citydeluxe

Positano is one of Italy's most romantic and luxurious vacation spots. Built vertically on the face of a cliff, it started out as a fishing village and became popular with writers and artists in the 1950's. Today it's a fashionable resort yet still retains its charm. Positano is a pedestrian town (with many stairs) and its pretty pastel colored houses and flowers make it very picturesque. Because of its mild climate, it can be visited year round although high season is April - October. 

Positano is at the center of the famous Amalfi Coast south of Naples (see Amalfi Coast Map). Just across from the town are Le Galli islands, three islets believed to be the residence of the mythical Sirens from Homer's Odyssey. The closest airport is Naples (see Italy Airport Map). The best ways to get to Positano are by boat or by bus.

The road leading to Positano is difficult to drive and parking, available above town, is very limited, although some hotels offer parking. Positano can be reached by bus from either Sorrento or Salerno, both of which can be reached by train from Naples. 

With a beauty that has inspired countless writers, poets, and travelers, the American writer John Steinbeck perhaps said it best when he wrote, 'Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone. Its houses climb a hill so steep it would be a cliff except that stairs are cut in it.' While it might seem a dream at first, Positano's stunning setting, vibrantly colored houses, and breathtaking beauty will lure you back again and again.

Top 10 to see and do

• Church of Santa Maria dell'Assunta
• Spiaggia Grande (Main beach)
• Walking the near vertical streets and steps of the city
• Shopping for Positano fashions
• Fornillo Beach
• Rent a boat and explore the Li Galli Islands and the Amalfi Coastline
• Visit little village of Nocelle above Positano
• Walk the Sentiero degli Dei (The Path of the Gods) between Priano and Positano
• View Positano from high above from the Belvedere dello Schiaccone
• Handmade shoes and sandals

Events at Positano

June
Positano's patron saint and protector, San Vito, is celebrated on June 15th with a religious procession and celebration. A beautiful silver and wooden bust reliquary of the saint, thought to date from the 15th century, is carried through the narrow city streets and down the beach where it is turned toward the city of Positano for blessing.

August
The Church of Santa Maria dell'Assunta is Positano's most important church, and is located just steps from the beach. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the annual Festival of the Assunta, held on August 14th and 15th, is Positano's largest celebration of the year. Coinciding with the national holiday of Ferragosto honoring the Assumption of the Virgin, Positano's celebration includes a firework display that is spectacular to see from a boat in the harbour.

Positano's Typical Food

Pezzogna all'acqua pazza
The Pezzogna is a fish found in the Gulf of Naples and along the deep Amalfi Coast waters. For this traditional and simple dish, the fish is cooked in acqua pazza, or crazy water, which includes cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley and garlic.

Ravioli al Limone
The fresh breeze along the Amalfi Coast is infused with the scent of lemons growing on terraces high above the sea. While in Positano, consider trying the local specialty of ravioli filled with a lemon-flavored ricotta cheese mixture.

Life in a Vertical City

Pack a good pair of walking shoes for your trip to Positano if you want to get away from the more crowded areas and see the quiet beauty of the city. While the seaside resort town is well-known for its handmade sandals, you might want something slightly sturdier for heading up the staircases to explore the residential areas and smaller churches of Positano. The vertical layout of the city means that many of the streets you walk while out exploring will in fact be staircases. Wherever you walk in Positano you will find beautiful places to stop, catch your breath, and see the way the Positanese live day to day.

How to arrive

Positano is located along the famous Amalfi Coast and is accessible from nearby Naples, Sorrento and Salerno.

By Plane: The Naples Capodichino Airport is the closest airport to Positano and provides easy access from many of Italy and Europe's major cities, and from New York.

By Car: Head south out of Naples via the A3 freeway toward Salerno. Take the exit for Castellammare di Stabia and SS145 and follow signs for Sorrento and Positano. As you approach Sorrento, follow signs for Positano and SS163 (The Amalfi Coast Road) and follow until Positano.

By Boat: Positano can be reached by ferry and bus services from Naples, Amalfi and Salerno. Please note that ferry schedules are more limited during the off season winter months.

Other: The closest train stations to Positano are in Naples, Sorrento or Salerno where you can continue via bus or ferry.