Where ‘postcard landscape’ definitely makes all its sense.
I am sure you will have seen photos of Positano, most likely on Instagram. The beautiful village is built on the Amalfi coast, about two hours south of Naples. As we were in the area and we had seen all the beautiful pictures of those uneven rows of colourful houses facing the sparkling blue sea, we decided to take a day trip there and experience the lush Positano with our own eyes.
I will put more details as to how to get there from Naples with public transport, but for now let me introduce you to the town by showing you the view on the way there. The bus is crowded, there’s a baby crying, and you’re feeling a bit dizzy from all the turns and meandering roads. And then, this is what you see out of the window:
The sights on your way to Positano are breathtaking, and already give you an idea of what you will be arriving too… Once you reach the town centre and get off the over-packed bus, the streets are yours to explore. As you turn your head to admire the town, you will find the perfect photo spot. Trust me, we spent ages there trying to get the best photos – and with that backdrop, it was easily achieved!
Once you’ve run out of storage in your camera roll, it is time to explore. A tip: wear comfortable shoes, preferably trainers. The town is on the hillside, and you have to make your way down to reach the beach. On your way, you’ll get lost in the maze of narrow streets, where colourful houses will make you go ‘ooh’ and ‘aaah’ at every corner. Also spot the little artisan shops, full of clothing or art, which, although they may not be to your fancy, definitely are part of the charm of Positano.
From there, go all the way down to the beach. It is a small one, so expect a lot of people sunbathing or running around. In the summer, going into the water must feel great – in late March, however, I only dared dipping my feet in the sun, and it was freezing cold. But walking back and forth on the beach listening to the waves and looking at the blue water glittering in the sun was a moment of bliss. Right then, you almost forget all the people around you.
From the beach, you can take boat trips that will take you to Naples and other neighbouring towns, like Sorrento and Amalfi. The boats only come and go at certain times, so you might have to wait for your turn for a bit, but you’ll be in the best place ever do just sit and wait, observing the landscape around you.
Now, let’s talk about the restaurants. Those on the beach are the most expensive, with prices that are mostly ridiculous for bruschetta or pizza. My advice is to go in the little streets uphill, since most restaurants have a terrace in Positano and will allow you to enjoy the view with your lunch. My friends and I ended up in a place called La Zagara, which is more like a bar where you can have a light lunch with pizza and sandwiches, and try one of their pastries. Although they all looked amazing, I went for a classic tiramisù, and it was delicious – the second best I’ve had in Italy, and trust me I’ve had quite a few! The food is not out of this world though and the waiters could do with more welcoming manners, so if you are someone who always looks for a top experience in restaurants, this might not be the one for you. However if you’re there for a light lunch, a glass of wine and a pastry, the negative sides are still really worth bearing. Especially because of La Zagara’s wonderful terrace, where you’ll spend your lunch with this view:
In a nutshell, Positano is a lush, beautiful town to go for a little daytrip on the Amalfi Coast. There isn’t much to actually do there, but a day of wandering around, relaxing on the beach and having Italian food and drinks is about as heavenly as it could be. I high recommend a visit, if only for the breaktaking view over the coast.
To get there, hiring a car must be the fastest way, however the streets are narrow and parking must be hell. I would advise to take a bus, from the SITA company, that will take you straight there. From Naples, you have to take a train to Sorrento, and at Sorrento take a bus. However, if you are based in Sorrento or Amalfi, you can simply go by bus – or boat if you’re feeling adventurous! All these options get really crowded though, so avoid Positano in the summer – we went at the end of March and the tourist ratio was about right. It is the type of place that gets crowded all the time, so bear in mind that you won’t be the only ones there!
Have you ever been to Positano?
Lots of love,
Julia x
