Probably the most famous and photogenic place on the entire Amalfi Coast is the town of Positano. Have you heard of it? It’s a small Italian town seemingly nestled directly into a steep limestone slope just above the waves of the clear sea. In this article, “Positano, Italy: 12 Best Things to Do and See”, I’ve put together 12 tips for you on what to see and do in Positano.
When to Visit Positano
The best time to visit Positano is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and it’s an ideal time for swimming and sunbathing. But be aware, in the summer months, the town can be quite crowded with tourists, so if you’re looking for peace and quiet, consider visiting in spring or autumn. During this period, you can enjoy wonderful views and walks without any crowds.
Best Hotels in Positano
If you’re planning a stay in Positano, I recommend staying here:
- B&B La Selva Santa (budget option),
- Hotel Villa Delle Palme (mid-range option),
- Hotel Posa Posa (luxury option).
How to get to Positano
The nearest airport is in Naples, from where you can get to Positano by car, bus, train, or boat. From Naples, I recommend taking the SITA bus, which is comfortable and affordable. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. However, if you dare to navigate the tricky turns of the local roads, you can rent a car (we used C-Rent’s services).
TIP: Read our article about Naples.
Positano, Italy: 12 Best Things to Do and See
If you visit Positano while exploring the Amalfi Coast, then I’ve put together 12 tips for you on what to see and do there.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta
This church is one of Positano’s most significant symbols. Its distinctive dome, covered with colorful tiles, makes it an iconic place worth visiting. The church’s interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes and sculptures.
Five Watchtowers
Throughout the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find historic watchtowers that served to protect towns from pirate raids. In Positano, you’ll find five of them right on the coast, the oldest of which, Torre Sponda, now serves as a hotel.
Museo Archeologico Romano
In this small museum, you can view artifacts from the Roman era and the region’s history.
Beaches of La Spiaggia Grande, d’Arienzo, and Fornillo
The beaches in Positano are probably among the most beautiful in Italy. La Spiaggia Grande is the most famous, while d’Arienzo and Fornillo offer a quieter atmosphere. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and the local beach bars here.
Stroll through the Alleys and Visit Local Shops
Positano is famous for its steep and narrow streets that wind around and around. Take a walk through the town and explore the local shops, where you’ll find handmade souvenirs, ceramics, and traditional Italian specialties.
Grotta Dello Smeraldo
The Emerald Grotto is only accessible by boat, but it’s worth seeing. It’s known for its vibrant green color, which permeates through the underwater light.
Palazzo Murat
This historic palace, once home to King Joachim Murat, is a magnificent example of 18th-century architecture. I recommend a stroll through its gardens.
Piazza Tasso
Piazza Tasso is the very heart of Positano. Here you’ll find shops, cafes, and restaurants.
La Valle Delle Ferriere
For nature lovers, this place is a must-see. It’s a beautiful valley with waterfalls and trails, ideal for excursions and discovering the region’s natural beauty.
Boat Trip
What better way to experience the beauty of Positano and the Amalfi Coast than from the water? Book one of the boat trips on the GetYourGuide portal.
Try a Cooking Class
What I can definitely recommend are the local cooking classes, where you’ll learn to make local specialties, taste plenty, and probably even clink glasses with good Italian wine, all with a beautiful view of Positano.
Excursions in the Surroundings
Positano is the westernmost point of the Amalfi Coast, making it an ideal base for excursions in the surrounding area. Also visit other towns on the Amalfi Coast:
FAQ
What are the best months to visit Positano?
The best months to visit are May to October.
How do I get to Positano from Naples?
You can choose the SITA bus, which is comfortable and affordable, or rent a car.
Is Positano suitable for families with children?
Yes, Positano offers a variety of activities suitable for families with children, including the beach and strolls through its picturesque streets.
Is Positano expensive?
Yes, Positano is generally one of the more expensive destinations, especially during the peak summer season.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
