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 data 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
Lots of love,
Julia x
