Top experiences on the Amalfi Coast: get inspired!
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Positano, with its pastel-colored houses built right into the side of a cliff, is a Mediterranean dream come to life. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to this picturesque town on the Amalfi Coast to enjoy the sun, sea, and romantic atmosphere. Positano has much more to offer than crowded beaches and luxury restaurants. If you want to have an authentic experience and explore off the beaten path, here are some ideas that will help you discover the true essence of Positano.
The center of Positano is a labyrinth of narrow streets and stairways that wind between brightly colored houses, offering enchanting views at every corner. The classic route of a traditional walk in Positano starts at Piazza dei Mulini square, then strolling down the street Via dei Mulini, which is shaded by a splendid bougainvillea pergola. That will take you to the square where the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is located. You'll know it by its brightly colored majolica dome, which is one of the most iconic landmarks of Positano. Inside, you can admire a priceless Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna, surrounded by frescoes and decorations that narrate centuries of history. Not far from here is the Roman Archaeological Museum, a hidden gem that preserves the remains of a Roman villa discovered beneath the church. If you continue to go down the stairs, you'll arrive at Spiaggia Grande beach with its bars, restaurants, and beach clubs.
Also located at the beach is the pier where boats and hydrofoils leave for Capri, Salerno, Amalfi, and other places on the Amalfi Coast. From here we recommend taking the "Lovers' Path", a small road along the sea that leads to Fornillo beach. Along this road you can admire one of the Saracen towers that dot the coast, built during the Middle Ages to warn the local inhabitants of incursions by Saracen pirates. At Spiaggia Grande beach, you can take a boats to go to other beaches, Laurito and Arienzo, that without a boat are reachable only by climbing long steps from the state road.
If you hike the Lattari Mountains you'll see the Amalfi Coast from a unique vantage point, far from the sea and close to the sky. Hiking the Path of the Gods can give you this experience. This popular hiking route offers breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast, ranging from the coastline's rocky cliffs to the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. As you walk this trail you'll be immersed in unspoiled natural beauty, taking in the history of an ancient land. Along the way, you'll likely see local shepherds, admire ancient ruins, and even be able to stop at small huts to try local culinary specialties such as goat's cheese and homemade wine. This is one of the most authentic and rewarding experiences that Positano has to offer, far from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Positano is renowned for its fashionable shops and luxury boutiques, but the true soul of the town lies in its artisan workshops. Here, expert craftspeople create masterpieces by hand, continuing centuries-old traditions.
Custom-made sandals, for example, are a must for anyone visiting Positano. These sandals are not only elegant, but also tell a story of tradition and craftsmanship. Each pair is unique and tailor-made for the customer using high quality materials.
Positano beachwear, on the other hand, offers clothing with a bohemian and hippie style. These garments are perfect for a holiday on the Amalfi Coast and also for bringing a bit of the coastal vibe into the city.
Hand-painted ceramics are another gem of local craftsmanship. Positano ceramics, with their bright colors and intricate patterns, are perfect for bringing home a piece of the Amalfi Coast.
Positano's culinary tradition is a journey through the authentic flavors of the Campania region. In Michelin-starred restaurants such as Sponda or San Pietro you can taste haute cuisine, while in trattorias such as La Tagliata in Montepertuso you can try homemade traditions. One example of this is "cuoppo di mare," a paper cone filled with a variety of freshly caught fried fish, which are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Cetara anchovy sauce, another local specialty, is a real delight for the palate, marinated with lemon and olive oil and used to season spaghetti. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the local shops, where you can taste fresh local products and perhaps take home a taste of the Amalfi Coast.
Going to Positano doesn't only mean sunbathing on the beach. One of the most fascinating ways to explore the Amalfi Coast is aboard a boat. Boat tours departing from Positano offer a unique experience to admire the coast from the sea, discovering hidden coves and enchanting bays that are inaccessible by land. These tours are available both for groups and privately and allow you to sail along the coast, passing by iconic places such as the islands of Li Galli. According to myth, this legendary archipelago was home to mermaids. On a boat tour you'll also have a chance to swim in the crystal clear waters, explore sea caves and coves such as the Fuore Fjord, and perhaps go snorkeling to admire the local marine life. Some tours also include stops in nearby towns such as Amalfi, where you can go ashore for a visit with a stop in Ravello. For an unforgettable experience, don't miss the opportunity to take a sunset tour. The sight of the sun sinking into the sea, coloring the sky in shades of orange and pink, is breathtaking. With a glass of prosecco in your hand, cradled by the gentle rocking of the waves, you'll feel like you're in a dream, immersed in the timeless beauty of the Amalfi Coast.
Positano isn't just natural beauty and culinary traditions; it also has a rich cultural history that's worth exploring. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its iconic majolica ceramic dome, is a splendid example of religious architecture and houses a mysterious Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna. And for a truly unique experience, visit the Roman Archaeological Museum. Discovered beneath the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, this museum preserves the remains of a Roman villa, complete with mosaics and frescoes. It's a fascinating journey into the past that will allow you to appreciate Positano's history even more.
If you're lucky enough to visit Positano during one of its local festivals, you'll witness a vital part of the local culture. The feast of San Vito, the patron saint of Positano, is a colorful and vibrant event that involves the whole community. The streets are filled with processions, music, and dancing, and the city comes alive with fireworks and food stalls. Dogs and other pets are blessed in the churchyard. Another event not to be missed is the fireworks show over the sea when the people of Positano celebrate the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul (June 29) or the feast of the Assumption (August 15). San Domenico is celebrated on the first few days of August in the nearby municipality of Praiano, and the entire churchyard is illuminated by spectacular lights.
For those who love adventure, a trip to Montepertuso is the perfect option. This small village above Positano is known for the natural hole in the mountain that legend has it was created by the Madonna. The hiking trails that lead to Montepertuso offer breathtaking views and full immersion in natural beauty. Once you arrive you can explore the village, taste the local cuisine and admire the spectacular views of the coast. One of the lesser-known excursions we recommend is Vietri sul Mare, a town famous for its local ceramics, where you can visit factories, shop, and even participate in a hands-on workshop.