On the shore of the Amalfi coast of southern Italy, on a rocky hill, towering like a hat over the shore of the Tyrrhenian Sea, is a small and incredibly beautiful town of Positano. Over the years of its existence, from a small fishing village, Positano has grown into one of the most famous Italian resorts in the world.
Positano has everything that is needed for a quiet, comfortable and relaxing holiday, and it is not in vain that it is considered a piece of paradise on earth.
A bit of the history of the city
Positano is an Italian city full of romance. Legend has it that it was founded by the god of the seas Poseidon. He was so delighted with the beauty of the nymph Pasitea that he gave her a small town on the coast near Salerno. It was in honor of the nymph that the city of Positano was named.
An interesting fact is that the town is mentioned in the famous Odyssey of Homer. It was here, on the islands near the city, according to the Greek poet that sweet-voiced sirens lived, killing hundreds of ships.
The main attraction of Positano is the incredible landscape
Back in the 1st century A.D. hidden behind high mountains from the cold north winds, Positano began to attract representatives of the wealthy patrician and merchant classes. They built the first stone villas on the banks.
However, the heyday of the city falls on the time after the fall of the Roman Empire. It was then that he became part of the Amalfi Republic. In Positano, they began to build merchant ships and mint their own coins; more and more often, the vociferous speech of overseas merchants was heard on the streets.
Unfortunately, besides merchants, Saracen pirates also reached the shores. To protect against raids began to build watchtowers. By the way, eight of them (three internal and five external) can be seen today.
Not the best period in the history of the city fell on the Middle Ages, but already in the XIII century a new flourishing began. In confirmation of this, in the territory of Positano, luxurious villas made in the Baroque style characteristic of that time were preserved.
Positano - heaven on earth
Finally, the title of one of the best resorts of the Amalfi coast of Italy was assigned to Positano after the First World War, when representatives of the world intelligentsia came here in search of peace and tranquility.
Among them were Russians: writer M. Semenov, choreographer and dancer L.F. Myasin, who bought the whole island of the Lee Galli archipelago, the legendary ballet dancer R. Nuriev, artists I. Zagoruyko and V. Nechitailov and many others.
Now Positano is a calm and cozy town with narrow streets and lots of stairs, traditional southern Italian flavor, excellent Mediterranean cuisine, warm sea and comfortable beaches. A town where everyone can easily understand what "heaven on earth" means.
Attractions Positano
The main attraction of Positano - amazing nature and colorful houses decorated with majolica, piled on top of each other, from where a bewitching view of the sea surface opens.
Many incredible photos can be taken while strolling through Via Cristoforo Colombo and the Punta Reginella district, considered the highest point of the city. During the walk you can admire the luxurious villas and mansions, as well as visit the botanical garden in the palace of the Neapolitan king Joachkino Murat.
By the way, the palace itself is now a wonderful hotel, anyone can reserve a room in it. Numerous exhibitions of street artists creating their masterpieces right here, as well as medieval fortress towers will also appeal to you.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta
Do not ignore the noticeable from any panoramic point of the city, built in the XIII century, Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Outside, a dome decorated with multi-colored majolica literally attracts the view. The main shrine of the temple is the Byzantine image of the Black Madonna and Child.
By the way, one interesting legend is associated with this image. According to legend, the icon was carried by the sea waves to the coast of Positano and since then it has been considered the patroness of the city. Every year, on August 15, festivities are held in honor of the icon with carnival processions and fireworks.
A walk along the "Path of the Gods" impresses with spectacular views
One more the famous landmark of Positano in Italy is considered the archipelago of Li Galli. It was here that, according to Homer, sweet-nymphs lived. The archipelago consisting of three small islands was bought in 1924 by the Russian dancer Leonid Myasin, the main director of the Russian seasons of Diaghilev. Myasin built a villa here and found his piece of heaven on earth. Since then, the people of the archipelago of Lee Galli began to be called "Russian."
After the death of the maestro, the island was acquired by the no less famous Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev, and in the mid-90s he and the villa were bought by the Sorrentine hotel tycoon, who organized a modern five-star hotel in Nureyev’s villa.
Well, lovers of hiking can climb higher to the modest town of Praiano. This is where the so-called "Path of the Gods"leading along mountain cliffs and picturesque gorges. It offers magnificent views of the coast, the town and the island of Capri.
The beaches of Positano
Sheltered from the cold winds, Positano has a warm and mild climate, so the swimming season here lasts from May to November. Already in early May, the water temperature warms up to a comfortable 20 degrees, then by July-August it rises to 27 degrees, and by October drops to 22. Therefore, it is not surprising that the beaches are considered to be a popular holiday destination in Italian Positano.
Big beach - the central beach of the city
All beaches of the city are covered with fine black sand. The main beach of Positano La Spiaggia Grande - the largest and most visited. There is everything for a good rest. The beach is mostly paid, for a small amount you can rent a sun lounger and an umbrella, but a little further from the center there is a free area where you can comfortably sit on your towel.
Formillo Beach
The second no less famous in the city La Spiaggia di Fornillo beach. Unlike La Spiaggia Grande, it is smaller and a bit calmer. You can get here on foot from a large city beach.
Less popular, but no less convenient are the beaches of Ciumicello, Arienzo and La Porta.
Shopping
It is Positano that is considered worldwide to be the forefather of beach fashion. It was here that such well-known wardrobe elements as tunics, open sandals and wide-brimmed hats originated. Brand "Fashion Positano" will not leave anyone indifferent. If it’s time for you to update your beach wardrobe for a long time, be sure to check out local shops and boutiques.
Positano in Italy is considered the birthplace of beach fashion
In addition to clothes, Positano is also famous for its ceramic products. You can find here literally everything from small souvenirs to luxurious ensembles of benches and fountains.
Ceramics is one of the famous brands of the city.
There is an original little thing in memory both in the art salon and in the jewelry store, so shopaholics will not be bored in Positano.
Local kitchen
The basis of positan cuisine is seafood, a variety of vegetables, fruits and piquant spices. In any restaurant you can easily find your favorite Italian pasta with all kinds of sauces. By the way, sauces in Positano are something absolutely incredible and tasty.
Positano - Homeland of Mozzarella Cheese
Cheeses are also highly respected in the city. It is believed that the world famous Mozzarella appeared precisely here in Positano. However, like Margarita pizza, named after Queen Margarita of Savoy, who visited the town at the end of the 19th century.
Limoncello - the favorite drink of the positans
A pleasant end to a hearty evening will be an exquisite dessert with honey and fresh fruits, as well as a glass of local wine or a glass of limoncello.
How to get to Positano
The airport closest to Positano is in Naples, though it should be borne in mind that direct flights from Moscow to Naples fly only during the holiday season, the rest of the time you will have to fly with a transfer. You can find suitable tickets for convenient dates in the form below.
From Naples Airport to Positano go some 65 km. You can overcome them in the following ways:
- rent a car. True, it is worth considering that the roads along the coast are steep and winding. Without sufficient experience driving a car on serpentines, it’s better not to risk it and immediately proceed to option No. 2.
- take a taxi. The second convenient way to get to the city. Perfect for those traveling with a company or a family with children.
- book a tour. A great option for those who want to explore Positano one day and return to Naples again in the evening. A one-day excursion will help to see not only this picturesque town, but also other interesting places along the Amalfi coast of Italy.
- master public transport. Nothing direct goes from Naples to Positano. Have to make a change in Sorrento. One of the options for the route: get out of the airport building and immediately take the bus to Sorrento. We are going to the final stop "Sorrento railway station" (approximately 1 h. 15 min.). At the exit, we transfer to another bus going towards Amalfi. The route runs along the Amalfi coast of Italy and impresses with incredible views. To enjoy the beautiful, take seats on the right side in the direction of travel. About half an hour and you are already in Positano.
The town is beautiful anytime
The following route is suitable for those who plan to leave for Positano from Rome: Rome-Amalfi buses go from the Tiburtina bus station (Tiburtina FS metro station). The flight is open only in summer. Departure at 7 am, arrival in Positano at 11:30. At other times of the year you will have to travel with a change in Sorrento. You can go to Sorrento by bus (run daily at 15:00 except Sunday), or by train, and then transfer to the bus in the direction of Amalfi.
Positano Hotels
Positano has over a hundred incredibly romantic hotels. Beautiful architecture of the XIX century, gorgeous views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the town itself, comfortable beds and delicious breakfasts on open flower terraces - all this can be found by a vacationer in Positano, a piece of paradise on earth.
Hotel Villa Franca
Room prices are very diverse and start at 70 euros for two. Do you want to find your unique hotel in Positano? Then to you here.
Other useful articles:
- How to get from Rome to Naples and from Naples to Rome
- Naples airport and how to get to the city
- 5 most interesting excursions in Naples
- Sights of Naples and surroundings: 5 most interesting places
- The best beaches in the vicinity of Naples: where to swim and how to get
