I’m not a big shopper while on vacation. I’d rather spend my time exploring and much rather spend my money on excursions or really good food. However, when I do shop while traveling, I prefer to pick up a few things that I can incorporate into my home or wardrobe that are unique to the location. I have paintings from Paris and New Orleans that I can’t walk by without thinking of those trips. I have pottery from Spain that reminds me of our fabulous time in Andalucia. I just splurged on a gorgeous handmade sweater in Iceland that so perfectly captures the spirit of the land of ice and fire.

Positano, Italy is one of those places where you just want to bring something home to remember its exquisite beauty. Positano also has its own special style. If you spend any time in Positano you will see women walking around in flowing fabrics, long skirts and peasant blouses in pastel colors and you will see these Positano designs sold all throughout town. You will also see colorful ceramics up and down the Amalfi coast, many decorated with the ever-present lemon. Unlike Capri, the streets of Positano are not lined with the same high-end designer boutiques that you might find in every major city. Positano is much more about local designers and locally made goods. After spending three days wandering these streets and popping in and out of various shops, here are my recommendations on where to shop in Positano.

Strolling through the streets of Positano

Where to Shop in Positano

Household items — Casa e Bottega

When we visited Positano we rented an apartment on Via del Monte and would walk through town to the beach. On our way we stopped in at Casa e Bottega for a coffee or a healthy juice. I also admired their beautiful home goods like table linens, glassware, modern ceramics and decorative accents. I fell in love with a beach bag but refrained from buying it because of the price. As soon as we left I regretted it and this year my husband asked my in-laws to pick up a similar one for me in Capri for my birthday (aawwww — yes, he is so sweet.) Viale Pasitea, 100, Positano

The view from Casa e Bottega

Clothing for Women and Girls — Boutique Luisa

There are many shops that offer beachwear and “Positano-style” clothing, but I found the staff at Boutique Luisa to be especially helpful. Some of their styles might resemble the housecoats your Italian grandmother might wear but I also bought one of my favorite tops here, along with a sundress for Hannah in their classic style. Via Pasitea, 78

Sundress from Boutique Luisa Moda Positano

My favorite top from Positano

Nadir Positano

Another of my favorite shops with moderately priced women’s clothing in Positano style is Nadir Positano. The staff here was also very friendly and helpful and their styles were very “Positano,” yet also very wearable. I bought an embroidered tunic that I wear quite frequently at home. Via Pasitea 44

My top from Nadir Positano

Antica Sartoria

One of the most famous Positano brands is Antica Sartoria. The clothing in these shops is absolutely beautiful, although not exactly practical. They are the type of clothes that look fabulous in Positano but don’t necessarily translate at home except maybe on the beach in the Hamptons. It is a bit pricier than Luisa and the staff isn’t nearly as helpful, but I did manage to get a gorgeous scarf here for only about ten euro. POSITANO MULINI, Piazza Mulini 1; POSITANO SPIAGGIA, Via del Brigantino 9

Handmade Sandals — Artigianato Rallo Moda Positano

My favorite “souvenir” from our time in Positano are my handmade sandals from Artigianato Rallo. In this small shop you pick out your base and heel height, then what color and style of straps you prefer. They then measure your foot and a couple of hours later, you can pick up your sandals. They will fit the straps to your foot and hammer them into the sole right in front of you. Viale Pasitea, 54

Do you have a favorite shop in Positano?