17 Fun & Best Things to do in Positano, Italy

Positano is a city on the southern Italian coast that’s been attracting guests for a whole bunch of years. With its colourful buildings, wild seashores, and breathtaking views, it’s not laborious to see why John Steinbeck wrote, “Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t fairly actual if you find yourself there and turns into beckoningly actual after you could have gone.”

Positano is a spot of great surroundings and small streets that wind down from the highest of a mountain into the ocean. It’s additionally recognized for its vibrant nightlife, distinctive effective eating alternatives, and improbable seashores. Most of all, it is a main vacation spot alongside the Amalfi coast that makes for each a terrific place to cease or keep alongside the well-known route.

The nearest airport to Positano is Naples, additionally residence to a high-speed rail station with quick connections to Rome. Tourist season is in the course of the summer time when the attractive coast turns into busy with beachgoers and other people on day journeys to the various historic and scenic locations close by.

The spring and fall shoulder seasons are a superb time to go to Positano, too, whereas winter reveals a peaceable quiet alongside the coast that few vacationers expertise.

If you’re planning a visit to this magnificent gem on the Amalfi Coast, you’re in for the expertise of a lifetime. Use our first-hand journey recommendation beneath to search out out extra in regards to the high Positano points of interest, lodging, and ideas.

TL;DR

• Most vital landmark – The many superb views of the Amalfi Coast
• Best free exercise – Lounging and swimming at Positano Beach
• Best exercise for youths – Boat excursions of the coast, islands, and caves like Emerald Grotto
• Best exercise for adults – Having an Aperol Spritz on a seaside chair at Arienzo Beach Club
• Best meals – Da Vincenzo Positano 1958
• Best nightlife – Music On The Rocks
• Best all-around lodging – Hotel Palazzo Murat

Best & Fun Things to do in Positano, Italy

Positano is much more than the superb views it’s recognized for. This is a village filled with historical past, heritage, and hidden gems to find. Read on to try the highest issues to do in Positano, Italy!

1. Visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta

Address: P.za Flavio Gioia, 84017 Positano SA, Italy

Let’s begin with La Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, or The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a vital characteristic of Positano’s cultural, pastoral, and architectural panorama. Note that Positano is a city with nearly no flat land; its buildings are almost on high of each other alongside the cliff’s edge.

This church’s domed roof, with its intricate sample of yellow, inexperienced, and blue majolica tiles, makes for a placing icon amongst them, flashing in opposition to the blue sky and the Mediterranean Sea.

The church is one among Positano’s most seen and photographed landmarks, proper within the coronary heart of the city – only a few steps from Marina Grande Beach. It has stood within the middle of Positano for a whole bunch of years, being a continuing supply of inspiration for painters, poets, and different artists since its development. One of its prized treasures is a thirteenth Century Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary.

Today, painters promote their works on the seaside and alongside the romantic staircase main right down to Santa Maria Assunta, a lot of which mirror this pretty Positano church. You’ll additionally discover loads of memento retailers on this central space. All of this makes central Positano a terrific place to remain – the Hotel Palazzo Murat is a highly-rated luxurious resort steps from the church, with an particularly standard infinity pool.

See Related: Most Beautiful Fairy Tale Towns Around the World

2. Spiaggia Grande Beach

Next up is Positano’s most important seaside and its most well-known: Spiaggia Grande. On maps and round city, you’ll additionally hear folks check with it as Positano Beach or Positano Spiaggia. You’ll discover it proper in entrance of Santa Maria Assunta, separating town middle from the ocean.

There are seaside golf equipment at which you’ll lease a solar lounger for the day or open areas the place you possibly can lay a towel down on the dark sand. Paddleboard, kayak, and pedal boat leases are available on the water’s edge. The Mediterranean is infinitely refreshing on a scorching summer time day, and that is essentially the most handy place on the town to get pleasure from it.

But even should you’re not trying to get moist and even lounge on the sand, there’s nonetheless a cause to come back right here. The view of the city and the cliffs that envelop it’s actually magnificent from right here, particularly as you get nearer to the water. Don’t miss an opportunity to snap {a photograph} or gaze on the panorama behind this pretty seaside.

See Related: Best Vacation Dresses for Summer & Beach Trips

3. Arienzo Beach Club

Address: Via Arienzo, 16, 84017 Positano SA, Italy

While we’re on the topic, seaside folks will certainly wish to hear in regards to the one which enjoys the solar the longest in Positano: Arienzo Beach, in addition to its well-known seaside membership.

Located simply to the east of the village middle, Arienzo Beach is likely one of the most cherished sights on the Amalfi Coast. Part of its attract is its remoteness – to get there, you’ll both must descend down 300 (breathtakingly lovely) steps or hop on a free boat shuttle from the Positano most important pier. As you possibly can think about, both methodology of arrival is tremendous scenic.

Once there, the Arienzo Beach Club is the place to seize a lounge chair and chill out for the day with an Aperol Spritz. They additionally serve a tasty meals menu of Italian delights. This is yet one more place to catch the magnificent views the Amalfi Coast is known for, with steep cliffs and perched villages within the distance.

See Related: Best Beach Vacations in the World

4. Dance the Night Away at Music on the Rocks

Address: Località Grotte Dell’incanto, 51, 84017, Positano SA, Italy

While Positano is a calming paradise by day, it may be energetic and thrilling by night time if you understand the place to go. The best place for nightlife right here is undoubtedly Music on the Rocks, a membership on the japanese finish of Positano Beach.

From time for supper to the wee hours of the morning, Music on the Rocks is partying, with a DJ mixing worldwide and native hits and a gentle stream of cocktails obtainable. The coolest a part of this membership is that it’s actually on (or in) the rocks – the area is sort of a cave carved into the cliffside, an acceptable venue for the Amalfi Coast.

If you aren’t a partier, don’t let the presence of this nightclub discourage you – Positano is essentially a quiet village within the night, and the situation of Music on the Rocks isn’t a nasty one for the remainder of the city. If you want the thought of an grownup beverage however don’t want to remain up all night time round a ton of individuals, take into account an Amalfi Coast wine-tasting tour as an alternative.

See Related: Best Music Festivals to Attend This Summer

5. Enjoy Ridiculously Tasty Italian Food

The solely factor higher than a beach vacation is a seaside trip with nice meals, and the one factor that would make that higher is that if it’s Italian meals – and Positano has that in spades. This city is famous for its restaurants inside strolling distance of the seaside, some making for spectacular sundown views at time for supper.

If you’re trying to dine with a view, there’s no scarcity of tables. There’s the romantic La Sponda within the Hotel le Sirenuse, with its beautiful atmosphere and high-end pasta dishes to get pleasure from whereas overlooking the cliffside and sea. Nearby is Ristorante Adamo ed Eva Positano, a extra informal restaurant with glorious native pasta and seafood dishes, plus out of doors eating with that million-dollar view.

Don’t miss a possibility to attempt among the best eating places on the town, even when it doesn’t have a cliffside view. When it involves wine and eating in Positano, few locations can match the expertise of eating at Da Vincenzo Positano 1958.

Casual but upscale, this native icon has been making gnocchi, pasta, pizza, and extra for many years utilizing seafood caught simply down the street and burrata made by native farms. Make a reservation to make sure you get a desk.

See Related: Best Tours in Italy: Food, Walking & Bike Tours

6. Take a Cooking Class

Let’s keep with reference to exceptional Italian food – it’s not simple to get out of your head when you’ve had it. So why not be taught what makes it so nice and take that data residence with you? Positano and the encompassing locations are nice locations to take an Italian cooking class.

This Positano culinary experience features a native market tour the place you’ll discover ways to decide the very best components, a cooking lesson to see how three dishes are ready, after which dinner together with your host to get pleasure from your creations. Others specialise in particular delicacies reminiscent of mozzarella and tagliatelle or gnocchi and tiramisu – that final one’s my private selection.

Experiences like these comprise greater than your common tour as you get to take residence a particular means, plus you could have the chance to casually mingle with a typical native who loves good meals. Seek out those who emphasize regional specialty components, like Amalfi Coast lemons.

See Related: Weird, Bizarre Foods from Around the World

7. Franco Senesi Fine Art

Address: Via dei Mulini, 16, 84017 Positano SA, Italy

You’ll discover several art galleries scattered round Positano’s middle. It is smart, given the sheer great thing about the place, that artists would wish to show their work right here. One of the preferred on the town is Franco Senesi Fine Art, a gallery and backyard positioned within the village middle.

Several rooms and out of doors exhibition areas showcase the work, sculptures, and different artwork items of Italian artists. Most items are trendy and vary in theme from dreamy interpretations of the colourful native surroundings to summary rock and steel sculptures. It’s a tremendous selection to see and a terrific seize of Italian expertise.

Art lovers will probably be glad to spend a short while throughout their keep strolling across the completely different rooms and gardens, whereas those that fall in love with a chunk are welcome to purchase it and take it residence. The employees there can organize packing and transport, too.

See Related: Incredible Reasons to Visit Italy This Year

8. Go Back in Time on the MAR Positano Villa Romana Museum

Address: P.za Flavio Gioia, 7, 84017 Positano SA, Italy

One of the highest issues to do in Positano for historical past fanatics is to go to the MAR Positano Villa Romana Museum. It’s conveniently positioned steps from Santa Maria Assunta within the village middle and incorporates an exquisite assortment of artifacts and tales from the previous.

Well, I ought to say that it’s the entrance that’s positioned proper subsequent to the church – the traditional Roman villa that homes the museum sits beneath it. Archaeologists positioned this preserved piece of the previous that was buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted over 2,000 years in the past. Today, it homes gadgets that have been discovered inside, together with others that educate guests about life in that period, the eruption, artwork, and extra.

I actually imagine it is a must-do on the town, because it doesn’t take lengthy, and the historical past you’ll be taught is unbelievable. To take it a step additional, a guided tour of Positano that features the museum plus extra reveals much more.

See Related: Best Car Museums in Italy

9. Hike the Amalfi Coast Trails

There are a number of methods to see the Amalfi Coast, every with its personal benefits: from the water, from the street, or from above. The latter is a necessity for outdoor adventure lovers, because the mountains above the seaside villages are crossed by scenic trails.

In the course of the Sorrento Coast to the northwest, Le Tese di Positano is a path primarily based on the oldest street connecting the communities separated by the mountains. This former mule path served as the one street for farmers and retailers till the primary half of the nineteenth Century. Today, it’s a difficult journey for the bodily match who wish to see this spectacular place from the forests above.

There’s additionally Montepertuso il Buco (gap within the rock), a strange-looking mountain with a pure gap held in it. Photographers love this spot excessive above Positano within the village of Montepertuso. Guided hikes can be found to this iconic spot.

Perhaps essentially the most well-known hike of all right here, although, is the Path of the Gods, or the Sentiero degli Dei. This path connects Nocelle, a tiny hamlet subsequent to Montepertuso, with Agerola and different villages of the Amalfi Coast. Take in all of the surroundings of this spectacular trek with the expertise of a local guide, stating terraced vineyards, the very best viewpoints, and what life would have been like again when this was the principle methodology of transportation across the Amalfi Coast.

See Related: Fun & Best Things to do in Ravello, Italy

10. Take a Boat Tour

That brings us to a different improbable approach to benefit from the Amalfi Coast – by sea. The dramatic cliffs, picturesque villages on the seaside, and azure waters are arguably much more photogenic from a ship, and you may discover underwater and coastal treasures that you simply in any other case couldn’t discover.

You can’t go mistaken with a full-day sightseeing cruise of the Amalfi Coast. Setting off together with your pleasant and educated captain from Positano, you’ll sail previous the village of Praiano, the well-known Fiordo di Furore (extra on that beneath), the long-lasting village of Amalfi, and even waterfalls. You’ll even have the prospect to enter the Emerald Grotto, a surreal sea cave with stalactites and emerald-green water on which a rowboat can take you round.

There are tons of different, extra particular boat excursions, too. Many embody focuses on the very best snorkeling spots and seashores that may solely be reached by boat, like this one on an iconic Amalfitan Gozzo boat. Others are sunset cruises to get an unobstructed waterfront view of that magnificent time of night.

See Related: Best River Cruises in Europe

11. Explore the Villages of the Amalfi Coast

Well, let’s end off the strategies of exploring the Amalfi Coast with the remaining one – on the land. The first time I went, everybody advised me to not drive the Amalfi Coast, because it’s not as lovely as it’s by sea or from above. But having finished it, I most positively disagree, and I extremely suggest traveling the coast by car, guided tour, or bus.

The a part of the street west of Positano is shorter however incorporates a couple of magnificent spots to cease for a photo of the coast forward of you. Moving east from Positano incorporates extra villages, starting with Praiano and Conca dei Marini, each definitely price a photograph cease on the minimal.

Next is the namesake of the coast, Amalfi city, with its spectacular pure setting beneath towering cliffs. Definitely cease right here to meander via outdated piazzas to get a way of native life and consider the city’s beautiful cathedrals and abbeys.

Photographers will probably be very proud of the mixture of winding alleyways, colourful homes, and sun-filled squares. This is a spot to chill out, benefit from the view, and order a limoncello or gelato.

After Amalfi, you’ll come to Maiori and Minori, every with its personal great surroundings and engaging eateries. Continue on to Salerno to see the entire coast and extra tiny seaside villages. If you don’t wish to drive it your self or fear about catching native buses, take a guided sightseeing tour from Positano, or perhaps a tour by bicycle.

See Related: Italy vs Greece: What’s the Difference?

12. Visit the Island of Capri

One of the very best Positano issues to do is to get away from it – by crossing the ocean to a tiny island off the coast referred to as Capri. This could be finished by ferry, on a boat tour, or by arranging for a personal boat tour.

Capri is a treasure of southern Italy, and it’s well-known for varied causes. The island options beautiful pure magnificence, delectable delicacies, and high-end buying.

It’s additionally a location to see and be seen, which is why so many celebrities dock their yachts in Marina Grande. The magnificent shoreline is dotted with majestic mansions, and the flashy Italian island has lengthy been a haven for jet setters.

Boat excursions are a well-liked methodology to expertise the pure great thing about Capri. Some of the favored sights embody the Blue Grotto, Green Grotto, the Punta Carena Lighthouse, and the Faraglioni di Capri rocks that tower out of the ocean simply offshore. There are a ton of boats promoting circle-island excursions round the principle port and Marina Grande Beach, however from my expertise, paying only a bit further for a private cruise could be very a lot price it.

Don’t neglect to discover what’s on land, too. Capri and Anacapri’s twisting alleyways are filled with boutique retailers, historic sights, and eating places.

You may journey the chairlift to Mount Solaro or stroll to the Natural Arch should you prefer to get exterior and discover the proper sight. If you’re going to wish to spend an evening or two on this spectacular island, the Villa Marina Capri Hotel & Spa is among the many better of the very best.

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Genoa, Italy

13. Furore Di Fiordo

Back to the mainland, one other Amalfi Coast icon you gained’t wish to miss is the Furore Di Fiordo. Located simply beneath the roadway that connects Amalfi and Positano, Furore Di Fiordo is tucked away in a secluded nook of the coast. You’ll must drive or take a bus from Positano, however this magnificent and one-of-a-kind seaside is price it.

You’ve in all probability seen this beach on Instagram whereas doing Amalfi Coast analysis – it’s a protracted, slender cove in between steep cliffs with a sandy seaside within the again. An arched bridge crosses it in the direction of the ocean. It’s completely beautiful and extremely photogenic.

The seaside is accessible by descending cliffside steps from the freeway into the swimming space. The seaside is comparatively small, making for a extra intimate seaside day expertise, and the views out of your seaside towel are unparalleled.

Visitors can swim in clear blue waters in the course of the hotter months or hike round, having fun with uncommon granite formations year-round. Visit early within the morning in May or September for the very best likelihood at having it as your individual non-public seaside.

See Related: Best Beach Bags With Cooler

14. Fornillo Beach

Let’s slot in another beach whereas we’re at it, and one nearer to Positano. Fornillo Beach is only a brief stroll from Positano’s most important middle, simply west of Positano Beach.

The trek to Fornillo Beach is alongside a splendidly picturesque coastal path that’s properly well worth the effort. It sits beneath Fornillo, a a lot quieter neighborhood in Positano, offering an off-the-beaten-path expertise with out requiring a protracted journey.

This seaside is much much less busy and feels extra authentically Mediterranean. The sea is extremely lovely.

There are seaside golf equipment the place you possibly can lease towels and chairs, quite a few eateries, clear loos, and a terrific atmosphere. Hotel Pupetto is a good mid-range lodging possibility that sits immediately on the seaside for individuals who need their toes within the water at each alternative.

See Related: Best Beach Blankets | Sand-Free Portable Options

15. Shop for Beautiful Footwear at Safari – The Positano Sandals

Address: Via della Tartana, 2, 84017 Positano SA, Italy

To get pleasure from all of those seashores, you’re going to wish a good pair of flip-flops. Make a fast cease at Safari – The Positano Sandals’ small store on the staircase close to Santa Maria Assunta to get one thing excellent.

You’ll get one thing actually excellent, too – they make customized sandals and footwear at this little boutique. Using an assortment of leather-based and colours, you possibly can design your individual footwear with the recommendation of the shoemaking consultants there. It actually doesn’t value as a lot as you may think, and the consolation and long-lasting high quality are distinctive.

There can be an assortment of already-made sandals, and chances are you’ll spot one thing you want on the wall prepared for you. You can decide up water footwear for the rockier seashores of the Amalfi Coast right here as properly.

See Related: Incredible Bucket List Ideas

16. Day Tour to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

There are a ton of day journey alternatives round this a part of southern Italy, however my high suggestion exterior of the Amalfi Coast could be to the ancient city of Pompeii and to the volcano that destroyed it. You’ve definitely heard the story or discovered in regards to the Neopolitan village that was buried by volcanic ash in a flash, preserving its society to be discovered by us hundreds of years later.

It’s a simple place to go to from Positano, being nearly an hour’s drive away. Various guided excursions are completely happy to choose you up from the Amalfi Coast, take you there, and supply skilled perception alongside the way in which. This day trip consists of Pompeii, Vesuvius, lunch, and wine tasting multi functional – probably checking off a number of containers in your Italy to-do list.

You might additionally simply separate these two points of interest into two separate day journeys. We solely spent a day in Pompeii, and I left feeling like I might have spent three days wandering round. It’s an enormous quantity of fascinating historical past to soak up, and each nook presents a brand new photo opportunity.

See Related: Helicopter Bungee Jump into a Volcano in Pucón, Chile

17. Laurito Beach, La Porta Beach, and Fiumicello Beach

Finally, we’ll depart you with a couple of extra of the world’s pristine seashores, as a result of everyone knows you possibly can’t get sufficient of them. If you’re searching for a seaside that’s extra unique than the crowded shores of Positano, Laurito, La Porta, and Fiumicello are a couple of glorious choices.

Set in opposition to the shoreline’s rugged cliffs, the hidden gem of Laurito is a small seaside tucked right into a cove just under the neighborhood of the identical title. There are two eating places on the seaside providing meals, drinks, and chairs, in addition to transportation from the principle pier in Positano – there’s actually no different approach to attain Laurito Beach. It’s tiny and unique, so you’ll want to arrive early to get a spot, and also you gained’t be disillusioned with the peace and views right here.

La Porta Beach is one other one solely accessible by boat however has a protracted and broad expanse of sand that enables for loads of room for beachgoers to unfold out. You’ll additionally discover boat shuttles from the Positano marina right here, however there aren’t any sunbeds, so deliver your towels and seaside gear to make this spot extra nice.

If you’re searching for completely minimal crowds, Fiumicello is a beautiful possibility positioned comparatively removed from Positano and providing loads of room. Again, you’ll must arrive by boat – it’s a 3-hour journey, which mainly combines your seaside day with a coastal cruise. Once there, although, you’ll definitely be one of many solely guests to get pleasure from its stretch of sand on the entrance of a gorge.

See Related: Best Beaches in France

FAQs