This picturesque town could easily be found gracing the cover of any travel magazine. Located just an hour away from the busy port of Naples, only a few cruisers know of this incredible little town. Hundreds of houses, shops, and most importantly restaurants crowd the hillsides of this quiet Italian village. Nestled in the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, Positano is home to just under 4,000 residents, a delectable clifftop restaurant, and a whole lot of lemons.
The Drive
One of the most incredible experiences this town has to offer is the drive to the town itself. As you drive from Naples towards Positano, you’ll soon leave the urban landscape of Naples behind and soon find yourself driving along the stunning Amalfi Coast. Each turn around a cliff brings a new view of small towns, scattered islands, and even Mount Vesuvius. During the drive, some areas only offer a few feet and a guard rail to separate you and your vehicle from the warm Mediterranean waters at the bottom of a towering cliff.
TIP: If you happen to find an available pull off along the ride, make sure you stop to take in the view and snap some photos.
The Town
After a potentially harrowing drive along the coast, you’ll suddenly find yourself in Positano. Literally, the town is so condensed into the side of the cliff, it literally almost appears out of nowhere. As you drive into the town from above, you’ll be afforded an unbelievable view of the town and the sprawling Mediterranean Sea. Driving further in, you’ll soon have to ditch your ride and set out on foot to explore the tiny streets of this traditional Italian town.
Walking the streets among the locals, you’ll discover a number of unique stores, many of which sell lemon inspired products, one of the staples of life in Positano. Continuing down the cliff further into the town, you’ll soon stumble upon the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. This ancient church is the landmark of the town and clearly stands out to all who pass through, thanks to its beautiful majolica-mosaic dome. Many visitors tend to spend a good amount of time in this traditional church, admiring the exquisite architecture and the iconic black Madonna.
The Food
For lunch, there are plenty of local cafes and restaurants. Thankfully, Positano has been untouched by chain restaurants, so you’re guaranteed an authentic and traditional Italian meal anywhere you choose. However, if you’re looking for a place that offers the best Italian cuisine you’ve ever tasted with the most incredible view ever, La Tagliata is the place for you. Perched high above Positano, La Tagliata literally sits on the edge of the cliffs of the coast. The restaurant itself is completely open air and offers breathtaking views no matter where you sit. The food, all prepared by “Mama” in the kitchen, is simply incredible. Your entire meal is family style and it’s best to pace yourself. I personally was full before the main course even begun. To be honest, everything I ate at La Tagliata was incredible. From the freshly baked breads to the truly authentic pastas, everything was simply incredible. The views were incredible. The local waiters were incredible. La Tagliata is incredible. When you visit Positano, this is where you’ll find an authentic and fresh Italian meal with a view only a few will ever have the opportunity to see.
The Lemons
Oh, yes, the lemons. Positano is home to a number of lemon trees, which the locals have used to make everything from lemon ice, to candles, and even soaps. Yet, the most important thing they use lemons for? Limoncello. You either love it or you hate it and luckily I love it. For those of you who don’t know, Limoncello is a strong (read STRONG) lemon based liquor that is extremely popular in this area of Italy. In fact, it’s so popular and with lemons so readily available, locals tend to make their own Limoncello, many of whom are guided by decades old family recipes. Upon leaving Positano, our driver even shared his family’s Limoncello recipe with us.
So, when you find yourself in Positano, after finishing off an amazing lunch at La Tagliata, raise a glass of Limoncello to your day in this amazing little town nestled along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.
