Located at the heart of the Amalfi Coast, Positano is known for its stunning, scenic seaside paradise. It is home to Spaghetti alle Vongole (Spaghetti with clams), pesce alla Griglia (Grilled fish), and Limoncello, a must-try drink. With its postcard picture, my husband and I have no idea why we came here repeatedly.
I bet you are now getting excited about planning your trip to Positano as you always see why Positano is one of the most visited places in Italy every year. Let me help you make your Positano trip smooth sailing as we share our recent experiences on this glamorous island.
If you are wondering about other places you want to visit in Italy, please check our Travel Guide for more guidance. Below, we will share how we made our visit unforgettable.
WHAT TO DO IN POSITANO
Despite Positano being a small town, there are plenty of things to do and see. However, you should be prepared for the steep stairs. You heard it right! To navigate around the town and shops, you must prepare to climb and descend the stairs, as this is the city’s layout.
Master the art of cooking pizza and tiramisu in a local home.
Experience the Italian way of life in Positano, bonding over food around a communal table and embracing the town’s authentic charm. These fantastic experiences can take around 3 hours.
Positano is a small town with many tourists, especially during peak seasons. You need to give room for everyone. You can rent a private area near the port where you can rent a chair and an umbrella for only 40 euros. Swim in the turquoise water and see how rich the marine life is.
Book a Dinner with the Amazing View
You shouldn’t miss this unreal experience— all I can say is, ‘It was so worth it!
BEST TIME TO VISIT FOR A POSITANO VACATION
Positano, home to 4000 residents, welcomes 12,000 tourists daily during its peak seasons, which coincide with the Italian summer months of July to August. Although the seasons extend from April to the end of October, I recommend visiting this place in May, September, and October for a less crowded experience and excellent weather. Most hotels and other establishments are closed on dates that are not mentioned.
Pro tip: Consult a tour operator like Tour Italy Now before booking your flight. They can recommend the best dining places, hotels with stunning views, and must-see activities.
HOW TO GET TO POSITANO
Here is a broad time comparison for boat and auto rental trips to Positano from different sites. Remember that traffic, the weather, and boat schedules will affect the times. Naples is your starting point to reach Positano if you come from abroad.
- Sorrento to Positano: 30 to 40 minutes both by car and Ferry
- Amalfi to Positano: 30 to 40 minutes by car and 20 to 30 minutes by Ferry
- Positano from Naples: 1 to 2 hours by car and 30 to 40 minutes by Ferry
- Ravello to Positano: 1hr and 30 mins by car.
- Capri from Positano: 30 to 40 mins by ferry
When you choose a land transport, I suggest getting a rental car with a driver as the road is narrow and windy, the parking spaces are limited and hard to find, and it’s expensive. I don’t recommend renting a car if you just want to travel to the Amalfi Coast, but if you decide to stay here for days or go on a Day Tour, book with a Travel Operator so everything is covered.
PLACES TO VISIT DURING YOUR POSITANO VACATION
Fornillo Beach
Though Spiaggia Grande is lovely, Fornillo Beach is considerably more elegant. The walk from the main beach along a coastal route takes fifteen to twenty minutes, and the vistas along the trail are charming. Fewer people visit Fornillo Beach than the main beach. Hence, the beach chairs are less expensive. Although the community here does not share your points of view, the beach is relatively quiet, with gorgeous coastal views.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta
The church features elegant yellow walls and a strikingly tiled dome. Five arches connect the nave and two aisles to chapels on either side. On the right, you’ll find chapels dedicated to Saint Blaise, the Immaculate, Saint Anthony, Saint Anna, and Circumcision, with artwork by Fabrizio Santafede in the Circumcision chapel. The left side includes chapels for the Crucifix, the Annunciation, Saint Vitus, and Saint Nicholas of Bari. The Saint Stephen chapel, near the high altar, houses a Madonna with Child statue. Admire the church’s golden accents and take in the view of the dome, which bathes the altar in light as if watched over by the heavens.
Positano’s Narrow Streets
Wander through the charming, narrow streets with boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. The labyrinth of streets offers unique shopping and dining experiences.
Positano Art Gallery
A local gallery showcasing contemporary and traditional Italian art, reflecting the town’s artistic spirit.
Marina Grande Beach – Positano
Positano’s main beach is among the liveliest and most cosmopolitan on the Amalfi Coast; ideal picture postcard material is here. There is a famous discotheque (Music On the Rocks) and a series of bars and restaurants along the vast, three-hundred-meter-long beach near the Li Galli archipelago. Given the residents of the town come to interact with world celebrities and visitors, it is understandable why the beach has taken the front stage in the town’s social life. The beach features two swimming facilities and a free space from which shuttle boats to the other bays leave excursions along the coast.
TRAVEL TIPS
Positano is a beautiful place to experience both nature and luxury. During peak season, more than 12,000 people visit this place daily. These glamorous, jaw-dropping cliffs with delicious cuisine can also become a nightmare if you don’t plan your itinerary perfectly. So get your free consultation today!
Remember, Positano can be more expensive than the Amalfi Coast due to its popularity. Lemons are also well-known in this area, so try various lemon products and take some home.
WHAT TO PACK
The best way to pack your things for Positano is always to consider the weather and how many days your stay will be. You can check our Italian Checklist for more information. If you want to feel like a local, I suggest a day pack with plenty of vibrant colors, printed and plain shorts, tank tops, off-shoulder and ruffle blouses, polka dots, nautical stripes, and everything that seems Italian. Avoid all things black; clothes in white, beige, tan, salmon pinks, and brilliant yellows should be essential. Pack long, flowy gowns, beautiful outfits, and pearls for the evening.
