I’ve had the privilege of visiting Positano in this lifetime and it’s really as stunning as it looks. It is located on the Amalfi Coast, which is right on the Mediterranean Sea. The roads are winding, the fish is fresh, the cliffs are dangerous and the views, well, breathtaking doesn’t even begin to cover it!
Visiting Positano is often at the top of my client’s travel wish lists; it isn’t exactly a hard sell. I don’t need to twist any of my clients’ arms to go. The amazing feedback I get after their visits always include terms like:
- dreamy
- breathtaking
- jaw-dropping views
- posh
- chic
Whoever coined the term dream vacation, must have visited Positano and had it in mind. It’s the perfect destination for a honeymoon, anniversary, romantic getaway or just an idyllic spot to relax and do nothing for a few days. I don’t really recommend renting a car to visit – parking is really hard to come by. If you have no choice – there is a garage in town – but you’ll pay dearly if you can score a space. Some hotels have parking or arrangements with a garage, so make sure you check beforehand.
If you’re arriving into Naples airport, you can book your Welcome Airport Transfer to get into Positano.
Though there is no shortage of activities in this cosmopolitan jewel of Southern Italy, I will give you some of my top picks for visiting Positano, my favorites I’ve compiled over the years. Make sure to bring your camera. You’ll pinch yourself daily just to remind yourself you’re not in the middle of a dream.
TOP PICKS FOR VISITING POSITANO
Hit the beach
Choose Spiaggia Grande, the main beach if you want lots of company or take the pleasant path over to the much quieter side of Fornillo. Beaches here are not soft, pristine white sand; but rather, hard, sharp pebbles- so save yourself the pain and splurge on a lounge chair and umbrella for the day. And if you don’t like looking at old European men in itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny Speedos, bring a book or close your eyes and let the sound of the surf lull you to sleep. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Shop
Positano is a shoppers paradise; especially if you like artisan craftsmanship, but don’t mind paying top dollar. Wander in and out of the upscale boutiques lining the steep, narrow, winding cobbled streets that lead down to the beach. Peruse fashions, art, jewelry and local ceramics. Perhaps you could splurge on a pair of custom made leather sandals or find the perfect piece of colorful pottery to ship home as a memento.
Hike
Hugging the coast, high in the mountains of Positano is a hiking trail called Sentiero degli Dei or Path of the Gods. From here you will have gorgeous views of the cliffs and the deep, azure water. If you are feeling adventurous, you can twist and turn all the way to Amalfi, but be forewarned- you must be in good shape for this hike- it is no walk in the park!
Take the Ferry to Capri
In the nicer months you can hop a ferry or a super-fast hydrofoil over to the island of Capri. As if Positano isn’t beautiful enough- Capri kicks it up a few notches. Designer shopping, ocean views, towers, forts, spas and even a lighthouse. Head to the idyllic community of Anacapri for a visit to La Migliera, an old Roman road, and continue to the chairlift which will take you to Mount Solaro for stunning aerial views over the Bay of Naples. Plus, you can’t beat the views of Positano from the sea. And if you’re staying on a bit longer, consider day trips to Amalfi and Ravello too.
Explore the Green Grotto
Lesser known than the famous Blue Grotto on Capri, and thereby a little less touristy, is the Green Grotto. Some may call it cheezy- but hey, if natural wonders, especially of the ocean variety are cheezy- than sign me up and call me Brie! You’ll find the Esmeralda di Grotto near Priano. Unless you know someone with a private boat, you’ll need to arrange a tour.
Not much at all
Of all the top picks for visiting Positano, my favorite is relaxing and doing absolutely nothing. Italians have an expression for this – dolce far niente; the sweetness of doing nothing. Just sit on your balcony and enjoy the view. Or the view from your chaise lounge on the beach. Or watch a stunning sunset while sipping limoncello from a outdoor beach cafe.
WHERE TO EAT IN POSITANO
Chez Black is the quintessential beach cafe serving up fresh seafood, salads, pasta and pizza in a casual setting right on the Spiaggia Grande. Its equivalent on Fornillo Beach is Da Ferdinando.
For morning coffee and pastries, panini or salads for lunch or even a quick gelato, make your way to La Zagara. Eat outside on the patio – surrounded by greenery and great views. Your own tropical oasis.
Lo Guaraccino is an excellent restaurant in a romantic setting, along the cliff-lined path toward smaller Fornillo Beach.
For a splurge, try the restaurant at the famous Le Sirenuse hotel. For a more budget-friendly option with an equally fabulous view – enjoy a cocktail and light snacks at their outdoor champagne bar.
If you’re staying in a rental with a kitchen, both Latteria or Alimentari Paradiso will help you stock up on grocery items, fresh produce, wine, meat and cheese. Don’t forget the limoncello! They also make tasty sandwiches to take away for a beach picnic.
You’ll need a car or a taxi to get there (and a reservation), but a meal at Donna Rosa in tiny Montepertuso is worth the extra effort. If they’re fully booked, try neighboring Il Ritrovo. La Tagliata is another open0air dining option and they have a shuttle bus. Inquire at your hotel.
WHERE TO STAY IN POSITANO
If you’ll be in town for a bit, this is the perfect spot to find a rental. Try either AirBnB or VRBO, but there are also many other privately-owned options available, like Torre Sponda. No matter where you stay, you’ll definitely want a room with a sea view. A nice balcony or terrace is an added bonus. Because, views.
For those wanting a mid-range hotel, Hotel California and La Bougainville are solid choices. Hotel Pupetto is a budget-friendly find if you prefer to stay on the quieter Fornillo Beach.
Five star luxury properties like the Le Sirenuse, Palazzo Murat and Hotel Marincanto are all excellent. A bit further removed from town is the Il San Pietro, a Relais & Chateau property.
OTHER THINGS TO DO
There are many other activities in or near Positano, many of which I can arrange. These include:
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- wine tour and tasting with lunch on the coast
- custom private driving tour along the coast with visits to some of the smaller fishing villages
- cooking class or pizza making class
- visit to an organic lemon grove with a demonstration and tasting of limoncello
- private boat tours