POSITANO
View from Marina Grande beach.
The stunning view of Positano.
Positano from the beach: the dome of Santa Maria Assunta church.
Positano is to me one of the most beautiful places on earth!. Posh, beyond charming, picturesque and unique. Adjectives are not enough and don't give justice to the place. You must see it with your own eyes!. Set into the mountain, surrounded by rich mediterranean vegetation, Positano is a popular destination for everybody, seen from the sea it looks like a huge nativity scene, a waterfall of multicoloured houses clinging onto the mountain side.
The shops with artisanal products.
Shops in the narrow streets.
VIP in Positano!
The town develops vertically. Starting from the top, there are the nice shops with typical clothes, like the famous Moda Mare Positano dresses, the typical white dresses in linen and cotton which were famous in the 60's, or the shoe shops which can make you sandals of the exact shape of your feet, just in time for a swim!. The majolica dome of Santa Maria Assunta church is visible from all over the town. The narrow street will take you to the Spiaggia Grande, where there are many typical restaurants overlooking the stunning view of the sea, like the famous Covo dei Saraceni, Il Ritrovo. Le Terrazze or La Buca di Bacco. All 5 stars of course!.
Positano has always been connected to show business and a top destination for the rich and famous, who often bought a villa or even an island here. The Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev bought in 1989 the little island of Li Galli. Located in the sea a few kilometres from Positano, the small archipelago is also known as Sirenuse, according to the legend in the Odyssey, where the mermaid Parthenope fell in love with Ulysses. Today the island is a private 5 star resort.
The island of Li Galli where Rudolf Nureyev lived.
Guilty pleasures!
The wide beach is divided into many private and free parts. The private beaches are Laurito Beach, Arienzo Beach and Marina Grande Beach, which all have an entry fee, including sun bed, umbrella, shower and changing room. Otherwise you can choose the cheap option, swimming in the free part.
Positano life is not only in the town, you can also go for excursions by boat or trekking. Very popular is Il Sentiero degli Dei (The Trails of Gods) with a breathtaking view of the coast. For more info you can visit the official website of the activities in Positano here.
When you are in Positano, you will find it hard to close your eyes to such beauty, even at night it is impossible to resist because the view is even more charming. There are night clubs like the open air club on the Spiaggia Grande beach.
One of my favourite places in Positano is La Zingara bar. Amazing cakes, gelati and milkshakes to try on your way down to the beach, or to revive you on your way back up!.
One of my favourite places in Positano: La Zingara bar.
One of the typical products of the Amalfi coast: the giant lemons. And what a smell!
Five star Hotel, Le Sirenuse.
Arriving by bus.
HOW TO GEt TO POSITANO
Because of the situation of the town, there are only a few ways to reach Positano. There are the Sita buses from Sorrento to Amalfi via Positano. You can buy tickets at the stop in Sorrento just in front of the train station entrance. For the timetable and prices check the official website. This is the cheapest way, however be aware that sometimes during the busy periods it is not possible to get a seat and you might find you have to stand for all the journey. So best to arrive early. Also on the return, you might find big chaotic queues so if you are, disabled or have young children, please bear this in mind.
Another way to get to Positano is by sea with ferries from Sorrento, Amalfi, Salerno and Napoli. The prices vary as it depends on the company. You can book your tickets at the Positano port or online on the Positano website.
You can also hire a car to visit others places around the Amalfi coast. Visit the official website here for more info and prices.
If you are coming from Capodichino Airport in Napoli, there are taxis that will take you here.
If you are staying on the Amalfi coast you might want to take a boat trip excursion which visits Positano for an hour or two. As I wrote for Amalfi, there is a large choice of companies that do daily trips. Most of them have also include a cab service to pick you up and drop off from your hotel or b&b. I went on an excursion myself, the boat took me along the coast with a stop of two hours in Positano and another two hours in Amalfi. There was also a funny and entertaining captain who explained, also in English, French and Spanish, the history and points of interest of the coast. This is a great way to see places all in one go.