Positano

Travel Guide
Positano showing a statue or sculpture and a coastal town
This colorful enclave in the hills is a maze of narrow streets and gardens renowned for its craftsmanship and beautiful facades. 

Positano is a collection of pastel colored houses clinging to the slopes of a deep ravine that leads down to the Mediterranean. The picturesque spot is set amidst gardens of oranges, lemons and bougainvillea. 

Positano is primarily a pedestrianized zone and steep sets of stairs and passages between buildings replace streets. There is only one road through the town that allows vehicle traffic. 

Meander through narrow passageways lined with stores selling locally made crafts and produce. For centuries Positano’s artisans have produced silk and linen clothing and accessories. Today their workshops continue to supply the resort’s high-end fashion boutiques that can be found on almost every street.

As you walk around observe the domes on the roofs of many of the houses. They are filled with sand that keeps buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Head for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, one of Positano’s most prominent sights. It features a majolica-tiled dome and houses a 12th century icon of the Black Madonna. 

Stretch out on the beach of Spiaggia Grande at the foot of the town. This is Positano’s main beach and it can get crowded in summer. You may find there’s more room on the quieter Fornillo Beach. This secluded cove is just beyond the watchtower, close to where the boats dock. It’s accessible by a stone staircase from the road above.

Rent a boat from the harbor and explore the coves and sea caves of Positano, or embark on a hiking trail. One of the most popular trails is the ‘Path of the Gods’, a picturesque mountain trail up to the village of Bomerano 2,083 feet (635 meters) above sea level. Walk up mountains, across a gorge, pass herds of sheep and goats, with dramatic views at every turn.

The quickest and most convenient way to get to Positano is by bus. There are frequent SITA bus services from Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi and other towns along the coast. In the spring and summer Positano is served by ferries and hydrofoil from Naples, Salerno, Amalfi and other harbors in the region.

Where to stay in Positano

Positano City Centre featuring a coastal town, general coastal views and landscape views

Positano City Centre

5/5(176 area reviews)

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Positano City Centre. A stop by Church of Santa Maria Assunta or Spiaggia Grande might round out your trip.

Positano City Centre
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Upper Positano

Upper Positano might not have many top sights, but Positano Town Hall and Fornillo Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Upper Positano
The gorgeous town of Positano on the Amalfi coast just as the sun was setting. Positano is not somewhere to go if you are afraid of a lot of walking up and down steep stairs!

Montepertuso

Montepertuso is well-liked for its gardens. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like Piazza dei Mulini and Palazzo Murat.

Montepertuso
Visited the Amalfi coast Italy today.. Absolutely beautiful...

Arienzo

5/5(5 area reviews)

Seaside views and restaurants are notable features of Arienzo. You might consider a stop by Spiaggia d'Arienzo while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Arienzo
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Fornillo

Though Fornillo might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Fornillo Beach and Positano Town Hall.

Fornillo
Laid back beach club and restaurant accessible by water taxi from positano.  Nice swimming for kids.  One of the best lunches I've ever had: mussel soup, homemade spaghetti with pesto, marinated anchovies.  And don't forget the chilled peach  wine!  Come for a great day.

Laurito

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

Beaches and restaurants are just a few things travelers like about Laurito. A stop by San Pietro is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Laurito
Hotel Posa Posa
Hotel Posa Posa
4 out of 5
Via Pasitea 165, Positano, SA
The price is ¥31,985 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
¥31,985
per night
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Positano. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (381 reviews)
"My friend and I came to Hotel Posa Posa in July 2023 and cannot recommend it enough. They arranged our transportation to and from the airport. The staff was friendly and accommodating. The location is perfec—it’s far enough from the main shopping area that makes it accessible but not overwhelming ..."

Reviewed on Jan 6, 2024

Hotel Posa Posa
Hotel Montemare
Hotel Montemare
4 out of 5
Viale Pasitea, 119, Positano, Salerno
The price is ¥54,033 per night from Apr 13 to Apr 14
¥54,033
per night
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Positano. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (188 reviews)
"The staff were absolutely wonderful and accommodating. I highly recommend this hotel"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2023

Hotel Montemare
Positano Art Hotel Pasitea
Positano Art Hotel Pasitea
4 out of 5
Via Pasitea 207, Positano, SA
The price is ¥34,641 per night from Apr 3 to Apr 4
¥34,641
per night
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Positano. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (724 reviews)
"We loved our stay here! Charming rooms with a lovely balcony and a beautiful view! The staff were very welcoming and helpful!"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Positano Art Hotel Pasitea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
La Caravella Positano Beach, Residence
La Caravella Positano Beach, Residence
Via Rampa Teglia, 23, Positano, SA
Stay at this beach residence in Positano. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Positano Ferry Landing and Corso Italia ...
7.2/10 Good! (151 reviews)
"Beautiful place close to everything and staff very friendly"

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2023

La Caravella Positano Beach, Residence
Alcione Residence
Alcione Residence
Via Cristoforo Colombo 135, Positano, SA
Stay at this residence in Positano. Enjoy free WiFi, valet parking, and in-room childcare. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (216 reviews)
"Great location and amazing view from wonderful private balcony!! Room was large, bathroom great with rain shower."

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

Alcione Residence
Positano: Apartment in a Farmhouse - Positano
Positano: Apartment in a Farmhouse - Positano
Positano
Stay at this apartment in Positano. Enjoy WiFi, a garden, and a patio. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions Spiaggia ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (82 reviews)
Manifico!
"I cannot say enough wonderful things about our lovely stay in Angela’s comfy & spacious apartment just outside Positano! She was the most wonderful hostess, and we enjoyed getting to know her during our stay! The apartment is well appointed & clean, with lovely touches such as the milk & juice in ..."

Reviewed on Nov 16, 2023

Positano: Apartment in a Farmhouse - Positano
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Positano

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
375
" "5 - Excellent 84.08071748878923%
4 - Good
56
" "4 - Good 12.556053811659194%
3 - Okay
11
" "3 - Okay 2.4663677130044843%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 0.672645739910314%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.2242152466367713%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Feb 19, 2020

Unfortunately we went off season so only two restaurants open at lunch and Teo for dinner so is hard to really appreciate but is a very beautiful City with very friendly people.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 18, 2020

Beautiful overall people are nice as well 

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 28, 2020

We went in January and while I was aware it was the off season and a lot of businesses would be closed, I was still amazed that Only 3 restaurants were open. It was super easy and cheap to take the $2.00 SITA bus To sorrento for more options though

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 25, 2020

I'll definitely visit Positano again. It is such a beautiful place

5/5 - Excellent

Carolina
Dec 30, 2019

Cannot wait to go back! People are so nice!!!! BEAUTIFUL!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 30, 2019

Stunning historic town. High point of our trip to Italy

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