15 Unforgettable Things to Do in Positano, Italy: Ultimate Guide

Positano is one of the most beautiful destinations on the Amalfi Coast, with its colorful houses, crystal clear waters and narrow streets. This Italian town attracts visitors from all over the world with its views, food and Mediterranean atmosphere.

Whether you want to sunbath on beautiful beaches, hike along the coast, take a boat trip to hidden caves or taste authentic Italian food, Positano has something for everyone. It’s a dream place – perfect for both adventure and relaxing.

In this guide we’ll explore the best things to do in Positano, from must see landmarks to local hidden gems. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, this list will help you make the most of your trip. Let’s get started!

15 Best Things to Do in Positano

1. Relax on Spiaggia Grande Beach

Spiaggia Grande is Positano’s most famous beach, with stunning views of the town’s colorful houses. It’s the perfect spot to sunbath, swim in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The beach is lined with beach clubs, restaurants and cafes so it’s a great place to spend an afternoon.

For a more luxurious experience you can rent a sunbed and umbrella at one of the private beach clubs like L’Incanto. If you prefer a more budget friendly option there’s a small public beach area where you can lay down your towel and enjoy the sun for free.

Don’t forget to take a walk along the shoreline to admire the views of the Amalfi Coast – especially during sunset!

2. Visit Fornillo Beach

If you want a more peaceful and less crowded alternative to Spiaggia Grande head to Fornillo Beach. Located just a 10 minute walk from the main beach this hidden gem has a more relaxed atmosphere and stunning views. The walk itself is scenic with beautiful coastal views along the way.

Fornillo Beach has both public and private beach areas where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. It’s a great place to swim, sunbath and escape the crowd of the main beach. Plus the beachside bars and restaurants serve delicious seafood and refreshing drinks so it’s a perfect spot to unwind for a few hours.

3. Take a Boat Trip Along the Amalfi Coast

A boat trip along the Amalfi Coast is one of the best ways to see Positano from a different angle. Cruising past cliffs, hidden caves and coastal villages you’ll see the coast in all its beauty.

For a more customised experience book a private boat tour where you can go at your own pace. If you’re on a budget there are also small group tours that are a great way to see the coast without spending a fortune.

Must-see spots along the tour include Fiordo di Furore, a breathtaking fjord-like cove, and the picturesque towns of Amalfi, Atrani, and Minori. If you’re short on time, a sunset cruise is another magical way to soak in the views. No matter which option you choose, a boat tour is an unforgettable experience in Positano!

4. Hike the Path of the Gods

Hiking enthusiasts absolutely need to experience the Path of the Gods trail. You can enjoy 4.5 miles of scenic trail that provides exceptional views of the Amalfi Coast while confronting breathtaking cliffs and extensive panoramic landscapes.

The outdoor trail takes four hours to finish since some spots require effort but you’ll experience incredible views during the journey. Walking the Path of the Gods allows visitors to see Positano from its highest vantage point while escaping the tourist crowds and allowing them to connect deeply with the region’s stunning natural scenery. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes along with bottled water and preparation for photo opportunities at this magnificent location.

5. Explore the Charming Streets of Positano

 Following the colorful streets of Positano becomes a complete essence of the town. The town presents itself through narrow alleys and mysterious staircases that lead to distinctive buildings adorned with bougainvillea plants. Strolling through the town reveals local stores mixed with craft shops alongside tiny cafés serving coffee and ice cream.

Wandering freely through the paths leads to the best exploration experience because you discover magnificent views with each new turn. Check out the Santa Maria Assunta Church building that boasts its majestic majolica-tiled dome because this landmark makes Positano one of its most recognized landmarks.

6. Visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta

Positano’s Church of Santa Maria Assunta establishes itself as one of the town’s most well-known features because its majolica-tiled dome elevates above all other structures. The church’s interior holds stunning frescoes and delicate artwork within its soothing environment that offers ideal reflection space.

The Black Madonna Byzantine icon resides in the church along with its intriguing legend that connects to local traditions. Visitors interested in history or art alongside people who desire to experience the striking architecture should make the historic church a top priority in their Positano tour.

7. Try Limoncello & Local Delicacies ‘

Positano and the Amalfi Coast are famous for their lemons and one of the best ways to enjoy them is by trying Limoncello—a traditional Italian liqueur made from lemon zest, alcohol and simple syrup. It’s served chilled in a small glass and sipped slowly to enjoy the sweet and sour taste.

Many restaurants will offer you Limoncello as a free shot after dinner and you can also find Limoncello Spritz, a refreshing cocktail. If you want to bring a taste of Positano home, visit local shops and bars where you can taste different varieties and buy a bottle.

Beyond Limoncello, Positano’s lemony treats are a must try. Enjoy lemon sorbet served in a hollowed out lemon, lemon cakes or even lemon infused pasta. Whether you’re sipping Limoncello by the sea or eating a sweet lemon dessert, these flavours will be Positano in a nutshell!

8. Take a Day Trip to Capri

A day trip to Capri is a must while in Positano. This beautiful island, 40 minutes by ferry, is famous for its boutiques, views and the Blue Grotto. Take a boat tour around the island, ride the Monte Solaro chairlift for incredible views or explore Capri Town and Anacapri for charming streets and real Italy.

Don’t forget to visit the Gardens of Augustus for the most incredible views of the Faragloni rock formations. Whether you’re sightseeing or just relaxing, Capri is an escape from Positano!

9. Go on a Sunset Cruise

A sunset cruise in Positano is one of the most magic experiences on the Amalfi Coast. As the sun sets the sky turns into shades of orange and pink and the town’s coloured cliffs become the most stunning backdrop.

You can choose from private boat charters or small group tours, many of which include Prosecco, light snacks and a personalized itinerary. Departing from Spiaggia Grande, these cruises take you along the stunning coast, passing hidden coves and iconic landmarks like Fiordo di Furore. Book in advance especially during peak season to secure the best Amalfi Coast sunset tour.

10. Visit the Fiordo di Furore

Fiordo di Furore is one of the most beautiful hidden coves along the Amalfi Coast. This tiny fjord is surrounded by towering cliffs, with a pretty stone bridge spanning the turquoise waters. It’s a perfect spot to swim, to take photos and to enjoy the coastal views.

You can reach it by boat or by a staircase from the main road, but parking is limited. Whatever way you get there, from a boat tour from Positano or during a coastal drive, it’s a must see.

11. Explore the Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo)

The Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) is a natural wonder of the Amalfi Coast, located in Conca dei Marini, just a short boat ride from Positano. This incredible sea cave gets its name from the green glow of the water, caused by the sunlight filtering through underwater cavities. The cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites, and is simply magical.

You can reach the grotto by boat tour from Positano, or drive and take the elevator down to the small dock where local guides will take you on a short boat ride inside. The reflections on the water are almost surreal, so it’s a must see for nature lovers and photographers. The grotto is small but the colours and rock formations are breathtaking, one of the most beautiful sights of the Amalfi Coast. Go early in the day to avoid the crowds and see the most vivid light reflections.

12. Buy Handmade Italian Sandals

One of the best souvenirs you can take home from Positano is a pair of handmade Italian leather sandals. Positano is famous for its artisan shoemakers who make beautiful, custom-made sandals from high quality leather and classic Italian designs. You will find small shops and workshops along the streets of Positano where skilled craftsmen will measure your feet and make a pair within hours.

Popular sandal shops like Safari Sandals and Nana Positano have a range of styles from elegant strappy designs to more casual, beachy options. These custom leather sandals make a great souvenir and will keep you stylish and practical wherever you go.

13. Eat by the Sea

Dining in Positano is an experience not to be missed, especially when you eat by the sea. Many restaurants have stunning views of the Amalfi Coast where you can enjoy fresh seafood, handmade pasta and local specialties while watching the sunset over the Tyrrhenian Sea.

La Sponda, Chez Black and Ristorante Da Adolfo are the top restaurants in town for authentic Italian food and romance. Try spaghetti alle vongole (clams), grilled branzino and the famous delizia al limone (lemon cake). Add a glass of local white wine or Limoncello and you will have a true Positano dining experience. Book ahead especially in peak season.

14. Take a Cooking Class in Positano

The best way to discover authentic Italian culture in Positano lies in attending homemade cooking workshops. You will work with chefs and authentic home cooks who will show you how to make traditional Italian food including fresh pasta with classic tiramisu.

Students can learn traditional Italian cooking through hands-on classes that happen in family kitchens near picturesque coastal views across the sea. People usually choose between pasta classes to make ravioli and gnocchi and tagliatelle while some prefer dessert classes that teach how to make flawless tiramisu. Participants can enjoy wine pairings and serve their prepared dishes during most classes.

The Positano cooking class serves as an essential dining experience for novices and experienced amateur chefs who want to carry Amalfi Coast flavors home.

15. Visit Nearby Amalfi & Ravello

Positano serves as a great starting point to visit the remarkable towns of Amalfi and Ravello which present additional Amalfi Coast sites to discover. The picturesque Amalfi Coast town of Amalfi mixes cultural heritage with its lively seaside personality and grand cathedral making it a place to experience old world charm and seafront beauty. Experience authentic Amalfi Coast culture by walking through its lovely streets and visiting Duomo di Amalfi and sampling local limoncello.

Ravello provides a tranquil hilltop retreat with its world-famous panoramic vistas that can be reached from Positano through a quick drive up the cliffs. Tourists can explore two villas in Ravello which showcase scenic gardens and panoramic sea views from their terraces. A journey to Amalfi and Ravello stands as an essential destination for anyone visiting Positano because it includes historic sites combined with coastal scenery and dining opportunities.

Best Time to Visit Positano

Spring months (April to June) together with fall months (September to October) represent the optimal seasons for visiting Positano.

Visiting during the shoulder seasons grants visitors access to nice climate while enjoying reduced pricing on accommodations and decreased tourist traffic at the popular summer time.

July and August are the busiest months, with hot temperatures and packed beaches, while winter (November to March) is much quieter, with some hotels and restaurants closing for the season.

How to Get to Positano

There are no direct airports or train stations in Positano, so you’ll need to combine different modes of transport:

• From Naples: Fly into Naples International Airport (NAP) and take a train or private transfer.
• By Train: The closest train station is Salerno or Sorrento, from where you can take a ferry or bus.
• By Ferry: Ferries run from Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi, and Capri to Positano during the warmer months.
• By Bus or Car: The SITA bus runs along the Amalfi Coast, or you can rent a car—though parking in Positano is limited and expensive.

For a hassle-free trip, private transfers from Naples or Rome offer the most comfortable option.

Where to Stay in Positano

Positano has many options to stay, from luxury hotels with views to boutique hotels and B&Bs.

• Luxury Hotels: Le Sirenuse or Il San Pietro di Positano for the ultimate experience with sea views and service.
• Mid-Range Hotels: Hotel Poseidon and Villa Franca for elegant stays with amenities.
• Budget-Friendly Stays: Casa Buonocore and Hotel Villa delle Palme for comfortable stays without breaking the bank.
• Airbnb & Villas: Rent a villa or apartment for families or groups for a more local experience.

Since Positano is built on hills, stay closer to the beach (Spiaggia Grande) or a bus stop if you don’t want to climb.

Where to Eat in Positano

Positano is famous for seafood, fresh pasta and lemon dishes. Here are the best spots:

• Fine Dining: La Sponda (Le Sirenuse Hotel) or Zass (Il San Pietro di Positano) for a meal with a view.
• Casual Dining: Da Vincenzo and Ristorante Max for classic Italian dishes like homemade pasta and seafood.
• Beachfront Restaurants: Chez Black or Ristorante La Cambusa on Spiaggia Grande.
• Local Delicacies & Desserts: Collina Bakery for lemon sorbet or Lo Guarracino for Neapolitan-style pizza.
• Limoncello & Drinks: Franco’s Bar for a Limoncello Spritz and sunset aperitivo.

Shopping in PositanoShopping in Positano is fun, with boutique stores, artisan workshops and local markets. One of the town’s specialities are handmade Italian sandals, with shops like Safari Sandals and Nana Positano making custom leather shoes to fit your feet.

If you’re looking for beachwear, Positano is famous for its linen clothing and stores like La Bottega di Brunella and Antica Sartoria sell elegant, local produced designs. For a taste of the Amalfi Coast, you can buy a bottle of locally produced Limoncello from Sapori di Positano or take home beautiful hand-painted ceramics from Ceramiche Casola.

Jewelry lovers will find stunning coral and gold at Ciccio e Mimi and straw beach bags and accessories in many boutique shops. Strolling through the streets, discovering these unique finds and taking home a piece of Positano is all part of the fun of shopping here.

 Final Tips for Visiting Positano

Packing Essentials

Your trip to Positano requires both light packing and comfortable walking shoes because of the steep hills and many stairs throughout the town. Summer visitors should wear lightweight breathable clothing and carry a light jacket for the evening temperatures.

Pack suitable beach gear that combines fashion and utility together with UV protection supplies which include sunscreen with matching sunglasses and protective hat. To visit high-end eating establishments you need to bring appropriate elegant clothes.

Getting Around

People should walk to explore Positano because narrow crowded streets make walking the primary method of transportation. Visitors have two transportation options for reaching nearby towns through ferry services and public buses but taxis along with private transfers tend to be cost-prohibitive. Although driving to Positano may prove beneficial parking resources are few and expenditures for parking fees tend to be expensive.

Best Time to Visit

Visitors should plan their Positano visit for the months of May through June or September through October because the weather is ideal during these shoulder seasons without excessive congestion. The summer months of July and August bring the highest traffic levels thus driving up costs and beach overcrowding.

Booking in Advance

Visitors should plan ahead for their trip to Positano by confirming accommodations together with boat tours and restaurant reservations particularly during busy times in the peak season.

Travel Hacks

Small businesses in Positano need to operate with cash payments because they won’t accept credit or debit cards. The Mediterranean mindset prevails here so visitors should welcome a leisurely way of life in Positano and make the most of their exploration. You should use local ferry services for exploring the Amalfi Coast as an alternative to traditional traffic and parking hassles.

Final Thoughts

Positano’s breathtaking views, stunning beaches, and charming streets make it a must-visit destination on the Amalfi Coast. Whether you’re relaxing on Spiaggia Grande or hiking the Path of the Gods, Positano offers an unforgettable experience.

For more incredible destinations, explore the rich Roman history of Merida, Spain or take a stroll through the iconic Central Park, NYC, a green oasis in the heart of Manhattan.