Travel :: A Day in Positano, Italy

It has been nearly two years since our trip to Positano, but I still find myself mentally visiting and revisiting the beautiful gem of the Amalfi Coast almost every day.  The five days we spent there were some of the most memorable of my life, filled with more *pinch me* moments than I could ever explain.  If you're planning a trip to Southern Italy I could not recommend enough making time to visit the stunning Amalfi Coast.  Positano would be my recommendation of places to stay, but Capri would also be quite wonderful!  Splurge for a sea-view room at your hotel {if you're feeling very luxurious, stay at the world-famous Le Sirenuse...and while you're at it, invite me to join you!} and wake up to the sky turning pink and purple over the Mediterranean.  And for the perfect day...

7AM: Enjoy breakfast and a cappuccino on your private terrace {nearly all Italian hotels include breakfast with their rates} overlooking the sea. 

8AM: Take the bus high, high above the city to the beginning of the 'Path of the Gods' hiking trail.  The earlier you get started the better, it will be less crowded and much cooler than later in the afternoon.  The trail can be challenging and quite scary due to a lack of guard-rails and a not so well maintained path {at one point I actually had to resort to crawling!} but the views are worth it!

9:30 AM: After you have had your fair share of hiking, take the bus back down to Positano and head to the beach.  Visit the booths near the water and find a boat excursion that fits your schedule, party size, and budget {you can hire a private boat, rent your own, or join a pre-planned trip}.  Ryan and I decided to join up with five other people to spend a day boating along the coast...and it was easily the best day of our entire trip.  We went out with an old Italian fisherman, Lorenzo, who could not have been more charming.  He took us all along the coast, stopping to swim in grottos and watch the dolphins {there must have been dozens} jump alongside our boat.  Lorenzo sang Italian fishing songs, entertained us with stories of his youth, and pointed out some of the most famous spots on the Amalfi Coast {including Sofia Loren's villa}.  After working up an appetite we stopped at a private beach for an Italian feast of antipasta, bruschetta, homemade pasta, fresh tuna {caught that morning by Lorenzo}, and of course all the vino we could drink! 

3:30PM: Enjoy a couple more hours of sun at the the beach {walk to the west about 10 minutes for a smaller, more secluded stretch of sand} and if you're still hungry, grab a scoop of gelato.

5:30PM: Before heading back to your hotel to get ready, spend a few minutes wandering through the adorable shops and galleries in Positano.  Stop at the tiny store directly above the beach selling the most amazing handmade leather sandals you will ever find!

7PM: Visit the famous Le Sirenuse hotel for a drink at the Champagne & Oyster Bar and enjoy the breathtaking sunset over Positano.

8PM: For a meal you will never forget, dining at La Tagliata is a must.  Perched high above Positano {the restaurant has a bus that will pick you up and take you back to your hotel}, this family-run eatery features impeccably fresh and authentic Italian fare.  The open air restaurant {literally above the clouds} commands breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the stunning Amalfi Coast.  You walk in and are immediately treated like old-friends.  There is no menu, the chef simply prepares what is fresh and in-season each night and brings out course after course of delectable Italian cuisine.  

11:30 PM: After your long, leisurely meal head to Music on the Rocks for a night cap and some of the best people watching you will find.  La Dolce Vita!