Positano

Positano is one of the most picturesque and charming towns along the coast. With its houses clinging to the cliffs, packed together and growing along with the vegetation, it resembles nothing less than a giant Christmas nativity scene.

The alternating pastel colors of the porticoes, archways, roofs and domes vie for attention, shining like precious stones. It’s no wonder Postiano is known as the “gem of the divine coast”.

It’s a real beauty enjoyed by a privileged number of celebrities, VIPs, and famous names from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, and art.

The narrow streets, lined with boutiques, descend between the packed house towards the Marina Grande and its wide beach. From here the view is spectacular both out to sea as well as back towards the hills. On the main piazza at Positano sits the church of Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to the year 1000, its unmistakable colored majolica-tiled roof shining in the sun.

Positano offers some enchanting beaches, easily reached in a few minutes on foot: Fornillo, Fiumicello, Arienzo.

If you fancy a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast, you can head out to the Gallos or “Sirenuse”, a tiny group of islands just off the coast. The three islands – Gallo Lungo, La Rotonda, and Castelluccio – are as bewitching as the sirens for whom they were named and the pristine sea will beckon you in for a long, undisturbed swim.

But there is more to Positano than just the sea. If you enjoy walking, it’s worthwhile to make a trip to the scenic areas around the Lattari Mountains, like Montepertuso which was the site, many years ago, of an apparition of the Madonna in a rock.

A staircase of 1,700 steps will bring you to Nocelle, starting-point of the celebrated Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) from which you can enjoy beautiful views over the whole coastline.

On an hillside dotted with vines and olive trees you’ll find Furore, so-called because during stormy nights the sea and the wind combine to produce a deafening fury against the sides of the fjord. Perched between cliff and sea, this is an irresistible spot.