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Positano is arguably the most beautiful destination on the Amalfi coast. The city seems to cascade from a high hilltop down to the beach, allowing for incredible views from all over town. Those best suited to visiting Positano have money to spare and are in great shape – there will be a lot of stair-climbing. Your efforts will be rewarded by unparalleled vistas famous the world over.
While you could easily spend a week wandering these enchanted steps, this Positano itinerary will take you to all the most important spots in a single day. Do the activities in the order listed to optimize your time.
Table Of Contents – Positano Itinerary
Star Rating Key
★★★ Top priority
★★ Highly recommended
★ Worthwhile
No Star – Skippable if not interested
Positano Itinerary
Via Cristoforo Colombo ★★★
Via Cristoforo Colombo is the main thoroughfare through upper Positano. This is where you will find some of the city’s most expensive real estate and classic postcard views. The street’s best viewpoint is found just uphill from Le Sirenuse hotel. If you’re in the mood for a snack or drink, this is a great area to stop. Just make sure your table has a great view before you sit down – otherwise it won’t be worth the premium prices you’ll pay here.
Via dei Mulini ★★★
Via dei Mulini may just be the most charming street in Positano. This narrow pedestrian lane is covered in vines and lined with boutiques and galleries. Spend some time strolling here, stopping anywhere that interests you. Business owners are friendly, even to those just browsing.
The best way to take in this street is on your way from Via Cristoforo Colombo to the beach at Marina Grande. Across the street from Via Cristoforo Colombo 87, you will find a staircase called Via Franco Di Franco (follow signs to the beach). Take this staircase down to Via dei Mulini and head downhill. Keep going on this street until it ends at the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta (church).
You can stop at the church for a visit if you’re interested, or continue to wander downhill (veering left at the church) until you get to the beach. There are several paths downhill, all of which are charming. We suggest you just wander wherever your eyes take you. As long as you’re heading downhill, you’ll reach the beach.
Spiaggia di Positano Marina Grande (Beach) ★★★
The Spiaggia di Positano Marina Grande is the name of the public part of the beach at Marina Grande. This is the part without the chairs. You are welcome to bring towels and make yourself at home on the pebbles for free (although you may have a hard time finding space during peak hours).
If you want a more resort-style experience, head to the part of the beach where all the matching chaise lounges with umbrellas are, and you can pay to sit on one of those. This option is especially inviting in Positano, as sitting on the pebbles is not as comfortable as sitting on a sandy beach. Consider bringing swimming shoes if you plan to get in the water, as the pebbles are not kind to bare feet. Marina Grande is also where you can catch a ferry.
Via Positanesi d’America ★★
Via Positanesi d’America is the seaside pedestrian lane that goes between Marina Grande and Fornillo beach. During the journey you will pass a medieval lookout tower dating from the times when the Amalfi coast was a powerful sea-trading community. After about 10 minutes you will reach your destination.
Fornillo Spiaggia (Beach) ★★
Fornillo beach is the quieter, less touristy of Positano’s two beaches, though in the summer they can both be crowded. There is a free area, where you are welcome to lay down your towel and swim, as well as an area with chaise lounges you can rent. It has a whole different vibe than Marina Grande, as it is removed from the ferries and abundant shops there. Just like Marina Grande, this beach is pebbly, so bring swimming shoes if you plan to get wet.
Practical Info – Positano Itinerary
How To Get To Positano
Positano is one of the more difficult destinations to get to in Italy, but it is worth the hassle. There are several options to get to Positano listed below. With all of the following options, be sure to check with your hotel/rental regarding how to get your luggage from your drop off spot to the accommodation. For the vast majority of hotels, you will need help getting your luggage up or down the steps to the entrance.
The four main ways to get to Positano are the following:
Private Transfer To Positano
This is the most convenient option when arriving by land and makes more sense financially than renting a car. You can usually do this through your hotel, but you can also arrange it yourself online at GetYourGuide or Positano’s Official Website.
Ferry To Positano
You can take a ferry to Positano from Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi, and even Naples. This is a convenient way to get to Positano, and may be the best option for some travelers (especially if you are prone to car sickness when driving on windy roads).
Be careful to check the schedule before your trip, as some of these routes are not offered in the offseason. You can find more information at Positano’s official website. One disadvantage of this option is that when you arrive at the port, there will likely be a ton of steps to walk up to get to your hotel or rental.
Bus From Sorrento To Positano
SITA buses travel along the coast throughout the day, and can be a convenient way to get between cities. This will be the most economical option for most travelers. Take the train from Naples to Sorrento, then catch the bus from there. For more information, check out the bus schedule at Positano’s official website.
Drive To Positano
Renting a car will get you from your starting point to Positano quickly, but there are some downsides. You can’t use your car in Positano, so you will have to find a place to park it for the duration of your stay. Many hotels don’t have their own parking lots. Also, the drive along the coast is beautiful, but can be windy and a little scary at times. We don’t recommend this option for most travelers.
How To Get Around Positano
You don’t need a car in Positano. Getting around mainly involves climbing up and down lots of stairs, so wear good walking shoes. To be clear, there is no way to avoid the abundant stairs here, so if you are mobility-impaired, consider visiting Capri instead.
When To Go To Positano
Unlike most of Italy, timing matters in Positano. The busiest time here is late June through August. This is the best time to go as far as weather, but the crowds can be stifling. Off season is October through Easter. We recommend against visiting during off-season, as the ocean breeze gets chilly, and many of the shops and restaurants close during this time. Our favorite time to go is shoulder season, particularly in May, early June, or September. The weather is still pleasant during these months, and you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds and lower prices on accommodation.
Where To Stay In Positano
There are lots of options when it comes to lodging in Positano, from hotels to AirB&Bs. The most important thing to do is book as early as you can, as places fill up fast. Below are two hotels we have stayed in ourselves and recommend to our friends.
Le Sirenuse
The palazzo that is now known as Le Sirenuse hotel was once a wealthy Neapolitan family’s weekend retreat. The family opened their home as a hotel in the 1950s and continues to own this icon of luxury. The views are unparalleled, service is fantastic, and the setting is idyllic. However, the price tag is hefty to say the least.
Website: www.sirenuse.it/en/
Hotel Dimora Fornillo
Hotel Dimora Fornillo is a small 3-star boutique hotel uphill from Fornillo beach with a handful of rooms facing the sea. The decor is simple, perhaps even a bit dated, but the rooms are clean and surprisingly large in size. The views from the sea-facing rooms are fantastic. The price is much lower than other hotels with similar views. This is not a luxury experience, but you’ll get a 5-star view for a 3-star price. One disadvantage is that it is a few minutes walk from the town center, which, as with most walks in Positano, involves quite a few stairs.
Website: www.hoteldimorafornillo.it/
Day Trips From Positano – Positano Itinerary
Capri Day Trip From Positano
Capri is the gem of the Amalfi coast and our favorite destination in the area. This small island is known as a hotspot for the rich and famous, but normal people like us can easily join in on the fun. This mountainous, bougainvillia-draped paradise is not to be missed. In a single day, you can see the Blue Grotto, ride the Monte Solaro chairlift, visit Villa San Michele, and more. Best of all, it’s just a quick ferry ride away! Check out our Capri day trip post for more information.
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