brubenow

Still on my search for the perfect villa or apartment for a family of 4 in Positano, versus getting 2 rooms in a hotel. I came across Torre Sponda apartments, near the Marincanto. There are several different apartments, the largest being a 5 bedroom villa that hosted Giada di Laurentiis, apparently. That one is the nicest, the others are more modest, but seem to have great views, private beach, gardens, small pool, and a decent walk to town.

But I can't find any reviews. Anyone heard of these apartments?

http://www.positano-torresponda.com/

Many thanks!

kybourbon

I remember some discussions about it on Fodor's a number of years ago (maybe as much as 8-10 years ago). Try the search function (which isn't very functional) and see if you can turn it up. I seem to recall a trip report that talked about the shower.

brubenow

Ok thanks. I searched before and couldn't find anything.

ekc

I am familiar with the property only because I watched Giada's cooking show she filmed there and rode past it on the ferry last year! Ha! Two quibbles I have with the property. First, how do you get into Positano? Do you have to walk along the road outside of town where there are no sidewalks? Second, I would NOT want to have to climb 200 steps after spending time on the beach! Although this may be a plus for some, there is nothing on the beach - no lounge chairs, no other people, no place to use the restroom (remember those 200 steps), no place to purchase something to eat/drink.

brubenow

EKC- funny you saw the episode with Giada there too

It is right next to the Marincanto Hotel, so you walk down Via Cristoforo Columbo, and there is a sidewalk and a bus stop (I checked it out on Google maps. A little grocery store too.

I don't love the idea either of 200 steps to the beach. But I do like the idea of peace and quiet and not many others around. I just got back from St. John, and my family would strap our cooler and bags to paddle boards, and stand up paddle board over to a secluded beach that was only accessible by water, so no one was ever on it, apart from the occasional snorkeler. We sat on towels and brought drinks in our cooler. So I don't mind not having chairs or wait service. But yes, the steps back up would be annoying. I guess you could walk into town and use the main beach if you preferred.


I like that it's quiet, secluded, has great views and a pool, but still close enough to walk 15 mins into town.

But I don't like not seeing any reviews. And they also ask you to wire your deposit, which sounds shady to me. Thoughts?

kybourbon

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...st-in-june.cfm

http://www.fodors.travel/community/e...n-positano.cfm

Same person talking about the apartment on both threads. The website has changed since the old threads. It's still not the thread I was thinking about, but the search function is mostly useless these days.

http://www.positano-torresponda.com/

brubenow

Kybourbon, thanks so much for searching for those threads. Really helpful. Appreciate it!!

ekc

I wouldn't let the wire deposit request deter you - it is fairly common for villa or apartment rentals.

brubenow

ok thanks ekc. Good to know.

Does anyone know if people renting villas or apartments have difficulty getting groceries? Seems like I can only find a few, and I would think walking up steps for 15-20 mins. with groceries would be a challenge?

kybourbon

I haven't looked at a map to see where this is in Positano exactly or where you are thinking about shopping, but there used to be a small bus you could catch down at the beach and come up. I'll have to think about the name of it. I would imagine there are some taxis also if you wanted to do a big grocery run.

ekc

There is no cars down by the beach. You could get your groceries and then catch a cab at Piazza Mulini to your villa.

I usually shop at the grocery right on the stairs to the Duomo and if I am purchasing enough, they have offered to deliver. I would double check with them when you first get to town. There is also a very good butcher/cheese/prepared veggie shop on the pedestrian-only walkway through town - closer to Piazza Mulini, on the left as you are walking to the beach. Great lemon olive oil too.

There is a very good wine shop not far from Piazza Mulini that would be an easy walk if your villa isn't too far out of town.

Also, whomever you rent the villa from should be able to assist.

kybourbon

The Positano interno bus was called Flavio Gioia. This schedule is several years old so you will need to check when you get to Positano. It appears the name might have changed to Mobility Amalfi.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...f6&oe=5999B136

brubenow

Ok thanks very much EKC and kybourbon! Very helpful bus info.

The villa rental agency said many grocery stores will deliver. The Torre Sponda is at the top of Via Cristoforo Colombo, up the hill from the Sirenuse, and next to the Marincanto hotel. There is a bus stop right there.

brubenow

It is La Sponda bus stop.

kybourbon

Sponda is mainly a SITA bus stop (bus from Sorrento to Amalfi) as it's on the highway.

The Flavio Gioia buses were smaller. Sounds like delivery will work though.

When I was in Matera, they had small taxis to go down into the sassi. They were made out of Ape's. Perhaps they have those in Positano by now (I haven't been in a few years).

ekc

The only vehicles in the pedestrian-only part of the village (from Piazza Mulini down to the beach) are a few Ape's that are used solely by the porters for hauling luggage or for deliveries of supplies to the restaurants (mainly in the morning). No people transport. When groceries have been delivered to my rental apartment, it is always by a teenage boy with strong legs! ;-)

brubenow

Sorry- what's an Ape?

kybourbon

An Ape is a tiny truck. In Matera (southern part of Italy) they had the back of the trucks converted to taxis sort of like a golf cart. Here's a pic of an Ape (not pronounced ape - it's ah-pay).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piaggi...F.dsc01304.jpg

brubenow

Ooooooh. Thanks for the explanation!

thevail4

I stayed in one of the apartments 2 years ago and I am going back with my husband and 2 kids this summer. We love the location! You can walk right down to the beach and there is a small grocery store right across the street. Many restaurants along Cristoforo Columbo as well. It is not fancy! The photos are pretty accurate but the villa may not quite as fresh as the photos show. The kitchen is tiny - but that was ok with us as we did not cook while we were there. Ants are a problem if you leave any food out. The garden could have used a bit of work - it did not look like the photos. But the view from the patio - AMAZING!!!! We went in June and the other apartments were not being used. I believe they were working on the apartment used by Giada in her cooking series. It is above and to the right of the one we stayed in. You can DM me if you want any other info.