About Positano
Positano- a cliffside village on southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast, is a dreamy, dramatic, and dashing destination. This Italian ‘la dolce vita’, with vertiginous, pastel houses, seeming to tumble into the sea, wisteria-draped hotels, pebble beachfront, and narrow streets, is undoubtedly Amalfi Coast’s front-cover splash. This stunning Italian riviera portrays a kaleidoscopic blend of old-world charm and opulent glamor. There is hardly any place that could match the magnificence of this village
Population
This small fishing Italian village is home to around 3,913 residents, where everybody knows everyone. Being a popular tourist hub, this stunning town is always packed with a large number of tourists.
Geography
This small coastal town is nestled in the foothills of the Lattari Mountains and is protected by the northern winds. Its geographical setting makes it rich with strikingly beautiful landscapes. Many call it a perpendicular village due to its geographical setting, as the village perched in an enclave in the hills leading down to the coast.
History
The journey of this Italian riviera was not trivial and took several years to become what it is now. Evidence suggests that the town’s first settlement dates back to prehistory, precisely during the upper Paleolithic period.
Years ago, it was a wealthy market port that hosted medieval deals in fish trades and other resources. However, during the Roman Empire, it became a resort destination and gained popularity in the 1950’s and has been somewhat of a tourist hub ever since. The ancient Romans had built numerous villas here and the ruins can be seen in the vicinity of the Church dell’Assunta.
In later years, the town grew considerably after natives from Paestum arrived and settled here. However, in 1268, the town was pillaged by Pisa, after which it increased its defense by building massive fortified walls.
Positano was severely destroyed by the tsunami of 1343, and survived the calamity. In the 15th-century, it was attacked by Ottoman pirates. But after the 18th-century, following the unification of Italy, Positano has risen from a sleepy fishing village to a prominent town.
Religion
The natives follow Christianity, as their main religion in Positano. Here, you will not find any church of Protestant religion, as all churches in Amalfi coast are Catholic. In Potasino and in Amalfi, you will find Christian orthodoxy offering prayers together with catholic Christians in a church.
Culture
This Italian riviera is known for its hippie-chic culture. The bougenvilla-draped restaurants, quirky outfit stores, white-washed walls, pastel-colored houses, and the clean atmosphere proves its cultured people, who keep their land beautiful. The local artisans bring the picturesque landscape surrounding the village alive with their beautiful artworks.
Language
Neapolitan is widely spoken in this Amalfi Coast village. However, Italian is popular among the locals too. You may find the hotel or restaurant staff speaking in English, but the rest of the residents do not use it.
Currency
The official currency of Positano is Euro (€).
Climate
It features a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature is 60.5℉. Summer begins at the end of June and ends in September, and the rest of the months, the town enjoys mild and pleasant weather.
When to Go
Although it enjoys perfect weather throughout the year, it is best to visit this postcard-perfect city between June and August. July is the hottest month of the year, when the mercury goes up to 84.2℉. The peak season here starts at the end of April and runs through October. During these months, the town remains packed with tourists from all over the world. However, it is better to plan your trip during spring, when the prices are considerably cheaper.
Travel
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals: EU nationals and citizens of other countries are required to bring their passport or national identity card to enter as a tourist for a period of up to 90 days.
Non-EU Nationals: You must carry a valid passport issued within the past ten years and with at least six months of validity, to enter Italy.
Italy is a Schengen country and allows EU member nationals to enter their country without visa. However, if you are traveling to/from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania (these are not part of the Schengen area), then you will be required to bring a passport, and a national identity card.
Documents required to apply for Schengen Visa
The following documents will be required if you are applying for a short-term Schengen visa:
- You have to complete the Italian Visa Application Form. Take two printouts and sign them, where required.
- Your passport size photograph will be required, which shouldn’t be more than six months old.
- You must present a valid passport, which shouldn’t be older than ten years, and must have a validity of three to six months.
- Your residence permit card.
- Proof of accommodation- hotel reservation. In case you have a host in Italy, then you have to present a completed and signed copy of the sponsorship form along with a copy of passport and Italian residence permit card.
- Round trip ticket.
- Schengen travel visa insurance.
Passport & Visa Requirement for US Citizens
US citizens do not require any tourist visa to travel to Italy, as the nation has waived off visa requirements for the US citizens for tourism and business purposes for up to 90 days.
However, if you are a US Green card holder, you may require to apply for a Schengean visa to enter Italy.
The US passport must have a validity period of at minimum three months. It must have two blank pages for the stamps
Before traveling to Italy, you should prepare the necessary information needed for mandatory security checks to prevent delays at the Airport. To learn more about the security and customs guidelines for travel to Italy, you can check out the Customs website and acknowledge the number of items you are carrying with you.
For all passengers arriving in Italy from outside the European community
For goods purchased outside the European community, or purchased from duty free shops, the following allowances apply for the tourists arriving from outside the European community- 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and 2 liters of table wine or 1 liter of alcohol.
The prohibited items are:
- Animal products or products of animal origin (EU destinations only)
- Batteries
- Cutting instruments
- Defense sprays
- Drones
- Dry ice
- Electronic cigarettes like vapor or e-cigarettes
- Explosives
- Firearms and ammunition
- Flammable items, liquids or solids
- Gasoline powered tools
- Hoverboards
- Marijuana
- Mobility Devices
- Lighters and Matches
- Pressurized containers/compressed gasses
- Self-heating meals
- Self-inflating life jackets
- Scissors and tools
- Smart bags
Unlike other major cities in Italy, there is no airport in Amalfi and its nearby villages. The nearest airports are Naples International Airport (NAP) and Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport (FCO). However, the most convenient and the nearest place is Naples, from where you can get a train, shuttle bus, and even taxis to reach Positano.
Naples International Airport (NAP) Customer Support Number (24*7)
Contact No: +39 081 789 6111
Custom & Immigration
Address: Viale F. Ruffo di Calabria, 80144, Napoli NA, Italy
Phone No: +39 081 789 6111
Emergency & Medical Assistance
If you are in Italy, dial 112 in case of emergency. However, Naples International Airport (NAP) too has an on-the-spot medical assistance service and ambulance.
Lost & Found
The office for lost and found items is in the Arrival Hall of the airport and is open 24-hours. You can also call +39 081 789 6765 for any baggage related queries.
The popular airlines traveling to/from Naples International Airport are- RyanAir, Thomas Cook Airlines, Elivie, Alitalia CityLiner, Aero Trasporti Italiani, etc.
To reach the coastal villages of Amalfi, you first have to reach either in Naples or in Rome. From there you will get a shuttle bus, train, ferry, or car. However the other two main transportation hubs are Sorrento and Salerno, but from Naples, it is easier to reach the destination. Read on to know the various modes of transport which can take you to Amalfi.
By Train: Hop on a Circumvesuviana, train to Sorrento, and then catch a ferry from there to Positano. You can also take the Campania Express, which only runs from March to October, so it is better to check its availability during your trip.
By Shuttle Bus: Shuttle buses are operated by Curreri Viaggi, and are available from Naples airport to Sorrento. It takes just one hour to reach the destination and costs 10 Euros. From there, you can hop on a ferry to reach your destination.
By Ferry: There are no direct ferries available to take you from Naples to Amalfi. You will need to take a ferry from Naples to Sorrento and then another ferry to Amalfi Coast.
By Car: You can either rent a car or take your vehicle. The duration of the journey depends on the original destination from where you have started your road trip. The road trip is undoubtedly scenic, and you can wait anywhere to take pictures.
The most convenient and affordable mode to get around the villages of Amalfi is to hop on a SITA bus that offers regular services in Positano and its hub in Amalfi. The other option is- ferries to slogging along the local roads. You can also hire a boat service that links Marina Grande to Fornillo during summer.
To have a more comfortable vacation, you can rent a car, which might be a little more expensive.
Accommodation
Being one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Italy, this coastal village attracts millions of tourists each year. To accommodate such a large number of visitors, it offers postcard perfect hotels and Airbnbs. You can check into one of these wisteria-draped hotels and enjoy the magnificent views outside. These luxurious resorts and hotels are equally captivating and give justice to the surrounding scenic beauty. Here are some places to call home during your trip:
Le Sirenuse
Location: Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 30, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 875 066
Il San Pietro di Positano
Location: Via Laurito, 2, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 875 455
Hotel Le Agavi
Location: Via G. Marconi, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 875 733
Covo dei Saraceni
Location: Piazza dei Mulini, 5, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 875 400
Villa Treville
Location: Via Arienzo, 30, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 812 2401
Services
Hospital & Ambulance
When in Italy, call 112 in case of any emergency. In addition, the Emergency Medical Services Department of the city offers medical assistance to all the residents and tourists visiting here. Furthermore, below are the emergency contact numbers of emergency services in Positano.
Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Federico II
Address: Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Napoli NA, Italy
Ph No: +39 081 1840 8340
Clinica Sanatrix
Address: Corso Italia, 2, 80067, Sorrento NA, Italy
Ph No: +39 081 872 9111
Parafarmacia Positano of Dr Montefusco Carlo
Address: Viale Paitea, 210, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Ph No: +39 089 812 2080
Positano Fire Department
Contact: +39 081 534 2283
All the tourists traveling to Italy should get their insurance coverage before departing from their home country. From medical to travel insurance, visitors should ensure they are completely insured.
Etiquette
Dress Code
Anything goes in Positano. However, to match the unrivaled beauty of the town, wear light linens, maxi dresses, pair up with flat sandals, and any fitting outfits, and complete your look with a light-colored beach hat. Swimsuits are perfect for the beaches, and swimming pools, but not elsewhere.
Drinking
Drinking in public places is strictly prohibited. You can enjoy a glass of wine in bars or in restaurants while admiring the breathtaking beauty lying ahead.
Tipping
Locals do not offer tips, but tourists are expected to do so. However, avoid excess tipping and offer cash as a tip only if you like the service.
Photography
The idyllic hilltop town has drawn the attention of photographers for a long time. Until and unless you are not capturing pictures for commercial purposes, you are free to take images in various tourist spots. However, professional photographers, using the images for business may have to pay approx USD 1000.
Neighborhood
There are numerous neighborhoods, where you can pitch-in your tent in this dramating and dashing coastal village. Each of its neighborhoods are adorned with houses and villas draped with wisteria and bougainvillea, and offer stunning views of the sea and the hills. To make your abode here, learn about these neighborhoods.
Lower Positano
If you want to stay close to the pebbled beaches, then this is the perfect place. Along with convenient beach access, you can enjoy the buzzing nightlife here, which is a lot more vibing than anywhere else in this coastal town.
Chiesa Nuova
If you are on a budget and yet wish to feel the authentic Italian vibe, this is the perfect neighborhood to spend your vacation. Many hotels in the area have rooftop terrace from where you can take in the beauty of the beaches, while minimizing the amount of hustle.
Montepertuso
This charming and historic village is for those travelers who are looking for a luxury retreat. It has more sophisticated dining establishments and is considered a great place to base yourself.
Nocelle
The honeymooners and couples on a romantic getaway to this Italian village prefer Nocelle. The magical views, calm, and serene atmosphere, let you and your significant other unwind and connect. The best thing to do here together is to soak up the ethereal beauty of the rising sun over the ocean.
Museums & Art Galleries
SightSeeing
Food & Wine Tour
Picturesque Positano not only entices you with all its paradisiacal beauty, its culinary culture is equally luscious and worth every penny. This tourist hotspot is blessed with some cute restaurants, and bars, where you can relish risotto, spaghetti, or other delicious Italian cuisine, while admiring the sublime vistas.
Wonderful restaurants, dedicated their menu to rich flavored Italian cuisines are dotted throughout the city. However, before visiting these public places, check the lists of some of the best restaurants and bars.
High End Dining
Il Tridente
Cuisine: Italian
Address: Viale Pasitea, 140, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 8111 11
Maestro’s
Cuisine: Italian
Address: Via Arienzo, 30 – 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 812 2401
La Sponda
Cuisine: Italian
Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 30, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 875 066
Adamo Ed Ava
Cuisine: Italian
Address: Via G. Marconi, 110, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 935 7739
Zass
Cuisine: Italian
Address: Via Laurito 2, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 812 080
Casual Dining
La Taverna del Leone
Cuisine: Italian Pizza
Address: Via Laurito, 43, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 811 302
Da Vincenzo
Cuisine: Italian, Seafood
Address: Viale Pasitea, 172/178, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 875 128
Da Gabrisa Restaurant & Wine Bar
Cuisine: Italian, Wine bar
Address: Viale Pasitea, 221, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 811 498
Elisir Di Positano Cafè & Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian
Address: Viale Pasitea, 90, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 875 780
Ristorante Bruno
Cuisine: Italian, Seafood
Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 157, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 875 179
Bars & Lounges
Franco’s Bar
Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 30, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 812 189
Positano Paradise Lounge Bar
Address: Via del Saracino, 32 Corso Positano, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 811461
La Cantina delle Tre Sorelle
Address: Viale Pasitea, 20, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 811 744
Blu Bar Food & Cocktail Bar
Address: Spiaggia, Via del Brigantino, 4, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 811 177
Da Ferdinando
Address: Spiaggia di, Via Fornillo, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 875 365
Spa & Wellness Resort
L’Onda Beauty Center at Hotel Poseidon
Address: Viale Pasitea, 148, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 811 111
Royal Divine Relax
Address: Via G. Marconi, 121, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 339 882 6368
O’Spa Wellness & Gym
Address: Viale Paitea, 318, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 875 665
Alma Spa & Beauty
Address: Via G. Marconi, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 089 875 733
Positano Massage Therapy
Address: Via G. Marconi, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Contact: +39 347 706 9898
