Positano, Italy — Venus Tong

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 — ***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 small curving bay of unbelievably blue and green water laps gently on a beach of small pebbles. There is only one narrow street and it does not come down to the water. Everything else is stairs, some of them as steep as ladders. You do not walk … — The small curving bay of unbelievably blue and green water laps gently on a beach of small pebbles. There is only one narrow street and it does not come down to the water. Everything else is stairs, some of them as steep as ladders. You do not walk to visit a friend, you either climb or slide. - John Steinbeck

Positano was just as picturesque as I expected to be. I absolutely adore these houses that hugged around the edges of the cliff. I stayed in Positano for 2 days. It was as definitely not enough to explore the other parts of the coast especially when it rained 90% of the time. I do not recommend taking the “Path of God” in the rain, although I will guarantee that you will get a good leg work out though.

The first day it cleared up, and then it poured for the rest of the time. It was slightly disappointing - but I am thankful that I got to experience Positano in the rain, it just means that now I have to go back again and hopefully make it to the Amalfi Coast next time round.

Despite the severe rain, the weather itself was perfect because come mid Summer - the humidity and heat can be too much around that time. My rule of thumb is to always try to go on vacation before or after Summer. Never during. I prefer less crowded places and the I find the weather to be much more pleasant to be around too.

In Positano, you will discover many shops selling fashionable clothes such as dresses, pants and blouses made of cotton or linen. The town is known for its lemons and you can guarantee to see it at every store. I bought some lemon soap with me - which made for great souvenirs and gifts for friends. The one thing I love about traveling is trying to find a small gift that I can take home to friends or for myself to remind me of that “one time in…”
Whether it be big or small (preferably small) living in NYC has really made me reconsider all my impulse purchases because it has to come with me when I move.

John Steinbeck visited the Amalfi Coast in 1953, barely two years after Marquis Paolo Sersale had transformed an old manor house into the Sirenuse: “a first class hotel, spotless and cool, with grape arbors over its outside dining rooms.”

“Every room”, Steinbeck went on, “has its little balcony and looks out over the blue sea to the islands of the sirens from which those ladies sang so sweetly.”

It wouldn’t have been a trip to Positano had I missed going to The Sirenuse. It is so elegantly beautiful and seductive, that it is a total dream apartment for all vacationers.

“I feel like I could live here”

The hotel has 12 rooms, 59 rooms and suites. This place makes Positano an unforgettable place to spend a summer holiday.

The Le Sirenuse gift shop.

Train service does not go directly to Positano. Sorrento is the nearest train stop, where you can hire a taxi, private shuttle or catch a bus for the nine-mile journey. If time is of the essence for you, I would take a car service and not have to worry about times or public transport. Car service is common over in Italy and it is actually quite affordable.

Lucio was my personal driver @ cacacecarservice.com (tell him I sent you!) He was super helpful, reliable and was incredibly informative. I highly recommend him if you are looking for a personal driver to get around other parts of Italy as well.

La Tagliata, a rustic, indoor-outdoor mountain lodge set in the high village of Montepertuso. La Tagaliata has a warm atmosphere vibe where you're made to feel like family. They offer generous portions and lots of courses of farm-to-table cuisine for a reasonable fixed price and your wine glass is always filled - all that for only 40 euros per person. Expect hearty fare from local terra, including handmade pastas, sausages, grilled meats and southern Italian comfort fare such as eggplant parmigiana. Much of the produce is grown right in the property's own gardens. With breathtaking views that take in a huge sweep of the coastline, this is an idyllic, panoramic spot, one that's best appreciated during a sunset. If you want to try local food, this is the place. The restaurant offers a free shuttle service from Positano town - where you can arrange a pick-up time and location for your reservation.