I think I have been avoiding this post because I am overwhelmed by it. Not that being in Positano was overwhelming–far from it. But expressing just how lovely and unique it was seems beyond my exhausted brain. So I borrowed John Steinbeck’s words. I first read the quote in my Lonely Planet guide to Southern Italy, and they struck me with their perfection.
The upper left photo is from our balcony. The upper right photo was taken about halfway up the stairs from the beach–Positano is basically a vertical town. The far left middle picture shows our hotel, the Pensione Maria Luisa, which is a fantastic budget choice should you ever be in the area, especially if you request a room with a balcony.
Just walking in Positano is amazing, full of unexpected delights like this view between two buildings. Dining is similar, as it is almost difficult to focus on your food, the scenery is so gorgeous! We were lucky because it was beautiful and sunny every day we were there. And in the evening, there is a lot of fantastic seafood to choose from.
Our last day we hired a boat and captain to take us on a tour of the Amalfi coast by water. We visited the Emerald Grotto (see the pictures below with the most aqua green colored glowing water), and we entered this grotto to swim:
It was freezing, but amazing. You could just imagine sirens sitting on the rocks inside the grotto where you were treading water, singing songs to lure sailors to their deaths. And the water was clear and yet it glowed with color from the light entering under the cave walls. This is absolutely one of the best things I have done in Italy so far.
Because we were so cold, we chose not to swim in the last grotto, the one we are entering in the photo in the bottom right. The kids also have ranked this as one of the best things they have done the whole trip. And Sammy and I agree that when we come back to Italy, Positano will be at the top of the list.
When we got back from our tour, we also checked out the Church of St Maria Assunta, the cathedral located right off the beach (!!) in Positano (only in Italy would this gorgeous of a church be sitting practically on the beach). The most famous art in the church is the Byzantine icon in the front of the church of a black Madonna. If you follow my link to read more about the church, there are some terrific stories about this icon.
I am sorry to be brief–it is just amazing how much we are seeing and doing on this trip, and keeping up with sharing it all is getting difficult!
Love this post. The pics are incredible. I have one correction: when you and Sammy return to Italy taking me with you will be at the top of your list!