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Positano - A Modern Ancient Town
Legend has it that Positano derived its name from an incident centuries ago when pirates bearing an icon of the Virgin Mary were beset by a terrible storm. The pirates repeatedly heard a voice whispering the word ‘posa’ (apparently meaning either ‘lay me down’ or ‘it rests’) whispered again and again. They then took shelter in a nearby bay, and as soon as the painting reached its shores, the storm subsided.
Another less mythical story states that this quaint little Italian town was founded by some inhabitants from Paestum who were escaping pirates. This tale, although less romantic, apparently has some historical truth to it.
Discovering Positano...
 Whatever its origins, this beautiful, rather chic town on Italy’s famous Amalfi coast is a romantic spot which blends ancient sites with modern fashion and tourism. The mere sight of its buildings crammed together vertically on the cliff side gives the impression of houses rolling down from the hills, one on top of the other. The result is breathtaking.
You could choose to walk around the town but the hilly terrain can pose quite a challenge for the average tourist. There are stairs literally everywhere connecting the different parts of the town and tackling these in itself could be rather taxing. Fear not, however, as there are buses that can transport you from spot to spot if you have worn your feet out. Although having said that, walking definitely has its rewards as you absorb every inch of Positano’s rustic beauty. On foot or by bus, a good, sturdy pair of shoes is essential- there is no place here for heels of any kind!
One of the town’s main attractions is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, right in its centre. Its most popular feature is a wooden Byzantine panel depicting the Virgin Mother and Child- the icon associated with the legend mentioned earlier. This church, originally the abbey of a Benedictine monastery, has been the centre of activity for Positano’s residents probably since the 10th century.
The church itself is a thing of beauty with its colourful, glazed, Majolica-tiled dome and gorgeously scenic view of the sea. The back of the church was apparently the site of a Roman villa which was buried during Mount Vesuvius’s eruption in 79 AD.
 Food and Art Side-By-Side
Not far from the church is Positano’s main area where you can find plenty of yummy local food besides shops selling the things this town is most known for- ceramics and linen, sandal making, as well as art galleries featuring the work of local artists.
Positano also hosts festivals, and concerts nearly throughout the year, ensuring a constant stream of visitors and entertainment. The best time to go would of course be during the spring or summer months when you can truly experience the warm but not scalding-ly hot Mediterranean breezes. Flowers in bloom, with carpets of bougainvillea and vines diving from the balconies, add to its charm.
From Greek Temples to Warm Beaches
If you can spare the time, travel to Pompeii- just an hour away- to the remains of a city wrecked by Mount Vesuvius’s long-ago eruption. Else if your trip happens to be in the summer then you really should hop on a ferry to the Islands of Capri or Ischia. Capri is more popular as a tourist destination, but some would claim that Ischia, also the largest island in the bay of Naples, is the more beautiful.
You could also take a ferry to Paestum, to see and experience one of Italy’s earliest Greek settlements. Paestum is relatively less crowded than Pompeii which adds to the feel of ancientness. It boasts three well-preserved Doric Greek temples, ruins of ancient houses and a museum of Greek artifacts.
Back in Positano itself, there are two beaches you can explore- the Fornillo and the main beach and ferry port, Spiaggia Grande. Both are great spots to kick off your shoes and soak up the sun after touring the town. After all that walking, you would definitely want to do just that.
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