Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
POSITANO - The gods’ day dream
From its humble origins as a farmer-fisher village to its legendary status as a holiday destination, Positano is as enchanting as ever.
Built into the steep cliffs of the Amalfi coast along the Mediterranean Sea of Italy, Positano is the epitome of luxury travel. It ignites the senses with such effortless beauty that a day of relaxation here rejuvenates and fulfils.
The village is criss-crossed with a series of staired and sloping paths, each as narrow and as steep as the one before. The alleys are a photographer’s dream and provide a real sense of discovery. However, make sure you take advantage of the many restaurants and boutique stores to avoid the fatigue that sets in after a vertical incline.
Boutique stores tempt passersby with lightweight linens, leathered footwear, colourful ceramics and art pieces. There are even stores that specialise in everything lemon, from candles to candies, perfumes to soaps.
Restaurants serve up regional specialities such as grilled mozzarella with lemon leaves, spaghetti vongole and pizza. Delicatessens dish out freshly prepared paninis, lasagne, roasted vegetables and pastas. And with all those steps, you’ll have earned yourself a delicious gelato or pastry, such as the sfogliatina, a thin and crunchy pastry that encases a sweet flavoured cream.
At the heart of Positano is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with a fascinating thousand year history it continues to serve as a meeting point today. The notable majolica tiled dome with its striking blue, yellow and green, sits atop the iconic structure like a crown.
However, the focal point of Positano is the black pebbled beach. Stretching along the beach side boulevard are comfortable beach loungers that can be rented for the day. Here sun worshippers gather to soak up the warm sunshine and take refreshing dips in the mediterranean water.
One of the most popular activities is the aptly named hiking trail, “Il Sentiero degli Dei” (literally: the Path of the Gods). From this vantage point, Positano’s striking natural beauty and dream like setting make you feel as if traversing between heaven and earth.
The path provides breathtaking views of dramatic cliffs that dive into the sparkling azure seaside. The clinging villages beckon as you approach with the reflection of light warm colours. The citrus and seaside scents seem to linger and transcend to take you even higher than your last step.
Positano’s location also makes it convenient to take a day trip via ferry or charter boat to Amalfi, Capri or the surrounding grottos. However, no one would blame you for staying put in your own seaside oasis.
And even after your last sunset in Positano you will continue to sense its vibrant allure calling you back to its rocky shores.
