Positano
Let's Explore Positano, a Jewel on the Amalfi Coast
Welcome to Positano, one of the most beautiful towns on the Amalfi Coast. Located in the province of Salerno, Positano is famous for its stunning landscapes and rich history dating all the way back to the Roman era. Let's discover everything there is to know about this dreamy town.
Physical Geography
Territory
Positano is situated on the coast of the Amalfi Coast, a stretch of coast that extends for about 50 kilometers between the municipalities of Vietri sul Mare and Positano. Thanks to its location, Positano enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with very mild winters and long, hot summers often cooled by the sea breeze. The many staircases that lead down from the town to the beach are typical. The main beaches are ''Spiaggia Grande'' and ''Fornillo'', both accessible on foot; the others are ''La Porta'', ''Arienzo'' and ''San Pietro Laurito'', all mainly accessible by sea.
Climate
The climate of Positano is one of its distinctive features. Thanks to its location, the city enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with temperatures that never drop below 6°C even in winter. Summers are long, hot and sunny, but often cooled by the sea breeze.
Origin of the Name
The name Positano may derive from Posides, the nickname of the Roman freedman who built a villa in the city, or from the Greek "rocky land". However, there is also a legend that the Black Madonna, transported by sea, invoked the sailors saying "Posa, Posa", and was thus landed in the village (which was called Mortelle at the time).
History
The first evidence of settlement in Positano dates back to prehistory, more precisely to the Upper Paleolithic when the Cave "La Porta" was frequented by hunter-gatherer populations. Despite the tradition related to the myth of the sirens, there is no information concerning Greek occupation of the Positano coast.
The first archaeological evidence dates back to the 1st century BC, when luxurious Roman villas were built on the Sorrento Peninsula coast. In Positano, one occupied the bay and the other extended onto Gallo Lungo island.
Thanks to its mild climate and beautiful landscape, Positano has been a holiday destination since the Roman Empire. In 1997, together with the other towns on the Amalfi Coast, the municipal territory was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Trip to Positano
How to Get to Positano
Positano is easily accessible from Naples and Salerno railway station, both well connected with other Italian cities. Once in Naples or Salerno, you can take a bus that goes directly to Positano. Alternatively, you can rent a car or a scooter and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Amalfi Coast.
What to See in Positano
Positano is a city rich in history and natural beauty. One of the main attractions is the beach of Spiaggia Grande, one of the largest and most popular on the Amalfi Coast. Fornillo beach is instead smaller and more secluded, the perfect place for a day of relaxation.
Don't miss a walk in Positano's historic center, full of typical shops and charming alleys. Also unmissable is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the city's main religious monuments.
What to Eat in Positano
Positano's cuisine is particularly rich and tasty, with dishes that use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Among the typical dishes are grilled fish, seafood, homemade pasta, and local delicacies such as buffalo mozzarella and limoncello.
Conclusion
Positano is a magical and enchanting city, the perfect destination for those seeking an unforgettable experience on the Amalfi Coast. With its millennia-old history, beautiful beaches, and delicious local cuisine, Positano will conquer you and leave you with an unforgettable memory.
