Destinations · Campania
Positano the vertical town
Pastel houses clinging to the rock, stairways and the majolica dome by the beach: the most famous postcard on the Amalfi Coast.
“Posa, posa!”
Legend has it that a ship carrying a Byzantine icon of the Madonna stood still in front of the bay until the sailors heard a voice: “Posa, posa!” (“Put it down!”). Once the icon was brought ashore, the village was born. The story goes back even further: beneath the church of Santa Maria Assunta a first-century Roman villa has come to light, buried by the eruption of AD 79 and now open to visitors.
In the Middle Ages Positano was part of the Republic of Amalfi, and between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries it grew rich on maritime trade. In the nineteenth century, hit by economic crisis, many of its people emigrated to the Americas.
From fishing village to la dolce vita
In the twentieth century the fishing village was discovered by artists and writers. In 1953 John Steinbeck wrote an article about it in Harper’s Bazaar that went round the world:
“Positano bites deep.” — John Steinbeck, 1953
In the 1950s and 60s “Positano fashion” was born, with colourful linens and handmade sandals: the workshops that make them are still there.
Not to be missed in Positano
Santa Maria Assunta
The yellow and green majolica dome and the Byzantine icon.
Spiaggia Grande
The heart of the village, among boats and beach umbrellas.
Fornillo beach
Quieter, reachable on foot along the cliff.
Roman villa (MAR)
The Roman frescoes beneath the mother church.
Path of the Gods
The most famous hike on the Amalfi Coast, as far as Nocelle.
The sandal workshops
Made-to-measure sandals, handmade in minutes.
Before you go
Across the Sorrento Peninsula and along the Amalfi coast road.
Longer if you want a day at the beach.
In winter many hotels and shops are closed.
It’s the route of our Amalfi Coast tour.
Parking in Positano is very scarce and very expensive: with a driver you get out close to the centre and I pick you up at the agreed time. On the Amalfi Coast tour we stop at the viewpoint for the most famous view.
Approximate times, without traffic.
Positano without hairpin bends at the wheel or hunting for parking.
Tolls and parking are always included. Carlo checks availability and replies within 24 hours.
