The latter had established a base in Agropoli and the former cut there losses and headed elsewhere. They could have picked a worse spot and little did they know that this tiny fishing village below impossible sheer cliffs would become a byword for chic Mediterranean charm.

For a time Positano was a rival to Amalfi but perhaps the memory of the Saracens suggested their future lay elsewhere. Indeed, the probable origin of the name of the village, from the Latin 'pausa' or 'place to stop', suggests Positano was always a spot to take it easy.

You can still see the remains of a Roman villa near the 13th century church of S. Maria Assunta with its huge 17th century 'maiolica' dome.

The Gulf of Salerno places are also Praiano, Amalfi, Furore, Ravello (on the hilltop), Maiori, Cetara, Vietri sul Mare.