“”Positano bites deep…..It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” — John Steinbeck
The longest and most enjoyable stretch of our trip was all, as it would come to be, a very happy accident. Five nights and six days spent in London, Rye, and Paris had flown by to become a jumbled memory of pints, fish and chips, wine, and macaroons, leaving us with weary feet begging for a break and a cloudy fog of jet lag threatening to turn us into unwitting narcoleptics. We said our goodbyes to the 7th arrondissement in the early morning hours, and packed up our bags to head to the Paris Orly airport, tickets in hand for a 7:30AM departure time on a flight destined for Rome. As we pulled into the airport and I switched on my iPhone’s Wi-Fi, I saw one of those dreaded Orbitz travel alerts pop into my inbox that never – ever – contain any type of good news. As luck would have it early on this cool April Monday, the French air controllers had decided to have themselves a happy little strike, thus canceling flights, clogging up runways, and causing general havoc for anyone lucky enough to have planned on traveling that day.
As we sat in the airport, our fingers crossed that our flight would somehow squeeze out (otherwise, we were faced with renting a car and driving 13 hours to Italy — gah!), I became weary thinking of another dine and dash night when and if we ever made it to Rome. When you are planning a vacation whilst in your PJs on your couch, it’s hard to imagine being tired or running out of steam. Though we were having a truly amazing time, our plans to spend just one night in Rome before taking a train to Naples early the following morning and then renting a car to drive down the Amalfi Coast to Ravello, was sounding like too much to bear – especially after learning that we would be sitting around at the gate for at least another five hours. We both agreed we would rather power through and get down to the beach straightaway, and after a quick Google search, we booked ourselves for one night in the beach town of Positano. Being that it was forty-five minutes closer to Rome than Ravello, we thought it would be the perfect place to to get us a bit closer to where we were going, and the thought of a nice beachside dinner that evening made our travel delays that much more bearable.
After four games of intense scrabble (none of which I won – quelle horreur!) we finally boarded the plane, and two hours later found ourselves in Rome, waiting for the rental car that would be our mode of transportation for the remainder of the trip. I have always had a penchant for funny little European cars, and despite my lobbying for a pint sized Smart Car, my more sensible half stepped in and mandated that we get a ‘mid-size.’ I had the last laugh anyway, as a small little silver Clio jerked and jumped along, struggling in second gear to climb up the garage’s steep ramp before coming to a shaky halt right in front of us. We would be fitting right in, after all.
I jumped behind the wheel, having had more experience driving stick shift cars, and secretly enjoyed the fact that at some point along the way, he might be forced to actually give consent that I was a good driver. (And that is really the eternal fight between man and woman, is it not?) As we navigated out of the airport, it became apparent that we were not at all prepared for the adventure that lay ahead of us. James had pulled up the three-and-a-half hour route on the GPS, and though it looked simple enough, I had no idea that, apparently, there are zero rules when it comes to the road in Italy. Staying in your lane (come again?), lane change indications (huh?), or turn signals (what even are those?!) apparently mean zippety-do-da, and oh mio Dio those Italians are crazy! It is all about making your own rules, and going your own speed – of which there is only one that they seem to find acceptable: REALLY DAMN FAST. Lest you wish to have whoever at that moment is tailing you start flashing their lights and nearly tapping your bumper, you better keep up your speed, and be prepared to move out of the way – quickly – for anyone that wants to get by you. I pushed our little Clio up near 150 kilos an hour, and I still was forced to weave and bob amongst tattered old rust-buckets whose drivers had elbows attached to cigarette-holding hands propped out the windows while they yelled obscenities at me in the most beautiful language ever spoken. Learning to drive in Italy was a shock, to say the least.
It turned out that the major motorways were going to be the absolute least of my worries; as we sped past Naples and closer to the beach, the roads became more narrow and begun to hug the undulating coastline. Perched up hundreds of meters above the Mediterranean, the roads became increasingly windy, with blind corners, heart-stopping heights, and switchbacks that required almost stopping the car to make the turn at nearly every corner. The scenery was breathtaking, with massive drops on either side of us, craggy rocky ledges and cavernous mountains, and the sparkly blue waters of the Mediterranean crashing on the shores hundreds of meters below. Though it was truly stunning to take in, after adding in the stress of whizzing vespas, weird car-like contraptions with three wheels trying to overtake you at every turn, and questionably teetering tour busses, I was very ready to arrive in Positano in one piece with my feet on terra firma.
I jerkily navigated our little car up one final narrow hill, barely wide enough for a wheelbarrow, let alone an automobile. I dodged collarless dogs, old women carrying baguettes, and barefoot children playing kickball in an alleyway, and finally, finally pulled our car up to the hotel. In that instant, I just knew that everything – it was going to be perfect. Our hotel, Le Sirenuse, ended up being the most incredible place that either of us has ever experienced, and I cannot imagine having had a more perfect experience than what we were treated to. I am a sucker for the details, and this boutique hotel had them all: handpainted Italian tile floors covering the entire hotel, an incredible line of fragrances and bath products made just for the hotel (with 8 different varieties of perfume stocked in your room, for you to take!), Frette linens on all of the ridiculously cushy beds, turndown service with chocolate bonbons, a thoughtful handwritten nightly weather report, salty Marcona almonds and Castelvetrano olives whisked over as soon as you sat by the pool, and an unbelievable complimentary breakfast spread available on the terrace each and every morning.
Our room was sublime: it had a private terrace with a prime view of the famously colorful town, two bathroom areas, a giant tub, and plenty of space to spread out. The pool, lined with teak recliners padded with thick white mattresses, was suspended in the cliff and had amazing views of the town and sea. We had dinner that evening at the in-house Michelin starred restaurant, La Sponda, and were blown away by every single detail. The restaurant is lit by four hundred candles – all real, and all hand lit – every single evening. There was a trio of men playing classical Italian music in the corner, and it was done so tastefully, with so much class, that not once was I reminded of being serenaded at one of those hokey tourist traps in Little Italy. Our meal was flawless; we totally spoiled ourselves by indulging in the tasting menu, and ate what from here on forward will go down as the best meal, the best experience, I have ever had. The sommelier was so kind and knowledgeable, and our waiter was as friendly as they come. We ended up chatting away with them after our dinner, and, not wanting the night to end, enjoyed glasses of port while getting their recommendations on favorite local spots.
The next morning we came down for breakfast, and I was ecstatic to see all of offerings: a full fresh pressed juice bar, complete with prosecco, champagne, and wines (should you need a little hair of the dog), tables piled high with sliced meats, cheeses, smoked fish, and fresh vegetables, every manner of pastry you could dream about, tarts made with fresh local fruits, nuts, and chocolates, and delicate and light omelets, made fresh to order. The cappuccino was spot on, dusted with the tiniest bit of bitter cocoa powder to offset it’s rich frothy top, and the way that they made sure each table had multiple varieties of my favorite jam made me smile. We basked in the early sun and had the nicest morning I can recount, taking in the ocean breeze, watching the sunrise against the vibrant facade of the town, and realizing that we still had five glorious days ahead of us.
I had mentioned that we were only to have one night in Positano; we had a reservation at a hotel in Ravello for the the following day, and were planning to stay there for the remaining 5 nights of our vacation. As I said, Positano was very much a happy accident, and we ended up loving it so much, we were worried that our expectations for Ravello would be squelched. We arrived in Ravello only to realize that although it was very idyllic and a beautiful mountain town, it was extremely small and very quiet, and didn’t quite have those same things that made us fall in love with Positano: a vibrant atmosphere, the beach, colorful shops, plenty of restaurants to choose from and walk to, and abundant unobstructed sunshine. We ended up spending only one night in Ravello, and honestly did enjoy all that it had to offer (including some fabulous pasta, coming later in another post), but decided that we had not traversed the globe to stay somewhere we were not one-hundred-percent smitten with, and managed to break our commitments without incident. Back to Positano it was, with massive smiles on our faces and ready to dip our toes in her salty waters.
We arrived back at Le Sirenuse to the nicest hand written “Welcome Back to Positano” note in our room, and to a bottle of prosecco chilling on ice. It was those types of small touches that reinforced my love for this little hotel, and immediately confirmed that our decision to return was the right one. Positano is truly, honestly, nothing short of breathtaking; it is a fishing village stacked into cliffs rising high above the Mediterranean, and is known for it’s colorful buildings that are jig-sawed tightly as they rise up from the sea. The winding roads all lead down to the beach, which you can also access by seeking out one of the narrow staircases that make your journey a lot quicker. The alleys and walkways are draped with vines and flowers, giving our afternoon strolls a bit of shade, and scenting them with an intoxicating floral edge. The beaches have black sand, and the water is shockingly clear, affording views of delicately gorgeous purple “Medusas” (jellyfish) that didn’t seem to mind sharing their territories with swimmers. I saw hundreds of pieces of electric green sea glass dotting the sand, and seemed to be the only one on the beach awed by it’s abundance, picking up each and every treasure I spotted.
The people of Positano are exceedingly friendly, and seem to really want you to love their special town as much as they do. We had complimentary limoncello after almost every meal – sometimes two glasses – and chatted with restaurant owners about where they sourced their meats (their family’s farms), their fish (10 minutes away in Amalfi), and their vegetables (right there, in the veggie patch behind the restaurant). We caught some of the best weather possible – seventy five degrees, no humidity, and not a cloud in the sky – and for five days we posted up at the pool reading books, drinking Aperol spritzes and Americanos, and dozing off in the abundant sunshine.
And, we were very, very well fed. We ate the most fantastic pizza, scorched in areas and fluffy in others, and topped with criminally fresh mozzarella. We ate a lot – a lot – of pasta: tagliatelle, fusilli, cavatelli, orecchiette, trofie, and quadrefiore draped with all manner of delicious sauces. The local seafood was the freshest I have ever had, the delicate briny waters of the Mediterranean having infused it’s inhabitants with the most wonderful flavor. We had salumi platters and sharp cheese, and sampled local wines whenever they were offered. We had pastries, tartes, tortes, and gelato. Oh….the gelato. The gelato was so creamy, so dense, and in so many unusual flavors, it put even the best gelato I have ever had before to shame.
There is a breeze in Positano that is impossible to describe; it is at once cool and refreshing, but has a warm undertone that cuts through each gust, truly warming your soul. I had to pinch myself on so many occasions, and even at times that were seemingly mundane. Lunch was never just ‘lunch’ – it was truly an occasion, sitting perched up over the sea, soaking up a breathtaking view, enjoying a glass of crisp Italian wine, feasting on fresh and homemade food that was lovingly crafted, and feeling that magical breeze slide up and over your shoulders. An afternoon stroll went from just a time to stretch your legs, to stumbling upon a breathtaking vista, and standing in awe of the beauty of the juxtaposition of a dark stone castle rising up from the turquoise waters. Sleep was never really about getting rest; it was about drifting off while listening to the salt water lap gently at the craggy coastline fifty meters below your terrace door, and waking up, totally refreshed and ever so comfortable, to the sparkling sunrise slowly setting your room aglow.
I have never slept as soundly as I slept, never eaten as well as I ate, and never found myself smiling as wide as I smiled, and all in Positano. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone. Truer words have not been spoken.
{hiking along the coastline}
{gentle frothy waves}
{an old castle}
{a great view}
{black sand & pebbles}
{my thoughts exactly}
{electric green}
{a favorite local spot}
{cozy}
{local wine}
{garlic}
{lunch with a view}
{vino, vino, vino}
{small touches, like the siren keychains}
{the terrace}
{an old window}
{blue on blue}
{cerulean}
{colorful beaches}
{the hotel}
{checking in}
{our terrace, high above the sea}
{center of town}
{even the laundry here looks pretty}
{stacked colors}
{john dory, potatoes, tomatoes}
{our favorite pizza}
{blue skies}
{the old church, whose belltower rang out each day}
{lunching, very lazily}
{seafood ‘fritto misto,’ freshly caught and flash fried}
{the tastiest shrimp}
{so tender, you eat the head and all}
{happy}
{gazing upwards}
{tarts at breakfast}
{savoring one of my favorite times of each day}
{packing a picnic, to have on our terrace}
{caprese, with fresh tomatoes and homemade mozzarella}
{how lucky to overlap a night with these two?}
{gelato!}
{nightfall}
{darkness on the water}
{a toast at dusk}
{goodnight}
Cory-these photos are absoulutely beautiful! Sop nice for you and James to have such a fun adventure!
xoxox
Patrice
thank you patrice! it really was a great adventure
hai thank u for sending surer view photos . i am very excited
You had me at “vino, vino, vino”!!
And I do believe I’m now insipred to do some research into a happy little accidental trip of my own. On purpose.
i know i like you already!!
Very detailed photos; they show quality and exploration. It inspires me to pack my bags and hit the road!
Katie
http://katieraspberry.wordpress.com/
So beautiful!
The Amalfi Coast – and Positano in particular – are one of our favorite places to travel. In fact, we spent our anniversary last year at Le Sirenuse ourselves! i think it’s a better spot to stay than Ravello which while beautiful, is just too far removed from the water.
i totally agree with you. we liked ravello, but after being in the thick of positano, it was too quiet!
The Amalfi Coast – particularly Positano – is one of our favorite places in the world. In fact, we spent our anniversary at Le Sirenuse last year. Ravello, while beautiful, is just too far removed from the water and I think Positano is a much better place to stay.
Nice. I love the food photos! I’m such a foodie
Beautiful – thanks for sharing…
I love the Amalfi coast and I’m very jealous! Well done.
Fantastic! Where do I sign up?!
Wow!
This place really looks incredible. 
Thanks for posting.
Ohhh My God. I love your pictures
))
Like Q | Best Quotes (with beautiful pictures)
Wow, awesome photos! I’m blown away by the views you snapped throughout your trip. Also, the food looks quite delicious. Looks like you had a great time (:
-Micah
I’m an 18 year old blogging his travels and F’ingTW! If you’re interested, stop by and check it out (:
http://friendtheworld.com/
Love it!
So charming! I have been to Italy and it’s addictive and scrumptious in every way. Thank you for sharing.
I simply adore your blog! Would you be willing to share some travel tips with a writer headed out there in September? Where to eat, where to stay?
i absolutely would! are you going to positano?
Yes! Looking at Positano, Sorrento & Rome the first week of September. I am in love with your blog!
thank you!! i, of course, highly recommend positano. we had fantastic dinners at le tres sorelli (the three sisters) which is smack in the middle of the beach in positano. there is a restaurant called il ritrovo which is fantastic as well, but it is in a smaller town perched just above positano – call them, they will come and pick you up! great family style meals, and very authentic. in rome, we loved sora lella – more info in my rome post: http://eatandrelish.com/2012/04/24/rome-it-wasnt-built-in-a-day-but-we-attempted-to-see-it-in-one/
if you want something fancy, i HIGHLY recommend the restaurant at le sirenuse, la sponda. it is not exactly affordably priced, but it is a great experience and the food is incredible (michelin starred, even).
Certainly looks perfection to me- fabulous capture with your photo collection. I only spent one day there because there was so much to see and do in the area and we were based in Sorrento. One thing I know though- you’d burn all those calories off going up and down the cliff! Enjoy the rest of your hol.
the ‘fritto misto” look delicious!!!
I am drooling over the food and longing to hop onto a plane so I can get to Positano. What a magical-looking place. I especially liked the castle photos.
Enchanting place…and beautiful photographs
I have wanted to go to Positano and drive the Amalfi coast for a while. Having read this, it’s a definite now! Thanks for sharing such great photos, too.
thank you!
I LOVE POSITANO!! We did a similar trip, with Rome and then Amalfi coast/Positano.. although my friend and I were on a MUCH budgeted trip, as we spent almost 3 months trekking through Europe. We stayed at a cute bed and breakfast up high on the hill in Amalfi and Hostel Brinkette in Positano, which was actually quite lovely all considering the tight funds. Beautiful pics-brings back great memories!
the wonderful thing about positano is that i dont think you really miss out on much, even if you have to budget a good bit. there is SUCH amazing food to be had at all price points, and the best thing about the town, the scenery, is free
i am noting that b&b for future reference!
Great photos!!! Well done xx
Love everything about your blog!
thank you so much
Reblogged this on My Moveable Feast and commented:
Absolutely wonderful. Italy has always had a special meaning for me, its own special magic. I remember visiting Tuscany three years ago, those olive trees, those Italian only sceneries… Remember ending up in Montefioralle, completely by accident and falling in love with it deeply. With Italy it was love at first sight.
wow, thank you so much. italy truly is the most stunning place i have ever been, and i have heard tuscany is gorgeous – though i havent been. maybe a good reason to start plotting next years vaca?!
I would definitely recomment doing that! It felt like Tuscany lives in its own little world…
*recommend.. sorry!
Amazing photos! What a beautiful place!
My happy accident today was coming across your blog (because you were Freshly Pressed… congrats!) Positano has just been added to my list of absolutely must see places. Thank you!
thank you so much! that makes my day
B’ful pics…loved reading ur blog
thank you so much for stopping in
Positano is wonderful. Probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. Glad you had a chance to share!
i totally agree noah!
Your comments on driving me in Italy made me laugh. I lived there for three years and learnt to drive there… it’s a baptism of fire isn’t it? You are VERY brave though to drive along the amalfi coastline it is seriously scary. My husband and I spent four wonderful days in Positano on our honeymoon it is a lovely lovely place.
oh my goodness….i had NO idea what we were in for! we oscillated between laughing at how insanely crazy it is and screaming for our lives while being cutoff by a smart car!
You are one lucky gal!
Beautiful! Sounds like a dream vacation and you described it so deliciously! Congrats on being FPd! Enjoy the ride
These pictures are great! I miss Italy every single day! The Amalfi Coast was so beautiful it makes me sick to remember it. These pictures let me be nostalgic for the beautiful country and also to wallow in my own misery that I am not currently there. I must add I also LOVE that gold chain necklace you are wearing!
Beautiful pictures! Looks like an amazing trip.
Beautiful post–the title caught my eye since Positano is also one of my most favorite places that I’ve visited (Steinback was sooo right!). Makes me want to go back!
Superb photos! Now I’m ready for Positano. It’s our destination after Rome & Florence for our 20th wedding anniversary trip later this year. Thanks for the info and amazing pics!
A fascinating place , beautifully described… hope to visit there one day…
really enjoyed the writing and the photos
thank you so much!
Wow! That’s absolutely amazing.
THese photos are absolutely stunning. Having Italian heritage, I’ve been able to travel around a large part of Italy and I can honestly say the amalfi coast is one of the most beautiful places. Fantastic blog post for freshly pressed!
Positano is my absolutely most favorite place in the world!! Glad to see you do a post on it.
Absolutely stunning!! What an amazing place and your photos are lovely! This one’s going on my list of places to see.
About 3 summers ago I spent a week in Positano. It was amazing! I loved the routine of walking down to the beach, spending the day at the beach, trudging back up to shower, going to dinner…
Good reading, Nice pictures. Inspiring. Haven’t been to Italy in years myself. And I’m scheduled for Greece (again) in two weeks time, and I have no idea yet where to go … but right now I’m going to check your Paris page (I love Paris, but you need a lot of TIME to really get it …) Theo
I love the pictures
Some interesting insights.
Thank you for taking me back there, Cory! It was great to escape to Positano through your words and photos before bringing the kiddos up to bed, LOL! One day, I will again step foot on their rocky shores
thanks khara!!! i LOVED it so much, and am already thinking about just when we could go back. so glad you liked it
Now I have to go back. Thanks for the images.
You don’t need any comment about these pictures. They are gorgeous.
Pier at ITALPIER.NET
We passed Positano on the bus, didn’t get off but wish we did!
Gorgeous! You’ve made me so nostalgic to visit Italy again! The wine, the fresh foods, the GELATO! LOL. And my god, the colors you’ve captured. My camera just doesn’t do travel pics justice. I haven’t been to Positano, but now it’s on my list. When I went 9 years ago (gosh that seems like forever!) I visited Venice, Florence, Assissi, Serento, Capri, and Rome. Assissi is my favorite – much like your photos, it’s was the cobblestone roads and quaint windows and outdoor seating everywhere that drew me in. So nostalgic.
Beautiful photos. Would be nice to visit sometime. Connie
http://7thandvine.wordpress.com/
Beautiful coastline and images. And the photo with you in the teal pants, peach top, and yellow necklace – ADORABLE!
Really nice pictures!
who could not love love love POSITANO!!! I call it the happiest place on earth! i have been in Positano 2 times and have never been disappointed. it is the most romanitic coastline in all of italy, i put it above Portofino and Capri! after spending the past 10 years photographing italy and living there from time to time i will say this is one of my top three places to visit in italy. from the photos you have posted on this blog and the happy looks on your faces and the post , i think we all agreed!!!loved this post! it brought back all my happiest memories , of the food, the wine , the sea, the boats and most importantly the people of this region, just lovely and delicious
thanks for changing my dreary Monday! a presto,
vanessa
thank you so much for stopping in vanessa. it really is a very special place – i am very jealous you were able to live there! i cant imagine anything nicer than waking up in positano, morning after morning.
Dear Cory,
Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of living there but i have been to Positano 2 times on vacation. Most of my time in Italy was spent in Firenze(florence) and on the island of Sardegna(Sardinia). Trust me both of those plaes are fabulous but nothing compares to Positano! My friend is a photographer, as I am too. She asked me to help her organize some of her slides. My friend had been to Positano a few times. I saw these slides of the most beautiful coastline I have ever seen in the world and it was Positano.
I really enjoyed your post and re-lived every moment of my trip through your blog, i even feel full from looking at the photos of the food
all the best to you!
vanessa
Awesome bambina!!!
Great shots and a really interesting place. Need to be fit to get around though it seems.
Beautiful photos! Looks like an amazing trip, well deserving of ‘freshly pressed!’
thanks cash!!! i learned a lot from you re: photography, and owe most of the little bit i know to conversations with you!
Thanks for the thorough description and gorgeous images. Wish I could visit and do a review of my own!
Absolutely astounding! Thanks for your inspired descriptions and the well done beautiful photos. I will be there this year.
Very hard for me to read the font, but the photos are amazing! Brings back such memories-the “stacked color”, the “pretty laundry”, the food… glad to go back in my mind. Thank you so much for posting!
Great post – great photos – thanks for sharing! Congrats on being FP!
Absolutely loved reading/seeing this Cory! Positano is officially on my bucket list.
thank you so much jenny!!! you would absolutely LOVE it there. it is very similar in feel to southern france, in the way that it is very effortless and very laid back.
Absolutely beautiful photos. Congrats on the FP. Thanks for sharing this amazing trip!
Keep up the good work!
The photos in this post speak volumes about the place. So beautiful and the food looks amazing!
I’ve never heard of this place before but after reading this blog post I have to say that it’s got to be one of the most beautiful destinations (from the POV of a Southeast Asian) and I’m definitely putting this in my honeymoon location prospects list! Thank you!
Fabulous photos. One has to be in great shape to walk about in a town like this. Too many hills for me.
Great post! I miss Italy SO MUCH! I need to visit Positano!
♥ Love and light ♥
~ Jennifer
Just gorgeous. If I ever go to Italy this is where I will go!
This is a great post. Honestly, when I fisrst opened it and saw the length of it I hesitated to read it, but your writing is both entertaining and funny. I’m glad I read it all the way to the end. Congrats on being Freshly Pressed! You deserved it.
im so glad you read it and stuck around! i usually have some photos mixed in with the ramblings, but for this post kept them for the end. thank you for commenting and stopping by!
The place looks very nice and sexy also romantic. Its beautiful. I am sure u would have enjoyed to the max. Lucky you
This kills me – I’ve just got to go back to Italy – and soon!!!!
WOW awesome photos…jealous much! haha
Such beautiful pictures! Enough to make you fall in love with the place! And i really enjoyed reading your account of the trip… especially the part about Driving!! Even though i’ve never been to Italy, i’m willing to bet that you’ll change your mind about the Zero rules driving in Italy once you have driven a car in Mumbai, India! Trust me!
Absolutely, absolutely gorgeous! Wow, I think I died and went to heaven. So here’s one place I know I shouldn’t miss if I ever go to Italy. Absolutely loved the photos and the post! Congrats for being on Freshly Pressed!
Amazing photographs of a stunningly beautiful place…Well deserved to be Freshly Pressed…
nice pictures
The photos look amaxing anf breathtaking. You sound like you had one of the best vacation ever. Also looks like you found your home away from home
thank you for sharing
Love your photos and ur post!
The Almalfi Coast has to be one of THE most beautiful places on Earth….& top that off with FANTASTIC food! Gorgeous pics, and great description of driving al Italia!
oh my goodness….how lucky was i to stumble across your blog and this entry!!! what amazing photos…i have lived in italy before and LOOOOOOOOOOOVE it but never been to positano, though have heard about it non-stop from my friends…one day soon hopefully….have you ever been to florence? the best cappuccino in cavalli’s cafe (just did an entry on it)…..though am sure positano is way up there too when it comes to cappuccinos
THANK YOU! i think i am lucky that you stumbled upon it
i have never been to florence, but after such a great experience in italy, definitely want to get back to explore more!
Magical indeed. A place where I wish I could stay forever. Beautiful !
Gorgeous pics! A well deserved “freshly pressed” – Congratulations! I’ve always dreamed of traveling to Italy and if I do make it there (God willing) this place is a definite must see. Thanks for sharing!
What a lovely and enjoyable trip this must have been. You hve seen and experienced much, good for you! Gods world is so beautiful.
Very beautiful! I’ve never been to Positano so this is gonna be on my to-go list. Great photos there!
You have captured Positano so beautifully – my husband and I had a magical five days there a couple of years ago and your pictures have inspired me to visit again. Truly one of the most special places in the world!
Wow! I can’t get over the amazing colours in your photographs!
.Have a great day!
What a beautiful description – both words and pictures. My husband and I spent five magical days in Positano a couple of years ago, and even after a day trip to Capri we both felt that Positano was one of the most magical places we have ever been. Would love to go back, and your post has just reinforced that urge! Would never drive that area myself though – that was very brave
Beautiful photographs. The “Blue on Blue ” – I liked most.
that is my husbands favorite photo too
amazing place…superb pictures..overall great post
I’ve been there before and it is just amazing… Your pictures made me want to go back there ASAP!!!
Congrats on your Freshly Pressed!
It’s so beautiful! The water is gorgeous! I have got to make it there one day!
There was me thinking of new places to explore in France when I came across your photo blog – simply stunning – speechless! Positano is definitely now at the top of my list for places to visit this coming summer.
Looks like a gorgeous place. Don’t like the idea of eating the head too though
You’ve painted a beautiful picture of Positano through your wonderful writing style and photos! Hope to include this quaint city in a future trip to Italy! . . . “Happy Accident,” indeed!
http://arabianmusings.wordpress.com/
This post couldn’t have come at a better time! I’ll be traveling to Positano for one night in June and couldn’t decide where to stay and now I know! Your pictures are beautiful and you describe the city wonderfully. Congrats on being freshly pressed!
That hotel looks fantastic – I’ve just checked the rates on their website, and you’d expect it at those prices! You should send them a link to this post and ask for some money back!
Yep, I have decided. This is where I’m going on my honeymoon. The boyfriend just doesn’t know it yet!
Your photos are as amazing as the place. Will put it on my “must visit” list.
Totally mesmerizing Pictures. Cant thank you enough for sharing these moments. Reminds me of my visit to Phuket, Thailand. Undoubtedly you had a great trip
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed
~Vaishnavi
JIVRAJ TEA LTD.
http://jivraj9teaindia.wordpress.com/
Hi! So glad that I found your blog…I’ve wanted to go to Positano for a long
time..and now you’ve convinced me..this is where I need to go….You’ve made me excited and wistful
Beautiful photos! You certainly have an eye for photography. I just sat back with my morning tea, put my feet up, read through your post and emersed myself in the photos… which wouldn’t be a problem except I’m at work and should really being doing well.. work.
This is now on my “must see” travel list.. thanks for posting!
Janet
Muuuuah! So proud of you. What an incredible trip to have etched in recorded detail forever
Wah! Congrats on the feature! I love to blog about travels and I found Cinque Terre somewhat similarly breathtaking but kicking myself now for missing Positano! I love your words and the scribbles even. The pictures are stunning! I read all the comments but none seem to answer what I am thinking so I hope you don’t mind me asking –
XXX
1) What font and programme did you use to caption your pics? I lurve it!!
2) What camera do you use?
Sorry i’m such a techy!
thank you so much! i actually wanted to see cinque terre, but we plumb ran out of time! now there is definitely an excuse for me to get back
thank you for stopping in and commenting! i do not mind you asking the questions at all:
1. for teh picture captions, i use the same font that is used for the body of the text, which is called fertigo pro. i found it in the wordpress package that you can upgrade to, which offers you a bit more custom design than their fixed templates.
2. i use a canon EOS t2i, and generally shoot all food photos with a fixed prime lens, an 18-55mm. for these vacation photos, i used a tamron 18-270mm lens, which is really big and bulky, but comes in handy in situations when you arent sure if you need to shoot something 5 feet in front of you or 50 feet away. i dont think its the best choice for every day use, but it is good to have say when you are on vacation, and will encounter a various number of situations that need one lens to capture them all.
i hope this helps!
I was wondering what camera you used. This is a second blog post in the last month I’ve seen that makes the Amalfi coast look like paradise. I am so eager to visit!
The air of a place makes a huge impact on me too.
It is admirable you were trekking the coast in flip flops! Cool description of the breeze there
hey there! i use a canon eos rebel t2i – the lens that i took these with is a tamron 18-270mm, though i normally shoot my food shots with a prime lens 18-50mm. hope this helps!
I just re-read my comment and realized I did not make it clear that I was glad I found your camera specs. in the comment above before asking you. Ha ha. But thank you for adding what lens you use for the very clean food shots!
Positano is like visiting a postcard! Your photos brought back lots of wonderful memories of my own adventures along the Amalfi Coast. Thx so much for posting!
absolutely stunning, this place just looks breath taking, the food, the buildings, the scenic view of the ocean, and you.. wooww!!! its the perfect place to honey moon..
Reblogged this on movimentomunicipalista.
Looks beautiful!
http://www.geordiesgirl.com
Positano sounds like a paradise! If only I could go someday.
Breathtaking! Beautiful! Just a dream! I am going there as soon as I can! Thank you for posting!
Wow – just beautiful! What a stunning set of photos.
I totally adore the Amalfi Coast, one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Love your photos too!
I agree with the other comments – you’ve made me really want to visit this place!!
I have a love affair with Italy…and spend a week in Southern Italy a few years ago. Thank you for sharing your story and the amazing photos!
Certainly your photographs convey the magic of Positano.
Beautiful! I’ve never heard a bad thing about Positano. It is paradise for all who have visited. Hope to get there soon!
So beautiful!! Wonderful post
The colors are amazing. I’m searching for a honeymoon spot and keep being drawn to Italy! Thanks for writing!
I’m Italian, I hope to visit soon Positano. Beautiful shots, you have photographed some of our typical things! ( willowideas.wordpress.com )
I have very fond memories of traveling through Italy & your photos bring them all back…. & make me want to go back that much more….What I wouldn’t do for a little gelato at this very moment!
This is such a great post – wonderfully written and the photos are beautiful! It really does look like an incredible place…Thanks for sharing and congrats on being freshly pressed!
As everyone else has said, beautifully written and breathtaking pictures! I want to get on a plane to Italy after reading this. I also adore your blue striped dress… and the entire outfit. You have amazing style
thank you so very much! (that dress is on sale at j crew as we speak!!) xo
Love, love, love this post! Next time I’m in Itlay, I have to visit Positano. Thank you!
Your pictures were so refreshing and they did such a great showing the different parts of your trip. I can’t wait to see the next trip that you go on. And, I totally agree – the colors are simply fantastic and beautiful in all of your pictures. I’m sure that means the place is simply splendid all around!
Cheers to traveling, living, and driving stick shift cars!
cc:Keith
Mmm i was in Positano a few years ago and you captured it marvelously! What a delicious trip!
Gorgeous pictures!! I’m going back to Italy this summer and I think you’ve convinced me to that we have to stop in Positano. The city should send you a PR bonus of some sort. Gorgeous photography and yummy food descriptions. Can’t wait to go!
How lovely….took me straight back to my visit to the Amalfi coast which was most memorable….fantastic photos too.
Kind thoughts
Kate
Positano is like a living dream! Your photos are bringing back such sweet memories of my first trip there…and they’re also giving me severe withdrawals!!!
~ Must…pack…bags!!!
Positano is like a living dream! Your photos are bringing back such sweet memories of my first trip there…and they’re also giving me severe withdrawals!!! ~ Must…pack…bags!!!
Reblogged this on rmnvr.
that’s whats called the art of travelling,that’s awesome
Reblogged this on Memoirs.of.a.dutiful.daughter.
Seems like for me there are more things to see in Positano! I love that place and felt the need to revisit reading your post
gorgeous post! We are renting an apartment in Positano in September, and now I am even more excited!!!!
oh my gosh, you are in for a treat!!!! very happy for you – you will love it!
I must admit that it’s true, in Italy there are pretty much no rules when you drive, but it depends a lot on where you are, in Rome and in the south is much more frequent. However, gorgeous shots!
Thank you for sharing,
Artphalt (http://artphalt.wordpress.com)
your writing & photography is absolutely amazing – felt like i was there! filled me with wanderlust & envy. sigh.
Sigh. I love Italy. Next time, the Amalfi Coast will make the final cut.
Cheers!
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This is a hotel I have been looking at in Positano. Great review, beautiful photos. I am convinced.
Wonderful… inspiring pics..
Reblogged this on It's Cookie's Time! and commented:
This is one great place to explore. Great blog and photos!
Beautiful pictures! So glad that it all worked out!!
Cory you are not only a good writer,but also a good photographer..I love your pics,and I am also going to positano. and live for few days.
Reblogged this on blueebunny.
Beautiful pics
Beautiful images !
this awesome. you give us best capture from ambiance your trip
What gorgeous photos! I made it to Sorrento last year, but didn’t get to Positano. Now I have an excuse to go back!
Great post. Thanks for sharing. We’ve had some wonderful trips to Italy and thoroughly enjoyed Tuscany and Cinque Terre regions. Now looks like we need to check our the Amalfi Coast.
Wow… Super coool.. Amazing photography.. I love all of them , especially “an old castle” and “Blue in blue”…
Congrats for Freshly Pressed.
I did a coach tour of Italy last September and we stayed in Sorrento for a couple of nights and did an afternoon trip along the Amalfi Coast and stopped in Pasitano. I fell in love! I would have loved to have stayed longer than one afternoon! I can only imagine how fabulous your five days were! Pasitano was my favorite place in Italy and I can’t wait to go back there for longer someday!
Mmmm…Local wine.
Beatiful photography! What camera did you use?
hi there! thank you! i used a canon EOS t2i, with a tamron 18-270m lens. normally i use a 18-50m for my food shots
Love it! We spent a week in the next, quieter, town over – Praiano – one of the loveliest places on earth, the Amalfi Coast. But you are amazingly courageous to have DRIVEN! Cannot believe they don’t lose a car, a bike, a bus over those cliffs every day! If you don’t fear heights, the Amalfi Coast is worth a visit – and take the ferry to Capri to visit the home of Axel Munthe! Thank you for sharing this!
I love your wonderful day tour and trip overther from your photos.
Wow…..!!!!!!!!!
Positano looks gorgeous. Thanks for sharing and congrats on being freshly pressed!
What a beautiful place!
Such a wonderful post and photos. Makes me want to go there!
i want to thank you all, SO VERY MUCH for all of your kind words and comments! i was so honored to be featured as ‘freshly pressed,’ and hearing your encouraging comments has truly made my last couple of days. i am so glad you enjoyed reading what i had to say, and seeing the beautiful sights that i saw! xoxo cory
Your pictures are breath taking! Truely stunning, well done! I just want to go there straight away!
I would be grateful if people could look at mine and give me advice for my new blog! http://www.capitalclips.wordpress.com
Thanks!
Looks beautiful! My fiancee and I are getting married around that area this fall and are moving to Rome in May. The one thing I’m not looking forward to is the driving, which you described perfectly! ~Tiff
I have always wanted to visit after seeing it in “Under The Tuscan Sun.” What a magical & stunning place! Looks like you had the most wonderful time : )
Thoroughly enjoyed this post. Congratulations on being freshly squeezed. It is an amazing experience to explore. I think you may find my site quite interesting. Check it out if you have a chance. http://holdupnow.com/
How on earth would a google search show that Positano is forty-five minutes closer to Rome than Ravello? Makes zero sense. Positano is further along the Amalfi coast than Ravello is. But once down there, they’re both basically the same distance from Rome.
If you drive down the coastline, as we did, south from Rome and hugging the water once you pass Naples (a I described our drive) ravello is about 45 minutes past positano.
Great photos. I really like the (vino vino vino) one. It’s just perfect! The shadows, the light, the reflections and the aqua Mediterranean…
Beautiful pictures and stories.
Your writing makes me want to drop everything and go there! Congratulations on Freshly Pressed!
Reblogged this on High, High, Higher! and commented:
As another reader said, this was my “happy accident” of the day. This is also further confirmation that I MUST visit Italy someday. Loving the detailed descriptions and be-e-a-utiful photos– someone get this girl to write a travel book or something! I’ll be the first in line to buy it.
Your photos are absolutely amazing!!! Truly makes me want to go back to Italy ASAP
xo Lisa
fantastic post! i really enjoyed reading it, and the photos are wonderful! i loved pretty much every one! thanks for sharing these
OMG!! How lucky are you guys t get there. It is on my bucket list to visit Italy for a year, teach them English and find a lovely Italian Nonna who will teach me how to cook proper Italian food…..your pics are just gorgeous.
Reblogged this on The Happily Single Chick and commented:
On my Bucket List
Been to Rome and Florence but not Positano! You have made me want to go now!
Reblogged this on alvin donovan travel blog and commented:
like this
you have just made me want to sell all my belongings and move to this magical place! I found myself imagining the feel of the breeze and the taste of the food and the sounds of the town- what fantastic memories! Thanks for sharing this happy accident!
Your photos made my jaw dropped. They’e dream-like! Does that place really exists? WOW!!! And, can I just say, you look like a goddess yourself. (^_^)
Fantastic post! I enjoyed the whole thing. I now have a new place to add to my bucket list. I feel like I’ve been there myself now. Thanks!
The Amalfi Coast, Positano, Ravello and more are some of my favourite places in beautiful Italy. Thanks for this wonderful post that is such a great reminder of the week spent there. Great pictures.
Who is that gorgeous girl?
Loved the post and the photos. I so want to travel there one day
Wow, that was beautiful! Don’t you just love it when the unexpected turns out to be so wonderful? I have printed out your post for my future trip to the Amalfi Coast (someday soon, I hope)! Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions – your descriptions were so vivid, I felt like I was there with you. The hotel looks magical – I am always a sucker for a wonderful Italian breakfast with a gorgeous view!
Amazing photography!
What a wonderful story and I love your photos….Positano is absolutely one of the most beautiful places in Italy and one of my favorites spots!
Nicest place on earth!!!
Visit my blog if you get a chance. http://arhitekturaplus.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/travel-thursday-villa-vals/
Beautiful! I sat at my desk this morning, tea in hand, put my feet up, read your post, enjoyed your incredible photos and fell in love with Positano. The only problem was that I did all this while at work when I should have been, well, working.
Janet
Glad to have caught this post this morning. I’ve now added Positano on my “must see” travel list!
Reblogged this on aurelia1993 and commented:
I wish I could experience Italy for the first time again. It’s become a second home for me and owns my heart.
Your photos and descriptions are mouthwatering and made me homesick for Europe. Ok, now I know where to go for our quick break this summer when we go back home to the UK for a few weeks (from the Caribbean, where we live).
Excellent pictures – takes me back to my trip to Positano and Ravello a few years back. Love the lemoncello, the people, the style, the narrow roads – all of it. Thanks for sharing.
ah, my glorious homeland!
thanks for the wonderful post!
looks like an amazing place……
amazing photos of what looks like a truly amazing place. Love them all!
Beautiful description of Positano! I think you’ve sold it to all of us! If you’re ever in Spain, stop by Altea, a small village along the Mediterranean where I’m fortunate enough to live. I think you would love it!
Uhm… reading this made me think that I should go back home more often
That hotel is too cute! And i love that mosaic-roofed church dome!
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Gorgeous pictures !! Almost felt like I was there !!
Hola, amo tu blog y sobre todo esta entrada sobre Positano y la bella costa amalfitana.
Saludos desde Chile.
(Hello, I love your blog and this entry about Positano and the beauty amalfitain coast.
Greetings from Chile)
wow. thanks for sharing dear.
a happy accident indeed! having stumbled upon your blog via freshly pressed, i was delighted to see how closely your itinerary matches the ours for the trip my husband and i are taking in a week! london to paris to the amalfi coast to rome. we are planning to stay in praiano (and maybe make a day trip to positano and check out some of the restaurants there). i’ve loved all your pictures from your trip. makes me (if possible) even more excited for our 2 week adventure.
that is amazing!!! i am *so* excited for you! it truly was the trip of a lifetime, and i just know you will love it. praiano is meant to be beautiful, and you are only a quick 30 minute drive if you decided to do a day trip. i am very jealous that you get to go back now, when the weather is just hitting it’s prime! enjoy it all!
Without a doubt one of my favorite places in the World. We spent three weeks in Praiano and had a fantastic time. Your picture brought back such fond memories. I recently posted a story called Lemons, Buses and Bones on my blog. I have so much more to write about.
http://travelwithscott.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/amalfi-coast/
Simply wonderful
Benoit
excellent article …
very helpful
Hi, how do you do?
Thanks for following!
Your blog is very interesting. Beautiful photos! I miss Italy a lot.
Take care!
I’ve been thinking of taking a detour to go see Positano and Pompeii during our trip to Italy in October (we’re doing northern Italy) and this sealed the deal! ;-D
you absolutely must go if you can! its breathtaking!
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