Casa Cosenza, with its sunny yellow facade, sitting snug against the cliff side, halfway down to the beach is reached by descending the famous "scalinatella", one of the variety of stairways found in this unique seaside town.

The front arched entranceway lined with terra-cotta pots overflowing with colourful local flora, leads to an enormous tiled terrace overlooking the pastel-colour houses of Positano and the dramatic coastline.

The residence dates back 200 years, as evidenced by the typical cupola ceiling in each room, originally designed to keep rooms cool and airy.

Rooms:

The guestrooms, each with private bath and air conditioned, enjoy the same breathtaking panorama.

Rooms have bright, tiled floors and simply and sweetly decorated with old fashioned furniture. In the high-side of the residence, restored recently, there are suites with all comforts (air conditioned, television, private refrigerator and hydro-massage bath).

Breakfast:

A continental breakfast is served on the main terrace. The helpful and very friendly Cosenza family assures visitors a pleasant stay.

Activities:

From Positano you can easily reach, to the west, Sorrento, Pompei, Ercolano (Erculaneum), Mont Vesuvio and Pozzuoli.

From the east, you can visit Amalfi, Ravello, Vietri sul Mare, Salerno and Paestum.

For those that like mountain excursions such as hiking, Montepertuso and Nocelle; two hamlets above Positano, are easily accessible. From Nocelle, the Sentiero degli Dei (Trail of the Gods) leads to Agerola; from Montepertuso you can reach Santa Maria al Castello and Monte Sant'Angelo a Tre Pizzi (1444 meters above sea level).

About of Positano:

Positano is positioned at the southern feet of the Mounts Lattari. As a result, Positano is protected from the winds of the north. In turn, this has created a mild and dry climate.

Mount Comune, Mt. S. Maria del Castello, Mt. S. Angelo a Tre Pizzi, Mt. Conocchia, Mt. Campo dei Galli and Mt. Paipo all form, what looks like a crown, around Positano.

From Positano, as you look to the south and east, you see nothing but a beautiful sea up to Punta Licosa and Capri.

Just three miles away from the coast, a little archipelago rises from the sea - "Li Galli" or "Sirenuse" - composed by three islands which are Gallo Lungo, Rotonda, Castelluccio. This was, according to ancient mythology, the home of the bewitching Sirens.

The true history or origins of Positano is debatable. Much knowledge of the origins has been lost with time, however, legend says that Positano was founded by Poseidon, the Greek God of the Ocean. In Latin, Poseidon was known as Neptune. Nonetheless, it is said that Poseidon created Positano for the nymph Pasitea, whom he loved.

History has well documented though, the fact that Phoenicians and Greeks, travelling westwards, landed in Positano, which at that time, was inhabited by Oschi and Piceni.

During Roman times, a rich Patrician Villa was built near the 'great' beach. This villa has now been buried by gardens and by the church devoted to "Our Lady of the Assumption".

When the Roman Empire fell, Positano became a part of the Republic of Amalfi, the first maritime republic. During this time Positano went through a flourishing period, owing to the commerce with other countries of the Mediterranean area.

Sad to say, this time of growth was then followed by gloomy days, particularly during the Angevin and Aragonese domination, when Positano village was more than once exposed to the attacks of the Saracen pirates and by Turkmen.

Legend says that the Saracen pirates once raided Positano and took with them, among other things, the Byzantine picture of Black Virgin. Just after the pirates left the shore, they heard a voice was heard, that said: "Posa, posa".

The pirates realized they had committed a major sacrilege and thus repented. The pirates came back and restored all the ill-gotten goods.

The villagers of Positano decided to create a tower to defend themselves from further raids. These three guard towers can still be seen today in the quarters called Fornillo, La Trasita, La Sponda and some others in the inner part of the village.

The 1700's were a thriving time for the people of Positano. During this time, many villas in the late Baroque style were built on the East coast.

Today, Positano is not only a very popular tourist destination, but is known world wide for its clothing production. You will discover many small, but wonderful boutiques in Positano.

Positano provides you with the opportunity to experience rich history, lots of natural beauty and plenty of culture. There are a series of feasts in summer.

Directions:

By Car - From The North:*

Take the Autostrada del Sole to Naples and follow the signs for Salerno-Reggio Calabria motorway, which you take as far as the Castellammare di Stabia exit; from there, follow the signs for Positano.

By Car - From The South (Bari):*

Take the motorway to Avellino and then the superstrada (toll free motorway) to Salerno, which is located at one end of route SS 163 Amalfitana. Since Positano is closer to the other end of the Amalfi route, it is advisable to take Salerno-Naples motorway to Castellammare di Stabia, reaking Positano from there.

By Car - From The South (Calabria):*

Take either route SS 163 Amalfitana or the Salerno-Naples motorway to Castellammare di Stabia, as above.

By Train:

The most convenient railway station in Naples is that of Napoli Centrale, at Piazza Garibaldi, where on a lower level you can get a Circumvesuviana local train to Sorrento, buses for Positano called Sita (blue) leave from the square in front of the Circumvesuviana station at Sorrento.

By Air:

If you arrive at Naples Capodichino airport, take a taxi or bus to the Circumvesuviana station, as above.

By Sea:

During the summer there are direct connections by sea between Positano and Capri, Sorrento, Ischia, Naples, Amalfi and Salerno.

*Note: We have an agreement with F.lli Milano parking. The service is not included in our rates. But, you can park your car with F.lli Mi and they will give you information on how to reach Casa Cosenza. In addition, every time you need your car, they will bring it close to our house.