It had always been my dream to visit Positano, and visiting there with my Mum last year surpassed all expectations. Yes, Positano is a popular tourist destination, but past that facade is the heart of Positano - its people. Sharing experiences with the locals of this glamorous holiday destination made my time there interesting and worthwhile. Of course the outstanding food, wine, service and spectacular scenery didn’t hurt either!

We stayed at the Palazzo Talamo, on Via Pasitea, which has the most spectacular views, and is very reasonably priced for peak season. It is wise to hire a porter to carry your luggage up the many steps to the main square, which we learnt the hard way! We were lucky enough to meet our first friendly local, taxi driver Antonio, who transported us from the square, up the steep climb to out hotel.

Our first lunch was at Il Fiornillo, on the same street as the hotel. What an introduction to the Positano cuisine! Pomodoro salad with fresh mozzarella and wild rocket, lobster linguini and vongole, washed down with a crisp Pinot Grigio. Buonissimo!

Dinner at Mediterraneo, also on Via Pasitea, is wonderful. We were serenaded by Pietro, a musician from Sorrento who plays regularly at this fantastic restaurant and art gallery, run by Lorenzo and his family. The cocktail bar, Next 2, which is literally ‘next to’ the Mediterraneo is a great place for mingling with locals and exchanging stories. If you are lucky, you may get a ride on the back of a ‘moto’ to the night club Music on the Rocks, which, as the name suggests, is nestled into the rocks, on the main beach.

Visit Eddie and Vincenzo at da Vincenzo restaurant for amazing fresh pasta and great conversation. Eddie is looking for wife, so any ladies that are interested…

Another must is a visit to the six star hotel Le Sirenuse (featured on the movie Only You) for a signature cocktail. They serve fresh seafood on the terrace with spectacular views of Positano, and it is an experience to be remembered.

Positano is a magical place, and if you look for it, you will find it has a real heart and soul, away from the touristy stores and beachfront restaurants. Head to Via Pasitea for the ‘real’ Positano – great people, food, wine and fun!