Positano

Travel Guide
Positano showing a statue or sculpture and a coastal town
This colorful enclave in the hills is a maze of narrow streets and gardens renowned for its craftsmanship and beautiful facades.

Positano is a collection of pastel colored houses clinging to the slopes of a deep ravine that leads down to the Mediterranean. The picturesque spot is set amidst gardens of oranges, lemons and bougainvillea.

Positano is primarily a pedestrianized zone and steep sets of stairs and passages between buildings replace streets. There is only one road through the town that allows vehicle traffic.

Meander through narrow passageways lined with stores selling locally made crafts and produce. For centuries Positano’s artisans have produced silk and linen clothing and accessories. Today their workshops continue to supply the resort’s high-end fashion boutiques that can be found on almost every street.

As you walk around observe the domes on the roofs of many of the houses. They are filled with sand that keeps buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Head for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, one of Positano’s most prominent sights. It features a majolica-tiled dome and houses a 12th century icon of the Black Madonna.

Stretch out on the beach of Spiaggia Grande at the foot of the town. This is Positano’s main beach and it can get crowded in summer. You may find there’s more room on the quieter Fornillo Beach. This secluded cove is just beyond the watchtower, close to where the boats dock. It’s accessible by a stone staircase from the road above.

Rent a boat from the harbor and explore the coves and sea caves of Positano, or embark on a hiking trail. One of the most popular trails is the ‘Path of the Gods’, a picturesque mountain trail up to the village of Bomerano 2,083 feet (635 meters) above sea level. Walk up mountains, across a gorge, pass herds of sheep and goats, with dramatic views at every turn.

The quickest and most convenient way to get to Positano is by bus. There are frequent SITA bus services from Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi and other towns along the coast. In the spring and summer Positano is served by ferries and hydrofoil from Naples, Salerno, Amalfi and other harbors in the region.

Where to stay in Positano

Hotel Le Agavi
Hotel Le Agavi
5 out of 5
Via Marconi 127, Positano, SA
The price is $524 per night from Oct 28 to Oct 29
$524
per night
Oct 28 - Oct 29
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Positano. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Piazza Tasso and Fornillo Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (187 reviews)
"We loved this hotel. Away from the business of the main area in positano. But the shuttle and water taxis made it easy to get to town when you wanted to. We enjoyed the beach club, the pool and the spa. The concierge was so helpful. Arranging car services, dinner reservations and even helping with ..."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2023

Hotel Le Agavi
Le Sirenuse
Le Sirenuse
5 out of 5
Via Cristoforo Colombo 30, Positano, SA
The price is $1,132 per night from Oct 23 to Oct 24
$1,132
per night
Oct 23 - Oct 24
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Positano. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Piazza Tasso and Piazza dei Mulini are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (152 reviews)
"Perfect stay!"

Reviewed on Sep 3, 2023

Le Sirenuse
Hotel Villa Franca
Hotel Villa Franca
5 out of 5
Viale Pasitea, 318, Positano, SA
The price is $763 per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
$763
per night
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Positano. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Piazza Tasso and Positano Ferry Landing ...
9/10 Wonderful! (547 reviews)
"Looks to be the most upscale. Roof top makes it all the way worth it!"

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2023

Hotel Villa Franca
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
La Caravella Positano Beach, Residence
La Caravella Positano Beach, Residence
Via Rampa Teglia, 23, Positano, SA
Stay at this beach residence in Positano. Enjoy a private beach, a rooftop terrace, and WiFi. Popular attractions Piazza Tasso and Positano Tourist Office are ...
7.2/10 Good! (149 reviews)
"Quaint, cutely decorated casita type hotel with nice patio, living room, kitchenette, bed and bath right on the beach. Unfortunately, the beach bar next door plays loud music nightly until midnight. Hotel did not include kitchen towels, soap, sponge, paper towels or wine glasses. For the nightly ..."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2023

La Caravella Positano Beach, Residence
Alcione Residence
Alcione Residence
Via Cristoforo Colombo 135, Positano, SA
Stay at this residence in Positano. Enjoy free WiFi, valet parking, and in-room childcare. Popular attractions Piazza Tasso and Church of Santa Maria Assunta ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (206 reviews)
"Gorgeous views and rooms! Photos don’t do it justice with how wonderful it is. In a great location too! Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2023

Alcione Residence
Palazzo Margherita Positano
Palazzo Margherita Positano
Via Guglielmo Marconi 45, Positano, SA
Stay at this business-friendly apartment in Positano. Enjoy free WiFi, valet parking, and in-room massages. Popular attractions Piazza Tasso and Palazzo Murat ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
"This property has a great view of hotels and sea. Be prepared to walk many many steps. Lots of shopping as you go down towards beach. Eat at the restaurants that are away from beach."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

Palazzo Margherita Positano
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Positano

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
375
" "5 - Excellent 84.08071748878923%
4 - Good
56
" "4 - Good 12.556053811659194%
3 - Okay
11
" "3 - Okay 2.4663677130044843%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 0.672645739910314%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.2242152466367713%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Feb 19, 2020

Unfortunately we went off season so only two restaurants open at lunch and Teo for dinner so is hard to really appreciate but is a very beautiful City with very friendly people.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 18, 2020

Beautiful overall people are nice as well 

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 28, 2020

We went in January and while I was aware it was the off season and a lot of businesses would be closed, I was still amazed that Only 3 restaurants were open. It was super easy and cheap to take the $2.00 SITA bus To sorrento for more options though

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 25, 2020

I'll definitely visit Positano again. It is such a beautiful place

5/5 - Excellent

Carolina
Dec 30, 2019

Cannot wait to go back! People are so nice!!!! BEAUTIFUL!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 30, 2019

Stunning historic town. High point of our trip to Italy

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