Positano’s charm extends far beyond its picturesque architecture, beautiful views, and delicious restaurants to include various stunning Positano beaches. Positano is by far the most loved location along the Amalfi coast.
Its colorful buildings and towering mountains have made waves online with pictures circling and people lusting for a visit. Its prime location along the sea offers stunning seascapes and opens up the opportunity for a plethora of beaches available for visitors. Ultimately making Positano a top summer travel destination for all.
The majority of beaches in Positano and the Amalfi coast are rocky beaches. Therefore, prepare yourself for a pebbly journey to the water instead of a sandy one. The pebbles have their pros and cons. Unfortunately, they are a little bit uncomfortable barefoot, and they can get very hot, but they do make less of a mess than the sand.
Nonetheless, the beaches are stunning and every single one offers a new view and perspective and experience of the stunning coast. Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions about Positano and the best Positano beaches.
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Does Positano have a beach?
Yes! Positano does have a beach and it is called Spiaggia Grande. This is the main beach that sits at the base of the colourful village of Positano. However, as you will see there are quite a few beaches around Positano as well that are stunning and beyond enjoyable.
Is Positano Beach free?
Yes. The main beach in Positano is free to enjoy. However, the sunbeds that sit in rows on the beach do cost a fair fee to rent for a day. But there is a small free section where visitors are permitted to lay out a towel and enjoy the scenery and water without a sunbed.
Top 10 Positano Beaches
Spiaggia Grande Positano
Spiaggia Grande is the main beach in Positano and the most famous. It stretches 300 meters and has a rentable sunbed section as well as a free section. Its colorful umbrellas are a beach staple and make it ultra-recognizable from above. However, the most enduring and enticing aspect of this beach is the view! Looking away from the water you get a full view of the classic Positano houses on the hill. This view is absolutely stunning and will leave you awestruck.
This spot is very popular among Instagram influencers and travel bloggers due to the absolutely stunning views of the city. If you want the perfect photo here I suggest you get there early in the morning so there are fewer people in the background of your photos and you can take photos without interruptions.
Due to the beaches’ small size, there is only one lido to sell beach beds and umbrellas and it is called L’Incanto. Here you can purchase a sunbed and umbrella for the day for 20 euros, which I highly suggest you do. The middle of the beach is called the Spiaggia Libera, which means free beach. This is where you can lay down a towel and enjoy your beach day for free.
This beach also has showers, changing rooms, and a restaurant. The best thing about this beach is its close proximity to the city center. You need not travel to get to this beach, unlike other Positano beaches and this ease of accessibility is unmatched.
Read More: 20 Things to Do in Positano
Laurito Beach Positano
Laurito Beach is a Positano hidden gem. It is a tiny beach embedded right into the rocky cliffs along the Amalfi coast. For years locals have escaped the busy shores of the touristy Positano beaches to this stunning oasis. Despite its distance from Positano, this beach does get quite busy (it’s not such a secret anymore), therefore, arriving early is your best option for getting a good spot in the limited beach area.
The views from Laurito Beach include the vast, vivid blue waters of the infinite-looking sea. Behind the sea is another stunning view of the huge white, towering cliffs! It really is an interesting spot to experience a more authentic Italian beach with picturesque views from all directions.
You can get here by boat from Positano or by taking some very steep steps down the mountain. Out of the two options, the safest, and easiest way to get here is by boat. The smartest way to do this is by booking a meal reservation at the seafood shack on the beach called Da Adolfo. With a reservation, you receive a boat ride to and from the island which is included in the price of your meal. The shuttle departs every half hour right from the main dock in Positano.
Fornillo Beach Positano
Fornillo beach is a quick walk from the main village of Positano. The walk is on a very romantic coastal path away and it is worth every step. The neighbourhood of Fornillo is much quieter than Positano and only a short 15-minute walk away. Fornillo offers an off-the-beaten-path feel without having to travel a far distance.
This beach is significantly less touristy and feels like an authentic Mediterranean beach. The water is crystal clear, there are beach clubs that rent towels and chairs, multiple restaurants, clean bathrooms, and an amazing atmosphere.
Fornillo is great for sitting back with a cold drink, a nice snack, and watching the people and distance boating activities. If you are craving an escape from the tourism swarm in Positano and want to spend a few hours relaxing in paradise this is a great option!
Arienzo Beach Club Positano
Arienzo Beach is one of the top-rated beaches among visitors. Like most beaches, there is both a free section and a section with paid sun-beds. It’s a little ways from Positano but easily reachable by a boat from the main port in Positano. The boat ride is quite short and also gives you an amazing view of the whole village of Positano.
Contacting the beach club beforehand to reserve sun-beds is the best option. They are 20 euros each and 100% worth the money. If you have reserved a sun-bed arrival is very smooth, and you don’t have to rush to get there before the free spots fill up. Once at your chairs, you can order smoothies or cocktails for around 8 euros each. There is also a restaurant on this beach and the food is delicious. When you reserve your sun-bed I suggest you also reserve a table at the restaurant.
This beach is a rocky beach and the rocks get shockingly hot. Make sure you wear flip-flops or sandals so your feet don’t burn. More so, the seawater here is beautiful and there is even a little dock for people to sit and chill on. The beautiful beach and towering mountains are great for taking photos too!
Arienzo Beach Club offers an exceptional experience for all kinds of travelers and offers the perfect spot for relaxing in the Italian sun. Also, due to its location, it gets the most sun out of all other Positano beaches! If you want to maximize your sunshine hours, this is optimal.
La Porta Beach Positano
La Porta is a beach that is both long and wide. Meaning there is a plethora of space for people to lay out in the sun and enjoy a beach day. In addition, this beach is only accessible by boat, therefore it is never crowded. Ferry departing from the Positano marina will bring you here with no problems.
The beach is pebbly – like most in this area – and is surrounded by white rocks and blue waters. It’s a lovely spot to swim and relax in a spacious setting. There are no sunbeds here so make sure you bring towels and accessories to make the beach comfortable for you.
Fiumicello Beach Positano
Fiumicello beach is a lovely beach that is quite the distance from Positano that offers tons of space and an amazing beach day experience. It’s almost hidden far from the main bustle of Positano and is the perfect beach for families.
You can get here by boat or car, but a boat is the best way to get here. Since it takes 3 hours to get here, arriving by boat is the most enjoyable because you can view the whole coast along the way. If you are craving some time away from the craziness in Positano the far distance and secluded nature are perfect.
Furore Di Fiordo
Furore Di Fiordo is located under the highway between Amalfi and Positano. It is not within walking distance of Positano and requires you to drive or take the bus to get here. However, this stunning and unique beach is well worth the journey.
This is the perfect secluded beach that offers a more private beach experience and some of the most stunning surroundings in Southern Italy. The beach can be reached by descending the cliffside stairs from the highway down into the swimming area. The beach itself is quite small, which leads to a more intimate beach day experience and the views from your beach towel are unmatched.
In the warmer months, you can enjoy swimming in the vivid blue waters here or hiking and admiring this unique rocky area. In the colder months, you can walk around and enjoy the stunning views.
Marina di Praia Beach
Marina di Praia beach is a beach fit into a small cove along the Amalfi Coast. Spending a beach day here offers a unique and intimate experience where you will enjoy the small rocky shore with locals and tourists alike. The water is clear and blue and there are sunbeds for rent along the shore.
Fiordo di Crapolla
Fiordo di Crapolla is located 30 minutes from Positano but this distance means fewer people and a more authentic beach day experience. It lies at the base of a cliff and is lined by white rock walls. This beach is a challenging one to get to, as you need to take a path down the side of the cliff to access it. Fiordo di Crapolla is a secluded and private oasis that offers beauty and intimacy. It can be quite difficult to find this beach so be prepared to search.
Torre di Clavel Beach
Torre Di Clavel is a charming beach that is beside the remains of a 16th-century watchtower. The tower is in pretty good condition considering its age, and it even has a staircase! This provides a very unique beach backdrop you won’t find anywhere else.
This secluded cove always has boats nearby wanting to see the beautiful surroundings. There is even a small area of the beach that sells umbrellas and chairs. If you are looking for another picturesque beach, this is a top option.
Marina di Tordigliano Beach
This is one of the largest Positano beaches located just 4k from Positano. It is 350 meters wide and is relatively untouched by humans. Nothing has been done to alter this beach and everything is in its natural state. It is also never crowded, mainly due to it being pretty hard to access.
You either have to go down (and back up) 170 vertical meters from the road or hire a boat to bring you in. But once you get to the beach it is worth it. The atmosphere is relaxing and the surrounding area is stunning.
Beaches by Boat
Having your own private beach all to yourself is also an option. With this option, you will have to put in some work. This means renting a small boat to sail along the coast and looking along the shores for areas where you can lay out in the sun.
Discovering your own private beach by boat is a fun adventure. If you can’t find a spot to layout, just jump off the boat into the blue waters and enjoy the wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.
When to Visit Positano
The best time to visit Positano depends on your preferences and what you want to do during your trip. Here are some things to consider:
- High season: The high season in Positano is from June to August. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches are busy. However, the prices are also higher, and there are more tourists.
- Shoulder season: The shoulder season in Positano is from April to May and September to October. The weather is still warm, but the crowds are smaller, and the prices are lower. This is a good time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities.
- Low season: The low season in Positano is from November to March. The weather is cooler, and some hotels and restaurants may be closed. However, this is a good time to visit if you want to experience the town’s authentic charm, enjoy the quieter beaches, and explore the nearby hiking trails.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Positano depends on your preferences and what you want to do during your trip. Keep in mind that the peak season can be crowded and more expensive, while the low season may have limited options for accommodations and activities.
Positano Beach Day Tips
- Arrive early: Positano beaches can get crowded during peak season, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a good spot. You can also enjoy the cooler morning temperatures and take advantage of the early morning light for photography.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat: The sun can be quite strong in Positano, even in the early morning hours. It’s important to protect your skin with sunscreen and a hat, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time on the beach.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Positano’s beaches are pebbly, so wearing comfortable shoes is essential. Sandals or flip-flops are good options for the beach, but you might want to consider wearing comfortable sneakers if you plan on exploring the town or hiking the nearby trails.
- Rent a beach chair and umbrella: Most of the beaches in Positano offer beach chairs and umbrellas for rent. It’s a good idea to rent them, especially if you plan on staying on the beach for a while. You can also find restaurants and bars nearby where you can grab a bite to eat and a refreshing drink.
- Bring a towel and a beach bag: It’s a good idea to bring your own towel and beach bag, as well as any other essentials you might need, such as water, snacks, and a good book.
- Take a dip in the sea: The waters off the coast of Positano are crystal clear and perfect for swimming. Take a dip in the sea to cool off and enjoy the stunning views of the coastline.
- Stay hydrated: It’s important to stay hydrated, especially in the hot sun. Make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
Where to Stay in Positano
Discover the best hotels in Positano:
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Best Tours in Positano
Evidently, Positano is more than just beautiful buildings and tasty pizza. It is surrounded by stunning beaches that will blow you away. These Positano beaches all offer something different that will make your Italian getaway something to remember.
If you are heading to other magical places in Italy like Cinque Terre, be sure to know where the best Cinque Terre beaches are!
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