9 Things To Do in Positano
Positano is one of the most unique and special towns in all of the Amalfi Coast, a popular Italian summer destination well known for its Mediterranean blue waters and its dramatic cliffside villages. There’s just a handful of other similar places on the planet that offer the beauty of Positano, but no other one is truly as captivating! Whether you’re looking for the best laid back day on the beach, some incredible hikes to get the blood flowing, or just to immerse yourself in some Italian culture and history, Positano is the vacation destination you will definitely want to go to!
Positano is a small place, but there's always so much to see and explore in the village to keep everyone feeling like they didn't actually stay for a long enough visit. There are lots of different beaches to go to, picturesque town streets to walk along, restaurants to enjoy a delicious Italian meal, and plenty of other fun things to do in Positano and surrounding areas if you want to rent a car or take a tour to head out of town for a morning or an afternoon.
Did you know that Positano, as a part of the Amalfi Coast, is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Other great Heritage towns to visit in the area include the quaint nearby villages of Ravello and Amalfi.
Things to do in Positano
Positano Main Street
Viale Pasitea is the main street in Positano, Italy. Along this winding road, you’ll walk all through the town and find everything from hotels and villas to boutiques, shops and restaurants. Clothing stores like Theodora and The Coast Capri sell gorgeous white dresses and some of the cutest bathing suits I’ve ever seen. If you forgot to bring your favorite one (or you just know that you can never have enough) definitely pick one up! These stores are some of the best places to find that Instagram perfect Italian summer beachwear.
Enjoy a few hours of leisurely shopping, stopping along the way for a delicious breakfast at Casa E Bottega (pancakes, pancakes and more pancakes!) and be amazed by those famous Positano views as you wander down to the beach part of the town. There are a few places where the road forms a perfect overlook area as it winds down towards the ocean, so take some amazing pictures while you walk!
Casa E Bottega is one of the most popular lunch and brunch destinations in Positano, with not only yummy food but vegetarian, gluten and dairy free options! Check out their collection of beautiful pottery for sale: a small piece or two would make a great souvenir!
The Church of St. Maria Assunta of Positano
The main church found in Positano is St. Maria Assunta of Positano. A visit there is always a highlight, and the church is definitely among the best things to do in Positano. It’s small compared to some of the other churches and cathedrals around the world, but it’s definitely a perfect symbol of the picturesque Italian village. It’s located very close to the main beach, right at the center of Positano, so you’ll get there easily while walking along the main road. Go inside the church to discover the city from a different perspective, and don’t miss the bell tower, the Chapel of Oratorio di Positano, the lapidary of Positano, and the historic crypt (now open to visitors!). Everyone, whether religious or just curious about history, should definitely make a quick trip to the church.
Positano Main Beach
They say all roads lead to Rome, but in Positano all the steep and narrow streets actually lead to the beach! There’s no place better than Spiaggia Grande (the Large Beach) to spend that dream weekend and put that new bathing suit to good use. Stroll along the beach and enjoy the fresh air after all those hilly roads and stairs. After the walk and seeing a bit of the beach, pop into Blu (a restaurant and bar serving refreshing Aperol Spritz cocktails) and spend some time looking out at the great view... truly a paradise! In the summer months, you can relax under a colorful picturesque umbrella at La Scogliera, another awesome beachside restaurant and bar that offers outdoor seating, free wifi, and great vibes! You can’t go wrong with any of the places on the beach, they all fit into the perfect backdrop that makes Positano so special.
Fornillo Beach (the Smaller Beach)
This lesser known beach in Positano is located a bit down the coast from the more popular Spiaggia Grande (the Large Beach). To get there you’ll have to walk down many steps of stairs, but the views along the way make it all worth it! The trip isn’t too long, and before you know it you’ll find yourself at another absolutely beautiful beach. A cold prosecco down at Da Fernandino while looking out into the ocean will complete this truly magical moment. This is a great place to spend a few hours and watch the sun go down.
Arienzo Beach
Arienzo Beach is another of the more popular beaches in Positano. Located on the other side of the Spiaggia Grande, walking here will take about 15 to 20 minutes if coming from the main area of Positano. You can also take a quick boat ride there directly from the Spiaggia Grande! Just make sure to email them in advance to book a spot. When you’re at the beach, make sure to stop by the Bagni d'Arienzo Beach Club, another beach club with those picturesque umbrellas, outside seating, and amazing views. Enjoy a fresh seafood dish while relaxing with a cold beer or cocktail.
Hike With The Gods
Il Sentiero degli Dei (Positano Path of the Gods) is an incredible hiking trail at the top of the mountains that surround Positano, so high up you’ll feel like you’re almost in the clouds! The locals used it as an escape during the many raids by pirates in the past. From here, you will have the best views in Positano of the island where mermaids are said to have tricked seamen, Li Galli. The walk can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on the stretch of the path you want to take. I highly recommend to start the hike as early as possible, as the path can get crowded during the busy summer months. If you’re planning to do some or all of this hike, it’s definitely a good idea to plan ahead and pack a good pair of tennis shoes so you’ll be comfortable and safe on the path.
Positano in general requires a lot of walking: up and down stairs and along the single winding road that runs all through the town. You’ll definitely be sore after you return home, especially if you decide to hike. But the views and experience are worth it all!
Take a boat trip
Taking a boat tour from Spiaggia Grande (Positano main beach) to some fabulous destinations like Capri Island, the Blue Grotto, and Li Galli is always among the favorite things to do in Positano for both the first time and returning visitors. A boat tour to the popular destination of Blue Grotto or in and around Capri is the perfect way to spend a spring or summer day in Positano: relaxing, exploring and swimming with your significant other, family, and friends. Some other highlights that travelers can expect during their boat trips are: Grotta Bianca, Grotta del Corallo, Marina Piccola and Natural Arch… of course it all depends on the tour that you book!
While the beaches of Positano (and Italy in general) are absolutely amazing, in my opinion the full Italian summer experience isn’t quite complete without a boat ride. There’s just something about sailing along the coast that brings good vibes and leaves you with the best memories. Whether it’s a private boat or a group trip, everyone should try to incorporate this activity into their Positano itinerary!
Restaurants In Positano
There are tons of restaurants and cafes to eat and drink in Positano, all of which offer enchanting views, delicious food and great places for people-watching.
For the great views and some of the best food, head to Ristorante Da Costantino. It’s a family run local restaurant found at the top of the town, and it serves the most authentic and delicious Italian dishes and wine. I recommend the spaghetti and meatballs, a pear ricotta pie, and an ice cold limoncello handmade by the owner.
Da Gabrisa is everything you’ll dream about a restaurant in Positano. Absolutely stunning cliffside seating, mouth-watering food, and some fancy Italian coastal ambiance to top it all off. If you're going to Positano to celebrate an important life event, then this is the place to go! I’d recommend making a reservation, especially during the busier months of the year, in order to be sure that you’ll get a table.
If you are renting an AIRBNB or a villa to stay in while in Positano, save a day to cook at home and celebrate the summer months with friends, like the true Italians do. Grab some pre-cooked lasagna, some puttanesca, and some bottles of wine and enjoy a relaxing time at your apartment or villa while appreciating the beach and cliffs below. You’ll be able to easily buy all of the ingredients needed to cook!
Latteria, the wine and cheese shop, is the perfect store to get the pasta and wine, and to make some local friends. And if you are not that great in the kitchen, then you can just head there and stay to enjoy some delicious cheese and prosecco while on the terrace!
There are a few other smaller places to buy produce throughout Positano, as well as a larger supermarket up towards the top of the town. We normally like to shop at the smaller places to support the locals, but you’ll have plenty of options to get whatever you need.
Day Trips from Positano
One of the best parts of visiting Positano and the Amalfi Coast in general is that many smaller towns are in close proximity to each other. There are also a number of amazing destinations to visit if you want to venture just a bit further.
There’s also so much worth-discovering history in and around Positano; some highlights in the area include a visit to Pompei and learning about the local legends linked to the different destinations along the Amalfi Coast.
Read on to learn about some of the best day trips to take from Positano.
Ravello
Ravello is the only Amalfi coast village that is not actually overlooking the ocean, but rest assured that this does not make the town any less beautiful! Ravello is well known for its architecture, beautiful gardens and awe-inspiring palazzos and Italian villas. Two places you won’t want to miss while exploring the town Ravello are the Villa Rufolo, a 13th century villa with Moorish influences and a one of a kind terraced garden and outdoor spaces, and Villa Cimbrone, an 11th century villa that currently functions as a luxury 5-star hotel.
If after exploring the area you are feeling a little hungry and a little adventurous, we recommend that you make a stop at Da Salvatore. A local restaurant serving a must-try Nunderi gnocchi that perfectly pairs with a good red wine, this place is always popular and full of locals and visitors. There's nothing like eating lunch while looking out over the Tyrrhenian Sea and nearby Villa San Cosma. Truly a postcard Amalfi coast experience!
Amalfi
The Amalfi town itself is the largest of all of the seaside villages in the Amalfi Coast. Its architecture and landscape is very characteristic of the area, with yellow and white houses sitting in a very picturesque location on the cliffside. Amalfi is filled with cafes and people during the summer days, and it is one of the busiest towns in the area. A few things we recommend that you do while spending a day in Amalfi are: visiting the Chiostro del Paradiso, the Museo della Carta, the Duomo di Sant’Andrea and Emerald Grotto.
The Emerald Grotto (or the Grotto dello Smeraldo, as the locals say) is an amazing cave found near the beach level. Visitors can take a short elevator ride down to the level of the cave, where there are small boats to ride through the cave. Seeing the sunlight shining through the seawater invokes a beautiful green color, which is where the cave gets its name. Definitely a cool and unique experience!
Capri
The fabulous island of Capri is one of the most visited destinations near Positano and in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Options to visit the island include paid boat tours, self guided ferry trips, or even overnight stays. The choice is yours, but we definitely recommend that you not skip Capri during your Amalfi Coast trip. It's one of the best things to do in Positano and while visiting the region.
The island of Capri has long been popular as a resort style destination, and there are plenty of things to do there. One of the most popular is the Blue Grotto, the sister cave of the previously mentioned Emerald Grotto. The sunlight enters the cave and reflects off of the surface of the water, creating a unique blue color. If you didn’t see the Emerald Grotto, definitely include this one on your list!
Sorrento
Sorrento is another of the most visited coastal destinations in the Amalfi Coast, and is actually one of the most accessible towns in the area. It's known for the beautiful Bay of Naples views and the fresh handmade mozzarella and pizza. Some places you won’t want to skip in Sorrento are the 14th century Chiesa di San Francesco church, the town center and the popular marinas. There are two beautiful marinas in Sorrento, the Grande and the Piccola, and both are worth a visit. The town is also known for ceramics, so make sure to do a bit of shopping and find something that you like to bring home!
Furore
Furore is the one of a kind place that I always recommend when talking about an Amalfi Coast vacation. Travelers will have the opportunity to truly appreciate and enjoy the natural treasures that Amalfi has to offer in Furore, as the town highlights nature more than anything else. You won't find a town center or a main square in Furore, but you’ll be mesmerized by the coastline beach, vineyards, the impressive bridge, and the small gorge. There’s also a beautiful Fiordo beach that makes for the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing bit of sunbathing.
Pompei
If you love Italian history and archeological discoveries, a visit to Pompei is one of the best things to do in Positano when talking about day trip destinations. In its heyday, Pompei was a rich and developed Roman city until its fateful destruction by the Mount Vesuvius volcanic eruption around the year AD 79. To this day, Old Pumpei is the only archeological site in the world where we can truly see in detail how life was in ancient civilizations. During their visit, travelers can see not only old Pompei but also the actual Mount Vesuvius crater, the Herculaneum town and all the nearby villages:Villa of Poppaea or Villa A, Villa of Lucius Crassius Tertius or Villa B in Torre Annunziata; Villa of the Mysteries and the Villa of the Papyri .
It’s important to remember that many lives were lost during the volcanic eruption, so while today we celebrate this as a unique opportunity to learn about Roman life, keep the individuals that lived in the town in mind while you’re enjoying the sights.
Additional Tips On Things To Do in Positano
I hope you have felt the charm and infectious energy that Italy has through this guide of things to do in Positano. The area will completely captivate you, and it will almost certainly become the trip of a lifetime. So to help you plan every little detail, we are sharing a few travel tips and some more destination recommendations below:
Languages
The official language in Italy is Italian. And although people are quite proficient in English in the Amalfi Coast due to its tourist nature, I always recommend learning a few key phrases in the native language to make your travel experience smoother. We have a few recommendations here
Transportation Tips
The Amalfi Coast is a dream destination for many, but getting there, especially to Positano, can be a little bit tricky. You can’t fly directly.
A 1.5 hour drive from Naples will bring you right into the heart of Positano. Napoli International Airport is the nearest major airport to Positano, so it’s the place that most visitors will fly into. It is a special drive from there to the town, with thrilling sights and gorgeous vistas... definitely one you’ll never forget! During the drive, you’ll pass Mount Vesuvius and the ancient city of Pompeii, along with charming old houses and innumerable lemon trees. You’ll feel like stopping for pictures every few minutes!
Some other important tips to keep in mind when renting a car are:
Positano is a seaside village that is built directly into a steep cliff. The roads are a bit narrow and curvy, so make sure you pay attention. The other drivers, especially the locals, tend to drive very fast due to their familiarity with the roads, so don’t let this make you nervous. Just go at a safe pace and enjoy the views!
There are not too many hotels in Positano with parking. You’ll have to pay for garage parking (around 30 euros per day). Ring a few days before to make sure they reserve you a space, as the cars are packed in during the summer months! Always check your car for new scratches before driving away, especially after the valet has parked it!
For the boat lovers, you can ditch the car and take a ferry from Naples to Positano. They run frequently during the peak season. You’ll have to head to Sorrento first, then hop over to a second ferry to get to Positano itself. Ferries stop running during the winter or run less frequently, so keep this in mind while planning ahead. This is an important reason why from April to September is the best time to go to Positano, and the best time in general to visit the Amalfi Coast.
Best Time To Visit
The most popular tourist season in Positano starts from the end of June and runs through early September. Summer months are very popular for any beach related activities and coastal fun, so keep in mind that you’ll run into plenty of other people almost everywhere you go. The end of the Spring is another great time to visit the area, as the prices are lower and the temperatures are still warm to enjoy a day by the beach. Fall and Winter are typically low seasons in Positano, and you might find that many restaurants and hotels actually close completely during this time. For a complete rundown of when and why to travel to Positano and the Amalfi Coast, click here! We have a complete guide detailing the best time to visit, including insider tips for every season and details on seasonality and key dates!
Best Hotels In Positano
A villa from AIRBNB or a small beachfront boutique hotel is the perfect place to stay in Positano! We stayed in a villa just a short climb (150 steps, maybe not so short!) off the main Viale Pasitea road and its restaurants and boutiques.
If you are traveling like a baller, the fancy Le Sirenuse hotel would be an amazing choice. My personal splurge choice would be Hotel Villa Franca.
Check booking.com or AIRBNB to get the best deals for your traveling dates.
General Travel Tips
Italy is fun and loud, upbeat and sunny, so don’t forget to pack your favorite dresses and a pair or two of colorful pants. Some good moisturizer and high SPF sunscreen are always a must as well! It might be a good idea to stop in Naples and buy your sunscreen before arriving in Positano, as prices in the smaller towns will be significantly higher for things like that.
Exploring Europe beyond Positano? Head to our European destinations section! We have articles detailing many other incredible destinations throughout the continent, such as Madrid, Athens and Lisbon!
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We just went to Venice a few weeks ago, and we’ll be writing all about our experiences and the things we recommend you to know before you go.
Have you been to the Amalfi Coast before? What are some of the best things to do in Positano that you love? Share with us below some of your favorite adventures and can't miss places to visit!
Ciao bella!
Besitos from Positano, Italy
Laura
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