Where is Positano
Positano is located on the coast of the Salerno Gulf, along the Amalfi Coast in the Campania region. It's not too far from Rome, at a distance of 260 km. It is situated near Naples (60 km) and just 7 km away from the famous town of Sorrento.
The population of the municipality of Positano is 3,862 people, with a density of 483 people per square kilometer. It's a relatively small number, considering the thousands of tourists that visit every year. Positano is a favorite vacation spot for international celebrities. Villa Sofia Loren is located here, and in the past, Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn, Liza Minnelli, and Rudolf Nureyev have all enjoyed their holidays in Positano.
The national currency is the euro (EUR).
History of Positano
Like any respectable resort on the coastal shores, Positano has an incredibly beautiful history that involves ancient Greek gods. The Italian coastline is no exception!
According to legend, Positano was founded by the sea god Poseidon. Of course, there couldn't be a story without a love affair, so the history goes that Poseidon established the settlement in honor of his beloved nymph, Pasitea, from whom the name originated. Positano is also mentioned in Homer's "Odyssey" as the home of the famous sirens.
In the 1st century AD, the resort began to flourish as a vacation destination. Roman patricians loved to stay in their luxurious villas there. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Positano gained significant trade and economic importance. Trading took place, ships were built, and even coins were minted in Positano.
During the Middle Ages, the city decided to protect itself from pirate raids and constructed impressive watchtowers that have survived to this day: Torre Sponda, Torre Trasita, and Torre del Fornillo.
In the 13th century AD, after enduring many challenging times, the city experienced a period of prosperity. Magnificent villas and palaces were constructed in the Baroque style. Following World War I, Positano became a renowned elite resort.
