What To Buy In Positano, Italy

what to buy in positano
Gabriel
Gabriel 
Updated
| 5 min read

Positano is a beautiful seaside place bathed in a lovely display of colors seen from the sea. Cliffside edifices are painted in various vibrant hues that reflect the waters of the Amalfi Coast. On the other hand, its sunny corniche roads allow everyone to walk around while taking in the best view of the blue waters and the astonishing sunsets. Fornillo Beach seduces every lover of sea and sand to its’ lovely shores. Amalfi Drive is known as one of the most panoramic roads in the whole world. Shopping is one of the best things to do in Positano. Check out our list of what to buy in Positano, Italy.

1. Inlaid wooden boxes and cameo jewelry

Wooden box inlaid with ivory
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ian Alexander used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Since the 14th century, inlaid wooden box making has been a practice in Positano. A common site in these streets are craftsmen working on these boxes. They come in various patterns, shapes, and sizes. Streets near Marina Grande are where you will find rows of stores creating and selling inlaid wooden boxes. These are the best ones you will find in the Amalfi Coast. Cameo jewelry, on the other hand, is not as common as the previous. Its beauty and craftsmanship, however, are on the same level. These accessories are considered works of art. Made from a certain shell, the outer layer is scraped off to reveal a colored underlay. The remaining surface is carved in various designs.

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2. Lemon goodies

Limoncello
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Castle Brands Inc used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Lemon goodies come in different forms. Limoncello is probably the most popular lemon product you can get in Positano. The bright yellow beverage is stored in glass bottles that you can pick up anywhere. The best way to cool down is to treat yourself to lemon granita. This is sold in food carts located along the side streets. Aside from the edible kind, there are lemon goodies sold as perfume, decorative ceramics, lemon scented candles and a whole lot more. Positano is a place where lemon is the preferred citrus. So it comes as no surprise that the people here take it as their inspiration behind their creations.

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3. Locally crafted ceramics or painting

Positiano locally crafted ceramics
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daniel Ventura used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The ceramics and paintings that you find displayed in local stores in Positano are crafted right here. Both of these products can be easily packed and shipped to your destination. The good news is that some manufacturers can ship them for you so you do not have to pack them and carry them on your way home. These products are considered artworks because these are all done by highly-skilled craftsmen and artists. In fact, you can even watch them as they make these. A favorite spot where visitors watch artist do their work is by the seashore. The best thing about it is that interaction with the artist is allowed.

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4. Scarves and linen shirts

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

It is easy to find linen shirts and scarves, in Positano, as these are all displayed along lanes and alleys that head to the seashore. These two are very light to wear and come in vibrant colors that echo the beach hues. The best part is there are literally hundreds of stores that sell these. This is the type of clothing that best reflects the Positano way of life. It is light, airy, chic, and stylish. It is a known fact that Italians from other regions know when a person is from Positano just by looking at his or her clothing or scarf.

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5. Signature turquoise shopping bags

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This is another of Positano’s well-crafted products. These shopping bags come in a shade of turquoise that best reflect the hues of the sea. The designs are basically all about the Amalfi Coast and Positano. This is the main reason why it is a must-buy for visitors coming here. With such positive inspirations, to begin with, local artists are able to come up with the best hand-painted images that attract buyers. Images like marine life, food, and the water are a common fixture on these bags. These are made from light material and in huge sizes where you can simply dump everything you buy.

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6. Brightly painted sea urchins crafted into paperweights, candle holders and lamps.

White sea urchin-inspired teapot
Source: Photo by Flickr user Melissa Bridgman used under CC BY 2.0

Ceramic sea urchins are some of the cutest things you will ever see. These vibrantly painted decorative elements exude such charm and are quite impossible to resist. They make the perfect complement to any room design and instantly adds beauty to a center or side table. Painted in a plethora of vibrant colors, the sea urchins are recreated into lamps, candle holders, and paperweights. On the other hand, those done in toned-down hues reflect the relaxed way of living here. Most of these urchins are sold in mono colors packaged in threes. However, most stores allow their customers to choose the designs and colors they want.

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7. Flat leather soles topped with an array of sparkles or simple leather

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

These are probably some of the best looking sandals you will ever lay your eyes on. Positano sandals are known to exude sophistication while having simple designs. The place is known for its jeweled open-toe footwear. But it is also renowned for its simple, leather-only creations. Shops that sell these are often found near the church. What makes this extra special is the fact that these are made by hand. Shoemaking, especially these sandals, is considered an art form. These go through the hands of highly-skilled shoe artisans who come up with designs that gently reflect Positano and its way of life.

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8. Carthusia perfume

Via Matteotti, Capri - Carthusia - Profumi di Capri - sign
Source: Photo by user Elliott Brown used under CC BY 2.0

A visit to Positano exposes you to the sea, sun, abundant flowers, pine, and lemons. The freshness of these is best represented in Carthusia Perfumes. This is definitely one of the things that you must not miss out on. This you can find all over the Amalfi Coast but the best ones are the ones found in Positano. Based on a formula invented in 1948, Carthusia has long been a popular item on every visitors’ list. Its pleasant aroma is what makes it special. With 22 fragrances to choose from, you can surely find one that best fits your lifestyle.

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9. Vintage silk Valentino gowns

Valentino wedding dress
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Loquax used under CC BY 3.0

Being able to buy and wear one of his gowns is an honor to women. His name is Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani, and he is one of the world’s best designers. The silk gown was one of the creations that help put him on the map starting in the ’50s and ’60s. His vintage silk gown creations come in vast designs, prints, and patterns. These are prized commodities and are high up on the shopping lists of female visitors. The gowns are light and airy which mirrors the way of living in Positano. It carries a great pedigree behind the name.

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10. Antiques gilded mirrors and religious icons

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Positano is known for its artisanal antique gilded mirrors. There are parts of town littered with these crafted works. The intricate carving on these metal frames adds a magical touch to its beauty and aesthetics. It is the kind of mirror that makes a beautiful room look better especially with gold-leaf added to it. Another popular item, on travelers list of must-buys, are the religious images. Being in a Catholic country, some areas here are lined with these icons that are hand-carved by skilled hands. The most popular among these is the Black Madonna.

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Positano is a shoppers’ dream paradise

The allure of Positano goes beyond the sea, sand, and sun. If it is shopping that you came for, you will not be disappointed with what this place has to offer. From food, clothing, to antiques, Positano has it all.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Introducing Gabriel, affectionately known as Gabby, a dedicated enthusiast of writing, travel, and gastronomy. With these three passions as guiding stars, life takes on new heights of fulfillment....Read more

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