TRAVELSCAPES 02.23

Positano

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Positano is a sophisticated resort town and the jewel of southern Italy’s iconic Amalfi Coast. You’ll be blown away by the colorful cliffside villas overlooking the sunny Amalfi Coast. As you walk through its sloped streets, you’ll encounter quaint cafés and boutique stores reverberating a cosmopolitan vibe. A brisk hike up the rugged hills provide glimpses of Italian splendor at its finest.

Spiaggia Grande

This is the perfect snapshot of the famed cliffside town and the social epicenter of Positano. View the brightly colored homes cascading down the hill or grab a seat among the rows of umbrellas and lounge chairs lining the pebbled shore.

Church of Santa Maria Assunta

This is one of the most revered architectural works of art in Positano. Its history can be traced back to the 10th century when a Byzantine icon symbolizing the Virgin Mary arrived in Positano. The church celebrated this icon for centuries, and it remains an important figure in the local way of life.

Piazza dei Mulini

This is a vibrant hub of shopping and sightseeing in Positano. You’ll find trendy fashion brands and local artists showing off their handmade crafts. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems as shops are often hidden along the steep, winding walkways.

The Path of the Gods

The Path of the Gods offers a delightful trekking route for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. This nature trail, known locally as Il Sentiero Degli Dei, takes you above Positano and into cozy local villages residing along the Amalfi Coast. The hike is roughly 5 miles and rewards you with spectacular views of Positano and the neighboring coastline.

Grotto dello Smeraldo

Nicknamed the ‘Emerald Cave,’ the Grotta dello Smeraldo is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon. Go underground and marvel at the green light that is reflected in the aqua-blue water. You can get a closer look at stalactites hanging from the cavern roof by riding a boat inside the cave.

Monte Faito

Ride the cable car to the mountain top summit of Monte Faito. Marvel at the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius or the island of Capri as you witness breathtaking scenery from the mountain’s summit. Though seasoned hikers make the trek to the summit, riding the cable car is the quickest way to the top.

Bagni d’Arienzo Beach Club

Arienzo Beach is where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a calming beach day in Positano. You can reach it by hopping on the ferry at the Positano pier, located beside Spiaggia Grande. Shuttle boats are ultra-convenient and depart every half hour from 10am to 1pm. If you’re trying to reach the beach by land, you’ll have to descend a steep flight of steps. The Arienzo Beach Club has tasty food and delicious cocktails for a lazy afternoon.

Amalfi Coast Road Trip

This world-famous route hugs the cliffside and overlooks the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The drive connects the nearby towns of Sorrento and Amalfi as Positano sits in between. Every sharp turn reveals a unique look at pristine beaches and lovely villages.

Cantine Marisa Cuomo

Attend a wine tasting and learn the secrets of winemaking on the Amalfi Coast. Located about 1 hour from Positano, the winery is set in a breathtaking location along the cliffside. Tour the facility to see how they uniquely age their wines inside the rock formations of the Amalfi Coast.

Recommended Restaurants

La Tagliata: Family-style meal overlooking the ocean. Via Tagliata, 32B, 84017 Positano SA, Italy

Ristorante al Palazzo: Excellent food and wine pairings. Via Dei Mulini 23, Hotel Palazzo Murat, 84017, Positano, Italy

Da Vincenzo Positano: Impeccable service and cozy atmosphere. 172/178 Viale Pasitea, 84017 Positano SA, Italy

Rada Restaurant: Romantic 5-star décor and watch sunset over Positano. Via Grotte dell’Incanto, 51, 84017 Positano SA, Italy

Casa E Bottega: Fresh salads and delicious smoothies: Viale Pasitea, 100, 84017 Positano SA, Italy