alleyways, Roman ruins, and shops selling ceramics and local goods near the center.

We also admired the Basilica of Santa Trofimena, a yellow church above the main square.

Minori Will Be My Choice for the Next Amalfi Visit

For a truly local stay on the Amalfi Coast, Minori is well worth considering.

While Positano was lovely, Minori offered a calmer, more genuine feel. Its streets had fewer visitors than Positano, and we saw parents collecting children from school and kids playing outside.

At the farms we visited, we could enjoy each moment fully without rushing or waiting for space. Minori matched the Amalfi Coast experience I had pictured before arriving.

I would not trade my first Positano trip, but on my next visit to the region Minori will serve as home base.