There are so many incredible things to do in Positano! Perfectly situated amidst one of the most beautiful regions in Italy, the Amalfi Coast, Positano is certainly a bucket list destination in Italy. The historic village is known for its cliffside houses, and with beaches, boats, art, shopping, hikes, and more, Positano is the perfect summer getaway!
Top things to do in Positano
1. Take a private boat tour from Positano
Hiring a private boat was by far our favorite thing we did while we were in Positano! There’s nothing better than being out on the sea, admiring the coastline from a new vantage and stopping for multiple swims in the refreshing Mediterranean water.
We went in and out of awe-inspiring grottos, explored the island of Capri, and basked in every ounce of sunshine. When the day was over, we all agreed that it was definitely a bucket list experience that was worth every penny!
Tips & details:
- We rented through Positano Boats, which has a booth right by the main Marina; however, there are tons of boat companies in the area.
- We didn’t book until our first day in Positano, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to book ahead of time over email.
- You can choose whether you want to take the boat to Capri or take a cruise down the coast. We opted to go to Capri in order to break up our time on the boat and see the island, which meant we were on the boat about 5 hours total and exploring Capri for 3 hours.
- You’re given the option to rent for 4 or 8 hours at a time. We chose 8 hours and are so glad we did! With 4 hours, we would’ve just gone to Capri and turned around to come back, which means we would’ve forgone any time to explore the island.
- The prices will vary based on company and season, but for example, we paid 670 euros for 8 hours. This included the skipper, towels, noodles for floating, docking at Capri, water, soft drinks, beer, and a bottle of champagne. One way we cut costs the first time we visited was by making friends in the line to book and going on a boat together.
- The sea can get very choppy, especially in a smaller boat, so if you get motion sickness, be sure to bring some Bonine (literally our lifesaver).
- Don’t forget sunscreen, as you’ll be on the boat in the heat of the day and the sun is super strong!
2. Day trip to Capri
Of all the things to do in Positano, exploring the island of Capri is a must! Capri is a gorgeous and rugged island in the Bay of Naples, and though it doesn’t look that big on a map, there is a ton to do here. You can find everything from high-end beach clubs to shopping to incredible viewpoints.
One of our favorite things to do when we visited Capri was admiring the coastline from the water. We were in complete awe of the size of the rock formation on the island, and all around the coast are gorgeous cave inlets or “grottos“.
Our other favorite experience on Capri was taking the chair lift from Anacapri to the top of the island. The view from the top is certainly breathtaking as you can see the majority of the island as well as watch all of the boats zip in and out of the harbor.
Tips & details:
- There are many ways to get to Capri from Positano. You can opt for a private boat, group tour, or take the ferry (~20 euros each way) from the main marina.
- You can use taxis, buses, and/or the funicular to get around Capri
- The chairlift costs 12 euros round-trip, starts from Anacapri, and is an 18-minute ride to the top.
- If time permits, stay a couple of nights on Capri! The island is very busy during the time of day trips, but after 6 pm it becomes very quiet.
- If you’re interested in a beach club, check out La Canzone Del Mare
3. Explore the grottos
Grottos, which are sea caves along the coast, are a feat of nature and super epic to explore! The way the sunlight comes through and reflects results in gorgeous, blue, almost see-through water and illuminates the cave.
There are many grottos along the Amalfi Coast and around Capri, the most famous being the Blue Grotto. However, because of its popularity and the physical nature of the Blue Grotto, you have to get in a queue of boats that could take an hour or more, pay to get into a smaller boat to enter the cave, and then you’re only allowed 5 minutes inside.
From our experience, here are two better options to experience a grotto:
- Take an excursion to the Green Grotto, which is more unique and much less crowded.
- If you rent a private boat to Capri, ask your skipper to visit a few grottos along the way. We visited the White Grotto, Sailor’s Grotto, and a couple of others with no crowds this way. While each grotto is unique, you can definitely get the gist without doing the Blue Grotto.
4. Enjoy the beaches in Positano
Chances are, if you’re on holiday, you’ll want to have at least one relaxing beach day! In Positano, you can either visit Spiaggia Grande beach, Fornillo beach, or book a beach club.
Spiaggia Grande beach
You can’t miss the Spiaggia Grande beach, as it’s the beach full of orange chairs and blue umbrellas by the main marina in Positano. Most of this beach is private, meaning you have to rent the chair for the day and get here early to reserve. However, a small portion of the beach is public, so you can just bring your towel and snag a spot!
Fornillo Beach
About a 10-minute walk down the coast is Fornillo Beach, which is a quieter and cheaper option. This charming beach definitely gets our vote as it’s nicer and has far fewer crowds. Similar to Spiaggia Grande beach, you can either rent a chair and umbrella (though at a much lower price) or bring a towel and grab a free spot on the rocks.
Beach clubs
Another option is booking a beach club. A couple of popular ones in the area are Villa Tre Ville and Arienzo, which both came highly recommended by our Airbnb host.
Note: most of the beach clubs provide complimentary boat service to get there and require reservations in advance.
Tips for enjoying the beach in Positano:
- The beaches are very rocky (which honestly kind of surprised us), so be sure to bring water shoes
- If you don’t plan to book a chair and umbrella, get there early and bring your own towel
- The prices for the chairs and umbrellas vary based on where you rent and what row you’re in
Read: Perfect 2-week Italy Itinerary
5. Take in the cliffside views
One of the things that makes Positano so unique is how it’s built into this cliffside inlet. There are amazing spots that offer views overlooking the cliffside homes, down to the marina, and over the ocean as far as the eye can see. No matter how many times we’ve seen it, no matter what time of day, it’s magical.
Best views of Positano:
- Le Sirenuse hotel – if you aren’t a guest, they may or may not let you in to see the balcony
- Franco’s Bar – next door to Le Sirenuse, opens at 5:30 pm, though we recommend getting in line no later than 4:45 to get a table with a view
- Bruno – just a bit down the street from Franco’s, you can try and snag an outdoor table with incredible views. The sunset here is magical!
- And finally, here, just a few more steps beyond Bruno, is our favorite FREE view in town!
Read: 14 BEST Amalfi Coast Instagram Spots
6. Church of Santa Maria Assunta
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is the main church in Positano and is very prominent in the skyline of the town. The church was founded all the way back in the 10th century. With its central location and intricately tiled dome, you can’t miss this church while you’re in Positano.
7. Art galleries and shopping
As you explore the streets of Positano, you’ll find amazing shopping as well as impressive art galleries. There are all the mediums of art to admire here, so definitely stop into a few galleries and look around.
In terms of shopping for women’s clothing, if you don’t go home with a new white dress or outfit adorned with lemons, you have much more willpower than me! Cute boutiques at all price points are everywhere in Positano.
8. Get custom-made sandals
At many shops around Positano and other parts of the Amalfi Coast, you can purchase custom-made sandals. After you decide on a style and color, the shoemaker will start by choosing the right base size for you. Then, they will measure the sandal straps exactly to your foot proportions, and you get to watch them hammer the straps in and finish all of the detailing for the shoe.
Honestly, it’s so cool to see, and it’s really a two-for-one! Not only is it an amazing experience, but you also get to go home with beautiful, perfectly fitted Italian leather shoes. The first pair I had made has lasted years!
9. Day trip to Amalfi and Ravello
Definitely plan to take a day trip to Amalfi and Ravello, as each town on the Amalfi Coast has unique things to offer! You can take the ferry to Amalfi and then either bus, taxi, or hike up to Ravello.
While you’re in Amalfi, start by checking out the gorgeous Amalfi Cathedral, which has been around since the 13th century in its current form.
Afterwards, head up to the quaint town of Ravello. In Ravello, you can grab a delicious bite to eat with fantastic views at Hotel Ristorante Garden. Once you’ve filled up, head to Villa Cimbrone, where you’ll find stunning gardens and the famous Terrace of Infinity.
Tips & details:
- The ferry from Positano to Amalfi costs 8 euros each way. Tickets can be purchased at the main marina in Positano, and you can buy one-way or round-trip.
- Ferry pro tip: on the way to Amalfi, sit on the left side for the best coastal views. On the way back to Positano, sit on the right!
- Entrance to the Amalfi Cathedral costs 3 euros. Make sure to dress modestly, but if you don’t have something to cover your shoulders, they will provide a paper shawl for you.
- The bus from Amalfi to Ravello takes ~30 minutes and costs 1.30 euros. Tickets can be purchased at Agenzia Viaggi Turismo Divina Costiera near the main Marina. Tip: the buses aren’t always properly labeled “Ravello” when they arrive, so be sure to ask the bus driver so you don’t miss it.
- Entrance to the Villa Cimbrone Gardens costs 12 euros and can be purchased at the entrance.
10. Path of the Gods
The Path of the Gods is a famous hike up high along the coastline of the Amalfi Coast with striking views the whole way. The path goes between Nocelle, the town above Positano on the cliffside, to Bomerano. The trail is 7 km each way and should take around 4 hours round-trip. Make sure to avoid the heat by starting early and bringing tons of water!
11. Limoncello Class in Positano
One of the most unique things to do in Positano is to take a Limoncello class! In Positano and all along the Amalfi coast, there is lemon EVERYTHING. So, naturally, Limonchello is a prominent drink in the region.
We found it super interesting to see a local family garden and learn how to make Limoncello.
We took this class through Airbnb Experiences, and the woman explained exactly how to make Limoncello and marmalade, then we got to taste all of her products and tour her garden. The same hosts, Gesualda and Valentino, also offer this class for the full hands-on experience to make your own Limoncello and marmalade!
12. Eat AMAZING Italian food
It’s only natural to eat your weight in incredible food while you’re in Positano! Here are a few of our favorite places to indulge in the area:
- Collina Positano Bakery – the name is deceptive, but this place is not just a bakery. They do have a delicious bakery; however, just across the street is the restaurant where they whip up magic. Everything was so delicious, from pizza and pasta to the Buddha bowl and salad. We went back FOUR times – enough said!
- Buca di Bacco – this restaurant is on the main marina in Positano and serves delicious pasta (with a great side of people-watching!)
- Casa e Bottega – if you’re looking for a healthy lunch in town, this is your spot. It’s a bit of a trek from the main marina, but worth it!
Where to stay in Positano
Location is key in Positano as the whole town is built into a cliffside. Our legs were absolutely burning as we got around the city, and we wouldn’t have wanted to stay any higher on the cliff than where we were. Looking at a map is deceptive because things look close and then HELLO 50 more stairs!
In order to be centrally located to the best things to do in Positano and still be able to feel your legs, we’d recommend staying anywhere below the road “Via Cristoforo Colombo”.
Below are a few accommodation options to consider. Note that hotels in Positano book up a ways in advance, so be sure to reserve your room(s) early.
- Luxury stay in Positano: Le Sirenuse
- Mid-range stay in Positano: Hotel Ancora
- Budget stay in Positano: La Mammola
Positano is generally a pricey place for accommodations. If budget is a big concern, you may want to consider looking for accommodations in Sorrento and doing a day trip to Positano.
Tips for visiting Positano
- Walking and taking stairs is pretty much the only way to get around Positano, so make sure to bring your walking shoes!
- Like many places in Italy, most restaurants have a “sit-down fee” that can cost you 3+ euros per person. If you want a quick meal, take it to-go to avoid the extra charges.
- Positano is crazy busy during July & August. For the best weather without insane crowds, consider booking in September.
- Visit the best places in Italy, including Positano, with the ultimate 2-week Italy Itinerary!
Before you go to Positano, be sure to check out the Can’t Miss Amalfi Coast Instagram Spots so you can capture the best photos while you’re on vacation!
