Discover Positano: Italy's Enchanting Coastal Village
Take a photographic tour of one of the country's most picturesque destinations.
©iStockphoto.com/mikolajn
There's no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Italy. From the sprawling fields of Tuscany to the capital city of Rome, travelers can experience it all in a country known for amazing food, world class museums and historic architecture.
One destination that should definitely be on your bucket list is located along the Amalfi Coast and combines old-Italian charm with plenty of Instagram-worthy vignettes. Or, as John Steinbeck wrote in a Harper's Bazaar essay in 1953, "It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone."
Approximately 4,000 people call Positano home, but tourists flock to the area every summer for its postcard views, high-end shopping (famous for their made-to-measure sandals) and world-class beaches. For those thinking about booking a trip, do so well in advance and consider visiting during late spring when the air is full with the aroma of fresh flowers and wisteria sprouts from seemingly every colorful villa in town.
The history of Positano is an interesting one. It was once a proud trading hub in the 18th century and flourished until other trade routes opened around Italy. With fewer ships coming to its shores and the town's importance dwindling, many locals emigrated to the United States. When Steinbeck wrote his essay, Positano was simply a small fishing village frequented by elite tourists, including M. C. Escher, Liz Taylor and Steinbeck, of course.
The coastal village has come a long way since those days. No longer a hidden hotspot for the select few, Positano is now home to a booming tourism industry while still maintaining its unique characteristics. Photographer Olivia Rae James Suarez recently traveled to the region to experience the allure of Positano, and as you can see from her images below, it's as dreamy as ever.
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