Positano is one of the most popular and romantic towns in Italy , built vertically on a hilly areaOnce just a small fishing town, Positano is a quaint town that quickly became popular when it was discovered by artists and writers in the 1950s.
This beautiful town consists of colorful and cute houses built on the slopes of two hills with a vast sea view from above. The houses do not cut each other’s view from the bottom of the slope to the top, they are lined up like a ladder. The view of the houses from below and the view of the deep blue sea and the magnificent bay from the top are fascinating.
Positano is one of the most popular towns in the Amalfi region. It is a great pleasure to stroll through the narrow streets of Positano, where colorful and pastel-colored houses are lined up like pearls on steep cliffs. With its magnificent view reminiscent of a movie set, Positano is impressive enough to make those who see it feel like coming back here again.
This swanky town on the Italian Amalfi Coast attracts millions of tourists every year. With its streets stretching between the houses lined up on a steep slope, Positano has a seductive charm.
Especially if you like shopping, this is a place where you should check yourself a little, because the prices are not cheap. Positano is a very cool town with its boutiques and shops. That’s why the streets are packed during the summer months.
A Dreamlike Geography: Positano Travel Guide
The town of Positano is one of the most popular towns in the Amalfi region. Its name may have been derived from the man who owned many villas in these regions during the time of Claudius, whose name was ‘Poseidon’ or ‘Pestano’ in Greek mythology, and may even derive from the Posdii they spoke to free people in Rome. The most popular theory is that it came from Pestano.
Pisa plundered this area in 1268, but with its carefully built defensive towers, Positano became one of Amalfi’s most powerful areas again. During the 17th century, when Neapolitan families lived here as a fiefdom, Positano first began producing silk and later cross-stitch, but a decline began again in the late 18th century.
With the arrival of steamships in the middle of the 19th century, when the population of 8 thousand people migrated to America, mostly to New York, they left behind a small fishing village as in the beginning. However, this 20th century, especially II. After the World War II, Picasso, Stravinsky, Diaghilev, Olivier, Seteinbeck, Klee and even Lenin, along with many travelers, lasted until they were rediscovered. With the abundance of resources such as lemons, grapes, olives and fish, tourism has risen again.
When John Steinbeck visited Positano in 1953, he wrote that it was very difficult for tourism and industry to develop there because there were not enough tourists. But now there is much more to the concept than enough.
Another thing Steinbeck wrote and still holds true is, “Positano has a very deep meaning. It seems impossible to realize this magical place when you are there, but when you leave, you will always think of it and then you will feel its magic”.
Home to 4,000 people, Positano is the most photographed fishing town in the world, and is flooded with visitors from many places, notably Naples, Capri, Sorrento and Amalfi. Paul Klee said of the village, which seems to cling to the Lattari mountain, “the only place in the world that lives vertically instead of horizontally”.
Its cube-like houses with porticoes have red, orange and purple colors reflecting the sky on their walls at sunset. Actually, these colors were influenced by Syria, and they were made in these colors to help fishermen see where they live from afar.
When we look at the story of Positano, everything may have started with a piece of bread. Roman Emperor Tiberius sends 3 seamen to the mill in Positano because he thinks that the inhabitants of Capri want to poison him. This mill has now been modernized and still grinds flour, but Positano has gone much further than just a manufacturing and shopping district.
Away from the noise, Positano is a place where the human soul can rest and enchanting with its magnificent view. The scenery that you can see everywhere at any moment, the exquisite streets decorated with lemon groves and bougainvillea is very eye-catching. Every moment, people stop and take a photo, which is what I did.
Positano Attractions
In Positano , this is also the best way to explore, as the whole city is made for walking. If you come by bus, you will get off at Chiesa Nuova at the top of Positano. You can reach the main street and the beach from there by the windy stairs called ‘Thousand Steps’.
There is a bus on the main street that can take you both up and down the hill. There are attendants at the beginning of the main street to help you with your luggage. From Positano you can walk to villages, beaches and other areas just outside the area. However, depending on your request, you can also go to these areas by car or by sea taxi.
It is a great pleasure to stroll through the narrow streets of Positano, a charming town with pastel-colored houses lined like pearls on steep cliffs. I’ve listed some information below, but if you have time, wander the streets at random if you have time.
1. Church of Santa Maria Assunta
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta) was built in the tenth century on the ruins of a former Benedictine monastery dedicated to San Vito. It has a wonderful dome decorated with Italian tiles and can be seen from most places.
Inside, above the main altar, is the twelfth-century Byzantine painting of the Black Madonna, considered one of Southern Italy’s most important paintings. It is open to visitors between 08.00-12.00 and then 16.00-20.00. The roof of the church gives a visual richness to Positano photographs.
2. Museo Archeologico Romano
Museo Archeologico Romano (MAR), amazing Roman ruins located right in the heart of Positano. Villa Romana, which was buried with ash rain and rubble after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD , you can see the wonderful frescoes and mosaics of the Pompeii period here.
It is considered the greatest archaeological discovery of recent years on the Amalfi coast. It is open daily from 1 November to 31 March from 10:00 to 16:00 and from 1 April to 31 October from 09:00 to 21:00. Entrance ticket 15€, free for children under 12 years old. The visit takes about half an hour with a multilingual guide.
3. Spiaggia Grande
Spiaggia Grande is also an ideal place for a sun, sea and sand holiday. Located in the center, Spiaggia Grande Beach is 300 meters long with black sand. It is very crowded and expensive during the summer period. The view of Positano from the beach is another beautiful. After enjoying the sea, you can taste fantastic seafood along the Spiaggaia Grande.
Fornillo Beach can be preferred for swimming and sunbathing with its blackish gray sands due to its volcanic structure . Both less crowded and half the price of the other. You reach the beach by descending 440 steps from Casa Celeste. The walking path from Spiaggia del Fornillo to Spiaggia Grande beach is exquisite.
There is also another beach called Li Galli near Positano . Let me tell you that the sea is not very calm. The beaches are free, but sunbeds and umbrellas are run by cafes lined up on the beach. You have to pay a considerable fee (8-12 €) for sunbeds and umbrellas. Let me remind you that the beaches are very pebbly and stony.
4. Chiesa di Santa Caterina
Chiesa di Santa Caterina , dedicated to Saint Catherine. It was built by merchant sailors who traded with Alexandria, Egypt, the hometown of the saint. The building, which was destroyed in the 1930s, was demolished due to road construction and this church was built in neo-gothic style.
Beautiful colored marble altar, original altar of the old church. Next to it are statues of St. Catherine and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Another small altar has a depiction of Mary and Jesus on her lap. On November 25, the feast of St. Catherine is celebrated here.
5. Montepertuso
Montepertuso is a place belonging to the town of Positano, located on a hill above the town. Legend has it that this is the site of the legendary battle between the Virgin Mary and the Devil. There is a belief that the shape of the serpent on the mountain and the hole were made with the finger sign of the Virgin Mary. Montepertuso at the top of the town has a magnificent view.
Several trails connecting Montepertuso to the Lattari Mountains have wonderful routes for trekking lovers. Don’t forget to visit the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which was restored in 1973, and the Fontana Vecchia (Old Fountain) with its microbiologically pure water clarity.
There are also very nice walking routes from Positano, both along the coastline and inland. The roads are a bit narrow, but the scenery is beautiful. The beautiful bays stretching towards the sea after the steep slopes take your breath away.
You may be interested in James Martin’s Positano Picture Gallery , which art lovers show interest in. On Via Cristoforo Colombo you can go for a walk and enjoy the shops, luxury hotels, cafes and spectacular scenery.
Scalinatella connects the coastal Punta Reginella to the highest peak of Positano. There are ruins from the prehistoric period in Grotta la Porta Cave .
For those who are keen on Italian flavors, they can enroll in the Sorrento Cooking School and learn how to cook Italian food. In order to better understand the lessons, you need to know a basic level of Italian and English.
It is believed that Sirens live on the small islets nearby, who seduce and kidnap sailors by singing with their beautiful voices. Rent a boat from the shore and explore the caves where mermaids are believed to live.
Don’t forget to watch the sunsets that paint Positano red at sunset and inspire artists and writers. Cafes by the sea are very pleasant.
6. Things to do around Positano
Visiting other villages on the Amalfi Coast for a day is among the things to do. Explore the Amalfi Coast, one of the most beautiful towns to see in Italy, before leaving Positano, which has been the subject of many movies and will make you feel like coming back with its magnificent movie set-like scenery.
The towns of Positano, Praiano, Conca Dei Marini, Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello, Minori, Maiori and Vietri Sul Mare, built on the slopes of the mountains running parallel to the sea, line the Amalfi Coast like pearls. Surrounding a vast blue, these lemon-scented shores fascinate with their scenery.
Amalfi is a very peaceful and enchanting place that gives its name to the Amalfi Coast. It is possible to see excellent examples of medieval architecture. There are lemon groves around almost every house here, and lemons are twice the normal size.
Sorrento is another of the cutest coastal cities I’ve ever seen in Italy. It was established on a flat area between the mountains. It has a magnificent coastline. The best view is to look at the Marina Grande from above.
Ferries to Capri Island depart every hour or you can buy a Capri tour. Time can also be spent on the less popular Ischia Island.
Ravello is another place worth seeing, which is home to the arts of the region, overlooking the sea. The beachless small town of Ravello is built on a steep hillside at 350 meters above sea level. The scenery blows your mind.
Other coastal villages and towns, such as Cetara, Vietri sul Mare, Maiorii Minori, Sant’Agata and Nerano, are each worth seeing. I recommend you to visit these shores without rushing.
The world-famous ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum are among the must-see places. The ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were left under ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
shopping in Positano
Positano has many high end quality boutique shops. Via dei Mulini, Via Christoforo Colombo and Via Della Tartana streets are the town’s best places for shopping. The boutiques and shops lined up along these steep streets of the town are also the creators of the world-famous Positano fashion.
Positano fashion is mostly based on handmade products. Especially linen clothes and gorgeous handmade sandals are very famous here. Moda Positano is one of the most famous brands known. quite a nice place to buy sandals and shoes. Shoe manufacturers can make any shoes you want while you wait.
Safari ; This tiny shop prepares your sandals that you can use on the beaches in 1 hour before your eyes. (40-50€). Via della Tartana 2.
3 denarii ; They make soft loafers in every imaginable color (55€). Right next to the tourist office. Via del Saracino 8-10.
Lo Scrigno di Brunella ; It is possible to find the best quality linen clothes, swimwear and cotton products in this boutique, whose history dates back to the 1960s. Via Mulini 24-26.
Emporio Le Sirenuse ; This classy little boutique offers clothes, shoes, beach products, small home decorations. Via Cristoforo Colombo 30.
Ceramica Assunta; The ceramic products in the shop are very impressive. Available in an amazing assortment of various colors and patterns. Hand-painted ceramics are the product of a century-old tradition. Many of them come from Vietri sul Mare, another beautiful town on the Amalfi Coast.
The Amalfi Coast is also famous for its world-famous lemons, some of which are almost as big as a melon. Since these trees are frequently encountered almost everywhere on these coasts, you will also come across all kinds of lemon-related products. From marmalades and jams, to biscuits, candies and chocolates, from soaps and body creams to candles and liquors, the shelves are filled with a variety of lemon products.
Limoncello is the most famous of these. Limoncello, an alcoholic beverage, is very popular on the Amalfi Coast. The creamy flavor of limoncello, which has an alcohol content of around 35%, is lighter. Head to the Le Sirenuse hotel with the best view in Positano and order yourself a limoncello. Sipping limoncello while watching the magnificent sunset is a unique pleasure.
Where to stay in Positano
There are very stylish hotels in Positano that we can call high quality. Palazzo Murat Hotel is Positano’s most romantic hotel. The 4-star hotel is located in a historic building in the center of Positano and has sea views. Airbnb also has special design home options.
Naples Hotels : Royal Continental , Hotel Santa Lucia , Holiday Inn
Sorrento Hotels : Hotel Michelangelo Sorrento
Positano hotels : Click for Positano hotel options .
Where is Positano – How to get to Positano
Positano is a charming town on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy . It is located right in the center of the UNESCO World Heritage Amalfi Coast. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Southern Italy. It is located 55 km south of Naples. It can be reached from Naples in 1.5 hours by private car. The distance between Positano and Rome is 274 km.
Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi would be an excellent route for those considering a tour of Southern Italy. I recommend starting the trip from Naples. After spending at least a few days in Naples, one should start exploring the Amalfi coast.
The closest airport to Positano is in Naples, Italy. Turkish Airlines has 2 direct flights to Naples from Istanbul Airport every day. Flight time from Istanbul to Naples is 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is also possible to reach Naples by connecting from different European cities.
To reach Positano from Naples, you first need to go to Sorrento. From Corso Garibaldi central station in Naples to Sorrento there is the Circumvesuviana suburban train every 20 minutes (€5) and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Most hotels offer airport transfer facilities (90-110€). Imperatore Travel arranges both a hotel, a transfer and a guide for those who want to tour the Amalfi Coast and its surroundings. Check out www.imperatore.it.
How to get from Sorento to Positano : When you arrive in Sorrento, find the CITA buses outside the train station (€1.5). These buses go to Positano every hour. This road is about 20 km and it is quite winding, try to be in the front of the bus as much as possible. The best place is the right side of the bus, there is a beautiful view. Depending on the traffic, it takes half an hour or 45 minutes to reach Positano.
Naples-Positano ferry : The Metro del Mare operates from April to October. As long as the weather is good, the best transport is the ferry. The Naples-Positano ferry takes 40 minutes. It is an ideal transport for seeing and photographing the magnificent Amalfi Coast and magnificent landscapes. The price is more expensive, but you also save time.
Salerno-Positano : There is a bus service from Salerno to Positano. SITA Bus tickets must be purchased from the ticket office before boarding the bus. It is also possible to reach Positano from Salerno by ferry.
How to get from Rome to Positano : First of all, it is necessary to reach Naples from Roma Termini Train station. Eurostar Freccia Rossa (TAV) is the most comfortable and expensive train and it reaches NapoliPiazza Garibaldi station in 1 hour. Freccia Rossa trains depart every hour (€40). The Intercity train goes between Rome and Naples in 2 hours (20€).
The Interegional train stops at almost every station. It goes to Naples in about 4 hours (10€). If you have a very low travel budget, go with this one, I recommend the others. There are occasional theft notifications on trains, it is always useful to pay attention. I recommend buying tickets online. www.trenitalia.com, www.italiarail.com.
🚗 Car rental : In July and August, the roads are very crowded and you need to be experienced to drive on these winding roads. For the patient, these paths are wonderful. I think it is a good idea to rent a car and visit the coasts and villages outside of the high season (105-145€).
Narrow roads allow vehicles to pass each other. It’s good to keep in mind. If you are leaving via Naples; You reach Positano by the route Herculaneum , Pompeii , Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi.
🚌 Transportation in Positano : SITA buses drop off their passengers at 2 stops in Positano. The first stop close to Sorrento is Chiesa Nuovo, and the other is the Sponda stop close to the Amalfi or Salerno side. When you get off at the Chiesa Nuovo stop, it is possible to reach the main street and from there to the beach by the windy stairs called ‘Thousand Steps’.
After the end of April, these buses can be quite crowded. Keep in mind that sometimes you may have to wait for hours to find a seat on the bus. Try to get off at whichever is closest to your hotel. I recommend making an early reservation for accommodation.
On the main street, there is a bus that can take you both up the hill or down. There are attendants at the beginning of the main street to help you with your luggage. This is also the best way to explore the surroundings, as the whole city is made for walking.
Positano offers an extraordinary view with its pastel colored houses glazed one on top of the other, at the junction of two converging hills, overlooking a vast sea. Whether it’s a holiday, a romantic honeymoon, or travel with a wandering spirit; Add this beautiful town, which looks like an oil painting from afar, to your next itinerary.
