What makes people love Positano - the feeling of the "Deep South"

Il profondo sud: Positano stuzzica la fantasia: Here is a short and thoughtful introduction to this spring's posts to come.

Where is Positano - in fondo, where the sea turns turquois in color ...

What is it that makes people return to Positano, in addition to fabulous views, nature, beaches. Maybe there are hidden treasures that just wait to be "unearthed": the secret why it does visitors good to be in Positano. I think it is something that you might take for granted if you live in Positano: it makes your creativity come to life, and at the same time infuses inner balance. 

One of the many gallerie along the SS163 Strada statale amalfitana, leading towards Positano ...

Visitors can draw on this experience even after their visit, knowing that there is a place on earth, though it may not be so easy to reach across the mountains at times, where life still has a rhythm aligned with its natural surroundings. Things proceed "normal" here, in a normal speed I mean, despite the daily stress due to overcrowded streets and coaches parking on the sidewalks of Positano in spring and summer. Still, when you get off at this place, you inhale the pure sea-filled air, conveying a tinge of warmth even in winter. 

.. almost there ...

Being in a place with extraordinary beauty of course cannot but lift spirits up. It is the warm sun or rain (on some days) and the feeling you get of the Deep South: white-washed houses, sun burnt gardens but at the same time, lush gardens and just above the cristalline waters, places with a unique view upon the glittering sea, amidst olive groves and Mediterranean macchia. Flowering herbs such as thyme, wild lavender, and rosemary perfume the air. Now in spring, it is wisteria and citrus flowers that represent real clouds of scents drifting in the streets. And this time of the year, I often notice the scent of gelsomino (jasmine) just stops before one's nose, stemming from a plant in a garden next to the sidewalk just above the road ... So by discovering treasures at every corner, that are intrinsic to Mediterranean life, you take into account the small details in life that cost nothing, but simply broaden one's mind and bringing back attention that often may be sidelined by a frantic style of life.