- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Positano
Positano's vertical architecture dates to its medieval past as a defense against Saracen raids. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its majolica dome, is a key landmark holding a 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna.
Beyond the main Spiaggia Grande, the true nature of the coast is revealed. Hike the Path of the Gods in the Lattari Mountains for unparalleled views. For a quieter swim, take the hidden seaside path to Fornillo beach, a local favorite.
Wondering what is Positano famous for? Beyond the views, it's the custom-made leather sandals and 'Moda Positano' linen clothing. Artisans craft these by hand, a tradition reflecting the chic lifestyle born here in the vibrant 1960s.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & crowded
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #LightClothing
- #BeachTowel
- #PowerAdapterTypeC
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 with beaches & day trips
- Euro (€)
- Italian
- English widely spoken in tourist areas
- #SpiaggiaGrande
- #PathOfTheGods
- #FornilloBeach
- #ChurchOfSantaMariaAssunta
- #VillaRufolo
- #PositanoPositano
- Dinner at a cliffside restaurant
- Explore local boutiques
- Boat trip to Capri
- Hike the Path of the Gods
- Sample limoncello
- Watch sunset from a terrace
Recommended Hotels in Positano by Experience
Things to do in Positano
Discover
Discover the best places to visit in Positano, from the iconic Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta to the ancient Roman Villa. Wander steep, narrow streets for stunning views and enjoy the natural beauty of the Spiaggia Grande waterfront.
Experience
Hike the scenic Path of the Gods, take a boat tour to Capri, or learn to make local dishes in a cooking class. Shop for handmade ceramics and limoncello, and experience seasonal events like the Feast of the Assumption in August.
Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta
Byzantine-era church with a majolica-tiled dome.
Spiaggia Grande
Main beach with colorful umbrellas and bustling atmosphere.
Path of the Gods Hike
Cliffside trail offering panoramic views of the coast.
MAR Positano - Roman Villa
Subterranean museum with ancient Roman frescoes.
Fornillo Beach
A quieter, more secluded beach accessible by a coastal path.
Capri & Blue Grotto Boat Tour
Excursion to see the famous sea cave and island of Capri.
Via dei Mulini Shopping
Street for buying local handmade ceramics and fashion.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To learn how to get to Positano, fly into Naples Airport (NAP). A transfer from the airport to the city center takes 1.5-2 hrs. Options include a shuttle bus, private car, or the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento, then a SITA bus or ferry.
Getting Around
The main public transport in Positano is walking, but be prepared for steep stairs. A local Positano shuttle bus navigates the single winding road. For a scenic alternative, ferries and water taxis connect to Amalfi, Sorrento, and Capri.
Local Essentials
For first-timers who plan a trip to Positano, book transport in advance. Driving in Positano is stressful due to narrow roads and scarce, expensive parking; avoid car rental. Always wear comfortable shoes and carry cash for small purchases.
Where to Stay in Positano
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore authentic food Positano offers. Taste fresh spaghetti alle vongole and delizia al limone. Locals embrace the aperitivo, a pre-dinner drink with snacks, setting the stage for late, leisurely dinners with sea views.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Positano, eat at Da Vincenzo for its lively vibe-book ahead. Enjoy drinks at Caffe Positano for iconic views, or pastries at La Zagara's garden cafe-seek its shaded terrace.
La Sponda
Michelin-starred dining illuminated by 400 candles.
Da Vincenzo
Bustling trattoria serving classic Amalfi coast dishes.
Chez Black
Famous beachfront spot for seafood and people-watching.
Next2
Modern Mediterranean cuisine in a chic courtyard setting.
La Tagliata
Family-run spot with set menus and stunning high views.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Positano's heritage through its religious festivals. The Festa di San Vito in June features processions and dog blessings. The August Festa di Santa Maria Assunta, honoring the patron saint, includes a sea procession and midnight fireworks.
Enjoy
Discover Positano's creative pulse through contemporary events. Enjoy classical concerts at the Ravello Festival or literary talks at Mare, Sole e Cultura. Itinerant shows and performances animate the town during the Positano Teatro Festival.
Festa di Santa Maria Assunta
August celebration for the patron saint with sea procession and fireworks.
Festa del Pesce (Fish Festival)
September food festival on Fornillo beach.
Positano Teatro Festival
Late July/early August festival presenting itinerant theater shows.
Festa di San Vito
Event for the patron saint with processions and a must-see dog blessing.
Mare, Sole e Cultura
A summer review of books, art, and dialogue with notable guest speakers.
Ravello Festival
Summer-long arts event near Positano with classical music and ballet.
As beautiful as the pictures
Positano is just as beautiful as everyone says. The whole town is built into the side of a cliff, so the views are incredible from pretty much everywhere. It's a lot of walking up and down steep steps, but it is completely worth the effort.
Perfect for a beach holiday
We spent most of our time at the beaches. Spiaggia Grande is busy and fun for people-watching. We liked the quieter Fornillo Beach more, which is just a short walk away. The water was crystal clear and ideal for swimming. Plenty of places to rent a sunbed.
An amazing romantic trip
Positano was the perfect destination for a couple's trip. The sunsets over the water are fantastic, especially from the west side of town. We had some great seafood pasta dinners with amazing views. The whole place just lights up at night.
Chic town with beautiful shops
A really stunning place. There are so many nice boutique shops along Via dei Mulini that sell linen clothing and handmade leather sandals. It's certainly a place to splurge, but the quality is high. The whole town feels very fashionable and put-together.
Be prepared to walk!
This city is all about stairs and steep pathways, but that's a big part of the experience. Every corner you turn reveals another postcard-perfect view. Found some great little cafes tucked away from the main tourist areas. Wandering is the best thing to do.
Incredible food and views
The scenery with the colorful houses stacked up the cliff is unbelievable. We found a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea and had the best Delizia al Limone of our lives. The combination of amazing food and killer views is what makes this place so great.