Positano
Pearl of the Amalfi Coast, Positano looks like a group of pastel-colored houses clinging to the steep wall of the last offshoots of the Lattari Mountains, which are beautifully reflected in a clear sea, surrounded by the intense scent of lemon groves and the bright colors of the blooming bougainvillea.
Following its vertical profile, a maze of alleys and steps unwinds between charming shops displaying the typical products of local craftsmanship. This unique heritage, together with the undisputed landscape beauties, has contributed to making Positano and the Amalfi Coast famous all over the world. We refer directly to the fresh linen dresses in the iconic "Positano fashion" style, handmade leather sandals, multicolored ceramics, and traditional limoncello.
The sweeping panorama extends out to Punta Licosa and Capri. Just three miles away from the coast, the three distinct islets of "Li Galli" (Gallo Lungo, Rotonda, and Castelluccio) emerge from the sea—once legendary home to the enchanting sirens, and recently owned by legendary dancers of the caliber of Nurejev and Massine.
Between Myth, History, and the Jet-Set
While some hypothesize a primitive Osco or Piceno settlement, myth attributes the town's birth to a deep love between Neptune, god of the sea, and the nymph Pasitea. Later, Roman nobility built luxurious seaside villas here: one on the island of Gallo Lungo and another recently rediscovered beneath the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
After following the historical fate of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi and enduring continuous pirate raids, it was chosen by numerous Russian and German artists after WWI as a peaceful refuge. Following WWII, Positano became an elite destination for the international jet-set: painters, writers, actors, and directors flocked here to savor the authentic pleasure of a simple life.
Sites of Major Historical Interest
- The Church of Santa Maria Assunta: Dating back to the 10th century and remodeled in the 18th century, it features a majestic yellow and green majolica dome. The apse still preserves its Byzantine floor and a miraculous wooden icon of the Black Madonna, which tradition says arrived by sea. It also houses the precious 16th-century reliquary of San Vito.
- The Chiesa Nuova (Church of the Madonna delle Grazie): An 18th-century Baroque church built with an elliptical floor plan. The interior is exceptionally large, bright, and filled with historical art treasures.
- The Chapel of San Giovanni: A historic rectangular room covered with a classic barrel vault and a floor decorated with a detailed wind rose.
- The Church of San Matteo: Finely decorated with elegant stuccoes, pilasters in relief, and a historic stoup crafted from rare red porphyry.
- The Church of San Giacomo: Situated in the historic Liparlati district, dating back to the 12th century.
- The Chapel of Santa Caterina: Built originally by local sailors who traded with Alexandria in Egypt, where the Saint is heavily venerated.
- The small Church of Santa Margherita: Located along the scenic road leading to Fornillo beach, featuring a terracotta floor partially majolica-tiled with floral motifs.
- The Church of the Holy Rosary: A structure of ancient origins that houses an authentic Roman sarcophagus.
- The Chapel of San Pietro (in the hamlet of Laurito) and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (in the hamlet of Montepertuso).
- The Church of the Holy Cross (in the hamlet of Nocelle) and the historical anti-Saracen watchtowers (Torre di Fornillo, Torre Trasita, Torre Sponda, and Torre Gallo).
- Grotta La Porta: A significant archaeological cave site where traces of human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era were found.
📍 LINES & EXCURSIONS TO POSITANO
Positano is comfortably reached by the regular motor ships and maritime trips of Capitan Morgan.
Depending on your chosen itinerary, shore stops range from 2 hours (when combined as a multi-destination tour with other locations) up to 5 hours for dedicated, single-destination excursions.
