Cliffside village on Italy's Amalfi Coast, known for its pastel-colored houses, pebble beaches, and steep streets. Home to the 13th-century Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
Positano clings to the cliffs of Italy's Amalfi Coast, its pastel-colored buildings cascading down to the Mediterranean Sea. This coastal village has narrow winding streets that lead to pebble beaches below. You can buy handmade sandals from local artisans, take a boat tour to explore hidden coves, or hike the Path of the Gods trail for panoramic views of the coastline.
Getting to Positano
Positano has no train station or airport, so reaching this cliffside village requires planning. Most visitors arrive via Naples, the closest major city about 1.5 hours away by car. From Naples, you can take a private transfer, bus, or ferry to Positano. The SITA bus from Sorrento is an affordable option, though it can get crowded in peak season. Taking the ferry from Naples, Sorrento, or Amalfi allows you to see the coastline as you approach. If driving, be prepared for winding roads and limited parking once in town.
Beaches in Positano
Positano's main beach, Spiaggia Grande, sits at the base of the village. This 300-meter stretch of dark sand and pebbles is busy in summer. Rent a lounge chair and umbrella from one of the beach clubs, or find a spot on the free public section. For a calmer experience, walk 10 minutes west to Fornillo Beach. This smaller cove has a more relaxed atmosphere and cheaper beach club rates. Arienzo Beach, nicknamed "300 steps beach" for the staircase leading down to it, offers a secluded setting and clear water.
Shopping and Local Crafts
Positano's steep streets are lined with boutiques and artisan workshops. Many sandal makers in town offer custom-made leather sandals while you wait. You can find ceramics painted with bright Amalfi Coast scenes. The "Moda Positano" style of colorful, flowy resort wear originated here in the 1960s. Via dei Mulini and Viale Pasitea are the main shopping streets. Most shops close for a long lunch break, so plan accordingly.
Dining in Positano
Seafood is a staple in Positano's cuisine, often paired with pasta made from local Gragnano wheat. Try the spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) at Chez Black, a beachfront restaurant since the 1940s. For upscale dining with a view, book a table at La Sponda in Le Sirenuse hotel, where hundreds of candles illuminate the dining room each evening. Da Vincenzo, a family-run trattoria, serves traditional dishes in a cozy setting. Consider tasting limoncello, the lemon liqueur produced in this region.
Viewpoints and Photo Spots
For a sweeping view of Positano, head to the start of Via Cristoforo Colombo near the main road into town. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its majolica-tiled dome, is visible from this angle. Walk out onto the main pier by Spiaggia Grande for a wide view of the town rising up the hillside. For sunset, grab a drink at Franco's Bar atop Le Sirenuse hotel or climb to the hamlet of Nocelle for a high perspective of the entire coastline.
