Positano is the epitome of a European summer, with pastel coloured buildings cascading down the cliffs of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. This postcard perfect coastal town belongs on everyones bucket list.
It’s not the easiest place to get to or get around, so planning ahead makes a big difference. This guide covers when to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do.
When to visit
Positano is the ultimate summer destination; however, I recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons in April to May or September to October to avoid the huge peak-season crowds (and prices) in June to August.
How to get there
Unlike many other major cities in Italy, there is no airport or train station in Positano. You will need to fly into either Rome or Naples Airport, then from here travel via bus, ferry, rental car or a private driver. Below are the options I would recommend:
Via private driver from Naples
Make your way to Naples, either by plane or train depending on where you’re coming from. This is the more expensive option, but also the most convenient.
We booked a transfer from Positano to Naples on the way home and would choose this option for the journey there next time as well. We used Divina Car Service, who offer both transfers and day trips around the Amalfi Coast.
Via ferry from Salerno
From Rome or Naples, take a train to Salerno. The ferry terminal is about a 15 minute walk or a short taxi ride from the station.
From here, you can take a ferry directly to Positano. It’s one of the more scenic options, with views of the coastline from the water along the way.
Keep in mind that you’ll arrive at sea level, and getting to your accommodation may involve stairs and navigating through crowds. The walk from the port to the main road at Piazza dei Mulini takes around 10 minutes. There are also porters available if you’d prefer help with your luggage.
To compare routes, timetables, and pricing, you can use Omio to plan your journey.
How to get around
Walk – or should I say hike. Walking is a great way to experience the town’s unique character however, keep in mind that Positano is built on the side of a mountain, therefore you’ll encounter steep stairs and narrow pathways
Scooter – One of my favourite ways to explore Positano is by scooter. If you are confident enough to ride one, I would highly recommend this option. During our trip, we rented a Vespa from Positano Rent a Scooter, originally planning to hire it for a day to explore the Amalfi Coast. However, we had so much fun cruising around that we ended up extending our booking for the entire stay. Renting a scooter gives you the ultimate freedom to explore the area
Bus – Mobility buses run along the main road, stopping at different areas of Positano. These tickets can be purchased onboard for approximately €1.80. Check their Facebook page for updated schedules. Sita buses also run throughout the day and travel between all the towns on the Amalfi Coast. Although buses are frequent, due to traffic the schedules are not always reliable and can be extremely busy, meaning you might not always find a seat on the bus.
Car / Taxi – This option I would not recommend. Taxis are expensive, and traffic often comes to a standstill. The town’s narrow, winding streets and limited parking options make driving more of a hassle.
Where to stay
Positano is built into the cliffs, so where you stay can make a big difference to your experience.
If it’s your first time visiting, staying somewhere central is usually the easiest option. Areas along Via Cristoforo Colombo are a good balance, with easy access to restaurants and shops, and a more manageable walk down to the beach, but it’s also where you’ll find higher prices and it can feel busier.
One thing to be aware of when booking is the number of stairs. Most accommodation in Positano involves some level of walking, but some properties are much harder to access than others.
We stayed at Colle dell’Ara, higher up in the hills. The views were incredible, but it involved around 300 steps each way just to reach the road. If you’re looking for places to stay, a few that were on my list include:
- Villa Fiorentino
- Le Sirenuse
- Hotel Poseidon
- Casa Wanda Sea View Apartment
- Villa Sette Venti
- Dimora Donna Teresa
What to do
Spend the day at a Beach Club
Spend the day relaxing on one of Positano’s beaches, a quintessential European Summer experience.
We spent the day at Spiaggia Grande, the main beach, which is where you’ll get those iconic views of Positano. There’s a free public area, but you can also rent a sunbed if you want to stay for a few hours. Prices vary depending on the time of year, and it’s worth booking in advance if you’re visiting during peak season.
It’s also the main port where ferries arrive, so it can get busy throughout the day.
Fornillo Beach is within walking distance from the town centre and is a quieter alternative. Arienzo Beach Club is another option, which you can reach via shuttle boat from Spiaggia Grande.
Have dinner with a view
Positano is known for its cliffside restaurants, many of which overlook the town and coastline – perfect for taking in stunning views of the Amalfi Coast and the twinkling lights of the town below
Il Tridente, Restaurant Don Giovanni, Le Sponda, Terrazza Cele, Resturant Bruno and Franco’s Bar are some restaurants that offer stunning views.
Wander around the town
Spend some time walking through the streets of Positano, stopping at shops, cafés, and viewpoints along the way. If you’re into shopping, you can find souvenir shops along the main street in Positano. They offer a range of lemon-themed clothes, limoncello, hand-painted ceramics, and customised sandals.
If you can, head out early in the morning before the ferries arrive, it’s noticeably quieter and a lot easier to move around
Take a day trip
If you have extra time, it’s worth exploring some of the nearby towns along the Amalfi Coast. Ferries and buses run regularly from Positano to places like Capri, Amalfi, Atrani, Praiano, Sorrento, Naples, and Pompeii.
We spent a day cruising around the Amalfi Coast on a Scooter – you can find that itinerary here.
There are also plenty of tour options available if you’d prefer something more organised, from boat trips along the coast to guided visits to places like Capri and Pompeii.
Hike the Path of The Gods
The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) is one of the most popular hikes in the area, known for its views over the coastline and surrounding mountains. This hike can be done at your own pace or with a tour group.
It’s something we had planned to do but didn’t get the chance to, so it’s still on the list for next time.
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