Positano Instagram The Path of The Gods

On September 13, 2019April 11, 2021 By Daniel BellinoIn PATH of THE GODS Positano, PositanoLeave a comment

Positano

Now, flash forward to May 2015. Back in the Summer of 1985, yes people knew of Positano, but very few Americans, and not many others outside of Italy. Back in 85, the only people who went to Positano, were people who as they say are “in-the-know.” I had no idea back then, that this small town would one day be pounced upon by hundreds of thousands of people from all corners of the globe, each Summer starting in the early 1990s, as it is now and who knows for how long? Positano, is now known by millions more than had known of the place way back in 1985, when I first visited this lovely town on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

As you now know, the town rises steeply from the sea, and up to very high heights and into the sky to the area known now as, The Path of The Gods, the hiking trails high up on the highest points of town. Obviously, the name Path of The Gods comes from The incredible beauty and heights of this area which emerges high above the Sea below, and up into the Heavens with Godlike Beauty along the way. And up at the top are the two small hamlets of Montepertuso and Nocella. These hamlets are part of the town of Positano. Up in Monetpertuso there is a large natural arch that has been carved out by Mother Nature, right into the mountain. Montepertuso was literally named for the arch which translates to “hole in the mountain.” And it’s this arch that many make there way up to Montepertuso to hike up to the arch to take pictures in front of it and to marvel at the abundance of stunning vistas as they look down at Positano to the sea and each and every sight they lay their eyes upon.

OK, back up to the top of Positano, Montpertuso and Nocelle. Legend has it, that it was at this arch where the Virgin Mary had a battle with the Devil, of which traces can be seen in the rock of the Gambera Mountain, with the shape of a Snake and the hole in the arch which it is said was made by the finger of the Virgin Mary. While up in Montepertuso, see the Church of Santa Maria Grazie and go to one of the fine restaurants up there, which includes Ritrovo, a very popular restaurant, considered to have some of the best food in town.

Now I have to tell you that, this is a whole other world, and rather different then Positano down by the sea, the beach, and hotels. When I was going to Positano in the 80s and early 90s, I never went hiking up in the mountains and I hadn’t even heard of others doing it either. And I’d never even gone up there until my fourth trip to town, there was no need to, everything was happening down below, at the beaches, hotels, restaurants, bars, and the caffe’s of lower Positano. It’s the Positano everyone knows, except now there’s another aspect that interest people, yes hiking The Path of The Gods for even more world class spectacular views.

It’s all quite spectacular, and it is now a “thing,” hiking The Path of The Gods. Back in 85, it was not a “thing,” 1985, 86, or 1988, and no one who I know ever knew or spoke of it, and still when I was in Positano in 2015, it had now become a thing. And I a person who knows more than most (90%) of the people going to Positano these days, in 2015 I still didn’t know of this thing known as The Path of The Gods. I became aware of it in 2018, from Instagram a few months before taking my fifth trip to Positano and the Amalfi Coast with my cousin Tony in the Spring of 2018. And this is part of the phenomena of that thing called Instagram. As Positano, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast hold some of the World’s most beautiful scenery you’ve ever seen, people just have to go there and get the ultimate Instagram picture to post. Yes, this is another of “Thing,” posting the most spectacular pictures ever! You’ll get them in Positano, and the Amalfi Coast of Italy.

Wow, I just realized something. I had just thought that it was only because of the popularity of major motion picture films like “Only You” (Marisa Tomei & Robert Downey Jr.) and “Under The Tuscan Sun” that let The Cat Out of The Bag as exposing Positano to the masses who previously had no-idea this little town existed. Yes, I thought it was soley the fault of these two movies, but now as I write of Instagram and The Path of The Gods, I just now realized that it was Instagram too, and maybe even more so responsible for the people of the World discovering Positano and The Amalfi Coast.

Excerpted from Positano The AMALFI COAST by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

Coming Soon … Positano – The Amalfi Coast is a Travel Guide / Cookbook of Positano, Capri, The Amalfi Coast, Naples and the surrounding area. The book is due for late 2019 Publication.

A View From The PATH of THE GODS

POSITANO

The AMALFI COAST

ITALY

BEST SELLING ITALIAN COOKBOOKS

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

Author of Upcoming POSITANO – The AMALFI COAST

POSITANO

The AMALFI COAST COOKBOOK / TRAVEL

AMAZON.com

Positano

The PATH of THE GODS

How to Hike The PATH of The GODS

POSITANO The AMALFI COAST

ITALY

The Path of the Gods has remained a walk through the ages for centuries, providing not only pristine views of the Amalfi Coast, but also a peek back into the old world’s way of traveling. This 7.8-kilometer trek is a perfect way to spend the day and experience the full scale of beauty you can encounter in this area. The adventurous journey will lead you through historic towns, following along ancient mule routes and purveying some of the most remarkable panoramas you will come across in Italy while keeping you apart from the bustling hubbub of tourist attractions. Simply follow our guide on how to best approach this once-in-a-lifetime hiking excursion.

Sentieri Degli Dei

The Starting Point

If there’s one quintessential experience you’ve got to partake in when exploring Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast, it’s hiking the Path Of The Gods Trail. While walking the 7 km path across the ridge from Nocelle to Bomerano, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Amalfi coastline from the moment you step foot onto the trail, until the moment you leave.

The Path of The Gods, or II Sentiero Degli Dei in Italian, is a historic trail connecting the two mountainside hamlets of Nocelle and Bomerano. In the past, it was the only way for locals to get from one town to the other. Now, it’s preserved for tourism and all of our hiking pleasures.

The path got its name due to its incredible awe-inducing views, much like one would imagine when looking up into the heavens.

LENGTH of The TRAIL

The Path of the Gods trail is a 7km point to point trail. Walking the length of the trail one way will take 1.5-2 hours depending on your speed and how much you stop to take pictures and breaks. We hike pretty fast, but also stopped to take a bunch of photos and it took us 1.5 hours to hike the length of the trail.

The Path of The Gods is a point to point trail. As such, you can start at either the town of Bomerano or Nocelle. Most people recommend hiking from Bomerano to Nocelle for two reasons. One, it’s slightly easier as most of the path is a slight downhill grade, and two, you get better views as you’re walking perpendicular to the peninsula the entire time.

Our recommendation? Hike both directions, starting and ending at the same point. The Path of The Gods is an easy hike in both directions, especially for those that hike regularly. It only took us an hour and a half to walk the entire length of the trail in one direction. For more of a half day outing, you’ll definitely want to hike both directions. Plus, more time on the trail means more time soaking in those stunning coastline views!

Starting and ending at the same trailhead also makes getting to and from the trail much easier. We picked the trailhead that was closest to our AirBnB, which if you’re coming from Sorrento or Positano will be Nocelle. If you’re coming from Amalfi, the trailhead you’ll want to start at is Bomerano.

There’s only one main road from Sorrento to Amalfi, which means everyone who wants to travel between those places is driving the same route. Once you get close to Positano, it’s a huge bottleneck of traffic pretty much from there to Amalfi. Save yourself the undue stress and time of sitting in traffic and put your vacation to better use walking on one of the most gorgeous trails in the world.

To start your hike in Nocelle, you need to first get to Positano. To do this you can either take a bus, drive or ride a scooter or bicycle from your hotel. It’s an extremely scenic route along the ocean, so if you have a bike or scooter we would highly recommend riding to town.

I would avoid driving into Positano as parking is super limited, which is the main source of the traffic jams that occur on the way into town. Taking two wheels instead of four also allows you to bypass the traffic jam and arrive at the trailhead faster.

You have a few options on where to kick off this great day of activity, and it’s smart to do some research on which starting point best suits you. The more popular area to begin the Path of the Gods, also known as Il Sentiero degli Dei, is in Bomerano, a small section of the Agerola comune. Easily reached by bus, you merely get off at the Bomerano stop and follow designated signs that will guide you to the trailhead.

If you don’t have your own form of transportation, not to worry. You have three options.

1. Take a SITA bus that runs from Sorrento to Positano every half hour. Get off in town at Positano Sponda and walk down the main road to Pezzi Pazzi Sas Di De Martino Celeste where you’ll see a set of stairs heading up the mountain. Walk up the 1700 steps up all the way to Nocelle.

2. Alternately, you can take bus 507037 (Amalfi) and get off at Airenzo where you’ll have to walk back down the road a few meters to find the stairs up the mountain to Nocelle.

3. If you’re super adventurous you can try and get off the 507037(Amalfi) bus at Bivio Montepertuso bus stop and then catch a local bus from there up the mountain to Nocelle. Buses depart for Nocelle from the center of Positano every hour so you might have to wait for a bit at the Bivio Montepertuso bus stop depending on when you get there.

POSITANO

The AMALFI COAST

COOKBOOK / TRAVEL GUIDE

AMAZON.com

Positano

TRAVEL GUIDE

POSITANO

PATH of The GODS

Pat of The Gods TRAIL MAP

Julia Roberts Pizza Eat Pray Love

On September 4, 2019September 4, 2019 By Daniel BellinoIn Julia Roberts EAT PRAY LOVE, PositanoLeave a comment

JULIA ROBERTS EATING PIZZA

At ANTICA PIZZERIA Da MICHELE

NAPOLI

Watch The VIDEO

“EAT PRAY LOVE”

Starring JULIA ROBERTS

and JAVIER BARDEM

Update on Positano Naples

On September 3, 2019September 11, 2019 By Daniel BellinoIn Positano, Positano Amalfi CoastLeave a comment

20190815_165838

BACK on CAPRI

And a APEROL SPRITZ at BAR TIBERIUS

PIAZZA UMBERTO CAPRI

Back to Italy 2019; Rome, Salerno, Naples, Capri, Ischia, and Positano, the Amalfi Coast, vacation and research trip to put the finishing touch on my upcoming book Positano The Amalfi Coast – Travel Guide / Regional Cookbook. Had a great time, and learned a few new things and going staying in two places I’ve never stayed at before, Salerno and Ischia. I’d spent some time in Salerno last year with my cousins Tony, Marta, and Mimmo, but I stayed there for 2 days this year and did a little exploring. I stayed at a wonderful hotel, the Plaza Hotel, which I had a wonderful time at, and I highly recommend staying there. It’s a super nice hotel with nice rooms and excellent service from owner Gaetano and his staff. The hotel is situated in an excellent location to make it an affordable base to stay if you’re looking to do Positano, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast, and you don’t have $350 a night or more to stay in Positano or Capri, but you want to spend time visiting and eating in those spots, then staying at the Hotel Plaza at about $95 a night for two, including a tasty and robust breakfast, his hotel is one of the best choices you could possibly make to explore Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and the outer islands of Campania. Besides being such a great hotel, the location could not be more ideal. The Hotel Plaza is located 200 feet from the Salerno Train Station that can get you a train to Naples in just 30 minutes and just 1 1/2 hours to Rome. The hotel is just 3 blocks to the Marine Terminal where you can get frequent ferry boats to Positano, Amalfi, Cetara, Minori, and other points on the Amalfi Coast. Very convenient.

Besides staying in Salerno, I finally made it to Ischia, a place I’d been wanting to go to for years. The reason I’d never gone before, is that I love Capri so much, that I had a hard time not going, so year after year I’d be back on my beloved Isle of Capri. Well I did like Ischia, it’s a beautiful place, but having spent 4 days on this lovely volcanic island, I still prefer Capri, which is more compact and easier to get around to the beaches and most popular sights and such. My favorite things about Ischia were watching a couple fishermen bring in their fresh catch of the day, swimming, drinking Biancolella with every meal, and finishing the meal with the a wonderful new Amaro I discovered, the locally made Amaro Rucolino which is made with its own secret recipe of roots and herbs and the main flavor ingredient being locally grown Arugala (Rocket). I just loved it, and brought 2 bottles of it to bring back home to New York.

While staying on Ischia, I took the short 20 minute ferry boat to the Island of Procida, another new discovery. I quite a nice time in Prociada where the shot the movies Il Positano about famed Chilean Poet Pablo Neruda, and The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Palthrow.

I had a nice tasty lunch of Alici Fritti at the Trattoria / Pizzeria Piazzetta on Procida were I had a lovely time chit-chatting with a couple English ladies sitting at the table next to mine outside on the piazza, with our gorgeous view of Procida. Quite a nice time.

One day, I walked the 3 short blocks from the Hotel Plaza to the Marine Terminal of Salerno and caught a ferry boat to Positano to go visit my friend Mario and his wife who were staying at the Hotel Poseidon in Positano. It’s a beautiful 50 minute boat ride from Salerno to Positano, that cost just 12 Euro. Glad to be back in Positano, I stopped at the Delacatessen for an Aracini and fresh fruit before making my way up to see my buddy Mario and his wife Esperanza. It’s a nice little walk up the pathway and then onto the Via Pasitea where the Hotel Poseidon is located at # 148 Via Pasitea. This hotel is perfectly situated at one of the nicest spots in Positano, with a spectacular view of the town on its large terrace where you get one of the best views in town. The Hotel Poseidon has a nice pool on their terrazzo, along with a bar, and one of Positano’s best restaurants, the Tridente.

I had one of the best times on my whole vacation hanging out with my friends Mario and Esperanza that day on the Terrazzo of the Poseidon Hotel. We swam in the beautiful pool, drank Campari, and Aperol Spritz’s and had the most wonderful time, hanging out poolside in Positano, with our gorgeous view of the most famous and treasured town of The Amalfi Coast Italy. Yes it was a very day hanging out with Mario and his lovely wife. A day I will always treasure and always remember.

On this trip I visited some of Underground Napoli (Naples) which was quite interesting. There was a Roman Market and other buildings that were built over older Greek Ruins. It was quite interesting to see.

I started my trip in Rome, were I stayed for 2 days before taking a fast train from Roma Termini Station down to Salerno (1 1/2 hours). Once I got off the train in Salerno, and out of the train station, it was a nice easy 300 foot walk to the wonderful Hotel Plaza just across the street from the train station. Again, I reiterate, the Plaza Hotel is a great place to see to base your trip to the otherwise expensive Amalfi Coast of Italy. This hotel is lovely and a wonderful place to stay. Ask for Gaetano and tell him “Daniel from new York,” sent you. And have a Great Time!

Daniel

To SEE PICTURES of The TRIP

Look For POSITANO

The AMALFI COAST

TRAVEL GUIDE

to POSITANO NAPLES

The AMALFI COAST

TRAVEL GUIDE / COOKBOOK

RECIPES INFO & STORIES

Of NAPLES CAPRI POSITANO

and The AMALFI COAST

ITALY

BACK in POSITANO

The AMALFI COAST

ITALY

2019

BEST SELLING ITALIAN COOKBOOKS

Italian Cookbook Author Daniel Bellino Z Goes Back to Naples Capri The Amalfi Coast Italy

On August 20, 2019February 3, 2020 By Daniel BellinoIn ISCHIA, Positano, POSITANO CAPRI AMALFI COAST ITALYLeave a comment

Author Daniel Bellino Zwicke

BACK on CAPRI

NAPLES and The AMALFI COAST

My ESPRESSO

BAR DUE GULFI

CAPRI

Stopped in here for an Espresso, so I could use the bathroom and change into my swim trunks to go swimming at Marina Picolo. If you want to go swimming at Marina Picolo, the best way to get there is to take a little town bus to Due Gulfi (Two Gulfs). Get off the bus, and ask one of the locals where the pathway is to Marina Picolo. It’s a great little walk (10 minutes), with nice sights to see as you stroll down to the beach. You have options of paying for a chaise-lounge at a private beach club, or better yet, there is a free beach that’s awesome. I never pay when swimming at Marina Picolo and always opt for the free beach, which is wonderful.

I reserve saving my money for when I go swimming at Da Luigi Beach Club at the Faraglioni Rocks. It’s gorgeous!

Catch of The Day

I was lucky to catch these two Fishermen bringing in their fresh Catch of The Day, as locals were at the dock to buy the freshest fish humanly possible, directly from these two fine gentlemen, who had a scale on board to weight the fish. This was quite awesome to witness, and was one of the highlights of my trip.

These fishermen had quite a good variety of several different kinds of local fish, and their were about 6 local men there to buy fish from them. It was quite an animated scene as thee fishermen quoted prices of the various fish, and the buyers argued with them over the price, and the two sides bickered back and forth before a final sale was mad.. It was all in good fun, and I totally enjoyed the show.

A PERFECT PLATE of SPAGHETTI POMODORO

A TRATTORIA in ISCHIA

RECIPE

My Hotel in Ischia

Hotel Villa Melodie

The POOL at The HOTEL VILLA MELODIE … ISCHIA

If You’re Looking for a Nice affordable Hotel that has a Great POOL

The HOTEL VILLA MELODIE in FORIO , ISCHIA is a Great Choice

“I Just Loved It”

Orange Juice Guy

Sant Angelo , Ischia

This Guy makes the Best Dam Fresh Squeezed OJ Ever !!!

Awesome LEMONADE Too !!

Procida

View From The Top

Looking to Monte Procida and Sorrento

Lunch at La Piazzetta Trattoria / Pizzeria

PROCIDA

ALICI FRITTI & a Glass of BIANCOLELLA

This was one of my Favorite Dishes of The Trip,

“Absolutely Delicious”

RECIPES

COOKING ITALIAN

GREATEST HITS COOKBOOK

RECIPES of NAPLES & The AMALFI COAST ITALY

RECIPE SPAGHETTI TOMATO SAUCE

Looking Down to Marian rand Capri

From Top of The Phoenician Stairs in Anacapri

Photo Copyright Daniel B. Zwicke

Capri Montage

Author Daniel Bellino Zwicke in CAPRI

Espresso, Da Luigi Beacch Club at The Faraglioni Rocks (Daniel’s Favorite Beach)

Shuttle Boat at Da Luigi to Marina Picolo, Marina Picolo, Chapel at Marina Picolo

At Marina Picolo looking to the famed FARAGLIONO ROCKS of CAPRI

Gaetano making me a Perfect ESPRESSO

HOTEL PLAZA

SALERNO

The Hotel Plaza in Salerno s a wonderful hotel. The location is great, being across the from the Train Station and just 3 blocks from the marine terminal where you can catch Ferry Boats to Capri, Sorrento, Ischia, Positano, Amalfi, Cetara, and all points on the Amalfi Coast. You can catch trains to Naples and be there in just 30 minutes.

Gaetano whose family owns and runs the hotel is an absolute Gem. Love that guy. He is so very kind and hospitable and wil make you feel like family, and if you get to know him, you will might be lucky to have him make you a perfect Espresso personally on his prized Espresso machine that he loves dearly. I was so lucky for this, but most of all, I was so fortunate to have a few lovely conversation with Gaetano, he is as I have said a gem, and I will cherish and always remember spending a little time with him and having those nice conversations. “Thank you Gaetano, you made my stay at your family’s hotel in Salerno so very special.

GAETANO Makes Me ESPRESSO

WATCH The VIDEO !

EATING WATERMELON in NAPLES , ITALY

NAPOLI

These Guys Invited Me into Their Little Party at their FRUIT STAND in NAPOLI

We ate WATERMELON and Drank LYCRIMA CHRIST WINE

“I Had a Great Time

One of the HIGHLIGHTS of my TRIP

My PIZZA

Di MATTEO

NAPOLI

PIZZERIA Di MATTEONAPLES

BACK in POSITANO

August 2019

Positano

Walking up the Via Pasitea

Mario & Esperanza

Me & Mario

Hanging at The Pool of The Hotel Poseidon

POSITANO , ITALY

August 9, 2019

Swimming and Drinking Aperol Spritz ‘s

All Afternoon

Me Mario and his Wife Esperanza had a great Day

Probably the # 1 Highlight of my entire Trip

Holding Up The Hill

POSITANO

2019

#SpaghettiTomatoSauceRECIPE

#AperolSprtiz #Aperol #Campari #Negroni

Author Daniel Bellino Zwicke

BACK on CAPRI

NAPLES and The AMALFI COAST

My ESPRESSO

BAR DUE GULFI

CAPRI

I reserve saving my money for when I go swimming at Da Luigi Beach Club at the Faraglioni Rocks. It’s gorgeous!

Catch of The Day

A PERFECT PLATE of SPAGHETTI POMODORO

A TRATTORIA in ISCHIA

RECIPE

My Hotel in Ischia

Hotel Villa Melodie

The POOL at The HOTEL VILLA MELODIE … ISCHIA

If You’re Looking for a Nice affordable Hotel that has a Great POOL

The HOTEL VILLA MELODIE in FORIO , ISCHIA is a Great Choice

“I Just Loved It”

Orange Juice Guy

Sant Angelo , Ischia

This Guy makes the Best Dam Fresh Squeezed OJ Ever !!!

Awesome LEMONADE Too !!

Procida

View From The Top

Looking to Monte Procida and Sorrento

Lunch at La Piazzetta Trattoria / Pizzeria

PROCIDA

ALICI FRITTI & a Glass of BIANCOLELLA

This was one of my Favorite Dishes of The Trip, “Absolutely Delicious”

RECIPES

COOKING ITALIAN

GREATEST HITS COOKBOOK

RECIPES of NAPLES & The AMALFI COAST ITALY

RECIPE SPAGHETTI TOMATO SAUCE

Looking Down to Marian rand Capri

From Top of The Phoenician Stairs in Anacapri

Photo Copyright Daniel B. Zwicke

My Old Stomping Grounds in Capri

The Hotel La Palma

A Wonderful Hotel with Reasonable Prices

And a Great Location in Capri

Virgin Mary

ISCHIA

GAETANO Makes Me ESPRESSO

WATCH The VIDEO !

EATING WATERMELON in NAPLES , ITALY

NAPOLI

These Guys Invited Me into Their Little Party at their FRUIT STAND in NAPOLI

We ate WATERMELON and Drank LYCRIMA CHRIST WINE

“I Had a Great Time

One of the HIGHLIGHTS of my TRIP

My PIZZA

Di MATTEO

NAPOLI

PIZZERIA Di MATTEONAPLES

BACK in POSITANO

August 2019

Positano

Walking up the Via Pasitea

Mario & Esperanza

Me & Mario

Hanging at The Pool of The Hotel Poseidon

POSITANO , ITALY

August 9, 2019

Swimming and Drinking Aperol Spritz ‘s

All Afternoon

Me Mario and his Wife Esperanza had a great Day

Probably the # 1 Highlight of my entire Trip

Holding Up The Hill

POSITANO

2019

#SpaghettiTomatoSauceRECIPE

#AperolSprtiz #Aperol #Campari #Negroni

Map Amalfi Coast Italy Naples Sorrento

On July 31, 2019July 31, 2019 By Daniel BellinoIn AMALFI COAST MAPS, PositanoLeave a comment

MAP of SOUTHERN ITALY

SEE MAPS of The AMALFI COAST / NAPLES

SORRENTO – CAPRI – POSITANO – CETARA

Cocktails in Positano

On June 30, 2019June 30, 2019 By Daniel BellinoIn Cocktails in Positano, Positano1 Comment

HOTEL POSEIDON

TRIDENT BAR

POSITANO

Drinking the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Positano, Napoli, what do you drink? Well there’s always wine. Yes wine, Campari, an Aperol Spritz, Prosecco, Mineral Water, Cappuccino, Espresso, and you must drink some Lemonade, for after all, you’re in The Land of Lemons of the Devine Coast of Amalfi. Or if you’re on Capri or Ischia, Sorrento or Salerno, or the Capital City of Napoli, it’s all the same. All the same of what you might drink, what the locals drink, business men, travelers, tourists, whoever.

Yes, you will drink Cappuccino and Espresso, it’s good all over, and every Barista takes pride in his coffee making skills and prowess. And when it comes to Espresso, the Neapolitans are the World Champions of making it and drinking it. Espresso that is.

And if on your trip to Positano, Capri, Sorrento, wherever your destination is down there, if you’re in Napoli, try and go to the Gran Caffe Gambrinus for one of the great cafe experiences of your life. The Gran Caffe Gambrinus is heir to the great Neapolitan coffee tradition, for coffee and the art of making and drinking a proper Espresso, is at its highest level in Gambrinus. Espresso in Napoli is rooted in ritual and the habits of each social class. There is a phenomenon in this habitual ritual that makes the simple moment of refreshment an opportunity for culture and socializing. You will experience a moment of great pleasure as you partake in this esteemed ritual known as espresso. But not just any Espresso, but a Neapolitan one. And while at Gambrinus, drinking your Cappuccino, Espresso or Special Gambrinus Caffe, why not treat yourself to a Sfogliatelle as well?

All over the Amalfi Coast, in Naples, and especially popular on the Isle of Capri are Lemonade Stands. It stands to reason that with all the Lemon Groves you find on Capri, in and around Sorrento, and in Minori, Maiori, Atrani, and Amalfi, that they’d be serving that refreshing lemon based drink, Lemonade, yes they do. Though lemons are grown all over the coast and on the islands, there seems to be two places that you see Granita and Lemonade Stands more than in other parts, and those two places are in Napoli and on the Isle of Capri. And when it comes to me personally, I always remember that first Lemonade I ever had there, and that was the Lemonade Stand on the Piazzetta of the Piazza Umberto that’s right there before you, when you get off of the Funicular of Capri, if you happen to be taking it. And if you do take the Funicular from the bottom at Marina Grande, once up are at the top and your ride is over, the first thing you’ll see when you exit the Funicular is that Lemonade Stand that is so very inviting on a hot Summer day. So, just as I did on that day in the Summer of 1988 when I had my first, I got a glass of Lemonade. I got off of the Funicular, saw the Lemonade Stand and I couldn’t resist. I got myself a nice cold refreshing Lemonade made with the Lemons of Capri. Later on, in the trip (i988), I’d have my first Limoncello, that hugely famous after dinner drink made with the local Lemons. So, you see, it’s usually the littlest things that I love most when I travel. Like that lemonade on Capri in the Summer of 1988, my first Campari, Aperol Spritz, and most recently a lovely liquor made in these parts called Finnonchietto (Fennel Liqueur), that the waiter brought for me and my cousin Tony, after dinner at Z’Antonino one night in Sorrento. Wow, I went nuts when I tasted this wonderful liqueur for the first time. It was a revelation. I never had it before, and I absolutely loved it. So much so, that when we finished the dinner and took a little walk, as we passed by a Salumeria that sold Limoncello, Amari, and other liqueurs, including Finnonchietto, I just had to get a bottle, and so I did (8 Euros).

So, now as we talk of drinking on the Amalfi Coast, we come up to the subject of the Aperitivo and Aperitivo time on the Amalfi Coast or anywhere in Italy for that matter. Well, what is Apertivo anyway you say? Aperitivo is a drink that you have before dinner, and is meant for socializing as well as getting your palate going for the meal to come. Most often when you go for Apertivo (aka Aperitif) and order a drink at the traditional aperitivo time (late-afternoon & early-evening), the waiter will bring you some little snacks along with your drink (Aperitivo). The snacks might be as simple as a bowl of Potato Chips and Olives. In addition, some places might serve canapes (crostini) with various toppings, all for the price of the drink. The most popular forms of Aperitivo drinks are anything made with Campari or Aperol, such as Campari & Soda or OJ, a Negroni, or Aperol Spritz. Prosecco or any wine at the apertivo hours are also considered as aperitivo drinks. You can get any other cocktails made with Vodka, Gin, Rum, Whiskey or other forms of alcohol other than Prosecco, wine, Campari, or Aperol, but these cocktails may be quite a bit more expensive than the traditional Aperitivi.

On a recent trip to Rome and the Amalfi Coast, I partook in the delightful ritual of Apertivo on numerous occasions. It was quite wonderful sharing this ritual with my cousins Tony, Mimmo, Marta, and friends in Salerno, Sorrento, in Positano, and Vietro Sul Mare. My trip started off in Rome for a day before I hopped on the high-speed train to Napoli the next day. After landing in Rome, checking into my hotel, I took a shower and then a nap. Well, more thana nap, I fell asleep for 6 hours. I finally awoke and hopped in the shower again.

Once I showered and got dressed for one more evening out to my beloved Roma, I had a plan. My plan was to walk over to the Metro stop and take a train to near the Piazza Spagna where I would go walk around and enjoy a bit of time at this one of Rome’s most popular spots. I walked up The Spanish Steps, taking pictures along the way and enjoying the scene before me; the people and that view from atop the Spanish Steps is absolutely magnificent. I stayed there to enjoy it for a little while. So, now on to the second phase of the plan.

After spending a half-hour enjoying the Piazza di Spagna, my plan was to walk over to the Piazza di Popolo from there, a short 8 minute walk away. Yes, my plans included going to Piazza di Popolo to see the beautiful little twin churches of Santa Maria Maracoli and Santa Maria Montesanto and to have a Aperitivo at Rosati afterwards. After that, I’d go on to dinner. So after leaving the Spanish Steps behind I made my way along to the Via Babuino leading me to my destination of the Piazza di Popolo and all its offerings.

When I arrived about 10 minutes later, I walked towards the Fountain of Neptune to get a good view of the Twin Churches. I took a few pictures of the churches, then asked a couple if they would take a picture of me in front of them. They took a couple nice pictures that are now part of my wonderful memories of that day, and even back to 1985 and 1986 in Rome. After taking pictures of the two churches and the Piazza and myself, I went over to the churches to go inside. The Chiesa Santa Maria Miracoli was closed, but the doors to Santa Maria Montesanto were open, and there was a Mass being conducted. I went in and sat down to relax there. I listened to the priest and parishioners as they responded to the priest. I said a few prayers for my sister Barbara, myself, my Brothers Jimmy and Michael, and their loved ones, and then I left the church.

After my time at the churches I walked across to Rosati for my little aperitivo. I took a seat at a table outside to watch the World go by the Twin Churches and life on the Piazza Popolo. I ordered a Campari Soda and the waitress brought it to me along with Olives, Potato Chips, and Canapes. And yes, I sat back, sipped my Campari and watched the World go by. I had quite a nice little Aperitivo Time at Roasati and then it was on to dinner.

Drinking? You can’t talk about drinking in Italy without talking about wine. On this recent trip I was briefly in Rome where I drank Frascati with dinner that night, followed by an Amaro of Capo di Stato digestive from Calabria.

Now, down to Campania and the Amalfi Coast and the wines down there. This area has some wonderful wines that are sure to please all. There are a lot of very good white wines, as there should be with all the wonderful seafood available and simply for the fact of the heat and being on the coast in Summer, for many people, white wine is the way to go. The White Wines of the area are some of the finest in Italy, in wines like; Greco di Tufo, Fiano di Avellino, Coda, Falanghina, Biancolella, and a few others, with these being the main ones as well as being most popular. When it comes to reds, Aglianico is King, especially in the form of “Taurasi” the most prestigious red wine in all of Southern Italy. The red grape Palumbo, also known as Piedirosso which makes up the local wine that is called Lacryma Christi, meaning “The Tears of Christ.” This grape makes wonderful fruity wines as is in the case of Lacryma Christi. Yes, Aglianico is the most renowned red grape varietal of the region, but the grape Piedirossa and the wines that it makes up are not far behind in stature. The more famous wines are made with Aglianico, the grape that makes up the famed Itaian wine known as Taurasi.

There is a most lovely legend that goes along with the wine Lacryma Christi, which can be found as either white or red wine. As the legend goes, is that when Saint Lucifer (the Devil) was cast away, he took a piece of Heaven with him. When Christ first saw the Bay of Naples, he recognized it as the stolen piece of Heaven and he wept over its loss. It’s said that as Christ wept, where his tears landed on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius is where the grapes that make up Lacryma Christi first sprang up from, and these are the grapes that sprung from the Tears of Christ. So the legend goes, and it’s quite a lovely one at that.

So you see, drinking in Napoli, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast, is a very pleasant pastime, whether drinking Cappuccino in the morning, Espresso later in the day, Lemonade or Limoncello, local wine, a Negroni, Campari, or Aperol Spritz, you’re going to have a good time. You have to? You’re in Amalfi. Enjoy it.

EXCERPTED from POSITANO The AMALFI COAST

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke …. Due for Publication, May 2019

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Cocktails at FRANCO’S BAR

Le SIRENUSE

POSITANO

AperolSPRITZzv

APEROL SPRITZ TIME in POSITANO

LEARN HOW to MAKE POSITANO’S “Most Popular Cocktail”

The APEROL SPRITZ

Recipe

Yes, without question, the Aperol Spritz is Positano’s most popular cocktail. You see them on almost every table, as you pass restaurants and outdoor cafes in Positano, there’s at least one Aperol Spritz on practically every table in town. Other popular drinks are the Negroni, White Wine (& Red), Prosecco, and fresh Lemonade. I first started drinking Aperol Spritz’s way back in 1995, almost 20 years before most Americans ever even heard of it. Now it’s almost as popular as water, and for good reason, it’s the perfect drink for Positano, Capri, or any beach town in Italy or anywhere. It’s light, tasty, and refreshing.

The best places to drink an Aperol Spritz, or any cocktail of your choice, when in Positano, are; the Trident Bar at the Hotel Poseidon, Franco’s Bar at the Hotel Le Sirenuse, or any of the terraces at Buco di Bacco, or Covo d’ Saraceni.

POSITANO

Is COMING SOON

For Now Go To

Panoramic Positano

On June 26, 2019June 26, 2019 By Daniel BellinoIn Positano, Positano HotelLeave a comment

Positano

A Panoramic view of Positano, the jewel of jewels of the Amalfi Coast, Italy.

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Positano on a Budget Hotels and Eats

On June 25, 2019March 3, 2021 By Daniel BellinoIn Positano, Positano on a BudgetLeave a comment

POSITANO on a BUDGET?

DOES It EXIST?

YES & NO !

So, can you go to Positano on a Budget? Does this scenario exist? Yes and no, and what is a low budget to one person, may not be to another. Overall, Positano is not the most ideal place for someone on a budget. This being said, if you are one on a limited budget, and are determined to go, even stay in Positano, which is quite expensive, there are some things you can do.

If you get a hotel room that is suitable to your budget, your next big concern is food and drink. You are in luck with a truly wonderful little spot to get tasty reasonably priced food at Latteria which is lovely family run Salumeria (Italian Deli) / Wine & Grocery Store. They make tasty panini (Sandwiches) and very good prepared food, such as Eggplant Parmigiano, Pasta, Frittata, and Arancini (Rice Balls). You can take food out to-go, and there’s a little patio on the side to eat your food at. If you want to eat the food there, there’s one little problem, there are only about 6 seats, so they might be full when you’re there. But if you can get a seat outside, this is a wonderful little spot to get some really tasty food, at the cheapest prices you’ll find in all of Positano. This is also a great place to stock up on bottle water, fruit, snacks, and wine to have back at your hotel. I just love this place, so if you’re looking for the best quality food at the lowest prices, Latteria is your place. You will have to take a 15-20 minute walk up from the beach to get here, but its well worth it. The walk itself is a nice little adventure, the food is absolutely excellent, and the place is charming.

Also very good, and a similar type of place is La Delicatessen, which is down by the Mulini and very central part of Positano. Like Latteria, Delicatessen make very good sandwich, Rice Balls, and other prepared foods at fare prices. La Delicatessen is more centrally located than Latteria, and I do like the place, but if forced to pick to between the two places, I’d give a bit of an edge to Latteria, with Delicatessen not far behind.

The third big aspect of being in Positano, after settling your hotel and food requirements, is your beach activity. One choice is the tiny free area down by Spiaggi Grande (Big Beach). There is also a free beach area at Il Fornillo Beach, which is a much better free-beach option than the tiny free-beach are in the center of Positano. My favorite beach area of all in Positano is La Scogliera Beach Club next to “Music on the Rocks,” which is a bit expensive, with chaise lounges costing from 17 to 25 Euros depending on when you go.

One attraction of Positano is The Path of The Gods, which is totally free, and is one of the most popular things to do, but it’s not for everyone. If you do go, the only cost is taking the small local bus, up to the very top of Positano, where you will catch the hiking trail up there.

CASA GUADAGNO

Most AFFORDABLE iN POSITANO

GREAT VIEWS “EVERY ROOM Has a BALCONY”

Typical ROOM

At CASA GUADAGNO

BOOK NOW – Rooms Go Fast

Just 1-minute walk from Positano’s main street, Pensione Casa Guadagno is 5 minutes’ walk from Fornillo Beach. Each one of its rooms offers a balcony with a view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Rooms come with decorative tiled floors and air conditioning. Each one has a fridge and a private bathroom. An Italian breakfast of coffee and croissants is served in the dining hall each morning.

POSITANO The AMALFI COAST COOKBOOK

TRAVEL GUIDE

PLAN YOUR TRIP NOW

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Screenshot 2021-02-16 at 2.18.56 PM

VIEW From HOTEL ROYAL POSITANO

One of POSITANO’S Most AFFORDABLE HOTELS

The POOL at the HOTEL ROYAL POSITANO

To BOOK a ROOM

Hotel Royal Positano is surrounded by Positanos rocky cliffs, which drop down into clear blue sea. Relax in lush gardens on extensive sun terraces. Free and serviced beaches are easily reachable by public transport from Royal Positano Hotel. Just take the bus which leaves 20 feet from the hotel entrance.

On site relax in Hotel Royal Positano’s own small but well-equipped Health and Beauty Center or go for a refreshing swim. Kids will love the large gardens with the playground and everyone can have fun playing tennis or football on site. Make use of Wi-Fi access on the sun terrace or in the lobby or go for a drink in the piano bar. Enjoy characteristic regional dishes and lovely panoramic views at Hotel Royal Positano’s large restaurant.

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If you Love playing Tennis and want to play in Positano

Hotel Royal is only one of two hotels in town that has their own Tennis Court

The other is the Hotel San Pietro

Hotel Villa Maria Antonietta

If you are looking for a budget hotel in Positano, Villa Maria Antonietta is one possible option. If you can get a room here (they Sell Out Fast), rooms are usually about $140 US a night, but as we’ve said, they sell out fast, so if you’d like to stay here anytime in the Spring or Summer, I’d suggest booking your room at least 5 to 6 months in advance. Seriously.

Villa Maria Antonietta is a nice little modest hotel, where I stayed at on my first trip ever to Positano, way back in the Summer of 1985, in a room that I paid $45 for at the time. Like I said the place is modest, and physically nothing special. The special things about it, are the location is about as good as it gets, the place is clean, and very affordable for Positano where the rooms are hundreds and thousands of dollars a night. Two people can stay at Villa Maria for about $140 a night.

When staying at VMA, you are in the area of Mulini, with a great selection of bars, caffes, salumerias, shops, and restaurants all around. It less than 10 minutes to walk to the main beach, and ferry boat stop.

Hotel Puppeto

About $170 a Night for Two

Book far in Advance

“POSITANO is HERE” !!!

by Best Selling Author

DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

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PENSIONE MARIA LUISA

Via Fornillo 42, Positano .

Breakfast on The Terrazzo ?

MARIA LUSIA

Breakfast Room

Average Room Rates $152 per Night

La MOMMOLA

Average Room Tate $125 a Night

LATTERIA is the BEST CHEAP EATS in ALL of POSITANO

“WE JUST LOVE THIS PLACE”

A 15 Minute Walk up From The Beach

Great Panini (Sandwiches) FRITTATA, EGGPLANT and More

At LATTERIA “BEST CHEAP EATS in TOWN”

2nd BEST CHEAP EAT in TOWN – DELIKATESSEN

GREAT SANDWICH, ARANCINI, FRUIT, FRITTATA

My Positano Black Book Guide

On June 18, 2019July 31, 2021 By Daniel BellinoIn Le Sirenuse, Positano, Positano Black BookLeave a comment

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Positano

I’ve been going to Positano and the Amalfi Coast of Italy since the Summer of 1985, when I made my first trip to Italy, France, Spain, and Europe as a young man in my early 20s. That frist trip was amazing, there’s nothing like being so young and taking a trip like that, when new everything feels so magical. It’s an feeling you just don’t get as you get older. Anyway, I’m a bit older, and though I can’t regain the same feelings of my youth, I still love the place (Positano) and going there is always so very nice.

Now the main point in this all, is unlike so many others who are blogging and writing about the magical town, very few could match my long history and experiences in Positano, on Capri, Rome and Naples, or anywhere on the Devine Coast of Amalfi. Yes, I have quite a lot of experiences in Positano over the years. I tell you about them, and make recommendations on where to stay (hotels), where to eat (Trattoria ‘s / Pizzeria ‘s & Bakeries), the Best Beaches, How to Get There and What to Do Once you are there on Positano or anywhere on the Amalfi Coast. You’ve got to go to Ravello, there’s a wonderful Lemon Farm Agriturismo that I go to in Minori, that’s a Hidden Gem few people know about. You’ve got to go to Pompeii, and a foray into Naples is highly recommend for a Pizza Crawl if you have the time. While on your trip to the Amalfi Coast area, I highly recommend staying two nights on Capri if you have the time. What I don’t recommend that highly is going to Capri just for a few hours, if you have the time, you must stay there to really appreciate the island and all its many charms.

My TOP POSITANO HOTELS

“If You Can Afford It?”

1. Le SIRENUSE

2. IL SAN PIETRO

More Affordable

1. HOTEL CASA ALBERTINA

2. HOTEL PALAZZO MURAT

3. HOTEL POSEIDON

BUDGET HOTELS

1. HOTEL VILLA MARIA ANTONIETTA

2. HOTEL SAVOIA

WHERE to EAT

“My Favorite Restaurants”

1. Da VINCENZO … My All-Time Favorite. Been Going since 1985. Spaghetti Vongole

2. BUCA d’ BACO … Great restaurant, great Hotel, Great Views & Great Food.

3. CHEZ BLACK .. The In-Spot. Great Pizza, People Watching & Spaghetti Nerano.

Yummy Food For Less

1. LATTERIA … Latteria (Italian Deli) is a wonderful little place, just a short way up the hill, on the Via Pastea, the main roadd of Positano. This wonderful little Salumeria has some of the Best Food in Positano, and at much cheaper prices than most. They make tasty Panini (Sandwiches), Arancini (Rice Balls), Frittata, and Melenzane Parmigiana (Baked Eggplant). You can buy Wine and Fresh Fruit and bottled water here. There is a wonderful little spot to eat outside (Limited Seating) or you take your prepared-food and grocery’s back tot you hotel or apartment.

BEST BEACHES

1. Le SCOGLIERA BEACH CLUB is my all-time Favorite Beach to go to in Positano. It’s a bit of splurge treat, and I split my beach time in Positano between this beach and the FREE BEACH at FORNILLO BEACH. Yes, it’s a bit expensive, but I’ve been going here since my first trip, and it’s a special treat to myself whenever I spend the extra cash to go there.

2. My 2nd favorite Beach in Positano, is the Free Beach at Fornillo Beach where I used to go with my friend Nicoletta way back in 1986. There’s also a Private Beach area, where you pay to rent a Chaise Loung. I like the free part better, and when I to spend the cash for a private beach, I go to Le SCOGLERA BEACH CLUB next to “Music O The Rock.”

Basta !

READ MORE on The BEST BEACHES of POSITANO on POSITANO-AMALFI-COAST.com

BEST BARS For APERTIVO or Anytime

1. The BAR at The POSEIDON HOTEL .. Great view * Crowd and Cheaper than FRANCO’S BAR at Le SIRNEUSE HOTEL

2. FRANCO’S BAR .. Great spot for your evening apertivo, with a Spectacular View and equally spectacular prices (expensive) to match. It quite nice, but persoally, I like the Bar on Terrace of The Hotel Poseidon. It’s cheaper too!

View from The TERRAZZO

HOTEL POSEIDON BAR

POSITANO