🗺️ Things to see on your doorstep
📍 The MAR – Roman Archaeological Museum of Positano
Located just 850 metres from the Hotel Conca D'Oro, it is a fascinating window onto the past, bringing the ancient history of the Amalfi Coast to life. Opened in July 2018, the museum occupies part of a sumptuous 1st-century BC Roman seaside villa discovered beneath the crypt of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
The heart of the MAR is the triclinium, the dining room decorated with elegant mosaics and frescoes in the Pompeian style, perfectly preserved thanks to the extraordinary restoration work that has made them accessible to the public.
The museum is spread over several levels: visitors pass through the upper crypt, discovered above the Roman villa, and the medieval crypt, which offer a real journey through time.
Here you can still see the famous “colatoi” – the ancient seats used in burials – which bear witness to the incredible historical stratification of the site.
The refined layout includes transparent glass and steel walkways that allow visitors to admire the finds from above, enhancing the visual interaction between the different eras.
The MAR is not just archaeology: with audiovisual content and information panels, it provides an engaging experience for anyone who wants to understand the cultural richness of Positano.
The bronze artefacts – from containers to tableware – tell the story of the daily life of an ancient Roman elite.
Open with guided tours and extended opening hours, the museum offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a place of rare historical beauty, less than a ten-minute walk from the hotel.
📍 The Church of Santa Maria Assunta
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is the historical and artistic heart of Positano, nestled in Piazza dei Mulini with its striking majolica dome and Trani marble façade. Its origins are steeped in legend: the church was built around the 12th century where a Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary was found, miraculously blessed by a voice that invited people to “Posa, posa” (put down, put down) the statue, drawing it to shore after a storm.
The current building dates back to the restoration work carried out between 1777 and 1782, when Baroque architecture left its mark with two side aisles, gilded stuccoes and a finely crafted wooden choir. Inside, the alternation of Ionic columns, wide aisles and elegant decorations creates a cosy and bright atmosphere. Of great value is the icon of the Black Madonna, now on the high altar, a destination for devotion and admiration.
There is also a medieval crypt, restored and reopened after renovation in the first decade of the 2000s, which reveals architectural layers, remains of the Roman villa below and spaces once used as a cemetery. The bell tower, rebuilt in 1707 by a Capuchin friar, preserves a medieval bas-relief and a tribute to Flavio Gioia, the legendary inventor of the compass, with a plaque on the front
📍 Fornillo Beach
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Spiaggia Grande and experience a quieter, more authentic corner of Positano, Fornillo Beach is the perfect destination. It is about a 10-minute walk from the centre and is easily reached via a pleasant scenic walk.
Starting from Spiaggia Grande, take the footpath that runs along the sea, carved into the rock and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation: a short but picturesque route from which you can admire spectacular views of the coast. Along the way, you will find small viewpoints, benches and an enchanting view of the Torre Trasita, which marks the beginning of the Fornillo bay.
Once you arrive, you will be welcomed by a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The beach, more secluded than the main one, is surrounded by high rock walls and maritime pines that provide shade and natural coolness during the hottest hours of the day. Here you will find equipped beach establishments, but also free areas where you can lay out your towel in complete freedom. The restaurants and kiosks overlooking the sea offer simple but tasty dishes, perfect for lunch with a sea view or an aperitif at sunset.
📣 Here you can find more information about the other iconic beaches of the Amalfi Coast.
You are also close to:
📍 Church of Santa Caterina, in the Reginella district;
📍 The rural village of Nocelle, which you can reach by city minibus;
📍 Marina Grande beach, just a few minutes' walk from this property.