Shopping

Positano's main drag for shopping is Via dei Mulini, but you'll find all kinds of small shops and boutiques along the town's steep streets, many of them offering what is known around the world as "Positano Fashion." The small tailoring boutiques of the 1960s, where dresses or trousers were made to order, have evolved into a highly specialized craft. Modern local designers create a unique style of colorful garments that are the embodiment of Positano's Mediterranean sensibility. Wonderful summer clothes and beachwear -- swimsuits are a specialty -- as well as more dressy items await you in the elegant boutiques, most of which line Viale Pasitea. Sartoria Maria Lampo, Viale Pasitea 12 (tel. 089-875021; www.marialampo.it), is one of the remaining original boutiques and is keeping up its reputation. Other favorites are Pepito's, Viale Pasitea 15 (tel. 089-875446; www.pepitos-fashion.com); Nadir, Viale Pasitea 44 (tel. 089-875975); La Bottega di Brunella, Via dei Mulini 21 (tel. 089-875812), and Viale Pasitea 76 (tel. 089-875228); and La Tartana, Via della Tartana (tel. 089-875645).

The town is also famous for its handmade sandals. Some of the artisan shops will make them for you while you wait. Try D'Antonio, Via Trara Genoino 13 (tel. 089-811824); Dattilo, Via Rampa Teglia 19 (tel. 089-811440); or Safari, Via della Taratana 2 (tel. 089-811440; www.safaripositano.com).

Positano has a number of high-quality antiques shops, such as Cose Antiche, Via Cristoforo Colombo 21 (tel. 089-811811; www.coseantichepositano.it), and Le Myricae, Via Cristoforo Colombo 27 (tel. 089-875882), with its splendid collection of Art Deco jewelry.