Ultimate Guide to Visiting Positano

Positano is the epitome of European Summer. With its iconic pastel coloured buildings seemingly cascading down dramatic cliffs of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, this postcard perfect coastal town is surely on your bucket list. Positano is not the easiest place to travel to or to get around, so I have put together this guide to help plan your ultimate European getaway.

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, depending on where you are coming from this could be either via plane or train. This is the more expensive option, however, is the most convenient. We opted to travel from Positano to Naples on the way home and if I were to go again, I would choose this option for the way there as well. We used Divina Car Service, they not only offer transfers to and from the Amalfi Coast but also day trips to explore neighbouring towns

Via Ferry from Salerno – From Rome or Naples catch a train to Salerno. The Ferry port is approximately a 15 minute walk or 5 minute taxi ride from the station. From there you can take a ferry from Salerno to Positano. This is both the cheaper and most scenic option. Seeing the mountains and colourful houses from the water is an experience on its own. This is a great option if you are staying nearby, However, keep in mind that you will arrive at the lowest point, and you’ll need to carry your suitcase up some stairs and though crowds. The walk from the port to the bus stop on P.za dei Mulini takes approximately 10 minutes. There are also bag porters who can carry your bags for a fee.

To find the best travel route for you, check out Omio for convenient options and deals on trains, buses, and flights.

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.

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, this is the main beach and is where you will find those iconic views of Positano. There is a free public area on the beach, but I recommend renting a chair for the full experience. Prices vary depending on when you visit, and it’s a good idea to make an online reservation in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. It’s worth noting that this is also the main port where ferries arrive, and it can get incredibly busy.

Fornillo Beach is also within walking distance of the town centre and is much quieter than the main beach. Another great option is Arienzo Beach Club which can be reached via shuttle boat from the main beach.

Have dinner with a view

Positano is renowned for its cliffside restaurants, providing the perfect setting for a romantic evening. Taking in stunning views of the Amalfi Coast and the twinkling lights of the town below is an experience not to be missed.

To name a few, 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

Explore the charming alleyways, vibrant boutiques, and hidden gems of Positano. I suggest waking up early and taking a stroll in the morning to enjoy the incredible views before the ferries arrive and the streets are crowded. 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 customized sandals.

Take a day trip

To make the most of your trip to the Amalfi Coast, spend a day exploring the charming towns nearby. Ferries and buses operate multiple times daily from Positano to various towns along the coast, such as Capri, Amalfi, Atrani, Praiano, Sorrento, Naples, and Pompei.

We spent a day cruising around the Amalfi Coast on a Scooter – check out our Day Trip Scooter Itinerary.

Hike the Path of The Gods

Sentiero Degli Dei is a popular hiking trail that offers panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast, winding through picturesque villages and terraced vineyards. This hike can be done at your own pace or with a tour group. Although this hike was something we wanted to do, we unfortunately ran out of time