The Definitive Travel Guide to Positano Italy

To name Positano, placed on the picturesque Amalfi Coast in Italy’s province of Salerno, magical isn't an exaggeration. It is a breathtaking location with beautiful art galleries, colorful houses, and comfortable restaurants with unimaginable views and pleasant food.

There are a lot of things to do in Positano. You can do them all and still not get bored!

Now on to what activities await your arrival in this beautiful city.

Selecting the perfect accommodation in Positano can be a delightful dilemma, given the wide range of options catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether you're embarking on a romantic journey or seeking family-friendly stays, Positano offers a splendid mix of luxury, comfort, and scenic beauty. Our guide categorizes the best stays into three distinct classes: Luxury, Standard, and Economy, ensuring a match for every traveler. 

An 18th-century palazzo, Le Sirenuse exudes an air of aristocratic charm mingled with homely comfort. Once the summer retreat of the Sersale family, this hotel combines luxury amenities with an intimate feel. Rooms feature vaulted ceilings, hand-made floor tiles, and private terraces or balconies overlooking the bay. The hotel's restaurant, La Sponda, illuminated by 400 candles each evening, serves exceptional Neapolitan cuisine, offering a dining experience steeped in romance and elegance. 

Perched atop Positano, Villa Franca presents sublime views of the town and the sea beyond, especially from its spectacular rooftop terrace and pool. The hotel's interior, with its blue and white color scheme, embodies chic comfort, while the rooms boast modern amenities, tiled mosaics, and balconies with sweeping views. The rooftop dining experience and personalized services add to its allure, making it a haven for those seeking luxury in a prime location. 

Miramare Hotel, a testament to Positano's tourist history, is a charming stay worth the climb from the beach. Its rooms, adorned with terracotta floors and antique furniture, open onto spacious sea-facing terraces with breathtaking views. The magical breakfast room, crowned with a vast bougainvillea, and the personalized service make it an enchanting choice for a quintessential Positano experience. 

This intimate hotel, part of a restored 18th-century mansion, is a serene retreat just a short walk from the beach. Rooms offer tranquility and comfort, some with luxurious baths or hot tubs. Starting at around £100 per night, Villa Yiara is an ideal choice for travelers seeking an exclusive yet affordable stay in Positano. 

Overlooking the Amalfi Coast, Villa Rosa combines accessibility and charm. A short walk from Positano Beach and Santa Maria Assunta Church, this hotel offers bright rooms with country-style decor and terraces, some boasting sea views. The addition of whirlpool tubs in upgraded rooms and suites with separate living areas cater to various preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Positano's culinary scene is as rich and inviting as its landscapes. Among the many activities in Positano, indulging in a meal at one of the town's distinguished restaurants is a must. Here are two of my favorite spots, each offering a unique dining experience: 

Set in the enchanting Hotel Palazzo Murat, Ristorante Al Palazzo Murat is a culinary gem nestled in a lush garden. The ambiance here is romantically captivating, with large trees and abundant plants surrounding diners. The menu, praised for its daily fish specials, is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors, and the staff's friendliness adds to the overall delightful experience. While it is a bit pricier, with meals ranging from $35 to $70, the quality and atmosphere make it well worth the expense. This restaurant, highlighted in the MICHELIN Guide, has earned a reputation for its exquisite setting and exceptional cuisine​​​​.

Perched within the renowned Hotel Poseidon, Il Tridente offers a varied menu that caters to all tastes, ranging from classic seafood dishes to delightful Italian pasta. Health enthusiasts will appreciate the vegan and gluten-free options available. The staff's kindness and welcoming nature make every visit memorable. The real showstopper, however, is the terrace view. Overlooking Positano and the sea, it offers one of the most stunning vistas imaginable. Arriving early for your dinner reservation rewards you with the opportunity to relax on the patio with a cocktail, lounging comfortably as you await your meal. Il Tridente, known for its quality service and food, has earned a rating of 4.5 on Tripadvisor, making it a favorite among visitors and locals alike.

Positano isn't just about its picturesque scenery; it's a hub for exhilarating activities that offer unique perspectives of this stunning coastal town. From the tranquil to the adventurous, here are the activities you can't miss: 

The Path of the Gods (or Sentiero Degli Dei in Italian) is a clifftop trail above the Amalfi Coast. The main section of the hike is 6.5 km (4 miles) between the small villages of Bomerano (in Agerola) and Nocelle (above Positano). There are beautiful views of the sea and coastal towns below along the way.

Don’t worry about the level of difficulty, both of the villages are above the sea, so there isn’t a huge change in elevation between them. The hike becomes more difficult if you start or finish in the coastal towns of Praiano (below Bomerano) or Positano (below Nocelle). These towns are connected to the trail by steep staircases of over 1500 steps.

I know it sounds exhausting just to imagine walking 4 miles and 1500 steps on vacation, but the bright side is that you’ll see magnificent views of the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri (it is also a great spot for amazing pictures).

One of the most beautiful memories you will have of Positano is watching the sunset from the beach. The colors of the sky and the sea come together to create a magical view. If you are lucky, you will see dolphins or even whales swimming around in the sea during sunset time. It's an experience like no other! Some of my favorites beaches are:

This is the main beach in Positano and has a rentable sunbed section as well as a free one. Be aware that most of the beach is private so if you don´t get there early you’ll have to rent a chair for the day.

The best aspect of this beach is the view! Looking away from the water you get a full view of the Positano houses on the hill. It is a great spot for pictures and to spend the day.

Fornillo Beach is a quick walk from Spiaggia Grande Beach (only a short 15-minute walk away). The neighborhood of Fornillo is more peaceful than Positano and the beach is less touristy.

It feels like an authentic Mediterranean beach. The water is very clear and there are beach clubs that rent towels and chairs, as well as a reasonable number of good restaurants (with good drinks). 

Rent a kayak from Spiaggia Grande and embark on a journey along the Amalfi Coast's waters. Paddle beneath the towering cliffs and gaze up at Positano’s vibrant buildings, offering a different vantage point of this beautiful town. Kayaking is an affordable and family-friendly way to explore the coast's hidden coves and beaches​.

For an authentic Italian experience, a Vespa tour along the Amalfi Coast is a must. It's an exhilarating way to explore the winding roads, picturesque villages, and stunning coastal views. The flexibility of a Vespa tour allows you to uncover hidden gems and pause for captivating photo opportunities, all while enjoying the freedom of the open road.

There are many opportunities to shop in the five coastal towns along Cinque Terre. The best shopping can be found in Monterosso Al Mare and Portovenere, where there are several great boutiques and stores that sell local goods.

I know it may not seem like it at first glance but Positano has plenty of stores too! Whether it’s clothes or accessories...you name it...you'll be able to find something, however, if you’re going on a shopping spree in Positano it is worth knowing that only a few shops offer good prices.

The most famous streets in Positano for shopping are:

Via Cristofo Colombo is renowned for its stylish boutiques and jewelers. Here, you'll find exquisite crystals, luxurious handbags, and high-end accessories. This street caters to those who seek opulence and elegance in their shopping experience, making it a must-visit for luxury shopping enthusiasts in Positano.

Venture down Via Pasitea to discover the latest Italian fashion trends. This street is lined with numerous stores offering leather shoes and handcrafted sandals, perfect for those looking to take a piece of Positano style home. The street's affordable prices and diverse range make it a popular choice for both tourists and locals​.

Piazza dei Mulini is a bustling hub of activity, home to a variety of shops selling paintings, artworks, high-quality leather goods, and trendy clothing. This square is a testament to the artistic flair of Positano, ideal for finding unique art pieces and fashionable attire.

For those who carry the spirit of a traveler, Oakhouse's 'Vibrant Landscapes Collection' offers a unique way to commemorate your journey. Our collection, featuring an array of destinations including some you may have visited or dream to explore, captures the essence of each locale in stunning art prints. Positano, with its timeless charm, is just one of the many inspirations behind our collection. We invite you to bring a piece of your travels home, or perhaps find inspiration for your next destination, with Oakhouse's exquisite art prints.

Visiting Positano is a dream for many, and to ensure your trip is as enchanting as the town itself, here are some essential tips for travelers:

Positano's charm lies in its steep, narrow streets, which means that exploring on foot is often the best way to experience the town's beauty. Be prepared for plenty of stairs and inclines. For longer distances, local buses and taxis are available, but walking remains the most rewarding way to discover Positano's hidden gems.

I would recommend taking a boat and visiting Capri. I know it is a little pricey but it’s well worth it, you are going to explore the grottoes,  swim, and snorkel through scenic reefs.

Private tours can depart from the main pier in Positano or from other agreed-upon locations nearby, including private hotel or villa jetties, or the piers in Praiano, Maiori, Minori, or Amalfi. 

The high season, spanning from June to August, is when Positano truly comes to life. Expect hot, sunny days perfect for enjoying its famed beaches and vibrant nightlife.

For those who prefer a balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October are ideal. The temperatures during these months are mild, making it perfect for exploring the town without the peak season rush.

In contrast, the low season from November to March offers a quieter side of Positano. The weather is cooler, and you might encounter rain, some hotels and restaurants may close during these months, you'll benefit from fewer tourists and lower prices.

Positano offers a vibrant nightlife scene, whether you're looking to unwind by the sea after a day of relaxation or seeking a lively evening out. fewer tourists and lower prices.

La Buca di Bacco has been a staple of Positano nightlife for generations, with enchanting views of the sea, it’s no wonder this former tavern has remained a favorite among visitors to Positano.

You can enjoy a lavish dinner as the waiters and chefs provide impeccable service, it is also a great spot for some nice pictures: the stylish décor inside the restaurant heightens the Italian charm as you're treated to views of the sparkling lights of Positano.

Music On The Rocks is a 2-level dance venue that often hosts world-renowned artists with electronic music and neon lights permeating throughout the club late into the night.

It’s among the most entertaining spots in Positano for a night on the dance floor and it is considered one of the best clubs on Amalfi´s Coast, so you can expect high prices but it is worth it if you like to party (and have the budget to do it).

Ideal for a sophisticated yet relaxing evening, this bar boasts stunning views of Positano, great service, and a selection of delicious drinks.

A delightful spot for dessert lovers, offering homemade ice cream and pastries in a charming garden setting.

As we conclude our journey through the captivating city of Positano, we hope this guide inspires your own adventure to this amazing city. Whether you're marveling at the architectural grandeur, indulging in the local culinary delights, or basking in the vibrant nightlife, Positano is a city that caters to every traveler's dream.

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