We unknowingly arrived on the busiest weekend as it was the 50th Anniversary of the famous Amalfi boat race (v Pisa, Genoa & Venice). Paolo had no room, but kindly found us room for our tent and let us use the hostel kitchen facilities. It's a small 2-dorm hostel in an old convent in the centre of San Lazarro village, with a sheltered, shady campsite. He was so informative and interesting about the area, we had thought that we were in the middle of the countryside and mountains, and were amazed to be introduced to the spectacular viewpoints (over Amalfi, and also over Positano to Capri) from the end of the village street! At his suggestion we walked all 2500 steps (9 kilometres) down to Amalfi and were able to watch the colourful parade, pageant, and boat race - then caught the bus back. We visited Pompeii, Sorrento, Vesuvius, Positano, Naples, etc by cheap local buses - easier than driving around the steep hairpin bends and better for appreciating the wonderful scenery. Go to the Cafe Milo for the best coffee and hot chocolate in the world, and the friendliest welcome from the villagers. They are justifiably proud of their home. Use all the local shops, eat the best home-made pasta & pizza at the trattoria, drink the superb local wine, and the sweetest milk, butter and cheese from the dairy. (We wondered where the cows were, as none could be seen. Paolo told us that traditionally most families keep one in the stable to help produce the "flower of Agerola") All at non tourist prices. We will be returning - Oh beautiful solitude!
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(Review ID: 7202)
Great hideaway from the tourist trail, August 14, 2003
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Freya
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This is easily the best hostel I came across in Europe. Because its not in the centre of one of the touristy towns on the coast, this hostel is a lot quieter and nicer. If you are into hiking and outdoorsy stuff this place is great. We were there for 4 days and on one day we hiked along a great walking trail through the mtns and towns to Postiano. I got some of the best photos of my trip.There are only about a dozen beds so it feels more like a house and I met people that had been staying there for weeks. There is also a great little place around the corner to buy homemade mozeralla cheese (3 euros for a huge ball) and yummy red wine (1euro a bottle) that the owners told us about. This turned out to be one of the cheapest stops overall too.
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(Review ID: 7203)
An Amazing Retreat, November 26, 2002
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All I can say is that this hostel was amazing ! After a long and tiring journey we came accross this place by accident and ended up staying for 2 months. The town is very peaceful/inexpensive/and friendly and the location is very central.
