🗺️ Things to see on your doorstep
📍The historic centre of Positano
In the heart of the Amalfi Coast, he historic centre of Positano is an enchanting labyrinth of colours, scents and details that seem to come straight out of a timeless postcard.
Walking through its narrow streets and stepways carved into the rock means plunging into a world where every corner tells a story: the pastel-coloured houses seem to be nestled on top of each other, overlooking the sea with bohemian elegance, and the artisan shops display handmade sandals, painted ceramics, light linen and the scent of lemons.
In the centre, majestic and silent, stands the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its majolica dome that captures the light at all hours of the day and houses a Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna.
Around it, intimate squares and panoramic terraces offer breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Life flows slowly, between a coffee with a sea view and a stroll towards the Spiaggia Grande, where the sand mixes with pebbles and time seems to stand still.
In the evening, the centre is transformed into an open-air living room: soft lighting, background music, clinking glasses and a romantic and lively atmosphere that captivates everyone who sets foot there. In Positano, the historic centre is not something to be visited: it is to be experienced, step by step.
📍The village of Nocelle
The rural village of Nocelle is a pearl suspended between the sky and the sea, perched about 450 metres above sea level on the mountainside above Positano. Its name, which does not actually derive from “nocciole” (hazelnuts) but from the Latin “nova cella” (new dwelling), represents its ancient history, characterised by terraced agriculture, lemon groves and vineyards. Reaching it from Montepertuso is an experience in itself: you can walk up narrow streets and steps in the heart of the Lattari Mountains, surrounded by nature, or take the local bus that connects the two villages in about 10–15 minutes.
Once you arrive in Nocelle, you are greeted by an extraordinarily peaceful setting, stone houses, sunny squares and spectacular views stretching from Positano to Capri and Punta Campanella.
It is the starting point of the famous Path of the Gods, perfect for those who love panoramic trekking: a route that combines nature, legend and pure beauty.
The village still retains its authentic charm, free from traffic thanks to its pedestrianised nature, and invites you to relax among lively terraces, panoramic trattorias and unspoilt nature trails.
It is worth visiting to breathe in the ancient atmosphere, experience the Mediterranean altitude and enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast.
📍Fornillo Beach
Fornillo Beach is a corner of the coast where natural beauty meets tranquillity. If you are staying in Montepertuso, you can easily reach it by taking the local bus to the centre of Positano and then continuing on foot along a picturesque scenic path that starts from the small port.
Alternatively, you can arrive by car and park in the centre of the village, then walk towards the sea. The walk is pleasant and full of memorable views, among bougainvillea, terraces and Mediterranean scents.
Fornillo stretches for about 300 metres, with a pebble beach lapped by clear, calm waters.
It is more intimate than the more popular Spiaggia Grande and is perfect if you are looking for relaxation, silence and a less crowded setting. Here you will find both free areas and well-equipped beach establishments with sun loungers, umbrellas, showers and small restaurants by the sea where you can enjoy typical dishes or sip a drink at sunset.
📣 Find out more about the iconic beaches of the Amalfi Coast!
You are also close to:
📍 MAR Museum: in the heart of the historic centre, just below the church of Santa Maria Assunta, the MAR reveals a portion of a Roman villa buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. The frescoed triclinium room, perfect in its chromatic splendour, is unique on the coast. You can then explore the underground crypts, with 69 seats used to dry the deceased, and the adjacent medieval rooms. An intense visit that combines art, history and archaeological charm.
📍 The Saracen Towers of Positano: the village is adorned with a network of ancient watchtowers built between the 13th and 16th centuries to defend against Saracen attacks. Among these, the Torre Sponda (the oldest, cylindrical tower) and the striking Torre Fornillo, perched on a rocky spur of the beach of the same name, are among the most spectacular. Visible from both land and sea, these structures tell the story of coastal surveillance and offer panoramic views that fascinate every visitor.
📍 Arienzo Beach: known as the “beach of 300 steps”, it is a corner of tranquil elegance on the coast of Positano.Enclosed by high cliffs, it can be reached via a long staircase immersed in Mediterranean Scrub or comfortably by sea with a shuttle. Here you will find a beach of sand mixed with light gravel, crystal clear waters and seabeds ideal for snorkelling.
The atmosphere is relaxed and uncrowded, ideal for a peaceful day by the sea, away from the hustle and bustle of the centre.