“Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” so said Nobel Prize-winning writer John Steinbeck after he fell in love with the tiny village in the 1950s.
It’s hard to believe that Positano, the stunningly beautiful vertical resort in the Amalfi coast, was once a quiet, unassuming fishing spot. Now it’s the place to see and be seen, thanks to the inspiring and breath-taking images we see on social media every summer.
My love affair with Positano began back in the 1990s after seeing the romantic comedy movie “Only You” and it was everything I had hoped it would be, beautiful, charming, romantic, a dream!
What to do
Pass a perfect day sunbathing on the famous Positano beach, and get the much sought after “Insta” shot of the hillside of houses and rooftops behind the orange sunbeds.
However, if you want to get away from the crowds and see the place in style, rent a private boat and head along the Amalfi coast. It really is the best way to see all the beautiful coastal villages and beaches. Then head to a local beach club for a long, leisurely lunch and admire the beautiful scenery – and the beautiful people!
In the afternoon I love to take a stroll up the hill for a cooling gelato or granite. It’s a perfect opportunity to do some shopping in the small boutiques, filled with the typical boho-glam “Positano look”. You’ll also find charming ceramics, all things lemon and lemoncello, pretty jewellery and art. The one purchase I never leave without however is a pair of sandals made by hand by one of the local cobblers. Such a treat!
Speaking of footwear, a word of advice, leave your heels at home, and take comfortable shoes! All this beauty doesn’t come for free, you have to earn those stunning views by walking along steep cobbled streets and never-ending steps. Ah, but those steps lead to heaven, in the shape of a fabulous cocktail and unforgettable vistas.
For a perfect aperitif, find a spot on high up overlooking the town – my favourite is Franco’s bar at Le Sirenuse Hotel – and watch the evening melt away into the night. You will never forget the first time you see the sunset over those little roof-tops and disappear into the sparkling water.
For a yummy dinner, head back down to the beach. There are many fabulous restaurants right next to the water. Two of my regular haunts are Chez Black, and Buca de Bacco. Try the spaghetti vongole, or scampi with linguine, mouth-watering!
For nightlife, head to Positano’s only club, Music on the Rocks and dance the night away with all the glamourous people.
The best time to go, without a doubt is September, as it’s far less crowded than July and August, and you’ll meet lots of interesting people who may be stopping off in Positano while travelling the world.
Positano also holds a Ballet festival in September. It’s such a luxury to see some of the world’s finest dancers right there, dancing on a stage on the beach under the canopy of that stunning Positano view.
Though my love affair with this beautiful place started over 25 years ago, I’ll keep coming back year after year because like Steinbeck says, it bites deep, and I love living La Dolce vita in the dreamiest place in the world.
Text by Pamela McKillop
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