Positano was a relatively poor fishing village during the first half of the twentieth century. It began to attract large numbers of tourists in the 1950s, especially after John Steinbeck published his essay about Positano in Harper’s Bazaar in May, 1953: “Positano bites deep”, Steinbeck wrote. “It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.”
From then on this magical place, with a famous local gyspy (more on this later), called Positano has become an international icon. The town itself is a celebrity featured in many pop culture books and movies, most recently the Entourage movie. Positano is a playground for famous and wealthy Europeans and Americans.
I first discovered Positano in the midst of the financial crisis of 2009. I was in London at the time, not realizing the full impact this ‘Global Financial Crisis’ would have on the world, I was looking for a European beach escape. While having a beer in Chelsea I struck up a conversation with a man who looked like he was on the brink of something heavy. Now I understand the full story, he sure was. This man lets call him ‘John’ worked in one of the big banks. He assured me Positano was a paradise. And that it was.
If you have had the pleasure of visiting Positano, the quote from John Steinbeck above will surely resonate with you. Positano beckons…
You will fall in love with the picturesque seaside town of Positano, the playground for the rich and famous. Positano is perfectly perched on the sea between Sorrento and Salerno. Think gorgeous, pebble beaches, with perfect azure water and beach cafes to relax the days away.
Positano offers breathtaking views from every angle, great food, beaches and shopping, the local handicrafts and clothing are well made and top quality. Have a pair of custom leather loafers made or some local and hand made high quality cotton clothing.
Experience the most beautiful drive of your life as the bendy road unwinds before your eyes, as you discover quaint villages along the way. You will feel as if in a dream along the gorgeous coastline of the Amalfi Coast. The challenging, windy drive is worth it. Take the coast from Sorrento to Salerno.
Don’t expect to be the victim of theft. Unlike other, larger cities in Italy, the Amalfi Coast is pretty safe and free from pickpockets and petty crime. Of course have your wits about you, but you will feel safer walking around these coastal communities then in Napoli! Positano is unbelievably safe, adding to the fairy-tale like feel of this town.
You certainly won’t be carb free for this trip. Like everywhere in Italy the food on the Amalfi is hearty and delicious. You wont be able to resist the amazing pastas and of course fresh Italian bread. Indulge a little, you only live once!
*Insider knowledge: Trattoria La Tagliata in Positano– hidden away on top of the hill is an absolute must! This restaurant offers fresh hand made pasta and the best view of Positano by far. Do not visit the Amalfi and miss this place…and get ready to commit CARB-O-SIDE!
Things to do while in Positano:
- Rent a boat for the day, you can cruise around the coast and even over to Capri.
- Drink locally made Limoncello.
- Drive the coastal route from Solerno to Sorrento stopping in at the quaint little towns.
- Shop for locally made wears: sandals and handicrafts.
- Stay in a room with a balcony overlooking the Mediterranian and simply enjoy the view with a glass of Prosecco.
- Check out the Grotto dello Smeraldo
- Spend a day at Spiaggia del Fornillo (little pebble beach with sun lounges and cafes)
- Enjoy home made pasta and views from Trattoria La Tagliata.
- Spend a day walking around Positano. There are many tracks to hike on and enjoy the view as you go. A popular track is the ‘Footpath of the Gods’.
- Enjoy a spa day at the Hotel Rialto Resort & Spa in Vietri Sul Mare (the pool looks right over the Mediterranian). My picture above was taken from the balcony of this hotel.
Spiaggia del Fornillo: relax the day away on a sun lounge
