Beginning with public transportation, the bus to Positano was under an hour long and a stunning coastal drive. The silence crowded the bus even more as the individuals were too stunned to speak. Through the trees on the fast-traveling bus, we could see the hypnotic, glistening blue sea. Then, the village of Positano emerged, unveiling its rainbow of color. The long winding road is the only way to see the southern Italian Amalfi Coast village, along with an infinite number of narrow stairwells. The town appears to be carved out of the cliff with pastel-colored buildings emerging. The history of Positano is rich and believed to have been founded in the 9 th century. It wasn’t until the 15 th -17 thcentury that Positano became a wealthy market port. Today, multiple business owners and lifelong locals believe the once peaceful fishing village has transformed into a port for superficial tourism. The obviousness of the crowded streets confirms the origin of the name of the village from the Latin “pause,” meaning, “place to stop.”
Visible off the shores of Positano, on and can see the three islands of Li Galli, which were home to the mythological sirens, and watchtowers, which were look-out points t o warn against attacks. The Byzantine-inspired, majolica dome of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is visible from all over the village, and ruins of Roman-built villas can be seen in the vicinity of the church. The museum, MAR-Museo Archeologico Romano Positano, consists of two underground crypts and a room of the Roman villa. Walking through the time period of the Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD, was something unexplainable and unforgettable. We received a personal tour of the 1 st century BC Roman seaside villa.
[photo id = “3355107, 3355106, 3355105”]
The traffic problems are relevant on the Amalfi Coast and communication is vital between the police to ensure the village can account for the number of tourists visiting in the busy summer months. Upon arrival, a policeman talked about the influx in tourism on the streets and the safety of the village. The ferries and buses are packed, and most must wait until the next arrival. The owner of Pensione Maria Luisa, a hotel, referred to the change in tourism since the pandemic. Decreased travel during the pandemic, tourism has picked up again and is better than ever before. Workers at F.lli Grassi Beach Bar said August is the busiest month and the majority of visitors are not Italian-speaking. Franco Paturzo, of Sorrento, an oil painter, portrays the views of the Amalfi Coast as well as members of his family, friends and ordinary life.
[photo id = “3355111, 3355110, 3355109, 3355108”]
Three beaches, Pupetto, Da Ferdinando and Lido La Marinella all have different reputations for locals and visitors. On Da Ferdinando beach, a giving fisherman lives minimally next to a rock and generational pictures cover his home by him. He offered homemade cookies and espresso to those who came to visit. He has resided there for decades, like most people who were born in Positano, they stay their whole lives, despite how much it has changed.
[photo id = “3355113, 3355112”]
Us tourists come and go, but the locals stay forever and share history. One day in Positano truly isn’t enough, instead, dive into the past but still take in all the beauty. Superficial plans lead to superficial tourism, and in that case, Positano shouldn’t be the place to visit.