Positano is a tiny seaside town on Italy’s scenic Amalfi Coast. It draws millions of tourists each year due to its colorful cliffside residences, magnificent beaches, and quaint streets. Although you may have heard of its beauty and charm, this town is much more than its apparent tourist attractions. In this blog article, we’ll provide 14 fascinating facts about Positano that will make your trip even more thrilling and unforgettable!
1. The 2003 film “Under the Tuscan Sun” has scenes filmed in Positano with Diane Lane and Raoul Bova.
Positano’s stunning coastal views and colorful buildings have attracted filmmakers for decades, including the 2003 romantic comedy “Under the Tuscan Sun.” The film, starring Diane Lane and Raoul Bova, features scenes shot in Positano, capturing the town’s charm and beauty. The movie’s plot revolves around a recently divorced writer who impulsively buys a villa in Tuscany and renovates it with the help of local artisans. Although the villa is located in Tuscany, some scenes were shot in Positano, showcasing the town’s breathtaking coastal views and colorful buildings. These are some interesting facts about Positano and the movies filmed in this picturesque town.
2. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards from The Rolling Stones wrote the song “Midnight Rambler” in Positano’s cafés during a holiday.
Positano has been a popular destination for many famous figures, including Mick Jagger and Keith Richards from The Rolling Stones. The duo wrote the classic song “Midnight Rambler” in Positano’s cafes during a holiday, inspired by the town’s vibrant atmosphere and stunning views.
3. Le Sirenuse is the hotel featured in the 1994 film “Only You” with Robert Downey, Jr. and Marisa Tomei.
The stunning Le Sirenuse hotel in Positano was featured in the 1994 romantic comedy “Only You,” starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Marisa Tomei. The hotel’s luxurious amenities and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean made it the perfect backdrop for the film’s romantic story.
4. Positano is known as “The Vertical City” and it only takes one glimpse of its colorful buildings climbing up the steep mountainsides to see why.
Positano, known as “The Vertical City,” is famous for its unique architecture and steep mountainsides. The town’s colorful buildings seem to climb endlessly up the cliffs, creating a breathtaking sight that is truly one-of-a-kind. Visitors can take in the stunning views of the town and the Mediterranean Sea from various viewpoints, and after about 8 hours, they can enjoy the sunset over the vertical city. These are some interesting facts about Positano that make it a must-visit destination on the Amalfi Coast.
5. The famous Neapolitan song “Scalinatella” was inspired by the long, narrow staircase in Positano called Via Trara Genonino, which leads from Punta Reginella down to the Marina Grande beach.
The famous Neapolitan song “Scalinatella” was inspired by the long, narrow staircase in Positano called Via Trara Genonino. This staircase leads from Punta Reginella down to near the Marina Grande beach and has been a popular subject for artists and musicians for generations.
6. John Steinbeck often stayed in Positano and wrote a famous account of his first visit to Harper’s Bazaar in May 1953.
Positano has been a favorite destination for many famous writers, including John Steinbeck. Steinbeck stayed in Positano many times and even wrote a famous account of his first visit to Harper’s Bazaar in May 1953, capturing the town’s charm and beauty in his evocative prose.
7. The annual festival day for the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is August 15th, or Ferragosto, which is a national holiday in Italy.
The annual festival day for the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is August 15th, or Ferragosto, which is a national holiday in Italy. Visitors to Positano during this time can enjoy the vibrant celebrations and experience the town’s rich cultural heritage firsthand.
8. The dreamy Villa Tre Ville near Positano which was once owned by the famous Italian opera and film director Franco Zeffirelli was turned into an exclusive hotel in 2010.
The stunning Villa Tre Ville near Positano was once owned by the famous Italian opera and film director Franco Zeffirelli. In 2010, the villa was turned into an exclusive hotel that offers guests the chance to experience the luxurious lifestyle of one of Italy’s most famous directors.
9. During the early 19th century, the famous Neapolitan artist Vincenzo Caprile (1856 – 1936) lived and taught in Positano.
During the early 19th century, the famous Neapolitan artist Vincenzo Caprile lived and taught in Positano. Caprile’s unique style and innovative approach to art continue to inspire artists and admirers to this day.
10. The Amalfi Coast’s famous Sentiero Degli Dei (Pathway of the Gods) walk is in the mountains high above Positano.
Interesting Facts about Positano include the famous Sentiero Degli Dei (Pathway of the Gods) walk, which is located in the mountains high above the town. This stunning hiking trail offers visitors the chance to experience the region’s natural beauty up close and take in breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The hike is about 8 km long, and it takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete. Hikers can start from either Bomerano or Nocelle and end in either town, depending on their preference. Along the way, they can enjoy stunning views of the coastline, the mountains, and the sea. The hike is considered moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for most visitors.
11. American singer and songwriter Shawn Phillips composed some of his best-known works while living in Positano.
Positano’s vibrant atmosphere and stunning views have inspired many artists, including American singer and songwriter Shawn Phillips. Phillips composed some of his best-known works while living in Positano and continues to draw inspiration from the town’s unique beauty and charm.
12. Patricia Highsmith was inspired to write The Talented Mr. Ripley while staying in Positano. Her novel was turned into the 1999 film of the same title with Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow with some scenes for the movie filmed in Positano.
The picturesque town of Positano has inspired many great works of art, including Patricia Highsmith’s famous novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” The novel was turned into the 1999 film of the same name, with some scenes shot in Positano that capture the town’s charm and beauty.
13. The witch of Positano
One of the most interesting facts about Positano is Vali Myers, also known as the Witch of Positano, was an Australian artist who lived in Positano in the 1960s. She was known for her unique and unconventional lifestyle, which attracted many artists and actors to the town. Myers was a bohemian and a free spirit, and she lived in poverty in a small house overlooking the sea. Despite her humble living conditions, she became a famous figure in Positano, known for her artistic talents and her mystical persona.
Myers was also known for her love of animals, and she often took in stray cats and dogs, caring for them in her small home. She was a skilled painter and illustrator, and her art was influenced by her love of nature, mythology, and mysticism. Myers was also an avid gardener, and she cultivated a beautiful garden around her home, filled with flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
Today, Vali Myers is remembered as a unique and influential figure in the history of Positano. Her artistic legacy lives on through her paintings and illustrations, which continue to inspire and captivate people around the world. Her mystical persona and unconventional lifestyle have also contributed to the town’s reputation as a haven for artists and free spirits.
14. In Positano, a World Heritage Site, it is forbidden to build new buildings!
Positano, a picturesque town situated on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, is a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO. The town’s unique and well-preserved architecture, characterized by narrow streets, colorful houses, and terraced gardens, contributed to this designation. The local authorities have implemented a strict building code to ensure that the town’s character and charm are preserved. The code prohibits the construction of new buildings, protecting the historic buildings that date back to the 16th century from demolition or alteration.
The town’s natural environment is also protected under the building code. Positano is located on a steep cliff overlooking the sea, and rocky cliffs, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear waters characterize the landscape. The building code aims to prevent the construction of new buildings, preserving the natural beauty of the area for future generations to enjoy. These facts about Positano make it an ideal destination for those who appreciate history, architecture, and natural beauty.
