22 Best Things to do in Positano
As the most famous and visited place along the Amalfi coast, there is no shortage of things to do in Positano, Italy.
It is located right along the Tyrrhenian Sea and is the perfect travel destination for anyone who loves unique architecture, breathtaking views, warm sun, and Italian cuisine.
The village of Positano is full of colorful houses, tiny streets lined with cute shops, delicious restaurants, and beautiful hotels. Beyond its famous views and picturesque buildings, Positano holds many other things to do ranging from viewing the Santa Maria Assunta to relaxing on Spiaggia Grande Beach to wonderful day trips to neighboring cities.
The beauty and magic of Positano is something you won’t truly realize until you see it for yourself. Without question, Positano is one of the most beautiful places in Italy and one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe, if not the whole world!
Positano is an especially great spot for any type of romantic celebration, be it a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday. However, your visit does not have to be romantic in nature! It is stunning and enjoyable for all regardless of your motivation for visiting.
This post covers all the best things to do in Positano to make your visit as amazing as it can be!
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22 Best Things to do in Positano
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In This Post
Wander the Streets
Walking around Positano and finding hidden alleys, stunning viewpoints, and cute shops are one of the best things to do in Positano. In fact, the best way to see Positano is on foot and Positano is actually quite small, therefore you can explore almost all of the village and its beauty in just a few short hours!
There are no set instructions on where you should walk, just go where your eyes take you. You can’t really go wrong wandering the streets of this beautiful Italian village.
While wandering the streets you must take a few moments to take everything in. It’s easy to get caught up in constantly moving to the next beautiful sight but when you see something that catches your eye just take a moment, snap a few photos, and admire the beauty.
This is also the perfect time to find places to take some amazing photos if you are really into photography or are a blogger.
It is also one of the best places to visit on a European girls trip!
Tips:
- Walk around the whole village – there is something to see from every angle and height that will blow your mind.
- Be mindful. People do live here and some of the beautiful buildings are people’s homes, so don’t go exploring in places that are private or have do not enter signs.
Relax on Spiaggia Grande Beach
Positano holds some of the most iconic and beautiful beaches in the world. Heading to the beach and sunbathing amongst all the beauty this village holds is a must and one of the most popular things to do in Positano.
The Spiaggia Grande Beach is Positano’s most famous beach with a view of the blue Sea in front of you and the colourful buildings behind it.
At this beach, you can rent a chair for just 10€ to relax in comfort or bring your own towel and layout in the free area of the beach. However, the free area is very small and quite crowded in the summer months. Therefore, renting a chair is encouraged and will make this one of your favourite things to do in Positano.
Positano’s main beach can get quite busy in the summer months. During the peak months of June, July, and August Positano is flooded with tourists and the beach is one of the main places they like to visit.
If you are looking for a lovely beach experience without the crowds I suggest you head to Fornillo Spiaggia, which is only a 10-minute walk from Positano.
Tips:
- The beach terrain here is extremely hot! Make sure you have good beach shoes so you don’t burn your feet. Since the beach is made from black stones they heat up very quickly and hold heat.
- There is a tiny area where you can layout for free on this beach – but I highly suggest getting a sunbed for comfort and to enjoy the day to its fullest.
Read More: Top 10 Positano Beaches
Go Shopping
If you love to shop or are looking for the perfect souvenir from your travels, then the Positano shopping area is the place for you. Located right in the center of Positano, there are a bunch of cute little shops and boutiques to wander into and go shopping in – it is easily one of the best things to do in Positano.
Here you will find cute clothing, postcards, bags, and almost anything lemon-scented and flavour you could think of. Lemon is the flavour of Positano and the Amalfi Coast and you can find everything from lemon alcohol to lemon soap to lemon candy! A lemon-based item is a great option for a souvenir or gift to bring back home.
Tips:
- Some stores are hidden into the buildings – just peek your head in and make sure it’s a store before entering.
- If you forgot something for your travels this is a great place to pick it up – or if you forget a beach towel/sunscreen before your beach day.
- If you are travelling to other cities along the Amalfi Coast I suggest you wait and pick up souvenirs from there, Positano is one of the most expensive cities and you will pay a premium. Here is a list of 8 other beautiful Amalfi Coast Towns.
Hike the Path of The Gods
If you want to see some amazing scenery and one of the best views of Positano then you must hike the Path of The Gods. Whether or not you’re a fan of hiking, the views from this hike will convert even the most negative of hikers.
On the whole hike journey and from the main vantage point, this hike will give you some of the most breathtaking views of the Sealine and the mountains the Amalfi Coast has to offer. Although this hike is hard, the views make it one of the best things to do in Positano.
The hiking path has been carved into the earth over the years, which has made it increasingly easy to follow and navigate. More and more tourists are flocking to this hike as photos are emerging of the magical views it provides. This has resulted in more people seeking their own opportunity to admire the view.
Tips:
- The best way to do this hike is to start from Agerola (Bomerano bus stop) and walk towards Nocelle. This offers panoramic views of the coast
- However, it’s best to ask about buses and the path to take when you arrive. This is because there may be seasonal changes to bus times and routes depending on when you visit
- The hike takes approximately 3 hours (depending on how often you stop for photos) and is 4.8 miles. If you have limited time in Positano make sure you budget your time wisely!
Take a Day Trip
One of the best parts of Positano and the Amalfi Coast is the relative closeness of all the other villages along with it. As a result, making a day trip to one of the neighbouring villages is easy and one of the top things to do in Positano!
I highly suggest taking a day trip to another location as all the villages along the coast are quite different and offer something unique to their visitors.
There are a ton of stunning little towns and villages that sit along the famous Amalfi Coast. For a rundown on the 8 most beautiful Amalfi Coast towns check out this post.
Whether you prefer a popular and touristy city, or an off-the-beaten-track village, there is an Amalfi Coast town for you! Below is a quick rundown on some of the most popular day trips from Positano.
To Sorrento
Sorrento is located on the opposite side of the coast from Positano and you can either take a bus or a ferry to get there. Warning: If you get motion sickness or are afraid of heights, I do not recommend you take the bus! It is quite scary and has lots of sharp turns around the edges of the high mountains.
Nonetheless, I LOVED Sorrento! It was very unique and there were a lot fewer people there compared to Positano. I really enjoyed the Piazza Tazzo, which is the town’s main square and the streets lined with cute shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Further walking around Sorrento you will find fresh markets, tons of gelato shops and souvenir shops. There are also some places to swim here, but Sorrento is a bit bigger than Positano and you may need to spend your time wisely exploring the city instead of swimming.
Read More: Best Things to do in Sorrento
To Capri
This island of Capri is almost like stepping into a new world. There are heaps of huge Yachts circling the island, celebrities’ summer homes situated on the steep mountains and shops I can only one daydream to afford.
All the houses and shops are built into the towering mountain offering a very unique look from afar and while on the island.
To get here you can take the ferry from Positano which takes about 30 minutes – but be sure to book your tickets before you arrive so you don’t have to wait in line.
Once you arrive you can stroll the stunning streets, window shop the high-end stores, or have a glass of wine overlooking the Sea.
To Amalfi
The ride to Amalfi is either a bus or ferry. The bus can get packed in the summer months and just like the ride to Sorrento, the twists and turns can make you quite uneasy.
Despite the slight price difference of the ferry, I would recommend it for your comfort. Despite the ride to get there, Amalfi is another beautiful city to wander around.
There is a pier that offers stunning views of the buildings embedded into the mountains, tons of cute restaurants and a plethora of boutiques. It is a little bigger than Positano so be sure to plan a few things before going to optimize your time.
To Ravello
Just up the hill from Amalfi is the charming village of Ravello, accessible by bus from Amalfi. Ravello is a lovely village to roam around and soak in the beauty of Italy.
Head to Villa Cimbrone, a 5-star hotel to catch a stunning view from the infinity terrace. Ravello is a great place to unwind and grab some lunch on your Amalfi day trip journey.
To Procida
Procida is an undiscovered gem just off the Amalfi Coast. It is the perfect place to escape to for a more authentic and much less touristy Italy experience.
This hidden gem has yet to blow up and remains with very few tourists. A visit here offers a unique and beautiful Amalfi Coast experience you will surely not forget.
To Pompeii
If you are interested in ancient Roman ruins and amazing sites then a visit to Pompeii is the day trip for you! It is located the furthest distance from Positano but is definitely worth the visit.
Here you will find the ruins of a city that were demolished by a volcano back in the day. It is a very interesting place to visit near Positano that is quite different from all the others.
Visit Santa Maria Assunta
The Santa Maria Assunta is a church in Positano and one of the most photographed sites in the village. The famous church is dome-shaped and topped with colourful majolica tiles making it a stunning sight to see.
Founded in the second half of the 10th century, this church is very historic and holds quite the importance within the village. Therefore, spending some time admiring the church is one of the top things to do in Positano.
Tips:
- If you are into art, this is one of the top painted buildings in Positano, therefore, bringing home a painting of this standout city landmark would be a great souvenir.
- Take some photos of this church to share as this is considered the centrepiece of Positano and should not be ignored or forgotten.
Relax at Arienzo Beach Club
Arienzo is another beach along the coast that is great for laying out and relaxing. It is a bit further from the main beach and has both private and public areas.
This beach is located just beside the main beach in Positano but has an air of sophistication and exclusivity to it, making a visit here one of the top things to do in Positano.
To rent a sunbed here the costs are significantly higher than that of the main beach. However, you will get a more private beach day experience and the whole club looks amazing!
Tips:
- At this beach club, it is mandatory that you rent a sunbed and an umbrella. With the sunbed, you get comfort as well as drink service.
- Make a reservation beforehand to avoid missing out on a sunbed.
- Be wary of taking photos here. It is a higher-class beach club and many people don’t want to be in any photographs.
Stroll the Streets at Night
When the sun sets in Positano the magical vibe of the village is only amplified. Hundreds of lights ignite the mountain and the sea breeze cools you off after a long day in the sun.
After sunset is by far the best time of day in Positano as this is when the tourists on day trips to Positano are gone and the locals come out. Walking the quiet streets after hours is something you will never forget and one of the best things to do in Positano.
Head to both the beach and up the hill to get a view of the village lights from all different angles. Bring your camera and snap some postcard-worthy photos, and then put your camera away and just enjoy the magic of Positano.
If you want to see the lights of Positano at night from a distance you can also consider going on an evening boat ride. There are plenty of boat companies that will take you a short distance out into the water so you can admire the city lights from afar.
This is a very magical experience and one you should surely consider. Especially if you are on a romantic getaway as it is one of the more popular things to do in Positano for couples.
Tips:
- Walk up from the beach and away from the buildings to get one of the far-away views of the building lights.
- Cameras don’t do the city lights justice – some things are just best as memories.
Visit a Nightclub
If you are looking for something more to do during the night rather than walking the streets, then a visit to Music on the Rocks is a must. This is a super unique nightclub that is built inside a cliff! How cool is that?!
This is the only club in Positano – in fact, it is the only club for miles – therefore it is a very popular nighttime destination. Due to its location being carved into the mountain, you can actually hear the waves below you as you dance the night away listening to great music.
What makes this club more special is that even the interior looks like a cave! This club offers a unique nightlife experience you will not find elsewhere and a visit here is one of the best things to do in Positano at night.
Tips:
- Music on the Rocks often has famous DJs performing at it – check out who is playing when your visiting in order to secure a ticket.
- As this is the only club for miles be sure to arrive before the crowd to make sure you gain entry.
Visit an Art Gallery
When walking around Positano you may notice that there are quite a few art galleries, many of which display paintings of Positano itself! Based on how stunning Positano is, there is no question as to why people are so inclined to paint this beauty.
Exploring the art galleries is a nice way to escape the sun for a bit while soaking in some Italian culture. As a result of the art being primarily inspired by the views around Positano, all the pieces are absolutely amazing!
There are such talented local artists who capture the beauty of the village perfectly. Roaming and admiring this art is surely one of the best things to do in Positano.
Tips:
- Picking one of the paintings from an art gallery is a great option for a souvenir! Purchase one for your home to keep the memory of Positano alive.
- As mentioned, Positano gets extremely hot in the summer. Escaping the heat to admire the art within an exhibit is the perfect way to avoid a sunburn or heat stroke.
Make Limoncello
The absolute best thing to do in Positano is to make your own limoncello! This is a super unique activity that only takes up a few hours but will give you a full insight into the limoncello-making process and more.
The best place to go for this in Positano is Valenti Positano. There are a few different tour options ranging from just learning how to make limoncello (and drinking it of course) to also tasting the different homemade spreads, olive oils and more.
The tour is run by locals who will give you detailed information on the entire process, and let you do some of the steps as well. This is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture that is Positano. Plus, the view from the deck is one of the best in the city and makes the experience even better!
Tips:
- Book in advance to ensure you can get in and do your tour.
- Bring your camera because the tour and view are something you will want to capture to remember forever.
Enjoy a Drink with a View
There is nothing better than enjoying a nice drink, some bites to eat and looking at a stunning view. Going for a drink with a view is one of the best things to do in Positano that is beyond magical.
There are quite a few nice restaurants/bars that have amazing views of the city. One of the best in Positano is Franco’s Bar – it not only has a breathtaking view but also delicious cocktails, yummy snacks, and great music. The vibe in this bar is amazing.
Tips:
- Head here when the sun is setting. During this time of day, it’s not as hot and watching the sunset while enjoying a drink is euphoric.
- I noticed people dressed a little bit fancy here – I’d suggest you wear something nice to this bar and clean yourself up a bit before going.
- Be prepared to find prices that take in the magical view. The better the view the higher the costs.
Fine Dine at Zass
Positano is not a cheap place to visit. In fact, most prices here are inflated due to the people and the popularity of it as a travel destination. So when you visit you should try to save up some extra money so you can splurge and have the full Positano experience.
As you may have realized by now, the view in Positano is one of the best things about it. What I have yet to talk about is the food, and in Positano the combination of a stunning view and authentic Italian food is unbeatable.
One night (or more) you should go to a nice Italian restaurant while overlooking the city. An amazing option for this is Zass, which is one of the best restaurants in Positano with also one of the best views!
The aim of Zass is to create a unique food experience using ingredients fresh from the local garden. Going out for an amazing Italian meal is one of the best things to do in Positano.
Tips:
- Reserve a table well before your visit! As one of the best restaurants in the village, it is always full and getting a table can be difficult the closer you get to the date.
- Go here for dinner – lunch is still amazing but dinner with the city lights in the background is very romantic and otherworldly.
Go on a Boat Tour
Positano may be one of the most beautiful places you’ve ever been to, but that doesn’t mean you should spend all your time there. Exploring all of the Amalfi Coast and seeing its beauty in its entirety is a must. One of the best ways to do this is with a boat tour! The boat tours bring you along the coastline to show you the huge mountains, various grottos, and other villages.
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 boat tour also brings you to unique places and the boat driver can give you interesting facts/info that are super interesting.
If you have limited time and want to see more of this magical region then embarking on a boat tour is one of the best things to do in Positano.
Tips:
- Book your tickets beforehand.
- Bring your bathing suit. When I went on my boat tour it was boiling outside so when the tour guide let us jump off the boat in random areas it was a welcome relief. Also, swimming in the middle of the blue waters was both terrifying and exhilarating.
- Check out these tours below!
Take Photos of the View
Taking photos of the beauty of Positano is by far one of the best things to do in Positano. If you know me you know I LOVE taking photos! I love being creative with my photos and having the ability to share my experience with others through images.
Positano was like heaven to me, all the stunning views and different angles were more than I could handle.
Taking some time to walk around with the purpose of taking photos is a must. This way you won’t feel rushed and you may also stumble upon some unique areas without trying.
Tips:
- During high season there are a ton of people exploring Positano as well as taking photos, therefore getting shots with people in the background is almost guaranteed. Try heading to some offbeat areas to avoid people.
- Head out in the very early morning to snap some photos while no one is around to get in your way.
- If you are in a popular photo spot be quick with your shot. There’s nothing worse than a line of people waiting for one person to get the “perfect shot”.
Take Photos WITH The View
If you like taking photos of yourself then Positano will be a dream! It is one of the most photogenic cities in the world and capturing stunning photos for memories or sharing online is a must. Simply walk around Positano and find the best spots and get snapping.
Try Limoncello
For those who don’t know, limoncello is an alcoholic beverage made from lemon skins that are soaked in alcohol for weeks. This is then mixed with sugar to make it sweeter. It is a traditional digestive in Southern Italy and is usually served after your meal.
To get the full Italian experience be sure to ask for some limoncello after one of your meals in Positano and decide for yourself if it’s a good digestive.
If you are a fan of the lemon flavour, you don’t have to stop with limoncello. There are tons of different lemon-flavoured foods and items for you to try. Trying local foods and drinks is one of the best things to do in Positano to immerse yourself in the wonderful culture.
Tips:
- Sip on it slowly, don’t shoot it down like a shot.
- If you aren’t much of an alcohol drinker but want to be included in the Italian experience, I suggest you go for some lemon gelato after your meal.
Rent a Scooter
Renting a scooter in Positano will make you feel like you are in a movie. The wind in your hair and the view of the colorful buildings and the sea beside you can almost make you feel infinite. They are really easy to ride and finding parking is simple.
It’s a really good idea to rent a scooter if you want to go to a nearby city without taking a bus with all the people. 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.
Tips:
- Be careful – The streets are very windy and have lots of turns – although the views are beautiful, you must be sure you keep your eyes on the road.
- Wear helmets – the Italian drivers along the coast are a little crazy with their tactics and I never want anyone to get hurt.
- If you are not a comfortable driver don’t rent a scooter. There are a ton of buses that can bring you around the coast that will allow you to focus on the views and not the road.
Drink Wine on the Beach
No beach day is complete without a nice drink in your hand, and while in Italy do as the Italians do! That means having a nice glass of Italian wine. Who doesn’t like wine? And enjoying a glass of Italian wine while in Italy is a dream come true!
When you get a sun-bed on the beach you are then able to order drinks and food from one of the beach boys. Please take advantage of this and treat yourself to the ultimate relaxing beach day. Wine and the beach are two of the best things to do in Positano combined!
Tips:
- This is a personal preference and not everyone will agree but: ask for ice in your wine. In the summer months, Positano is boiling, and if you want your wine to stay chilled ask for some ice!
- Splurge a little here – we know Positano is not cheap and drink service on the beach can cost some money, but it is a great experience.
Eat some Gelato
Visitors to Italy also seem to overindulge in gelato, but they can’t help it! Gelato in Italy tastes different and much better than regular ice cream. As a result, stopping for gelato (or two a day) is encouraged. It is also one of the best things to do in Positano.
I have also found that it’s a great way to cool down if you start overheating (at least that’s the excuse I use). Be sure to taste some of the unique local flavours so you can experience more of the Italian traditions for yourself.
Go Swimming
Although the sun-beds are comfortable and sunbathing is relaxing, the best part about the beach is the water. Swimming in the Positano waters is amazing! The seawater is at the perfect temperature and the views are just perfect.
Swimming around and looking back at the picturesque village of Positano is something you will never forget, it almost feels like a fairytale! There is no question as to why swimming is one of the best things to do in Positano.
Tips:
- The water gets deep fairly quickly, so if you are not a strong swimmer be wary of this.
- The beach in Positano is a pebbly beach and not a sandy beach. You may want to wear some type of shoes or foot protection when on the beach or swimming as I found the pebbles hurt my feet a little when walking into the water.
- If you want an iconic photo in the water try to head to the beach in the early morning when fewer people are around.
Enjoy the Views
The final, and one of the best things to do in Positano, is to simply enjoy the views. Honestly, I could stare at the village buildings of Positano all day if I had time to, and I honestly don’t think I would ever get sick of it.
Finding an area in the village you like, scoping out a place to sit, and just taking in all of Positano is a must. It is an exceptional travel destination and looks even better in real life!
Tips:
- Head up from the beach as up the mountain there are benches along the road for people to sit on and view the city, heading here is a great start to enjoy the views
- If you have the money or want to splurge one night, getting a hotel with a patio overlooking Positano will give a private, and romantic view of the city. If you are visiting for love, consider looking into this
Best time to visit Positano
As we all know Positano is beautiful, and that means everyone wants to visit. Year-round it is a popular travel destination, with obvious spikes in the summer months (June, July, and August). When you should plan your visit really depends on your travel desires.
- Summer months (on–season) – The summer months are very busy. If you hate crowds and tons of tourists, then I suggest you visit Positano during the offseason. But, the summer months are when the city and the whole Amalfi Coast come alive: meaning everything is open and easily accessible. If you want to see Positano in all its glory then this is the time for you!
- Fall-winter-spring (off-season) – The other seasons are not as busy as summer, therefore, there are fewer people and everything is cheaper. On the other hand, getting to the coast is more difficult as almost all the tours have packed up and aren’t running during the offseason – arranging transportation in alternative ways to Positano should be considered during this time. Also, beware that not as much stuff will be open. However, if you just want to see the beautiful views for a lower cost then this is the time for you!
Each season comes with its pros and cons, use your travel criteria to decide when is best for you! However, there is more you need to take into account when planning your trip to Italy other than the seasons!
Where to Stay in Positano
Positano has some amazing hotels with awe-inducing views, but these come at a price. Staying at a fancy hotel tends to be one of the top things to do in Positano to enjoy a trip of luxury. Check out this post for a complete list of the best places to stay in Positano!
Nonetheless, there are other hotels in the city that are great budget-friendly options with a stunning view just a short walk away. I book all my accommodations through booking.com – so feel free to use this map below and use the zoom buttons to find accommodation that fits your price range.
Booking.comTips for Visiting Positano
Here are some tips to follow for anyone visiting Positano:
- Positano is an extremely popular tourist destination and in the summer months, this is extremely evident. If you want to enjoy this coastal gem with fewer people visit in the offseason.
- The beach in Positano is a rocky beach. The rocks are a little painful on the feel and get extremely hot in the summer so be sure to pack water shoes.
- Positano is quite an expensive village in Italy. You will find the hotels, restaurants, and attractions are costly so be sure to plan this into your budget.
- Positano is a very hilly city so if you have mobility issues it may be difficult for you to get around.
- Most of the nice restaurants require reservations in order to have a seat for dinner. It is important to search for the restaurants you want to eat at =beforehand and try to get a seat with a view. Since eating at nice restaurants are one of the top things to do in Positano they get super full.
How to get to Positano
the one downside of visiting Positano is that it is a little bit difficult to get to. But fear not, there are plenty of ways to make it to this stunning Amalfi Coast Town.
- By Car: The quickest but most expensive way to get to Positano is by car. The closest airport to Positano is the one in Naples. From here you can take a car directly to Positano which will cost upwards of 60€ – 80€ and takes around 1 hour.
- Rent a car: Renting a car is not only a great way to get to Positano but also to get around to other cities along the Amalfi Coast.
- By Ferry: There are two ways in which you can take a ferry to Positano. One is by going to the port in Naples and taking the Ferry from Naples to Sorrento and onwards to Positano. This costs around 20€ and takes around 45 minutes. The other option is taking the ferry from Salerno to Positano which costs around 15€ and takes around 35 minutes.
- By Bus: Bus is one of the cheapest ways to get to Positano and is used after arriving at a nearby city by train. After arriving in either Sorrento or Salerno you can take the public transport bus and take it until you arrive in Positano.
Travel Insurance
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I’m sure after reading this you are dying to head to Positano! There is just so much to do and so much to see. It truly is a magical destination. There are so many amazing things to do in Positano that will have you falling in love with all the possibilities.
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Love,
SSW
