Area Description: You'll find Positano a charming and friendly spot for your holidays - in the heart of the Amalfi Coast, not far from Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, and Naples. Since the turn of the 20th century Positano has been a favourite holiday destination for visitors from around the world, especially artists. The guidebooks offer you the long list of famous writers (John Steinbeck was here in 1953), musicians, dancers, painters, sculptors, photographers and actors who have lived or spent their holidays in this idyllic and inspirational part of Italy. Nowadays it's equally popular, though pleasantly unspoiled. And TV and pop stars have joined the many who visit each year. So what is it that brings people to Positano? The answer is that the town is a beautiful and friendly place, with its typical Mediterranean architecture and fine views. Sitting at the heart of Amalfi Coast, the narrow streets and flights of steps that characteris ... [Read More]

Area Description: You'll find Positano a charming and friendly spot for your holidays - in the heart of the Amalfi Coast, not far from Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, and Naples. Since the turn of the 20th century Positano has been a favourite holiday destination for visitors from around the world, especially artists. The guidebooks offer you the long list of famous writers (John Steinbeck was here in 1953), musicians, dancers, painters, sculptors, photographers and actors who have lived or spent their holidays in this idyllic and inspirational part of Italy. Nowadays it's equally popular, though pleasantly unspoiled. And TV and pop stars have joined the many who visit each year. So what is it that brings people to Positano? The answer is that the town is a beautiful and friendly place, with its typical Mediterranean architecture and fine views. Sitting at the heart of Amalfi Coast, the narrow streets and flights of steps that characterise Positano conceal a variety of small shops, traditional workshops, ateliers, and cafes. That's why shopping or just strolling and wandering the streets are the first things that all visitors do in Positano. The town is renowned for the production of clothes, lemon liqueurs and sweets, hand-made shoes, and a host of other craft specialities. Positano has an ancient history as part of the mediaeval Republic of Amalfi, but there is little remaining from that period. Most of the town dates back to the 18th century. The church of Santa Maria Assunta, near the beach, has a fine dome and some notable old paintings. Palazzo Murat is now a hotel, but often hosts public cultural events, so you can take a look inside. Classical music, literature and ballet are all on the menu at Positano. Ask the tourist office about events and shows during your stay: the most famous are the Leonide Massine Art of Ballet Award in September, and The International Chamber Music Festival in August. Just out of the bay there is a group of small islands, Li Galli. These have been owned by both the choreographer Leonide Massine and to the dancer Rudolf Nureyev. They are private, so you can't land there, but this is a nice spot to reach by boat for swimming. Finally, don't forget to taste the local food and wine - there are some very good restaurants in Positano. And remember that Positano is a good starting point to visit many interesting sites. Positano is a small town, with everything within a few minutes' walk. You will often have to take a flight of steps to get from one place to another. The best strategy is to walk down, using the bus to get to an upstairs point along the cart road. The roads are one way, so cars and buses drive around the town in a circle. You'll find the bus terminal at the entrance of the pedestrian area, in Piazza dei Mulini. At each bus stop in Positano there is a table showing all the stops with their number and name, and a timetable. The schedules refer to the starts from the terminal (every quarter hour). With lots to see and do locally, and some fascinating expeditions out to the islands and inland into Italy, this is a host of marvellous holidays in one.