Churches

Beaches

Many families claim this as one of their favorite Positano activities! Going to the beach is a favorite for my kids.

Positano Caves

Along the Positano coast there is an impressive number of caves.In the nineteen fifties Prof. Antonio M Radmilli of Pisa University initiated a study of the Italian Mesolithic era. In the entire area traces of an economy based on mollusc gathering have been found. The caves in which the excavations were conducted were those which were most likely to have been inhabited by humans in prehistoric times: Grotta La Porta, Grotta del Mezzogiorno and Grotta Erica.

Approaching from Amalfi, Grotta La Porta can be found at the entrance to Positano. Prior to the anterior part of the cavern collapsing, Grotta La Porta would have been an exceptionally large cave. At the time of the excavations it was possible to locate the original extension of the cave thanks to the presence of an accumulation of debris. In addition to the conspicuous quantity of mollusc shells, archaeologists also found a pebble engraved with the head of an animal, probably that of a horse - evidence of the Palaeolithic period: the animal would have been that which the hunter intended to catch and the stone on which it was engraved would have been used before the hunt in a ritual of propitiation.

The Grotta del Mezzogiorno or Grotta delle Soppressate can be found beyond the cliff of San Germano, at 80 meters above sea level; within its interior human bones were found, unfortunately in very poor condition.

Grotta Erica is situated close to the Colli di San Pietro hills, close to Villa di Rocca Fiorita, 1 meter above sea level. It is a narrow cavity inside which mollusc shells and a stalagmite roughly one meter above the current surface have been found.

At the start of excavation work these three caves were chosen because in the preceding years remains had been found which had provided evidence of there having once been an important prehistoric settlement here. The caves also had many features in common: remains of land and marine molluscs and a small quantity of mammals, amphibians, birds and fish had been found in all three. It is evident that the economy was based largely on the gathering of marine molluscs, from the beaches and lagoons, rather than from the cliffs, thereby indicating the presence of low lagoon covered coasts prior to the subsequent geological settlement.

The remains of mammals are represented by the bones of wild boar, ibex, deer and roe deer indicating that the Lattari Mountains were covered in vegetation and that animals which inhabit the scrub land and forests lived there in fairly favourable conditions. Tools and equipment which are housed in the L. Pignorini Museum in Rome, testify to the differences between the sedentary lifestyle of the mollusc gatherers and the nomadic tendencies of hunters.

There are other caves which have a sandy and pebble floor and are bereft of any prehistoric remains, such as the Grotta Capriglione in the San Pietro area in the Capriglione wood; the Grotta del Cretale, between the Valley of the Arienzo torrent and the stairway which leads to Nocelle; the Grotta di Vigna Pendente with another cavity at a distance of roughly 500 meters away.

Positano Ballet

Positano Hiking

Hiking is one of my passions! and one of the most popular Positano activities. Many trails are available in this area of the Amalfi coast. The "Sentiero Degli Dei" or the "Pathway of the Gods", is a famous and stunning walk with panoramic views. Past brigands’ treasure caves, along a mule track looking down on terraces of lemon trees. The old footpath, generally in good condition, is a moderate 3-4hour walk from Agerola to Positano - Footpath 27 CAI - signposted at the beginning and every so often. The actual footpath starts at Bomerano just on the suburbs of Agerola, about a 30 min bus ride from Amalfi - just ask the bus driver where to get off. From the bus stop you need to walk about 400 metres to the sqaure of Bomerano where the trail signs begin.

Remember good walking shoes and a pack of wet ones - the trail is dusty and the backs of your legs will be black.

Shopping

As well as these gastronomical specialties, in Amalfi you can also find scented candle sculptures, handmade silver jewelry, and embroidered cameos and tablecloths. To conclude this small shopping guide, Vietri has been renowned for centuries for its wonderful ceramic artists, while Positano is the ideal place to find a whole assortment of clothes, sandals, swimwear and other accessories.

Remember to stop into Ceramica Assunte in Positano. They specialize in all kinds of ceramics and will ship your purchases back to your home if you like! Take a look at their website - www.ceramicassunta.it and make note of their address. I promise you will love what they sell!

Here is a picture of their store...

Sandals. The artisans' workshops dedicated to leather sandals are one of the "must visits" in Positano.

Information on Positano cooking schools is coming soon...

Do not forget to check out my page on Amalfi Coast Recipes
to find classic local recipes for the wonderful, delectable Amalfi Coast Lemons!

Golf

Golf is here...you just have to look for it!

Golf Club Salerno The three hole Golf Club Salerno is located in Pontecagnano, south of Salerno and 43 km from Hotel Caruso (about 50 minutes by car). Three holes at the rate of € 15,00 per person. You can rent your complete equipment to play, at the cost of € 10,00 (except for shoes). Club House, Swimming pool and private beach.

Closed on Tuesday if not bank holiday

Volturno Golf The 18 holes Golf Club is surrounded by the green Mediterranean pinehood and the Domitiana golden sandy beach, it is located near Campagnia.Via Domitiana, km 35,300 - 81030 Castel Volturno (CE)Tel. 081/50.95.150 - Fax 081/50.95.855

Tennis

The San Pietro Hotel has a wonderful tennis court.More information to come soon...