Positano is one of the most picturesque places in Italy! Its beauty is known around the world and it’s one of the top destinations on the Amalfi Coast. A colorful village perched on a cliff, Positano looks over the sparkling sea and makes you feel as if you’ve stepped straight into a postcard for “La Dolce Vita.”
Known for its winding cobblestone streets, beautiful views, beach clubs dotted with colorful umbrellas and delicious restaurants, Positano is a must visit destination on the Amalfi Coast.
Here are 15 things to do in Positano, Italy!
How to Get To Positano
Getting to Positano takes a little bit of effort but it’s absolutely worth it.
The closet airport is Naples International Airport which is about an 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from Positano. There are a few ways to reach Positano once you arrive in Naples:
Car: You could rent a car and drive the 80 minutes to Positano but note that the roads are quite narrow and windy and can be intimidating for tourists. Plus parking in Positano can be tricky so check with your hotel if parking is included!
Private Car Transfer: This is definitely the most stress-free way to get to Positano but it can also be quite costly (you’re probably looking at around €100 or more).
Ferry: During peak season, ferries run frequently to Positano from Naples, Sorrento, Salerno, Capri, Ischia and Amalfi.
Train & Bus: There is no direct train to Positano but you could take the train from Naples to Sorrento or Salerno and take the local SITA bus to Positano from there. This is one of the most cost effective modes of transportation and the journey will about 2 hours.
When to Visit Positano
Positano’s shops, restaurants and hotels usually begin to open for the season in mid-April. Spring time is when the hills will be green, the flowers will be blooming and the weather begins to warm up.
April through June is considered the shoulder season with prices generally lower than peak season and the crowds not yet in full force.
July and August are the Amalfi Coast’s peak season with plenty of tourists and boats arriving. The weather will be hot and perfect for swimming in the sea and enjoying the beach clubs — but the hotel prices will be highest at this time.
September and October are also shoulder season months with the temperatures cooling down and the crowds dissipating. And by mid-October to November, businesses will begin to close for the winter months.
I visited the Amalfi Coast in late June and found the weather to be perfect; flowers were blooming in the lush hillsides and the sea was a perfect refreshing temperature. Plus, I found only a few areas to be crowded but was still able to find plenty of beach space to myself!
Things to do in Positano
Looking for the best things to do in Positano? I’ve rounded up a list of all the must sees in Positano as well as the best day trips in the area that you won’t want to miss!
1. Spend the day at a Beach Club
One of the best things to do in Positano is hit the beach! While there is a public section of the main beach where you can lay down a towel, spending the day at one of the famous beach clubs is a must.
The beach clubs are known for their picture perfect colorful umbrellas and loungers. Plus, there’s nothing better than having a chill glass of rose on the beach on a hot summer day!
Wondering which beach club to visit? Check out La Scogliera on Positano Spiaggia (the town’s main beach) as they’re known for their unique position on the rocks overlooking the sea.
2. Head to Fornillo Beach
Set away from the main town, Positano’s second largest beach is reachable on foot but is often less crowded. Spiaggia Fornillo is picturesque with a few beach clubs dotted along the coast. Whether you want to spend the day at the beach or just go for a walk, it’s worth a visit to take in the views and see another side of Positano!
3. Stroll the Charming Streets
Known for its charming cobblestone streets, the best way to explore Positano is on foot. Filled with bustling restaurants, souvenir shops and art galleries, there is plenty to explore around town.
To avoid the crowds, take an early morning stroll and be the first to wander into the shops or cafes as they are opening for the day.
4. Stay at a Luxury Hotel
One of the most well-known hotels in Positano is Le Sirenuse. This family run hotel is located in the heart of Positano and is known for its lavish amenities, well appointed rooms, beautiful swimming pool and, of course, the gorgeous views overlooking the sea and maze of colorful buildings in Positano.
Whether you’re honeymooning or just want to treat yourself, staying at one of Positano’s luxury hotels is a bucket list experience!
5. Sunset Drinks at Franco’s Bar
If you’re not a guest of the famous Le Sirenuse hotel, don’t worry, you can still enjoy that world famous view over Positano! Le Sirenuse is home to Franco’s Bar, an al fresco cocktail bar open to the public.
Sipping on an artisanal cocktail while watching the sun set over Positano was one of my favorite memories from Positano!
6. Visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta
An icon of the city, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is one thing you can’t miss while in Positano. With its beautifully tiled dome, the church is magnificent from any viewpoint. Whether you’re coming in from sea or looking down at from your hotel, it’s absolutely striking!
With its restoration in the 18th century, the ornate white and gold interior features Byzantine pieces and is worth a visit inside if you have the time.
7. Try the Amalfi Coast’s Lemon Products
The Amalfi Coast is known for its particular variety of lemons (called sfusato amalfitano) that thrive in the region’s climate. In Positano, you’ll notice lemons and lemon products are everywhere!
From lemon sorbet to limoncello (an Italian lemon liquor) to lemon candies, there are tons of lemon flavored treats for you to try. Or you could shop for lemon scented perfumes, soaps or candles if you want to take a piece of Positano home with you.
8. Go Clubbing at Music on the Rocks
Carved into Positano’s rocky coastline, Music on the Rocks is one of the most unique night club locations I’ve ever been to! A Positano staple for over 40 years, this club has an upscale vibe with fun, energetic music. It makes for the perfect spot to dance the night away after a warm summer day in Positano!
9. Rent a Scooter
While the town of Positano is walkable, renting a scooter or car is necessary for exploring beyond the town. Scooters can be a great way to get around the narrow and winding roads along the Amalfi Coast.
Day tripping to the nearby beaches or towns is a must to get the full Amalfi Coast experience. Plus, scooting around on a Vespa is the best way to explore in true Italian fashion!
10. Swim at Fiordo di Furore
Fiordo di Furore is an inlet between the cliffs with turquoise water from the sea lapping up onto a tiny beach. Above the beach is a bridge where you can take in the views below. This beach is popular with cliff jumpers and also hosts a high diving world championship!
About 20 minutes from Positano, Fiordo di Furore is easily reached by scooter but be aware that only street parking along the highway is available so public transportation might be your best bet. Also, locals and tourists alike flock to this dreamy little beach during the summer so make sure to go early if you want to secure a spot!
11. Visit Grotta dello Smeraldo
Just a couple of minutes from Fiordo di Furore is the Grotto dello Smeraldo (or “Emerald Grotto”). This small cave is home to stalagmites and stalactites as well as a light under the water making a sparkling emerald effect. Visitors can take a boat ride around the cave for just €5 per person. While I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to visit, it was a fun stop along our route and the theatrics of our tour guide were a highlight!
12. Charter a Boat for the Day
Spending the day on a boat is truly one of the best ways to enjoy the stunning coastline of Positano and beyond. Whether you charter a boat for the day to explore hidden coves on your own or hop on a guided tour boat for sunset, you won’t want to miss getting out on the water.
13. Day Trip to Capri
Another must visit destination on the Amalfi Coast is the island of Capri. With its beautiful beaches, rolling hillsides and rock formations that jut out of the turquoise waters, Capri is a place of stunning natural beauty. The island is also known for its glamour with luxury hotels and upscale shopping boutiques.
During the summer, ferries from Positano to Capri run daily and take just 20 – 40 minutes (depending on which ferry you choose).
→ Read Next: Capri 1 Day Itinerary: How to Spend One Fabulous Day in Capri, Italy
14. Day Trip to Ischia + Procida
Located in the Bay of Naples, the volcanic islands of Ischia and Procida are beautiful yet not quite as busy as some of the more touristy stops on the Amalfi Coast.
→ Read Next: 1 Day Itinerary for Ischia
Ischia is known for its beautiful beaches, thermal spa waters and incredible cuisine. Neighboring Procida is quite a bit smaller but is packed with charm and beauty. It’s known for its colorful fishing villages and scenic viewpoints.
→ Read Next: How to Spend One Day in Procida
During the peak season, ferries depart from Positano to Ischia daily. The journey to Ischia takes about 1 hour 50 minutes and from Ischia to Procida is just 15 minutes. While the journey is quite a bit farther, I think it’s absolutely worth the trip if you have the time!
15. Day Trip to Ravello + Amalfi
The small town of Amalfi is known for its prime position on the coastline, lovely beaches, charming piazza and impressive cathedral. It’s about 30 minutes’ drive from Positano or you can hop on a ferry directly from Positano to Amalfi which takes just about 20 minutes!
And, just 15 minutes up the hill from Amalfi is the charming medieval town of Ravello. This is an absolute must visit on your Amalfi coast trip! Ravello is known for its lush terraced gardens, historic villas and jaw-dropping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
→ Read Next: How to Spend One Day in Ravello
Where to Stay in Positano / Best Hotels
Positano is perched on a hillside so you’ll find that most hotels in town have their own unique vantage points! And from luxury to budget, there are quite a few lodging options throughout town. Here are some of the best hotel options in Positano:
Luxury
Mid-Range
Budget
Things to Know Before Visiting Positano
- During the peak months, Positano can be quite busy with tourists. Especially during the daytime when day-trippers arrive on tour buses around mid-morning. To avoid the crowds, stay overnight and enjoy Positano early in the morning before the throngs of tourists arrive! Or, try visiting in the shoulder seasons when the town is less busy.
- Similarly, make sure to book reservations in advance at hotels and restaurants as they can get booked up quickly in peak season.
- Lastly, Positano is literally built onto a hillside so be aware that the streets are narrow, winding and made of cobblestone. Be sure to pack plenty of comfortable shoes for walking around! And, depending on where you’re lodging is located, you may have to carry your suitcase up and down quite a few stairs. Just something to keep in mind as you are packing!
What to Pack for Positano
When packing for Positano, keep in mind that you’ll want to bring some comfortable shoes for walking around as well as everything you need to spend some time at the beach like swimsuits, sunglasses, a sun hat and a tote bag. Also, Positano can get very hot during the day but cool down quite a bit at night so make sure to pack layers! Plenty of sundresses and some light cardigans or a wrap would be perfect.
Yes i have and LOVED it! I stayed at le sirenuse and can’t say enough how gorgeous it was! When we arrived we had dinner in the dining room ( no electric lights! Candelabras only) and there was a lightening storm, the wall of windows looking over the sea with the candles and lightening storm was soooo romantic! And I attended an outdoor concert in i think Ravello, in a beautiful open air pavilion(?) upstairs with walled arches.
Omg this sounds so magical! 😍