Thanks to its mild climate and extraordinary landscape beauty, Positano has been a popular vacation destination since Roman times, as evidenced by recent archaeological finds dating back to 2004. The village is also renowned for its rich cultural and artistic heritage. Positano is a center of artisanal excellence, famous for its artistic ceramics and fashion production, particularly swimwear and "beachwear," which have made the town an icon of style and elegance.
The picturesque village is known for its characteristic stairways that lead from the top of the town down to the beach, offering a captivating experience with every walk. The colorful houses, climbing the cliffs with their flowered balconies and decorated majolica facades, create a unique scene that enchants visitors from around the world. The main beaches, Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo, are easily accessible on foot, while others, such as La Porta, Arienzo, and San Pietro Laurito, are mainly reached by sea.
An ancient legend recounts that in the 12th century, a ship carrying a painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary encountered difficulties in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Benedictine sailors heard a mysterious voice saying, "Posa Posa," inviting them to stop at that place. Upon reaching the shore, the inhabitants of Positano took the painting and brought it to the church in the central square, the Piazzetta dei Mulini. However, the next morning, the painting had vanished and was found in a field of broom near the sea, as if it had arrived there on its own. This miraculous event led to the construction of the new church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, solemnly celebrated every August 15th. Today, this church is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy and symbolizes the deep bond between the community of Positano and its history.