Positano
A breathtaking cliffside village on the Amalfi Coast, Positano captivates with its pastel-hued houses, winding alleys, and stunning sea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Positano
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking cliffside village on the Amalfi Coast, Positano captivates with its pastel-hued houses, winding alleys, and stunning sea views.
"Positano is a dream destination, but be prepared for stairs and crowds if visiting in peak season."
🥾 Pack Comfortable Shoes
Positano is all about stairs! Prioritize comfort for exploring.
🚗 Avoid Renting a Car
Narrow roads and limited parking make driving a challenge. Ferries and buses are better options.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spiaggia Grande
Main beach
The iconic Positano beach with colorful umbrellas and stunning cliffside views. Perfect for soaking up the sun and people-watching.
Path of the Gods Hike
Above Positano
A breathtaking hike offering panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast. A must-do for active travelers seeking unparalleled vistas.
Charming Vicoletti (Alleys)
Throughout Positano
Wander through narrow, winding streets filled with artisan shops, boutiques, and hidden cafes. Discover unique souvenirs and local crafts.
Sunset Cocktails with a View
Various bars
Sip on a refreshing drink as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors over Positano's iconic landscape.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Stairs (or Find Alternatives)
Book Ahead for Peak Experiences
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Pack Comfortable Shoes
Positano is all about stairs! Prioritize comfort for exploring. +1
🚗 Avoid Renting a Car
Narrow roads and limited parking make driving a challenge. Ferries and buses are better options.
📅 Book Beach Clubs Ahead
Secure your spot at popular beach clubs like L'Incanto to guarantee a prime location.
🛥️ Ferries Over Buses
Travelmar ferries offer a more pleasant way to see other towns than crowded buses.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Pack Comfortable Shoes
Positano is all about stairs! Prioritize comfort for exploring. +1
🚗 Avoid Renting a Car
Narrow roads and limited parking make driving a challenge. Ferries and buses are better options.
📅 Book Beach Clubs Ahead
Secure your spot at popular beach clubs like L'Incanto to guarantee a prime location.
🛥️ Ferries Over Buses
Travelmar ferries offer a more pleasant way to see other towns than crowded buses.
💰 Consider Luggage Porters
If you have heavy bags, porters can be a lifesaver for navigating the stairs.
📍 Stay in Positano
For the full experience, staying in Positano is highly recommended over day trips. +1
🍹 Hidden Gem Rooftop Bar
Discover La Giara for spectacular views and fewer crowds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Positano is overwhelmingly praised for its breathtaking beauty, iconic cliffside architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors adore the stunning views, delicious food, and romantic ambiance. However, many note the significant number of stairs, high costs, and intense crowds during peak season, which can detract from the experience for some.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended ways to get from Naples to Positano are by private car service or ferry. While taxis are available, they can be expensive. Ferries are a scenic and often more affordable option, especially if you're not carrying too much luggage. +1
Getting around Positano involves a lot of stairs due to its vertical layout. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. For longer distances or to avoid stairs, local buses and taxis are available, but can be costly. +1
It is strongly advised not to rent a car in Positano. The roads are narrow, often only two lanes, and parking is extremely limited and expensive. Ferries and buses are the preferred modes of transport.
For day trips to other Amalfi Coast towns, ferries are highly recommended over buses. They offer beautiful views and are generally more comfortable. Keep a ferry timetable handy. +1
If arriving by train in Naples, you can take a ferry directly from Naples to Positano, or arrange for a private car service. Some travelers suggest leaving luggage at their accommodation if check-in is later.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, it's highly recommended to book popular beach clubs like L'Incanto or La Scogliera in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you get a spot and a good location.
Yes, there is a free public section of the beach at Spiaggia Grande, though it can be more crowded and less comfortable than the paid beach clubs.
Prices for sunbeds at beach clubs can vary, but expect to pay around €70-€80 for a front-row spot during peak season.
For restaurants with prime views, especially during evenings, reservations are essential. This ensures you get a table with a view and avoid disappointment.
Positano itself does not have an entrance fee. The costs are associated with activities, accommodations, dining, and transportation within the town and surrounding areas.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Positano is incredibly photogenic! Look for iconic views from Spiaggia Grande, the winding 'vicoletti' (alleys), rooftop bars like La Giara, and viewpoints along the Path of the Gods. Delicatessen's rooftop is also a popular photo spot.
The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers magical light for photography. Early mornings can also be great for capturing the town before it gets too crowded.
Many hotels offer stunning views, but exploring the higher parts of town or the Path of the Gods provides breathtaking panoramic shots of Positano and the coastline. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the dramatic cliffside architecture and expansive sea views. A good zoom lens can be useful for details. Don't forget a portable charger for your phone for all the photos!
Absolutely! Modern smartphones are excellent for capturing Positano's beauty. Focus on composition and lighting, and you'll get stunning shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Enjoy fresh seafood, local pasta dishes, and of course, limoncello. Don't miss out on delicious pastries like sfogliatella for breakfast.
Look for sandwich shops or smaller trattorias away from the main tourist drag. Some beach clubs also offer more casual lunch options.
Yes, many restaurants offer spectacular views. Booking in advance is crucial for securing a table with a view, especially at places like La Sponda or those overlooking Spiaggia Grande. +1
Highly-rated spots include Luna for elegant dining, Chez Black for a classic beachfront experience, and La Sponda for romantic ambiance.
Eating at beach clubs can be a convenient way to dine with a view, but be aware that prices can be higher. Some offer excellent food, while others are more about the experience. +1
🎫 🏨 Hotels & Accommodation
Staying in Positano itself offers the most iconic experience, but can be expensive. Consider areas slightly above the main town for potentially better value and stunning views, though be prepared for stairs. +1
While Positano is known for luxury, some hotels offer more affordable options, especially if booked in advance or during shoulder seasons. Hotel L'Ancora and Hotel Savoy are mentioned as good value.
Iconic luxury hotels include Le Sirenuse and Hotel Poseidon, known for their stunning views and impeccable service. +1
Consider the number of stairs to your room, proximity to the beach or town center, and whether breakfast is included. Views are a major selling point for many hotels.
Staying in Positano offers the most immersive experience. However, some find nearby towns like Praiano or Minori more affordable and less crowded, with Positano accessible for day visits. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing plenty of snacks and water, as prices can be higher in tourist-heavy areas. While the town itself is generally safe, keeping a close eye on children near the cliffs and water is always advised. Many restaurants offer kid-friendly options, and the sheer beauty of the town is often captivating for younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opt for casual eateries and sandwich shops for meals instead of high-end restaurants. Utilize public ferries for transportation rather than private cars or taxis. Enjoying the free public beach sections and exploring the town's charming streets on foot are free activities that offer immense value.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
A private boat tour along the coast, especially at sunset, is an unforgettable romantic experience. Wandering hand-in-hand through the narrow alleys, discovering hidden viewpoints, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere create lasting memories.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Positano's Vertical Landscape
To manage the stairs, packing comfortable, supportive footwear is paramount. Travelers often recommend embracing the climb as part of the experience, but for those seeking to minimize stair-climbing, consider staying closer to the main beach area (Spiaggia Grande) or utilizing the local bus service. Taxis are also an option, though they come with a higher price tag. Some visitors have found that even short distances can involve hundreds of steps, so planning your daily activities with this in mind is key.
For those with significant mobility concerns, it's worth researching accommodations that offer easier access or are located on flatter parts of town. Alternatively, focusing on boat tours and activities that don't require extensive walking can be a great way to experience the beauty of Positano without the physical strain.
Experiencing Positano's Beaches
Fornillo Beach, accessible via a scenic path, is often considered a bit more relaxed. Both beaches offer opportunities to rent loungers and umbrellas, which is highly recommended during peak season as they can get quite busy. Popular beach clubs like L'Incanto and La Scogliera at Spiaggia Grande, and Da Ferdinando or Pupetto at Fornillo, provide amenities and food services. Booking these in advance is a wise move to secure your spot.
While paid beach clubs offer comfort and service, there are also free public sections of the beach available. However, these tend to be more crowded. Regardless of your choice, spending time by the water is a quintessential Positano activity, offering stunning views of the colorful houses cascading down the cliffs.
Culinary Delights of Positano
For a truly memorable meal, consider booking a table at restaurants like La Sponda, known for its romantic ambiance and exquisite cuisine, or Luna for an elegant dining experience. For more casual yet delicious options, exploring smaller trattorias or even grabbing a gourmet sandwich from a local shop can be very satisfying.
Don't leave Positano without trying local specialties and enjoying a glass of regional wine or a refreshing limoncello. Many visitors also recommend exploring cooking classes to learn the secrets of Amalfi Coast cuisine.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit