Best Things to Do in Positano, Italy
Positano is a cliffside village on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, southern Italy, tumbling vertically down to a small beach on the Tyrrhenian Sea. One of Italy's most photographed places, it is the most fashionable of the Amalfi Coast towns — expensive, steep, traffic-choked in summer, and undeniably spectacular. The best things to do in Positano revolve around the sea, the coastal hiking paths, and the boat excursions along one of Italy's most dramatic coastlines.
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Positano clings to a near-vertical cliff face on the Amalfi Coast, its pastel-colored houses stacked one above another in a cascade down to the Spiaggia Grande, the small beach at its foot. The village was immortalized by John Steinbeck’s 1953 Harper’s Bazaar essay (‘Positano bites deep’) and has been a magnet for wealthy Italian and international visitors ever since. The things to do in Positano are concentrated: the beach is the center of life, the boat trips along the coast are unmissable, and the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) hiking trail above the village is one of Italy’s great day walks. Everything else — the boutiques, the ceramic shops, the overpriced but gorgeous seafood restaurants — fills the hours between.
Best time to visit
May, June, and September are the best months. July and August are extremely crowded, extremely expensive, and extremely hot — parking is effectively impossible, the beach is packed, and restaurants require advance booking. The shoulder months offer 85-90% of the beauty at 60% of the chaos. April is pleasant but some services are not yet fully open. October through March is quiet (many hotels close November-March) and some services are limited, but the coast is beautiful in winter light and accommodation is a fraction of peak season prices. The Feast of the Assumption (August 15) draws large local crowds.
Getting around
Positano is reached from Naples (2.5 hours by coastal road or ferry from Molo Beverello) or from the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento then bus or ferry along the coast. The SS163 Amalfitana coast road is spectacular and winding — buses are more practical than driving for most visitors. Within Positano, the village is entirely vertical; an ‘open bus’ (internal orange shuttle) runs between the upper (Sponda) and lower (Spiaggia Grande) areas but most movement is on foot up and down steep stairs. Ferries connect Positano with Amalfi (25 min), Ravello (via boat), Capri (40 min), and Naples. For the Amalfi Coast, a rented boat or joining a boat tour is the most flexible and spectacular way to explore.
What to eat and drink
Positano’s restaurants are expensive by Italian standards but exceptional in quality. The local specialties lean heavily on the sea: fresh spaghetti alle vongole (with clams), scialatielli (thick Amalfitan pasta) with mixed seafood, frittura di paranza (mixed fried small fish), and fresh anchovies (alici) cured in lemon. Limoncello (lemon liqueur) is ubiquitous — the Amalfi Coast lemons (sfusato amalfitano) are extraordinarily fragrant. The eggplant parmigiana and grilled fish in the simpler trattorie away from the beachfront terraces offer better value without sacrificing quality. Ristorante Max and Da Vincenzo are long-established and reliable; La Tagliata (uphill, requires a reservation and transport) is the most celebrated value.
Top things to do
Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) – The best day hike on the Amalfi Coast, running high above the sea from Bomerano (above Praiano) to Nocelle above Positano, with the final descent on steps to the village below. The views of the coast are extraordinary. The hike takes 3-4 hours one way; take the SITA bus to Bomerano and walk back. Best in May-June and September when it’s not too hot.
Boat trips – Rent a small motorboat from the beach or join a boat tour to explore the grottos, coves, and beaches inaccessible from the road. A full-day boat rental (small motorboat, 4-5 people) costs around €200-300. Popular stops include the Blue Grotto on Capri, the Emerald Grotto near Conca dei Marini, the beach at Furore fjord, and the island of Capri.
Spiaggia Grande – The main beach below the village: small, pebble, packed in August, beautiful in shoulder season. Sun lounger rental is expensive (€20-30 per chair per day) but includes service. The free section at the far right of the beach is smaller and less comfortable. The sea here is crystalline and swimming excellent.
Day trip to Capri – Regular ferries make Capri a 40-minute ride from Positano. The island merits a full day: the Blue Grotto (best accessed by rowboat from the water entrance), the Giardini di Augusto, and the chairlift to Monte Solaro are the main draws.
Frequently asked questions
Is Positano worth it?
Yes, for the views, the Path of the Gods, and a boat trip along the coast. No, if you expect a quiet, authentic Italian village experience or are traveling on a budget. It is genuinely spectacular but genuinely expensive and genuinely crowded in season. Spending one or two nights here is more rewarding than a day trip, as the crowds thin considerably in the evening.
How do I get to Positano?
From Naples: ferry from Molo Beverello (1.5-2 hours, seasonal) or SITA bus from Sorrento (1 hour). From Sorrento: SITA bus along the coast road (1-1.5 hours) or ferry (35 min). From Amalfi: SITA bus (30 min) or ferry (25 min). The coastal buses are the most practical in July-August when driving is impossible.
Where should I stay in Positano?
The village has many categories of accommodation, but the best-positioned options are the hotels in the upper-middle part of the cliffside (enough of a view, not too many steps from the beach). Le Sirenuse is the iconic luxury choice. For something more affordable, Villa La Tartana and Hotel Bougainville offer value with sea views. Book 3-6 months ahead for July-August; 1-2 months is usually sufficient for May, June, and September.