Positano is a glorious village on Italy’s southwestern Amalfi Coast. Measuring just three square miles, this picturesque town continues to delight millions of tourists with its beautiful beaches, seaside buildings, and dozens of artisan shops & restaurants. Since this town is in the center of the Amalfi Coast, it’s also a great jumping off point for exploring other hot tourist locations like the Isle of Capri, Pompeii, and Ischia. It’s no wonder some of the world’s wealthiest celebrities choose to vacation in this glorious Italian town every year!

Window-shopping is one of the great Positano pastimes. Even if you don’t consider yourself a “shop-a-holic,” you’re sure to find a few handcrafted souvenirs to remember your vacation by. The main items artisans are respected for in this town include sandals, ceramics, and summer dresses. You’ll soon notice that most of these shops have a common theme: lemons! Lemon cultivation continues to play a major role in the Amalfi Coast’s economy and culture, and artisans have found fun ways to incorporate everyone’s favorite citrus fruit into their work. There are even a few perfume shops that make special limoncello-scented fragrances. Before walking towards the Spiaggia Grande, schedule an extra hour or two to walk through all of these one-of-a-kind shops.

Once you’ve satisfied your shopping fix, it’s time to walk on Positano’s black sand beaches and then take a refreshing dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea. From both of these vantage points, you’ll gain an even greater appreciation for this incredibly photogenic town. As you stare at the charming buildings on the Amalfi cliffs, you’re sure to spot the town’s famous domed church known as the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta (English: Church of Santa Maria Assunta). Although the church we see today was built in the 1920s, its history dates back centuries. According to legend, locals received the Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna from a group of sailors in about the 13th century. As they were throwing cargo off their ship during a storm, the sailors heard a voice instructing them to give their icon to fisherman on the Amalfi Coast. After giving away this stunning Black Madonna, the storm settled down. Tourists can still see this historic icon in the famous church.

With such a storied past, awe-inspiring scenery, and superb shops, is it any shock that many celebrities choose to vacation here? Just a few A-list stars that have been spotted on the Amalfi Coast include Mariah Carey, Katy Perry, Vanessa Hudgens, and Beyoncé. Be sure to ask locals if they know of any celebrities staying in town while you’re there. Even if you don’t see one of your favorite stars, you’ll most likely spot a few luxury yachts in the Amalfi Coast’s pristine waters.

Few places in the world are as celebrated for their natural beauty and cultural importance as Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The medieval towns that dot this Italian coast are so well-liked that they are now officially designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Anyone who enjoys serious R&R with a good dose of history won’t regret a trip to the Amalfi Coast.