As the dark, cold days of winter approach. I am dreaming of sunny, warm days in the heavenly village of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Which is why it’s wonderful to have Rosa Bella, creator of the gorgeous Bell’Avventura blog as our guest. Rosa has lived in Positano for 25 years, and fills her blog with her delightful experiences and photos of its hidden corners.
It’s not only dreamy to browse through, but also a great resource if you’re planning a trip there–as in check out her Dare to Be Different in Positano post, where she leads readers to such spots as The Best Place for a Romantic Kiss in Positano.
Here’s Rosa with her Golden Day:
If there is only one thing you do in Positano, it’s get up early in the morning, step out onto your balcony and stop and savour the serenity of the moment. You won’t believe your eyes. Positano is made for strolling, swimming and people watching and there is no better moment in the day to soak in it’s splendor, soft light and vibrant colours.
Start the day on the balconies of Hotel Villa delle Palme ( B&B style) or the elegant Hotel Pasitea ( open all year) which offer affordable accommodation with dramatic views or if you want to live it up, let Le Sirenuse pamper you in luxury.
Positano was built to see the sea and be seen from the sea. If you can get to the beach for 8:30, the calm crystalline waters invite a lagoon like plunge before the 10am crowds arrive. Grab a canoe from Pupetto beach bar hire and paddle to stop far from the shores and watch the morning light move across the town as it breaks across the top of the mountain.
Sergio Bella’s Da Adolfo beach restaurant should be your next stop for a casual lunch and swim at Laurito beach with the free ferry trip from the main dock edging along the coastline under the magnificent villas.
Pick and reserve a table as soon as you get there. This hidden gem of Positano is more popular than you’d believe, its reputation based solely on the fresh food and the family traditions. Start with grilled mozzarella on lemon leaves for antipasto, and follow it with a pumpkin and mussel pasta. Wash it down with a jug of vino and peaches. Then take your pick of the best grilled or marinated fish in Positano enjoying views that stretch to Capri. It’s a must!
Catching the first boat back at 4pm, grab a gelato at the Bucca di Bacco and stroll up to the Mulini through the via Saracino stopping at the clothes boutiques in the alley ways.
Find Giovanni’s’s typical handmade sandals made to measure in ten minutes at La Botteguccia di Positano or treat yourself to comfortable Capri style leather loafers in a Crayola range of colours at Tre Danari at the bottom of the church steps. If you are looking for genuine Positano hand made soaps which capture the perfumes wafting from Amalfi Coast gardens, look no further than Saponissimo.
The majolica domed Church of La Madonna del Rosario at the top of the stairs offers an ornate gilded interior with the ruins of a Roman Villa in the back entrance. Coming up from the Church, I like peeking into the lush gardens of Hotel Palazzo Murat under the purple bougainvillea pergola before heading further up the road past the Mulini bus stop to admire the colourful ceramic shops on the corner in front of Garage Mandara.
An evening meal at the family run Il Saraceno d’Oro will top the day with the best pizza in Fornillo or a delicious plate of scialatielli allo scoglio.
In this lively restaurant, appreciated by the locals for their takeaway pizzas, Daniele breaks spontaneously into song and Marilu` welcomes guests as if it were into the heart of her family. I always finish off with my favourite dessert la delizie di limone.
A moonlit walk down to the main beach for a late drink (of course you’ve planned the trip to include a full moon)and people watching at La Brezza café caps off the night.
Book Alberico from Rainbow Limos car service to be there the next day to whisk you off to your next destination. That is, if you can bear to leave!
Grazie mille Rosa, for the inspiring post! We’re packing our bags…
