Positano is built into a very steep hillside with a very narrow, winding road leading you down from the main road up above to the beach down below. At one point, the road becomes too narrow for anything but a very small car or scooters, so we got out to walk the rest of the way. Positano is well-known for making linen clothing and other items. There were a number of great shops selling their handmade shirts, pants, dresses, bags and even table linens. Of course, no coastal town in Italy would be complete without a shop or two selling gelato and granita which were both favorites in our group. As we came down the side of the hill and closer to the beach, there were more bars and restaurants to meet the needs of the beach-goers. We had lunch plans in Amalfi that afternoon, so we continued past enjoying the aroma of fresh pasta and seafood.

The boat road to Amalfi was stunning. The coastline here is filled with beautiful homes and resorts, all hanging over the cliffs overlooking the water. Once in Amalfi we had the chance to learn about its rich history and culture. The small harbor here was once the central hub of the Amalfi Maritime Republic where its naval force was well-known throughout the Mediterranean. The port was a conduit for extensive trade with many regions along the sea including North Africa. 

Our lunch in Amalfi was at a restaurant located right on the beach so we had the chance to relax over an exquisite meal and look out at the sea. I’m a bit of a foodie, and I will say that this was probably my most favorite meal of the trip. The seafood is so fresh here that you just can’t resist. Our appetizer was charred octopus with eggplant 3 different ways. For my lunch, I had pasta with sea urchin over tuna carpaccio while Amy enjoyed a delicious lemon shrimp risotto. We ended our time in Amalfi with lemon sorbetti at the steps of the Amalfi Cathedral. 

Tomorrow, we take a ferry from Sorrento to Capri.