Photo by Andrea Gallucci. A vertical village, Positano is an agglomeration of colourful houses stretching along a rocky ridge of the Lattari mountains and among which a multicoloured majolica dome stands out. An unmistakable skyline and one of the most beautiful in the world!
Overlooking the sea, Positano is one of the most famous places on the equally famous Amalfi Coast, recognised as a holiday resort since the time of the Roman Empire. It has been a popular destination for VIPs and celebrities since the 1960s. Positano is a way of life, a treasure trove of breathtaking scenery and testimonial of a true lifestyle.
If you're planning a trip to this enchanting Italian town and seeking a charming and comfortable accommodation, look no further than Hotel Savoia Positano on hotel-marincanto.positano-hotels.net.
Here is what to see in Positano for a memorable stay.
1 - Marina Grande
Photo by Davidhermanns. Positano's main beach, so called because, in proportion to the town, it is really big: it is almost 400 metres long and about 70 metres wide.
A picture-postcard setting where the pebbles fade into the turquoise waters that have repeatedly earned the Blue Flag.
On the wide sandy shore, with the Li Galli islands in front and the colourful cascade of small houses set in the mountain behind, there are bathing establishments, restaurants and a discotheque, the Music On the Rocks. It is no coincidence that this beach is the favourite haunt of Positano residents, tourists and VIPs from all over the coast.
Much of the beach is under management, and therefore subject to payment; the only free area is the central part, always very crowded in July and August. In the summer months, if you don't like the chaos, you should go early in the morning or in the evening.
How to get there: walk along the small pedestrian street that starts from Piazza dei Mulini, just after the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano the view opens up to the beach - Get directions
Hours: always accessible
Ticket price: establishments from €45.00 2 sunbeds and an umbrella; free access to the central area
2 - Fornillo beach
Photo by Mihael Grmek. Smaller beach than Marina Grande but decidedly quieter and more peaceful.
Almost 300 metres long and almost 20 metres wide at its largest point, it is made up of medium-sized pebbles, always very clean and with a beautiful clear sea.
Despite its small size, there is no shortage of restaurants and establishments lining the entire beach. There is also a free area at the end, after all the establishments.
How to get there: about 800 metres from Piazza dei Mulini. Can be reached by Sita bus - get directions
Hours: always accessible
Ticket price: establishments from €45.00 2 sunbeds and a beach umbrella; free access to the final area
Where to stay nearby: Nestled in a prime location, Villa Rosa Positano on villa-rosa-positano.positano-hotels.net boasts commanding views of the Positano coastline.
3 - Saracen Towers
Walking along the harbour and looking towards the coast, you can see the Saracen towers that watch over the beach.
Typical of the entire Amalfi coastline, these are old watchtowers built in the 16th century to control the sea from enemy attacks!
The most important were Sponda, Trasita and Fornillo. Having received the alert from the Campanella Tower, the main one, the sentries warned the population to take refuge by climbing up the mountain towards higher villages or in the woods.
Evidence of truly terrible times, today some of the Saracen towers around Positano have been used as locations for elegant restaurants and charming accommodation.
Perfect places from which to admire the enchanting scenery of the Amalfi Coast with its steep cliffs and small villages overlooking the sea.
How to get there: about 550 metres from Piazza dei Mulini, the towers flank the harbour - Get directions
Hours: always accessible
Ticket price: free unless you choose to stay or eat in one of the hotels or restaurants
Where to stay nearby: Situated in a privileged location, Punta Regina Positano boasts unparalleled panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast. Admire the mesmerizing sight of Positano's cascading pastel-colored houses, the sparkling sea, and the rugged cliffs.
4 - Church of Santa Maria Assunta
A symbol of Positano with its marvellous dome covered in coloured majolica, the church of Santa Maria Teresa dell'Assunta dates back to the 10th century and hides several curiosities.
Legend has it that the black Madonna and Child, now enshrined inside the church, belonged to a cargo coming from the East who, in their attempt to resume their journey, were stopped by a voice urging them to stop 'Posa, Posa' (hence the name Positano). Thinking it was a divine sign, the sailors stopped and donated the statue to the people who built the church. Many believe that the statue was brought here by Benedictine monks, but the legend is certainly more suggestive.
Another great curiosity is the discovery of the Roman Villa right under the church and the discovery of the prestigious mosaic and frescoes with a marine theme.
How to get there: along the pedestrian path from Piazza dei Mulini, 4 min walk - Get directions
Hours: 8am-12pm and 4pm-8pm
Ticket price: free
5 - MAR Positano - Roman Villa
Positano is known for its wonderful sea and views, but few know that it hides so much history and art.
The Roman Archaeological Museum, the MAR, known as the Roman Villa is a great example of Positano's history and art.
The Villa Romana is located just below the church S.S. Maria Assunta and was built by the Romans in the first century BC.
It was completely buried by the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. and it took more than 10 years of excavation and restoration to bring it to light.
Situated more than 11 metres below ground level, it is impossible to visit it without wondering how it was passed over for years without having the slightest idea of what lay beneath.
The ancient Romans had it all figured out and built their villas in the place that would later become the pearl of the Amalfi coast and one of the most enchanting places in Italy.
How to get there: 160 metres from Piazza dei Mulini, right next to the church - Get directions
Hours: 9am-9pm. From 1 November to 30 March 10am-4pm
Ticket price: €15.00
6 - Path of the Gods
Photo by Stiflele. One of the most beautiful excursions to take on the Coast! The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) connects Agerola, a hamlet of Bomerano, 650 metres above sea level, a village in the hills of the Amalfi Coast, to Nocelle, a hamlet of Positano clinging to the slopes of Monte Pertuso.
The name is enough to hint at the spectacular nature of the path!
Not surprisingly, the place has inspired poets and writers.
Italo Calvino described it thus:'that road suspended over the magical gulf of the Sirens, still ploughed by memory and myth'. And it is precisely with this phrase engraved on a ceramic plaque that the route begins. The conformation of the land through which it winds is very easy, although one must wear comfortable shoes!
The path has not been touched by the hand of man; no one has dared to desecrate the beauty of the place, not even the weather has managed to scratch the rocks that jealously guard the stories of the people who have lived there. Along the way there are fresh, drinkable water springs and numerous viewpoints. From here, there is a clear view ofLi Galli Island, where mermaids used to sing to mislead sailors.
How to get there: the starting point of the trail is from Agerola, which can be reached by bus no. 5070 or 5080, recommended by private tour - Get directions
Timetable: always accessible
Ticket cost: free
Card, ticket and recommended tour: private walking tour of the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods)
7 - Laurito Beach
Small and wild, this is one of Positano's most hidden beaches.
The sandy shore is so small that it would be more correct to speak of a cove. The western side consists mainly of pebbles and gravel, while the eastern side consists of flat rocks where one can lie and sunbathe.
This beach also attracts many tourists who enjoy water sports, diving and snorkelling. The name comes from the massive presence of laurel (laurel) plants in the area.
There is a free area and a private one run by a small hotel; there are also two restaurants where you can eat with your feet directly in the sand, in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
How to get there: take bus 5070 to the Hotel San Pietro, from here go down a flight of steps from the small square in front, or by taxi-boat - get directions
Hours: always accessible
Ticket price: establishments from €45.00 2 sunbeds and a beach umbrella; free access to the final area
8 - Arienzo Beach
Also known as the 'three hundred steps' beach, this is the beach where the sun sets the latest, thanks to its favourable south-westerly exposure.
As can be easily guessed, to reach it one must take a flight of about 300 steps. It is a very evocative flight of steps, along which it is possible to peek inside the gardens of some of the most luxurious villas on the Amalfi Coast; among the many, the one that belonged to Franco Zeffirelli, who used to host international jet-set personalities here, now converted into a hotel.
The beach at Arienzo is also divided between a side with free access and a private side with bathing establishment and various services.
How to get there: once past the centre of Positano, continuing in the direction of Amalfi, after about 1 km there is the Hotel San Pietro. After about 800 metres there is the stairway to Arienzo - Get directions
Opening hours: always accessible
Ticket price: establishments from €45.00 2 sunbeds and a beach umbrella; free access to the final area
9 - Emerald Grotto
Near Conca dei Marini (11 km from Positano), there is this magical realm, where light takes on marvellous, fairytale-like connotations.
In addition to the crystal-clear water with its green hues, what astonishes the visitor are the cave walls, which,'worked' by time, sea and air, present a series of stalagmites and stalactites that cannot fail to amaze.
The existence of the cave was unknown until 1932, when a fisherman, Luigi Buonocore, discovered its existence by chance. A small curiosity: in 1956, an underwater crib was set up inside the cave.
How to get there: 11 km along the SS 163. The cave can be accessed directly from the main road by lift or stairs - Get directions
Opening hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ticket price: €5.00
10 - The alleys
Photo by JeCCo. Positano needs to be experienced, to savour its essence and enjoy the emotions it arouses.
And one of the elements that characterise this'being' of Positano are its alleys: mazes and alleyways crowned by dazzling bougainvillea that wind their way up the mountain among cobblestones, pergolas, shops, pubs, stairs and ladders.
The most pleasant activity to do in Positano is to stroll leisure ly through these narrow streets, in no hurry. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of the place, admire glimpses of rare beauty and visit the numerous art galleries.
Worthy of mention is the sophisticated local craftsmanship. There are many shops displaying dresses, tunics and shirts made of linen, St. Gallen or light cotton, in typical white or pastel tones, wide-brimmed straw hats and, unfailingly, leather sandals, simple or decorated.
It costs nothing to have a look, and if something catches your eye, it's the perfect opportunity for a souvenir to take home!
How to get there: old town centre - get directions
Hours: always accessible
Ticket price: free
Positano Itinerary in a day
Photo by Mihael Grmek. Breakfast at Blu Bar Positano (€6.00) and a morning of sun and sea at Marina Grande, the town's main beach. The choice is yours whether to opt for the private establishment or the free-access area.
For lunchtime, head back to town and stop at the famous Le Tre Sorelle Restaurant (€60.00).
Then stroll aimlessly through the picturesque alleys of Positano.
Photographing enchanting glimpses, browsing in craft shops for pastel-coloured linen dresses or typical custom-made sandals are your favourite activities. All delighted by the heady lemon aroma that pervades every corner and the bright colours of the bougainvillea that adorns the pergolas.
If you are an enthusiast, visit the MAR - Museo Archeologico di Positano (Archaeological Museum of Positano ) to admire the remains of the maritime villa found beneath the church, in particular the exquisite mosaic with marine-themed depictions. And while you are in the area, pay a visit to the church.
Dinner at the elegant Ohimà restaurant (€60.00), and after dinner along the seafront with drinks at the Positano Paradise Lounge Bar.
One-day itinerary at a glance
Breakfast at Blu Bar Positano
Beach Marina Grande (always accessible, free area from €45,00 private establishments)
Lunch at Le Tre Sorelle Restaurant
MAR - Maritime Villa (9:00-21:00. From 1 November to 30 March 10:00-16:00, €15,00)
Church of Santa Maria Assunta (8:00-12:00 and 16:00-20:00, free)
Dinner at Ohimà restaurant
After dinner at Positano Paradise Lounge Bar
Where to eat in Positano
Saraceno d'Oro: pizzas and Mediterranean recipes in a neat restaurant with horseshoe arch and Moorish-style decorations
Average price per person: €55.00
Address and contact details: Viale Pasitea, 254(Get directions) / tel: 089 812050La Taverna del Leone: elegant location with open kitchen. Excellent fresh fish dishes.
Average price per person: €50.00
Address and contact details: Via Laurito, 43(Get directions) / tel: 089 811302Ristorante Casa Mele: high-end restaurant with top-notch menu.
Average price per person: €80,00
Address and contact details: Via Guglielmo Marconi, 76(Get directions) / tel: 089 811364Ohimà Restaurant: a small atelier of taste, excellent products impeccably presented
Average price per person: €60.00
Address and contact details: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 17(Get directions) / tel: 089 811691Terrazza Celè: romantic restaurant with a view, carefully prepared dishes and respect for raw materials
Average price per person: €45.00
Address and contact details: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 50 (Getdirections) / tel: 089 875130
What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and best clubs
In Positano there is a great choice of activities to do in the evening. The clubs stay open until late and it is impossible to pass up an evening at the historic 'Music on the Rocks' disco.
An unmissable ritual is that of theaperitif, especially because it is easy to find some VIP at the table next to yours.
For pre-dinner, and dinner proper, the choice is wide: there are venues with tables directly on the beach, but also more secluded locations for those who prefer more reserved places far from the crowds; one example is Palazzo Murat, a historic hotel created from the restoration of an 18th-century palazzo where you can sit in an internal botanical garden.
Music on The Rocks: the historic disco on Positano's Spiaggia Grande beach.
Address: Via Grotte dell'incanto, 50(Get directions)Next 2: club on Fornillo beach with a terrace offering an enchanting view. You can choose between restaurant and wine bar. On summer evenings, lounge and jazz music.
Address: Viale Pasitea, 242(Get directions)Positano Paradise Lounge Bar: an elevated location to enjoy an aperitif overlooking Positano's main beach.
Address: Via del Saracino, 32 (Getdirections)Blu Bar: a panoramic bar ideal for an evening with friends, wide selection of cocktails, craft and draught beers.
Address: Via Marina Grande, 4 (Getdirections)L'alternativa - Cocktail Bar on the Pier: drinks, slushies and cocktails at low prices
Address: Porticciolo di Positano(Get directions)
Plan your stay in Positano: info and tips
How to get there: by car via the A3 motorway, take the exit Vietri sul mare both from the North and from the South, and then the state road 163, beautiful, full of bends and very busy in summer(Get directions). Alternatively, from Naples central station take the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento. From Sorrento, Salerno and Amalfi, SITA trains are available. Various ferries are also available connecting it to towns along the Amalfi Coast and islands in the Gulf of Naples ( booking in advance is recommended)
How to get around: on foot, bearing in mind there are numerous ups and downs
Where to park: there are no free car parks. There are car parks in the centre 'Mulini' or in the 'Fornillo' area, for the latter there is a shuttle bus that runs to and from the centre every 30 minutes (€1.80)
Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €157.00 per room - see offers
A trip to Positano is a journey into a world of breathtaking beauty, rich history, and warm Mediterranean hospitality. Hotel Savoia Positano on hotel-savoia-positano.positano-hotels.net provides a charming and comfortable retreat, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of this coastal town.
What to see nearby: Amalfi, Praiano, Ravello, Sorrento, Capri