Home > Europe > Italy > Best things to do in Positano

Best things to do in Positano

Are you going to Positano?! Well, that’s pretty amazing and a lot of people are gonna be jealous now! (including us haha). It’s basically one of those places where you’d say: “I will come back again”. First, let’s check the context. Let us tell you what you will see and more importantly what to expect. Positano is a very, but very small hillside/cliffside village. You will find just a few villages like this one, around the world. So, architecturally speaking, it’s a WOW! But that’s not all: the mediterranean sea is just in front!

Best time to visit?

If you enjoy hot perfect sunny days the best time to visit Positano is between June and August. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 29 C and an average low of 22 C. The coolest month of the year is January with an average daily maximum of 12 C and an average low of 8 C.

Spiaggia Beach in Positano, Italy

Pin it for later! Share it on Pinterest so your followers can enjoy this post too!

Where to stay?

Luxury Hotels

Hotel Le Agavi

Looking for one of the top 5* hotels in Positano? Welcome to Hotel Le Agavi! With its own private beach, a selection of panoramic view rooms and suites with stunning views over the sea, it’s one of the best hotels in the area.
An extra special feature of Hotel Le Agavi is its in-house funicular which runs across 11 levels of terraced rooms, all clinging to the cliff face. It’s a wonderful place for a honeymoon in Positano, especially when you take in the mesmerising views from the heated pool.

Le Sirenuse

One of the most famous hotels on the Amalfi Coast, Le Sirenuse is easily one of the best 5 star hotels in Positano. It’s moments from the beach, and is home to a champagne and oyster bar, plus a Michelin-starred restaurant. This hotel knows about elegance! The rooms are so chic, with gorgeous private balconies and incredible sea views.

Budget Hotels

Casa Fortunata

Where to stay in Positano on a budget – the million dollar question! Is there anywhere? Yes! At Casa Fortunata you can enjoy all the perks and wonders of Positano without breaking the bank. This little bed and breakfast is located a short walk away from the town centre, and offers all the basics you’d need for a holiday.

Villaverde

Another great option if you’re visiting the Amalfi Coast on a budget, Villaverde is a cute bed and breakfast close to the centre of Positano. There’s a communal terrace, where you can appreciate the stunning sea views, plus there’s a good breakfast is included in your room price.

Where to eat?

One night (or more) you should go to a nice Italian restaurant while overlooking the city. You will find a lot of places to have dinner, however, prices are going to be from high to very super high. Remember that in Positano, everything is about views, so you will pay for the luxury and for the view too. The following restaurants are more than 4.5 points in Google. Check some photos, check also comments, and then you decide:

 

    • Casa e Bottega (no views but still a good restaurant)
    • Casa Mele (no views but still a good restaurant)
    • Restaurant Mirage (view experience)
    • Ristorante Adamo ed Eva Positano (view experience)
    • Il San Pietro di Positano (full experience)

Bonus: Eat some Gelato

Don’t miss eating Italian gelato! OMG, just try it in any gelateria, all of them are amazing. Local flavors are made with lemons! Visitors of Italy also seem to overindulge in gelato, but they can’t help it! 

Things to do in Positano!

You won’t have enough memory for your camera (literally haha). Be ready to walk a lot, because, remember, everything is built on a cliff! Stairs, stairs, and more stairs. So, if you’re thinking about using a car here, forget it. You only have one main road, and, of course, limited parking places, mostly for residents. Private parking is your only option. If you are on a tight budget, we don’t recommend it.

Find a bonus track guide at the end (the best things to do in Positano in just one page, your personal cheat sheet) wink

Yellow Umbrellas in Positano Spiaggia Beach
Positano is also surrounded by nature, green and blue everywhere. On one side, the blue of the sea, and on the other side, the mountains with the green of the trees. You can walk all day long, and visit close villages here. But, remember, cliffs and stairs, take your training shoes for doing this. Not like I did, with my flip-flops. 

If your idea is to have a proper and beautiful beach day, be careful, because you will have to pay for staying on the beaches. Of course, they are not cheap. 

Ok, that’s it. No more introduction to the context. Let’s jump into what to do. 

Views to Positano Beach, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Ready to say Ciao! to these top ten places and things to do in Positano?

1. Let’s walk!

Everything is just beautiful, luxury is all around. Hotels with panoramic views, Michelin restaurants just next to the sea, private beaches, and dresses and expensive shirts everywhere. Yes, because this is a luxury place to visit, everyone is dressed high class (not us haha). 

This is one of the best things you can do there. Walking around Positano in the search of hidden places, beautiful spots for pictures and local shops will give you a chance of knowing the village (and the culture). I’m sorry to tell you this, but the only way to discover everything is on foot. Positive things, you will be tanned and also will do some exercise! Remember, it’s a very small village. From side to side, it’s all about 40 minutes walking (without stops). So, half a day of walking will be enough. The starting point will depend on where you’re staying, but we always recommend doing a circle route. You should end, where you started. Using this strategy you will be always on a new place/path.

2. Beaches

Beach day?! Be ready to spend some money here. If not, go back to our introduction text. Context is important. This is a luxury place, where rich people are everywhere. There are basically two beaches here. The main and most beautiful one is Positano Spiaggia. The alternative is Fornillo Beach. Both are private beaches, so you will have to pay to access them. Price includes a full-day deckchair, small table, and umbrella. The price is around €25 per person. 

Spiaggia beach

It is Positano’s most beautiful beach and it is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Not because of the beach itself, but because of the surroundings. Don’t expect white sand, because this is no Caribbean Sea. You don’t have sand, mostly there are black rocks, which, by the way, are very hot in summer! (rocks keep the heat inside). So don’t forget to take your sandals!

The price is around €25 per person but it also depends on which row you’re located in. The first row against the sea is more expensive of course. We were in the third row, meaning that, you have to book places a few days before!! (this is crazy, I’m just remembering my frustration there). If you are low on budget, buy some water/beer and a mortadella sandwich in the village to eat here. While on the beach, barmen will offer the menu. Take a look if you want. Although the prices are high, this is the beach we recommend to you. You can’t go to Positano, and not be on the most important beach.

Fornillo beach

Fornillo beach is the alternative here. It’s a few minutes’ walking from Spiaggia beach. It’s also a private beach (lower prices), but you will also find a very small spot considered a public beach (free). You can bring your own towel and rest on the rocks. However, this free area is very small and super crowded in the high season (June, July, August).

3. Water Sports

Photos from the water is one of the best things to do in Positano
You will find a lot of water sports options here. We really encourage people to do some kayaking at least. It’s important for your health, but also for having the best photos ever! From the water, you will be able to have the best shots of the entire village.

We didn’t risk taking our mobiles to the water, we used our GoPro 7 for this purpose. Btw, GoPro has recently released their new version of GoPro 10, you might prefer going for the newest version.  Also, for better protection, we bought a special water-resistant case and it worked like a charm.

Do you love snorkeling? Well, you need to go to Fornillo beach. There are few rocks you must go to! We used this snorkeling mask and it was the best experience of our lives. We also attached our GoPro to it.

4. Hiking: Path of the Gods

You can reach the start of the path by local bus or you can organize a transfer when you arrive in Positano. If you don’t want to go alone, there are some paid tours also. The guides are very experienced and will give you detailed information during the hike. You can find some tours here.

Be careful, the path is ending in Nocelle (a small village above Positano). It means that you will have to go back to Positano. From Nocelle there is a 1600 steps stair to go to Arienzo beach and then follow the route to Positano.

Everything is Google Maps, so check our list here. Be ready for the hiking. 

Departure point: Agerola (Bomerano bus stop) or Praiano

Arrival point: Nocelle, a hamlet above Positano

Duration: about 3 hrs

Length: 7.8 km

Difficulty: easy. The path is not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.

The Legend

name says everything. In italian“Il Sentiero degli Dei”. This hike has panoramic views from all the Amalfi Coast, including Positano of course. According to the legend, the Greek gods took this path to rescue Ulysses (Odysseus) from sirens on the Li Galli islands. If you hear any song coming from the sea, please, don’t go. They’re gonna try to sell you something. With clear skies, you will see Capri island in the distance. The path starts on Agerola or Praiano and finishes in Nocelle, a hamlet above Positano.

5. Stores to visit!

Visiting Stores to know what locals are doing in Positano

Shops are all around. This is one of the main businesses also. You’ll find very local products such as sandals, ceramics, linen, lemons! Every shop is decorated with lemons. Yep, lemons, HUGE lemons. That’s pretty amazing!

Sandals

For sandals, you can visit La Botteguccia (Via Regina Giovanna 19) and Safari (Via della Tartana 2).

Ceramics

This is one of the main products on the Amalfi Coast. They’re made of volcanic rocks, so they’re kind of unique in the world (that’s the reason for the high prices). There are several places to go. However, we were checking the Ceramica Casola store (Via Laurito, 49) and the personnel was very kind. They showed us the process of manufacturing. It’s amazing. All stores will ship your purchases anywhere in the world.

Linen

These stores are also everywhere. Do you want that white shirt or dress for seeing the sunset in the beach bar? You can visit La Bottega di Brunella (Viale Pasitea 72)

Natural Soap

Do you prefer the fresh clean smell of natural soap? You can find them made from lemon, rosemary, and olive oil. They’re amazing! You can find these products at Sapori e Profumi di Positano (Via dei Mulini, 6).

Limoncello

Last, and for us, the most important one! Limoncello! Typically all over the Amalfi Coast. Found it in Valentì Positano (Via G. Marconi, 142).

Don’t worry about taking notes about the places. Just go to our lists in Google Maps. 

6. Drinks

Stunning view plus a drink plus some tasty bites to eat. Do you like great photos? This is the place: Franco’s Bar. If you’re low on budget, just ask for beer. They will bring you popcorn so you can’t escape after checking the menu. There are several places, but this is a magical one. Well dressed is recommended. If not, just like you feel better. We just have one drink (EUR 18) and a beer (EUR 9). Total EUR 27. You’re paying not just the drinks but the view and the luxury. Before entering check if there is one empty place at least against the glass on the first row. If not, come back later. It’s the best view from there. Again, if you feel it’s too expensive then you can try other bars. 

Again, don’t worry about taking notes about the places. Just go to our lists in Google Maps. We did the job for you!

7. Visit Santa Maria Assunta

One of the most photographed places is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. This church is very antique. It was founded in the 10th century. You can also get married here 😉 All the info in the official webpage.

Take moments for your photos and videos. Every corner, stair, the beach has its own beauty. Everything is unique here. Don’t forget to see behind you, up and down. It’s a cliff, so good photos and videos will be everywhere.

 8. Boat Tour (One of the Top Rated things to do in Positano)

Taking photos of the best views is one great thing to do in Positano
Positano is for far a beautiful place, but if you have some extra days, you should definitely take a boat tour through the Amalfi Coast. Exploring the coast is a must (even by car). Boat tours are great because they are an easy and quick way to see almost all of the Amalfi Coast in just one day. The experienced sailors take you to unique places where you can even jump from the boat to swim. Don’t forget to get your bathing suit. There are plenty of these tours, so it’s difficult to choose one of them. Hopefully, this page (the one we’re using), gives you the opportunity to filter by price and days. Cool right? Check it out.

9. Rent a Scooter

One of the best things to do in Positano is renting a scooter

Scooters are the best way of moving between villages on the Amalfi Coast. Prices are relatively good enough (around EUR 40-70 per day). It’s not just a transport here, it’s a cultural thing also. And if you take Vespa it’s a dream come true. You’ll feel the wind in your face while watching the amazing routes with Seaview. Also, on a scooter, you can stop whenever you want and take photos or look at the views whenever you please. This makes it one of the top things to do in Positano. Be careful on the route! Italian drivers have crazy tactics to drive.

You can check scooters here or here.

Have a Guided Tour

If you have only one or two days to spare we really encourage you, to have a guided tour. You won’t find any free tours here. The prices are a bit expensive, but if you really are into it, if you really want to know the story, culture and secret spots by a local, you must do it, no matter the price. It’s a unique experience. You can find a lot of tours there. Check here or here.

Our Google Maps Lists!

As you might now, we always travel using the Google Maps mobile application. It means that we always create lists with all the things to do and the places to visit.

 

  • You can find our profile here (better in mobile)
  • Check the list of the most amazing places in Positano here!  

What to carry?

Every city has something different, but in general you will need the same things to carry with you. It will only change depending on the season. You will carry more clothes during winter than summer. We really encorage you to check the things that we found in Amazon. They’re pretty cool and “weird” but useful for your trip. Click here to know them.

 

Always remember to carry proper clothing, shoes, and water! We were so happy we took with us a power bank, a flask-bottle that keeps water cold (trust me, it is a life changer during hot weather), SPF cream (this one is also great).

Best spots for your photos!

We love sharing photos, videos and information of the places we go. That’s why we are using Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok for this! Check these platforms because you will learn a lot.

Bonus Guide List: Best Things to do in Positano

Check out our ultimate bucket list for the top things to do in Positano. Save it to your Pinterest for an upcoming trip or post it on your Instagram stories & check of the places you’ve been.

Bucket list and best things to do in Positano, Italy

Do you have something else to add to the post? If you have any additional tips or info for our readers or questions please leave them in the comments below. Thanks a lot! smile

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. It helps us create more content.

Want more travel inspiration? Read our newest travel guides here. Enjoyed this guide? Pin it for later! and follow us on Pinterest for more guides!

Best of Europe

Check more readings here

READ MORE ABOUT

0 Comments