Have you landed on this article because you’ve probably already booked your vacation to the Amalfi Coast but don’t know what to visit? Don’t worry, I’ll help you by beginning with Positano!
Positano: what not to miss
Sublime, sumptuous, timeless. The most popular destination for VIPs and successful people since the ’60s. Positano is one of the most chic places on the Amalfi Coast.
Renamed “the vertical town”, Positano is a cluster of colorful houses that stretches along the rocky ridge of the Lattari Mountains. An unmistakable skyline, among the most beautiful in the world!
And here I am writing down what to see in Positano so you don’t miss any breathtaking scenery!
Church of Santa Maria Assunta
As first in the list could not obviously miss the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its iconic cupola that peeps out of the city.
Almost halfway between the entrance to Positano and the Spiaggia Grande stands this captivating and mighty building. Its domed roof visible from the street above or from the boats in the sea below immediately catches the visitor’s eye. But the dome is only part of the story that hides the Church.
This architectural gem is one of the primary centerpieces of the town of Positano, and not without good reason. A strongly defined rectangular facade gives way to a cascade of arched areas inside, creating almost a church within a church with each cloistered section of the interior. It’s intimate and creates a sense of enclosure were it not for the crowds of visitors that are often heard but much less frequently seen due to the interior layout.
The artwork is top-notch, most from the early Renaissance, so not for every taste, but a must see, as the bee-line most visitors make attests, is the Black Madonna and Child.
The Byzantine icon, stolen, was part of the cargo of a ship coming from the East, which ploughed through the bay of Positano without being able to get back to sea due to a sudden lull. Busy trying to leave, the captain and his men heard a voice urging them to drop anchor instead: “Posa Posa”, the voice said, from which the name Positano derives. The sailors, thinking it was a divine sign, did so and, once landed, donated the icon to the population who built the church.
Marina Grande
The main destination for a memorable photo is definitely the Spiaggia Grande of Positano. So called because, in proportion to the town, it is really big: it extends for almost 400 meters long and about 70 meters wide.
A postcard scenery where the stones fade into the turquoise waters that have repeatedly earned the Blue Flag.
On the large beach, with the islands of Li Galli in front and behind the colorful cascade of houses set in the mountain, there are bathing establishments, restaurants and a disco, the Music On the Rocks. It is no coincidence that this beach is the favorite haunt of Positano, tourists and VIPs from all over the coast.
A large part of the beach is under management, and therefore has a fee; the only free area is the central part, always very crowded in July and August. In high season it is preferable to go early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the chaos of tourists who invade the free beach, while in low season is really nice to spend a few hours in the sun to relax listening to the simple sound of the sea.
Fornillo
Definitely smaller than Spiaggia Grande, but quieter and more peaceful. Fornillo beach is accessible on foot from a road that starts from the pier or from a stairway that starts from the main road at the height of Fornillo Grotto.
Although very small, there are several bathing establishments well equipped and with clean facilities. Very recommended for a quick lunch. At the bottom there is also a part of free beach.
The beach consists mostly of pebbles. The sea is fantastic, swimming to the right (Naples), you reach some magnificent calettes.
Arienzo
Also known as the beach of the “three hundred steps”, is the beach where the sun sets later, thanks to the favorable exposure to the south-west.
As you can easily guess, to reach it you must take a flight of about 300 steps. It is a very suggestive stairway along which it is possible to peep inside the gardens of some of the most luxurious villas of the Amalfi Coast.
Even the beach of Arienzo is divided between a side with free access and a private one, with bathing establishment and various services. Like all beaches with difficult access by road, it is always possible to book a cab boat or many establishments have boats available for the transport of guests that can be booked by phone.
Saracen Towers
Walking along the port and looking towards the coast you can see the Saracen towers that watch over the beach.
Typical of all the Amalfi coast, these are old watchtowers built in the ‘500 that had the function of controlling the sea from possible attacks of enemies!
The most important are Sponda, Trasita and Fornillo. Received the alert from the Campanella Tower, the main one, the sentinels warned the population to go and take refuge going up the mountain towards the highest villages or in the woods.
Testimony of truly terrible times, today some of the Saracen towers in the surroundings of Positano have been used as locations for elegant restaurants and charming accommodation facilities.
Perfect places from which to admire the enchanting scenery of the Amalfi Coast with its steep cliffs and villages overlooking the sea.
Mar- Roman Archeological Museum
The beauty of the archaeological site of the Roman Villa in Positano is well worth a visit.
Excellently trained guides, who with enthusiasm and competence, illustrate the various rooms of this precious artistic and cultural relic, together with the extensive engineering work for the protection and recovery of the archaeological finds and the enchanting colored fresco of the Villa. A few steps away from the cathedral of Positano, they have brought to the surface an ancient Roman triclinium submerged by the eruption of Vesuvius and the subsequent uses during the medieval period.
Tickets cost €15 but they offer discounts for those who are staying in Positano. A future expansion of the museum is planned.
Path of the Gods
For trekking lovers or for a walk in the nature there is the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), famous thanks to the beautiful breathtaking views. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to tackle this path, in fact there is excellent signage all along the way.
The trail has stairs, steep uphill and downhill slopes, rocky terrain, and some slippery sections. If you’re fit enough to walk 3 miles, then you’ll be able to hike it. It’s not that bad. I wouldn’t recommend it for young children under 6 (definitely no strollers).
Path of the Gods connects Agerola, a fraction of Bomerano, 650 meters above sea level, a small village in the hills of the Amalfi Coast, to Nocelle, a fraction of Positano perched on the foothills of Mount Pertuso.
The path has not been touched by the hand of man; no one has dared to desecrate the beauty of the place, not even the bad weather has managed to scratch the rocks that jealously guard the history of the people who have lived there. Along the way there are sources of fresh water and drinking water and numerous viewpoints. From here you can see very well the Li Galli Island, where mermaids used to sing to mislead sailors.
I recommend: walk the path from Bomerano to Positano, not the other way back. There are 1800 steps going down to Positano. I don’t recommend climbing them!
The alleys
Positano has to be lived, savored, and enjoyed.
And one of the elements that characterize this “being” of Positano are its alleys: mazes and alleys crowned by dazzling bougainvillea that climb up the mountain among pebbles, pergolas, stores, restaurants, stairs and ladders.
The most pleasant activity to do in Positano is to walk quietly through these streets, without hurry. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of the place, admire views of rare beauty and visit the many art galleries.
Worthy of mention is the sophisticated local craftsmanship. There are many stores that display dresses, tunics and shirts in linen, St. Gallen or light cotton, in typical white or pastel tones, wide-brimmed straw hats and, unfailingly, leather sandals, simple or decorated.
It doesn’t cost anything to have a look, and if something catches your eye, it’s the right occasion for a souvenir to take home!
Create the right itinerary
As you can see, these are just a few tips to visit Positano at its best without missing the most famous attractions. But keep in mind that there are still many other attractions related to this town that often, without proper organization, you have neither the means nor the time to visit them.
Creating a tailor-made itinerary according to your needs is the most effective solution to live a dream vacation.
You know that you can count on me, so write to me about your expectations and desires.
I will answer you personally and if you think I can do for you, we’ll keep in touch!
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See you soon, 💗
Brigida
