Positano, Italy: Ultimate Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Ciao, and welcome to the Positano travel guide I wish I had before visiting for the first time! 

Let me give it to you straight. Positano is outrageously expensive. Packed with tourists. (Yes, even in the so-called “quiet” months.) And the stairs? They’re endless. 

But, it’s also one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. And there’s nothing like waking up in Positano, wrapping yourself in a fluffy robe, and sipping coffee on your balcony overlooking the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. Truly.

If you plan wisely – and know exactly what you’re getting yourself into – Positano is worth adding to your Amalfi Coast itinerary.

Between boat rides along the coast, sunset cocktails on rooftops, beautiful black-sand beaches, cooking classes, and lemon-covered everything, this town is magic.

After a few different trips, I’ve figured out what’s worth the splurge, what to skip, which rookie mistakes to avoid, and all the must-know tips!

In my Positano travel guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Positano, where to stay, how to get there, and my favorite day trips. And of course, I’ve included the best restaurants in Positano. Because if you’re going to pay €35 for a plate of pasta, it better be good…

I made this handy Positano map just for you! To save it in your Google Maps app and use it as you explore!

• Click the star (in the heading) to save this map to your Google account.
• Open your Google Maps app, select “Saved” and go to “Maps.” Find the Positano map listed there.
• Click the tab in the top left corner to see my pinned locations and turn on/off map layers.

How Many Days to Stay in Positano

Sure, you can visit Positano on a day trip from Sorrento. Many do! But you’ll spend a lot of time elbowing through crowds and watching the clock.

I recommend staying in Positano for 2-3 nights so you can experience quiet mornings and romantic evenings, without the ferry loads of day-trippers! [Big siiiiigh of relief goes here.]

Plus, you’ll have time to tick off all the best things to do in Positano – including relaxing at the beach, hiking the Path of the Gods, learning to make Amalfitana cuisine, and taking a day trip to Capri.

🌶 ITINERARY IDEA: If you’re planning to explore other Amalfi Coast towns, split up your time! To me, the perfect Amalfi Coast itinerary includes 3 nights in Positano and 3-4 nights in Amalfi (or Atrani).

Where to Stay in Positano

Listen up, amici. Where you stay in terraced, vertical Positano matters. A lot.

You might think you’ve scored a deal on a mid-range hotel in Positano. Until you’re drenched in sweat, hiking for 45 minutes from the beach to your room in the hills of Montepertuso.

🗺 MADDY’S PRO TIP: Before booking, plug the hotel’s address into Google Maps. Check how long it takes to walk from the port and main beach up to your accommodation. And don’t just look at distance – check for elevation gain, too!

🇮🇹 WHEN TO BOOK: To score a room with a view (at a semi-reasonable price), I recommend booking 6 to 12 months in advance, especially if you’re visiting between June and September.

Best Hotels in Positano

Not sure where to stay in Positano? Here’s my curated list of well-located, top-reviewed hotels in every price range!

Luxury

• Il San Pietro di Positano: Tucked into the cliffs just outside town, this ultra-luxurious hotel features a private beach, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and some of the best views ever.
• Le Sirenuse: Positano’s most iconic hotel. If you’re in honeymoon or bucket list mode, and only the best will do, this is the one. Old-world charm, dazzling views, unmatched service. 

Mid-Range

• Casa Buonocore: Intimate, stylish, and surprisingly peaceful for its perfect location – just an 8-minute walk through town to the beach. The views aren’t the best, though!
• Hotel Bougainville: Clean, central, and charming, without the crazy splurge.

🍋 WHERE I STAY: I like to stay at the 4-star Hotel Conca d’Oro and highly recommend it! The location is manageable; just a 15-minute walk from Spiaggia di Positano and an easy incline. The views are stunning. And the cocktail bar, fine-dining restaurant, and complimentary breakfast are lovely. If you can snag a sea view room here, do it!

Budget-Friendly

• Venus Inn B&B: Located on the Fornillo Beach side of Positano, this sweet B&B offers great value, sea views, and a friendly vibe. Simple but solid.
• Villa Palumbo: Kind staff, clean, mountain views, and a great location. It’s basic, but the price is right (for Positano, anyway).

Ferry (Scenic, Easy, Weather-Dependent)

Between April and October, ferries run between Positano and Naples, Sorrento, Salerno, Capri, Ischia, and other Amalfi Coast towns (including Amalfi, Cetara, Maiori, Minori, and Vietri sul Mare).

Taking the ferry is the most scenic option. I love sitting on the top deck (sunhat and breezy linen clothes on!), staring up at the cliffs and pastel-colored buildings as they come into view.

Click here to check ferry timetables and book tickets.

⚠️ MADDY’S PRO TIP: Ferries are weather-dependent. If there are high winds or rough seas, your ferry could be cancelled. Always check the schedule (and your email inbox!) before you hail your taxi to the ferry port! I recommend booking your ferries through this website. Whenever my trips have been cancelled, I’ve been refunded instantly.

Best Things to Do in Positano

First of all, don’t overplan! In Positano, slow mornings, long lunches, afternoon swims, and Aperol spritzes are the itinerary.

That said, there are a few things I always make time for – from cultural gems to splurge-worthy experiences. Here are the best things to do in Positano.

Take a Boat Trip Along the Amalfi Coast

If you only do one thing in Positano, make it a private boat trip along the Amalfi Coast.

Having the boat to yourselves – sipping chilled Prosecco, pulling into hidden coves, setting your own pace – is, simply, the best. It’s also the ultimate escape from the crowds! Just you, the sea breeze, cliffside views, and total relaxation.

On a tighter budget or traveling solo? Small-group boat tours are still a dream!

Best Amalfi Coast Boat Tours

• Private Amalfi Coast Boat Tour (Full-Day)
• Small-Group Amalfi Coast Boat Tour (Full-Day)

⚓️ Feeling adventurous? You can also rent (and self-captain) a boat to explore the Amalfi Coast. No boating license required! Click here to check it out.

Take a Cooking Class

I never visit the Amalfi Coast – or anywhere in Italy, really – without taking a cooking class.

Want to master Positano-style spaghetti? Roll out tagliatelle and stuff ravioli by hand? Craft pillowy gnocchi from scratch? (Or just sip limoncello and local wine while everyone else does the work…?) There’s a class for that!

Best Positano Cooking Classes

• Authentic Positano Spaghetti Experience 
• Ravioli & Tagliatelle Class in a Local’s Home
• Small-Group Gnocchi Cooking Class

Whichever you choose, there will be plenty of snacks (think local cheese, bruschetta, and salame), generous wine pours, and – of course – limoncello.

Hike the Path of the Gods

Ready to work off all that pasta, pizza, and Aperol? Hit the Amalfi Coast’s most famous hiking trail: the Path of the Gods (Il Sentiero degli Dei).

This ancient route winds through terraced farmland, lemon groves, and soaring cliffs, with endless sea views and fresh mountain air the whole way.

But honestly, if you don’t go first thing in the morning, don’t go at all… unless you’re into hiking in intense heat on a bumper-to-bumper trail of tourists.

From Positano’s Piazza dei Mulini, take the first Mobility Amalfi Coast bus up to Nocelle. Then, choose your route:

• Nocelle to Bomerano: A 3.7-mile (6-km) hike, one way. Expect 3 to 4 hours of walking.
• Nocelle to Praiano: A shorter, 2-hour route with dramatic views. This one’s my pick! When I reach Praiano, I beeline it to Che Bontà for pizza and ice-cold beer.

You can hike either version in reverse if it works better for your schedule. 

Want to go with a local? Book this guided Path of the Gods hike!

🥾 MADDY’S PRO TIP: This trail is not manicured. There’s loose gravel. And, depending on your route, plenty of stairs. I highly recommend wearing hiking boots with great ankle support (these are my favorite boots!) and considering bringing trekking poles.

Hang Out at a (Free!) Beach

Don’t want to shell out €200 for a daybed? Me neither. Positano has public beach areas too – right next to the luxe clubs!

• Spiaggia Grande: Positano’s main beach is iconic, central, and packed. But there’s a small public section tucked beside the private clubs. Go early to claim your towel-sized spot. Bonus: L’Alternativa Bar is just steps away!
• Fornillo Beach: For something slightly quieter, walk 10–15 minutes to Fornillo, where it’s more laid-back and the crowds are thinner. 
• Arienzo Beach: Most come for the (very pricey) beach club. But if you bring your own towel and snacks, you can enjoy the free section right next-door. Just be ready for the loooong staircase down!

Whichever beach you choose, go early to snag a decent spot.

⛱ Love a beach picnic as much as I do? Stop by The Wine Shop to order a customized sandwich! Grab some olives, cheese, and a bottle of something cold. And definitely don’t forget the Mulino Bianco pistacchio cookies. (Thank me later.)

Stop by the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta

Positano wouldn’t be Positano without the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta and its iconic yellow-and-green tiled dome.

Whenever I’m in town, I make a quick stop here to admire the 13th-century Byzantine-style Black Madonna and Child – and soak up a few peaceful minutes away from the crowds!

Visit the Museo Archeologico Romano (MAR)

Need a quick culture fix between beach days and boat trips? Head underground to the Museo Archeologico Romano (MAR) – tucked beneath the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta.

Here, you’ll find the remains of a 1st-century B.C. Roman villa, built for the elite class’s otium (A.K.A. leisure time).

I toured the villa, and while it’s small, the frescoed rooms and ancient artifacts – like coins, vases, and jewelry – are fascinating! The €15 ticket includes access to the church’s crypt. The whole tour takes about 30 minutes.

🌶 MADDY’S EXPERIENCE: I went on a windy, overcast day – otherwise, I probably would’ve skipped it!

Best Day Trips from Positano

Some of the best things to do in Positano are actually day trips from Positano! Here are my some of favorites, plus some top tips to make them seamless!

Day Trip to Capri from Positano

If you only have time for one day trip, make it Capri. Bougie? Yes. Crowded? Always. But also, it’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

Catch the ferry to Capri in the morning, head up to Anacapri for a peaceful wander, and ride the chairlift to Monte Solaro for incredible views. Then, grab lunch at a scenic spot. I had some of the best pasta and pizza of my life at Sciue’ Sciue’!

Later, take a boat tour past the famous Faraglioni Rocks and swim in turquoise coves. Finally, enjoy a spritz in the marina as you await your ferry back to Positano!

MADDY’S EXPERIENCE: I took a self-guided day trip via ferry. Between fighting for taxis and haggling with boat captains, it was a hassle. If day-tripped to Capri again, I’d book a small-group or private tour to skip the stress and just enjoy.

Best Capri Boat Tours from Positano

• Private Capri Boat Tour (Full-Day)
• Small-Group Capri Boat Tour (Full-Day)

Self-Guided Capri Day Trip via Ferry

Ferries run between Positano and Capri daily from April through October. I recommend booking your ferry tickets at least a couple of weeks in advance – they sell out in high season! To maximize your day, book the first ferry there, and the last one back!

Click here to check ferry timetables and book.

Day Trip to Ravello from Positano

When I want a break from the beach crowds, I head up to Ravello – a quiet hilltop town with sweeping sea views, romantic gardens, and a much slower pace. 

To get there, take the ferry or the SITA bus to Amalfi first. Then, hop in a taxi or another SITA bus up to Ravello.

Once in Ravello, I grab an obligatory espresso in the piazza and pop into the marvelous Duomo. Then, I head to Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone – ideally before the mid-day crowds roll in. Both villas’ gardens are stunning, but the showstopper is Villa Cimbrone’s Terrazza dell’Infinito.

For lunch, I recommend Babel Wine Bar. After, browse Ravello’s ceramics shops – they’re some of the best on the entire coast!

Here’s my full guide to the best things to do in Ravello in a day!

Day Trip to Amalfi from Positano

If you’re craving culture, food, and history, make time for a day trip to Amalfi. This town has a rich maritime past – and a lot more going for it than just its central ferry port.

From Positano, hop on the ferry and ride east to Amalfi (about 20 minutes). Spend the day wandering the historic center, ducking into the amazing Duomo di Sant’Andrea, tasting lemon granita, sunbathing at the beach, and trying delizie al limone at Pasticceria Pansa.

For lunch, hike inland for a farm-to-table lunch at Agricola Fore Porta (make a reservation). Or, in town, head to Pizzeria Donna Stella for Neapolitan pizza and lemon-ricotta ravioli, under a canopy of lemon trees. I love both places!

After lunch, swing by the Museum of Paper, and shop for Amalfi paper goods and hand-painted ceramics along Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi.

Still have time? Walk 10 minutes along the coast to reach charming Atrani, Italy’s tiniest fishing village. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an aperitivo – and stay for a quiet seafood dinner!

✨ Want to squeeze Amalfi, Atrani, and Ravello into the same day trip? It’s totally doable – just start early!

Day Trip to Pompeii from Positano

In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the Roman city of Pompeii in ash and pumice – preserving everything from villas and frescoes to everyday objects (and even pets). It’s absolutely wild – one of the coolest ruin sites I’ve seen anywhere.

The easiest way to get there? Book this guided day trip with transportation included. You’ll explore one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological sites with an expert guide, stress-free!

Remember to wear natural sunscreen, a sunhat, and comfortable shoes – and bring plenty of water!

Click here to book your day trip to Pompeii.

Best Restaurants in Positano

Positano is full of tourist traps – but there are plenty of incredible spots too, if you know where to go. These are the best restaurants in Positano. Make dinner reservations during the high season!

• The Wine Shop ($): My go-to for beach and hiking picnic supplies – or boat-day lunches. Design your own artisanal sandwich at the deli, and grab some burrata, cold cuts, olives, wine, and more. Budget-friendly and delicious.
• Posides ($$): This is my favorite place in Positano. It’s tiny, adorable, and perfect for lunch – especially if you snag a table on the little sea-view balcony. The menu changes daily and focuses on fresh, local ingredients. We had scallops with sea asparagus and lemon, linguine alla Nerano, and paccheri with spring veggies and pecorino.
• Ristorante Da Constantino ($$): This is a family-run spot up in the hills. No frills – just fantastic pasta, pizza, and seafood, and sweeping views. (But trust me: the hike to get here is no joke!) Fair prices, casual vibes.
• La Tagliata ($$): For a big, rustic feast with a view, head up to Montepertuso. This no-menu, family-run spot serves course after course of homemade food and house wine for a set price. Come hungry!
• Mediterraneo ($$): A lively, welcoming spot with friendly service and generous portions. An easy choice for a fun dinner out in Positano.
• Orama ($$$): Tucked inside Hotel Conca d’Oro (where I like to stay!), this is one of Positano’s most underrated fine-dining spots. The terrace views are stunning, and the food and cocktails are on point!
• Da Vincenzo ($$$): This beloved Positano classic is high on my to-do list. I haven’t been yet, but I’ve heard amazing things about the pasta and seafood.
• Il Tridente ($$$): Located inside Hotel Poseidon, Il Tridente’s panoramic rooftop terrace – draped in bougainvillea – couldn’t be more magical! The menu features traditional Neapolitan cuisine.
• Le Tre Sorelle Wine Room ($$): This wine bar is super cute and cozy – perfect for a relaxed night of nibbles and vino.
• Mirage ($$$): Great Amalfitana dishes, local wine, and lovely views. We started with negronis and a cheese platter, then slurped down homemade scialatielli pasta with seafood. The servers were so friendly, we couldn’t help but linger over two bottles of local wine and the incredible view!

🍝 GREAT TO KNOW: I recommend using this platform to find top-rated restaurants and make reservations. Some restaurants offer ridiculously amazing deals (i.e. up to 50% off all of your food on weeknights) when you make your reservation. No catch! You can use my referral link to save €20 on your first meal.

When to Visit Positano

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best times to visit Positano – including weather, crowds, and seasonal closures! Quick hint: April, May, and October in the Amalfi Coast are my favorites! 

Positano Travel Guide: FAQs