Positano is a vital city to go to on the Amalfi Coast. The most well-liked technique to go to Positano is to spend a couple of hours right here, whereas touring the Amalfi Coast by automobile, bus, or boat. If you’re like us, these few hours could also be all it’s good to fall in love with this city, and plan a return go to sooner or later.
That’s precisely what we did.
We first visited Positano in 2014. The 4 of us have been touring on a finances, so from Sorrento, we hopped from city to city on the general public bus. The few hours that we spent in Positano have been the spotlight of the day for our total household. The gorgeous seashores, kayaking, and exploring the slim streets was great. We vowed to come back again some day.
It took us eight years, however in 2022, Tim and I returned to the Amalfi Coast. We spent six superb days in Positano, utilizing it as a house base to discover the realm.
Throughout that point, we not solely realized fairly a bit about Positano, however we found some beautiful locations to go to alongside the Amalfi Coast.
On this information, we share with you what we have now realized, together with the very best issues to do in Positano, whether or not you might have only a few hours or longer.
Attention-grabbing Information about Positano
Positano is a village within the Campania area of Italy. With its colourful buildings, a number of seashores, luxurious villas and resorts, and rooftop bars and eating places, Positano is among the hottest cities to go to on the Amalfi Coast.
This city now attracts the celebrities and a slew of vacationers from Could via October.
However Positano wasn’t at all times a vacation spot for the wealthy and well-known. Till 1950, this city was a quiet fishing village. John Steinbeck put Positano on the map when he printed an essay for Harper’s Bazaar the place he acknowledged “Positano bites deep. It’s a dream place that isn’t fairly actual when you’re there and turns into beckoningly actual after you might have gone.”
Since that essay was written, Positano has exploded as a well-liked vacationer vacation spot. It additionally has been used as a filming web site for motion pictures reminiscent of Beneath the Tuscan Solar and Solely You and attracts a protracted checklist of celebrities. Throughout our go to to Positano in 2022, each Denzel Washington and Jeff Goldblum have been on the town.
Geography of Positano
It would sound odd to be getting a geography lesson, nevertheless it helps to know the structure of Positano.
This city is constructed on two steep hills. Strolling via Positano is like getting a stairclimber exercise. Because the retailers, eating places, and inns are all constructed on these hills, you’ll stroll up and down fairly a couple of hills and staircases.
After all, the seashores sit on the backside, together with the marina. There are a couple of eating places that line the seaside, however from that time, every thing else requires not less than a brief stair climb or hill stroll to get to.
The principle highway that runs alongside the Amalfi Coast (Amalfi Drive, additionally referred to as SS163) cuts throughout the highest of Positano. The one highway via Positano runs in a one-way route down the west hillside (referred to as Viale Pasitea) after which again up the east hillside (the title adjustments to Through Cristoforo Colombo). Each ends hook up with SS163, forming one huge loop. It could possibly take 15 to half-hour to drive this loop, relying on visitors.
This highway that runs via Positano is lined with inns, eating places, cafes, bars, boutique retailers, and some parking areas. The highway doesn’t descend all the way in which to the principle seaside and marina space. There’s a important pedestrian path that connects the highway to the ocean, which can be lined with eating places and retailers.
If you happen to take the bus to Positano, you’ll get on or off at Amalfi Drive on the west facet of city or the east facet of city. From each bus stops, it’s a downhill stroll into city.
All of that is necessary with regards to planning your time in Positano, as you might find yourself strolling up and down these hillsides fairly a bit. Don’t let this discourage you…Positano is superb and completely value a little bit of strolling up and down some stairs.
The best way to Use This Map: Click on the tab within the high left hand nook of the map to view the layers (locations to go, eating places, and inns). You’ll be able to click on the test marks to cover or present layers. If you happen to click on the icons on the map, you may get extra details about every focal point.
If you happen to click on the star subsequent to the title of the map, this map will likely be added to your Google Maps account. To view it in your cellphone or laptop, open Google Maps, click on the menu button, go to “Your Locations,” click on Maps, and you will notice this map in your checklist.
Finest Issues to Do in Positano
1. Spend Some Time on the Seashore
In Positano, there are a number of totally different seashores to select from.
Spiaggia Grande
Sitting subsequent to Marina Grande (the harbor and ferry port) is the principle seaside of Positano, Spiaggia Grande.
On the facet closest to the marina there’s a small public seaside space that’s free to make use of. This seaside tends to be very crowded.
Sitting subsequent to the free seaside is a personal seaside membership the place you pay to hire solar loungers and might order meals and drinks. This seaside tends to be much less crowded nevertheless it comes with a small price (about €30 per individual).
Spiaggia Grande | Finest Issues to Do in Positano
The seaside membership at Spiaggia Grande | Finest Issues to Do in Positano
Fornillo Seashore
If you wish to spend a day on the seaside whereas in Positano, this can be a excellent spot to go, since it’s straightforward to stroll to, much less crowded than the principle seaside, and has meals, drinks, and loos.
Fornillo Seashore | Finest Issues to Do in Positano
Not seen from the guts of Positano, Fornillo Seashore is linked to Marina Grande by way of a cliffside path. To get right here, it’s a 5 to 10-minute stroll from Marina Grande.
Spend the day Pupetto Seashore Membership, paying roughly 20€ per individual, relying on the season. Alongside the seaside there are a couple of nice eating places, reminiscent of Pupetto and Da Ferdinando.
Arienzo Seashore Membership
Arienzo Seashore Membership is positioned a brief distance from the guts of Positano. The easiest way to get right here is by boat (they provide a shuttle), however you’ll be able to stroll alongside Amalfi Drive after which descend down 300 steps to the seaside.
This is among the most unique seaside golf equipment in Positano. Costs vary from €90 to €200 per individual, relying on the placement of your lounge chair and included drinks. Make your reservation prematurely and be taught extra right here.
Arienzo Seashore | Finest Issues to Do in Positano
PRO TRAVEL TIP: The seashores in Positano are manufactured from small, grey pebbles. Think about bringing a pair of water sneakers or put on a pair of flip flops that you just don’t thoughts getting moist.
La Scogliera
La Scogliera is Positano’s VIP seaside. This small seaside is positioned on a rocky outcropping that juts into the ocean. It’s positioned to the east of Spiaggia Grande.
Costs right here vary from €100 to €500 for a solar lounger for the day, relying on season and site of the lounger. That is one other seaside membership the place you could make your reservation far prematurely.
La Scogliera Seashore is positioned on rocky outcropping on the underside proper facet of this photograph.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Seashore golf equipment have a tendency to shut by mid-October. Our go to to Positano was within the second half of October and each Arienzo Seashore Membership and La Scogliera had simply closed for the season.
2. Go Kayaking
We did this on our first go to to Positano and it was a blast. If you’re touring with youngsters, that is the #1 factor to do in Positano. It’s additionally nice in case you are touring by bus or automobile alongside the Amalfi Coast and received’t get to see Positano from the ocean. To lookup on the cliffs and the cascading colourful buildings from Positano is a phenomenal sight, and a kayak is an inexpensive technique to get this view.
Kayaks will be rented proper from Spiaggia Grande, the principle seaside in Positano. They are often rented by the hour (roughly €20 per hour for a two-seater) or you’ll be able to take a kayaking tour alongside the coast.
3. Go Procuring
Outlets promoting clothes, fragrance, limoncello, sandals, and ceramics line the highway that runs via Positano and the principle pedestrian path to Marina Grande.
Limoncello | Finest Issues to Do in Positano
4. Have Dinner or Drinks with a View
There are quite a few eating places and bars providing lovely views of Positano.
La Sponda is a high quality eating, Michelin-starred restaurant within the resort Le Sirenuse. With an out of doors terrace and candlelit indoor eating space, this is among the most romantic eating places in Positano. It additionally has a phenomenal view over the city. We had one among our greatest meals within the Amalfi Coast at this restaurant.
Il Tridente is one other restaurant that comes up on lists of Positano eating places and we have now to agree. From the stunning outside terrace, you get top-of-the-line views of the city. Nevertheless, by way of meals, this was our least favourite restaurant in Positano, however I do suppose it’s value coming right here for an aperitif with a view.
Extra eating places with a view embrace Ristorante Adamo ed Eva, Panoramic Restaurant (of Lodge l’Ancora), RADA Ristorante Rooftop, Le Galli Bistrot, and Bar Franco. You’ll be able to learn extra about these eating places later on this information, below our part The place to Eat in Positano.
La Sponda, Courtesy of Le Sirenuse | Photographer Credit score: Brechenmacher & Baumann
5. Discover the Amalfi Coast Cities
It could be laborious to tear your self away from Positano, however there are numerous different lovely cities to go to alongside the Amalfi Coast.
Amalfi, Ravello, Atrani, and Nerano are a few of our favorites, however you’ll be able to see the total checklist in our article Finest Cities on the Amalfi Coast.
In order for you an off the crushed path expertise on the Amalfi Coast, go to Tramonti. This Amalfi Coast city is positioned excessive within the mountains and the principle factor to do right here is to go to the vineyards. We spent a memorable afternoon at Tenuta San Francesco, consuming grapes proper off the wine, consuming a house cooked lunch with wine pairings, and having a couple of glasses of wine with the homeowners.
Ravello
The Amalfi Duomo
6. Take a Boat Tour of the Amalfi Coast
Among the best issues to do in Positano is to take a ship tour of the Amalfi Coast. Nothing beats seeing the coastal cliffs, colourful cities, seashores, and sea caves from the water. And there are a number of alternative ways to do it.
Ferry
Essentially the most finances pleasant technique to cruise the Amalfi Coast is by ferry. It’s additionally one of the simplest ways to get across the Amalfi Coast within the summertime, to keep away from the visitors jams alongside Amalfi Drive. You’ll be able to be taught extra about touring by ferry in our information to The best way to Get Across the Amalfi Coast.
Small Group Boat Tour
If you wish to cruise alongside the coast, not lay our a fortune, and keep away from the ferry, take a small group boat tour. These boat excursions can vary from full day excursions of the Amalfi Coast, the place you go to a couple of cities and sea caves, to shorter excursions, reminiscent of this tour of the Amalfi Coast.
Personal Boat
For the final word expertise, take a personal boat tour from Positano. If you will splurge on one expertise throughout your journey to Italy, this will get our vote. Loosen up on a personal boat, sip on prosecco, go to small coves and caves which are inaccessible by ferry and troublesome or inconceivable to get to by automobile or bus, and zip up and down the shoreline quicker than any automobile or ferry on the market.
We took a personal 8-hour boat cruise from Positano, visiting the Smeraldo Cave, Fiordo di Furore, Amalfi, Maiori, Minori, Atrani, and Nerano. This 8-hour boat tour with Luxurious Boats Positano was one among our greatest and most memorable experiences in Italy.
Costs for a full day cruise vary from €800 to as excessive as €3000, relying on the boat and firm you select. If you’re touring as a gaggle of 4 to 6 folks, splitting the price of a €800 or €1300 boat isn’t as loopy because it first appears, particularly given the benefits that include having a personal boat.
And if you’d like the personal boat expertise, with out spending a loopy out of cash, Luxurious Boats Positano and different firms have shorter excursions. How a few 2-hour sundown cruise alongside the Amalfi Coast?
Different firms to contemplate are Lucibello Positano, Sorrento Dream Constitution, and Mar Amar.
A view of Positano from the ocean
7. Watch the Sundown
Sunsets are beautiful in Positano, because the setting solar bathes the city in heat hues of gold, orange, and pink, that complement the colours of the buildings.
Sundown in Positano | Finest Issues to Do in Positano
Among the best locations to observe the sundown is from a rooftop bar or restaurant talked about above, however you can too accomplish that from the seaside, one of many viewpoints on the town, or your resort.
Among the best “free” spots on the town to get sundown view of Positano is on Through Cristoforo Colombo, simply down the road from Li Galli Bistrot. For the precise location, listed below are the GPS coordinates: 40.628102, 14.489243
8. Hike the Path of the Gods
The Path of the Gods is among the most lovely walks in Italy. This mountaineering path is positioned excessive within the mountains of the Amalfi Coast, connecting Bomerano with Nocelle.
Path of the Gods hike
If you’re staying in Positano, you may get to the place to begin by taking the bus or hiring a driver to get to Bomerano. From Bomerano, stroll again to Positano, a principally downhill hike with limitless jaw-dropping views of the Amalfi Coast.
You will get the total particulars on how to do that in our Path of the Gods Climbing Information.
9. Day Journey to Capri from Positano
Among the best issues to do in Positano is to take a day journey to Capri. Like Positano, Capri is one other Italian vacation spot well-liked amongst each vacationers and the wealthy and well-known. On the to-do checklist in Capri are a ship tour of the island, a go to to the Blue Grotto, a journey on the chairlift to Monte Solaro for panoramic views, and a little bit of purchasing in pretty Capri city.
To day journey to Capri from Positano, you’ll be able to both take the ferry, be a part of a tour, or rent a personal boat. Discover ways to do that in our information The best way to Spend One Excellent Day in Capri (coming quickly).
Capri
Through Krupp, Capri
10. Splurge on a 5-Star Lodge
Positano is a romantic getaway vacation spot, making it an ideal place to splurge on a resort, particularly in case you are touring for a honeymoon or special day.
We stayed at Villa Bohème, a luxurious boutique property that gives three suites. From our broad, personal terrace of the Puccini Suite, we started and ended every day with top-of-the-line views in all of Positano. Breakfast was served to our terrace every morning. Our room had a dwelling space, small kitchen, luxurious lavatory, and spacious bed room.
With breathtaking views of Positano, distinctive service, and fantastically adorned rooms, this needs to be the primary resort you think about in Positano. Villa Boheme is the very best place we have now stayed in, from anyplace around the globe.
The Villa Bohème | Finest Issues to Do in Positano
One other unbelievable possibility is Le Sirenuse. This 5-star resort is centrally positioned on the town, is dwelling to the restaurant La Sponda, is a well-liked resort for celebrities.
Il San Pietro di Positano is positioned outdoors of city, alongside Amalfi Drive, nevertheless it presents a personal seaside (Laurito Seashore) and the Michelin-starred restaurant Zass.
The best way to Get Round Positano
Strolling
The highway via Positano can get congested, particularly in the summertime season. So, one of the simplest ways to get round Positano is by strolling. Since Positano is unfold out over two hillsides that face in direction of one another, anticipate to do a whole lot of strolling up and down these hills and stairs.
Taxi/Driver Providers
Hiring a driver to take you from one a part of Positano to a different can value 30 euros or extra. We didn’t see a spot the place you’ll be able to simply hail a driver, so it’s best to name and organize a pickup. You’ll be able to have your resort or restaurant name for a pickup. Or you’ll be able to contact the next firm Positano Automobile Service. Simply ensure you are standing on the pickup level able to go as a result of the motive force will likely be blocking visitors till you get into the automobile.
Bus
The Sita bus solely makes two stops on SS163, at Chiesa Nuova on the west facet of city and Sponda, on the east facet of city. The orange Positano city bus follows the principle highway via Positano with varied stops alongside the way in which.
The place to Eat in Positano
Listed here are a few of our favourite eating places in Positano.
Chez Black
This informal restaurant is only a few steps from the seaside. It’s a busy restaurant that serves nice seafood and pasta dishes. Celeb sightings are attainable and Denzel Washington dined right here twice throughout our go to to the Amalfi Coast.
Chez Black | Finest Issues to Do in Positano
La Sponda
This was our favourite eating expertise on the Amalfi Coast, and top-of-the-line in all of Italy. This high quality eating, Michelin-starred restaurant is really high notch. The hospitality is impeccable, the wine checklist is intensive, the views of Positano are breathtaking, and the meals is scrumptious. We dined on seared tuna, autumn greens, lamb, and veal entrecôte, together with an incredible bottle of 2016 Brunello di Montalcino.
Throw in a star sighting (Jeff Goldblum was only a few tables from the place we have been sitting) and sundown views of Positano, and you’ve got one unbelievable eating expertise in Positano.
Courtesy of Le Sirenuse | Photographer Credit score: Brechenmacher & Baumann
Adamo ed Eva
This seafood restaurant boasts lovely views of Positano. There are three ranges of seating, starting from first come first served tables to tables the place you could make a reservation prematurely to tables the place you might be required to dine on their tasting menu. The tasting menu tables have the very best view, however you pay extra for this eating expertise. We ate on the first come first served tables; the meals was superb and we loved the sundown views of Positano.
Adamo ed Eva | Finest Issues to Do in Positano
Seafood pasta at Adamo ed Eva
Il Tridente
By way of views and setting, the outside eating space of Il Tridente is gorgeous. The views throughout Positano are additionally a number of the finest out of any restaurant we visited, making this some of the well-liked eating places to go to in Positano for an incredible view. Nevertheless, the meals was mediocre, as have been the drinks. Possibly we have been right here on an off night time, however total, this was our least favourite eating expertise in Positano.
Il Tridente | Finest Issues to Do in Positano
Da Vincenzo
This informal restaurant was at all times crammed with folks, whether or not we handed it whereas strolling or driving via city, and throughout the night time we dined right here. Superb seafood and pasta dishes are what are on the menu. The service is quick, pleasant, and environment friendly and that is an all-around nice alternative in case you merely need a good meal in Positano, with out having a view of the city.
Da Vincenzo | Finest Issues to Do in Positano
Da Vincenzo
Panoramic Restaurant at Lodge l’Ancora
This coated, outside terrace has an exquisite view over Positano. They’re open for lunch and dinner, serve pasta and seafood dishes, and a protracted checklist of inventive cocktails.
Panoramic Restaurant | Finest Issues to Do in Positano
Finest Time to Go to Positano
Positano is a superb place to go to from mid-April via the top of October.
June, July, August, and September are the busiest months, with peak season being July and August. Count on big crowds and frequent visitors jams throughout these months.
One of the best time to go to the Amalfi Coast is mid-April via Could and mid-September via October. Crowds are decrease and the climate is unbelievable. Simply remember that seaside golf equipment shut round mid-October, so if that is one thing you wish to do, plan your go to for early October.
Locations begin shutting down in late October however that doesn’t imply every thing closes. In accordance with an area that we spoke with, you’ll be able to anticipate 50% of the inns and eating places to shut throughout the winter season. And anticipate a number of the boutique retailers to shut as nicely.
If you happen to don’t thoughts barely cooler climate, a barely elevated probability of a wet day, and fewer choices for eating places and inns, November can be a really good time to go to Positano and the Amalfi Coast.
Positano at sundown
The place to Keep in Positano
When selecting the place to remain in Positano, it’s necessary to concentrate to the placement of the resort. Since Positano is constructed onto the hillsides, you’ll do some stair and hill climbing whereas right here. The upper the resort on the hillside, the extra stairs you’ll climb. To reduce the quantity of climbing you do, decide a resort nearer to the seaside.
BUDGET: La Mammola. This is among the most cost-effective properties in Positano that also will get good critiques. In truth, it will get wonderful critiques. It’s only a quick stroll to the seaside and rooms can accommodate two folks.
MID-RANGE: Lodge Bougainville. Centrally positioned, it’s a quick stroll to the seaside and ferry port. This extremely rated resort has rooms that may accommodate two the three folks. Some rooms have a sea view.
MID-RANGE: Unique Residences Positano. This two bed room condo can accommodate as much as 4 folks, making it an excellent alternative for households. The view from the terrace is superb and it’s a quick stroll to the seaside.
UPSCALE: Albergo Miramare Positano. Situated on the hillside, however nonetheless only a few steps from the seaside, this property presents every thing from single rooms to 2 bed room residences. Some rooms have a balcony with breathtaking views of Positano.
UPSCALE: Villa Dani. Just some steps from Spiaggia Grande, the principle seaside in Positano, this trip dwelling has 2 bedrooms, 2 loos, a full kitchen, and a patio with views of the ocean. It could possibly accommodate as much as six folks and it’s an excellent alternative for households.
UPSCALE: Lodge Palazzo Murat. This resort is positioned nearly at sea stage in Positano. It’s a brief, principally flat stroll to the seaside and ferry port. Plus, it’s only a quick stroll to a number of the finest eating places on the town. Take your decide from customary resort rooms to suites that may accommodate as much as 5 folks.
LUXURY: Villa Bohème. Villa Bohème is small property that has simply three suites. Every suite has a spectacular view of Positano. The views are unbelievable, the service is high notch, and the placement is great. It’s a splurge, however what a unbelievable expertise. We stayed within the Puccini Suite, which appears to be like to be probably the most personal of the three suites at Villa Bohème.
Villa Bohème pool
LUXURY: Le Sirenuse. This isn’t solely one of many high luxurious inns in Positano, it’s additionally one of many high luxurious inns on the entire Amalfi Coast. With its central location, beautiful views, outside terrace and bar, and Michelin-starred restaurant, La Sponda, it’s value not less than having dinner or drink right here.
LUXURY: Il San Pietro di Positano. This 5-star resort sits simply outdoors of Positano. It boasts huge views of the shoreline, has a Michelin-starred restaurant, has onsite parking, and presents a free shuttle service to and from Positano. It’s one of many highest rated luxurious inns on the Amalfi Coast.
Regularly Requested Questions
How do you get to Positano?
Since Positano is among the important cities on the Amalfi Coast, you’ll be able to simply get right here by bus, automobile, driver, and ferry.
How a lot time do you want in Positano?
If all you wish to do is spend a while on the seaside and perform a little purchasing, a few half day is all you want. Nevertheless, if you wish to have dinner with a sundown view and spend extra time at one of many seaside golf equipment, plan on spending one full day in Positano. For the very best expertise, plan on spending a number of days in Positano, so you’ll be able to benefit from the views of city out of your resort room and day journey to different cities alongside the Amalfi Coast.
When is the very best time to go to Positano?
One of the best time to go to Positano is from mid-April via Could and mid-September via October, when the climate is nice and crowds are manageable. The busiest months to go to Positano are July and August and through this time, visitors jams alongside the Amalfi Coast frequent and crowds are big within the Amalfi Coast cities.
If in case you have any questions on the very best issues to do in Positano, or if you wish to share your expertise, tell us within the remark part beneath.
Extra Info for Your Journey to Italy
AMALFI COAST: Discover out one of the simplest ways to get across the Amalfi Coast and what it’s actually wish to drive the Amalfi Coast. Select which cities you wish to go to in our article about the very best cities to go to on the Amalfi Coast.and study the very best issues to do in Ravello.
TUSCANY: Discover ways to spend one great day in Siena and take a look at our guides to Montepulciano, Pienza, and San Gimigano.
PUGLIA: Alberobello is among the hottest cities to go to in Puglia. Right here’s an inventory of the very best issues to do in Alberobello. We even have a information to the very best issues to do on the Gargano Peninsula.
ROME: In Rome, we cowl the very best locations to remain in our Rome Lodge Information. We even have an in depth 2 day Rome itinerary that covers the very best issues to do in Rome.
CINQUE TERRE: Among the best experiences within the Cinque Terre is to hike between all 5 cities. If you’re touring on a finances, get our cash saving suggestions for the Cinque Terre.
We’ve TONS extra details about Italy in our Italy Journey Information, together with Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, and Puglia.
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