Nestled in an enclave along Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast, Positano is a colorful gem of a town built into the hillside. In this guide, we’ve rounded up all the top things to do in Positano, plus essential tips for your visit.
The sight of Positano’s colorful buildings cascading down a cliffside into the indigo waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea creates postcard-worthy image of the Amalfi Coast.
Positano has a way of captivating any type of traveler. The hillside town boasts colorful buildings filled with casual to opulent bars and restos and a wealth of intimate alleyways to explore. All centered around a heavenly beach, perfectly lined with parasols.
In this article we are covering all the best things to do in Positano, how to get around, where to eat and where to stay. Plus, we’ve got some insider tips so you can make the most out of your visit.
Top things to do in Positano
If you’re looking for the very best things to do in Positano, here are our top recommendations:
Keep reading for more detailed information on each of these things and more ideas of fun things to do in Positano.
1. Explore the Amalfi Coast by boat
There are several ways you can go about admiring the Amalfi Coast’s jagged cliff sides, cerulean beaches, and colorful towns: ferry, small group boat tours, or by private boat.
Taking the ferry
Ferries are by far the cheapest and best way to get around during the warmer months. Plus you can avoid all the traffic on the narrow roads.
To book a ferry, head down to the ferry terminal at the pier. There are kiosks set up all along the edge for various ferry companies offering rides to neighboring towns like Amalfi, out to Capri or back to Sorrento/Naples on the opposite side of the peninsula.
There is also a boat rental stand on the beach where you can buy your ferry tickets.
Ferries between Positano and Amalfi run five times a day from about 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. A one way ticket will cost just 10€ per passenger.
Boat tours of the Amalfi Coast
For a more adventurous experience, join a local on an Amalfi Coast boat tour. This half-day excursion will include food and drinks, plus you’ll have time for leisure activities like snorkeling.
Private boat tours are a luxurious and memorable way to travel the coast. Although pricey, all things considering, if you’re traveling in a group of 4-6 people, the price becomes much more attractive.
Renting a boat in Positano
You can also hire a private boat with or without a driver, directly from the beach in Positano. Just head down to the beach at the town’s center and look for the stands offering “boat rentals”. They will have loads of options and price points to choose from.
In my experience, we were always able to rent a boat immediately. However, if you are traveling during high season (June – August) you may consider arranging your boat hire the day before, just to be sure they have something available for you.
2. Hike the Path of the Gods
- Location: Bomerano to Locelle
- Distance: 10.2 km (6.4 miles), point-to-point
- Elevation gain: 600 meters (1,961 ft)
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- Timing: 3-4 hours
- View trail notes on Alltrails
Hugging the coast’s dramatic cliff sides, the Path of the Gods (Il Sentiero degli Dei) is one of the most beautiful walks on the Amalfi Coast and in all of Italy.
You’ll follow ancient mule routes, watching as the scenery evolves from lush terraces to sweeping views over the Amalfi and Mediterranean Coast.
The trail is straightforward and well marked, however there are several different ways you can hike this trail and important logistics you’ll want to know beforehand. We cover everything in our detailed Path of the Gods Trail Guide.
3. Eat the freshest seafood for lunch at Da Adolfo
Tucked away along the private, pebbled Laurito Beach, Ristorante Da Adolfo is an unforgettable private dining experience and a Positano institution.
This culinary venture is a full day feat where you’ll spend part of the day relaxing on their private beach and the other part sampling food and wine from their curated menu of specialties.
Good to know: They only take reservations via phone (+39 089875022). If you want a beach chair/umbrella be sure to book that well in advance with your lunch reservation.
How to get there: The only way to access the restaurant is by their free boat shuttle service with a reservation. Make your way to the port in Positano and look for the small motorboat with a vibrant red fish on top that reads “Da Adolfo”.
It leaves regularly from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and returns from 4 p.m. onward. The ride is only 5-minutes down the coast to the restaurant.
Note that this restaurant (as with many others) is only open during the “summer season” in Positano, which is usually from early-May to mid-October.
4. Dine with a view
Built directly into the panoramic cliff sides, there is no better place to find incredible food with equally pleasing views. These restaurants offer some of the best views (and food!) in town.
- Buca di Bacco: Genuine Italian food that shines through its simplicity. Ask for a table on their rooftop terrace!
- Il Tridente: Situate yourself in the center of Positano’s cliffs as you indulge in Neapolitan cuisine.
- Maestro: Panoramic views of the sea hugging Positano from a fine dining atmosphere.
- La Sponda: This Michelin-star restaurant overlooks Positano’s colorful cliffside in a candlelit setting.
- Da Gabrisa: Their terrace has sweeping coastal views with a refined menu.
- Li Galli Bistro: A cheap and cheerful little spot, right on the main road leading up from the town center. This place only has a handful of road-side outdoor tables, but the views are unmatched!
5. Relax at the beach
Lazing on Positano’s pebbled beaches is a beloved Italian pastime that can be experienced two different ways: the classic lido or typical beach style.
Each beach will have a lido (beach club) and a (very) small area with free access where you can spread your towel for the day.
- Spiaggia Grande (Marina Grande Beach): The most popular (and busiest) beach in the center of town surrounded by the best restaurants.
- La Scogliera Positano: prices start at €200
- Fornillo Beach: The second largest beach in Positano with crystalline waters and scenic cliff sides.
- Pupetto Beach Club: prices start at €50
- Arienzo Beach: Secluded beach surrounded by cliff sides.
- Arienzo Beach Club Positano: prices start at €280
- One Fire Beach: This vibrant beach is just south of town in Praiano, but well worth it for the amazing location and impeccable views over Positano.
- Lido One Fire Beach: contact for pricing
6. Take a cooking class
Momma Dora and Papà Luigi have offered their Home Cooking Class for nearly 40 years at La Tagliata.
It’s one of the best ways to enjoy authentic Italian food, and they fit you right into their family with drinks, singing, and dancing.
You’ll hand pick ingredients from their garden and cook up a typical Italian lunch: bruschetta, potato gnocchi, cherry tomato sauce, eggplant parmigiana, and tiramisu. Once everything is prepared, you’ll enjoy everything you’ve made on their outdoor terrace.
7. Shop for custom leather sandals
The art of handmade leather sandals is an ancient tradition in Positano.
Artisan shops are dotted around town where you can buy premade styles or create your own custom leather sandals on the spot in about 30-minutes.
You can personalize them by choosing the style, colors, details, and even heel height, creating the perfect, one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home.
8. Try limoncello
When life gave Italians giant Amalfi lemons, they made limoncello.
This Italian lemon-infused liqueur is a signature to Southern Italy. Limoncello is most commonly served as a digestif after dinner and oftentimes on the house after a meal at Positano restaurants.
You can find limoncello in many places around Positano, including in all the shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for a unique experience, why not have a local teach you how to make it by hand on this Limoncello & Lemon Marmalade Experience.
9. Scoot around the coast on a Vespa
Zipping around on a Vespa, taking in seaside vistas, and feeling the breeze along the famous windy roads is an experience most travelers dream of when visiting the Amalfi Coast.
There are a handful of places where you can rent a shiny new scooter for your adventure, but Positano Scooter is by far the best. You can rent one for up to a week and return it right in town.
Important notes: In order to rent a scooter, you need an International Driving Permit. It’s also worth noting that the roads on the coast are busy with steep climbs and hairpin turns, which is something to consider if you’ve never driven a scooter before.
As long as you have a valid driver’s license in your home country, you can get your international driving permit here, for just $30 USD. They have urgent processing available to get your digital license within 15 minutes.
10. Enjoy aperitivo on a rooftop
Taking in the views with an aperitivo (pre-dinner drink that usually comes with snacks) is a staple way to wind down a sunny day on Positano’s coast. These rooftop terraces have the best views to watch the sun go down:
- Il Tridente Cocktail Bar: Cut into the hill with atmospheric cliffside views, this bar is a stunner for drinks and aperitivo.
- Aldo’s Cocktail Bar: This sultry bar perched on top of the 5-star La Sirenuse will reel you in with its two specialties: oysters and champagne.
- Fly Lounge Bar: This stone-built bar doubles as a gastro-pub. From their terrace watch the sun set over Spiaggia Grande and all of Positano.
- Franco’s Bar: White and azure opulence coat this cliffside bar. The menu pays homage to the golden age of fine spirits and bites for aperitivo.
Sipping on a spritz with a view will surely show you why Positano is one of the most romantic places in Italy.
11. Dance the night away at Music on the Rocks
Right off the Spiaggia Grande Beach is a unique nightclub carved directly into a cliffside.
It’s the perfect place to dance the night away inside one of the Amalfi Coast’s few disco clubs. The party will go all night, but I recommend getting there early to grab drinks and a bite on the terrace above to take in the sunset.
12. Discover the Santa Maria Assunta Church
This church is a quintessential landmark of the Positano cliffside and an important piece of the town’s cultural, religious, and architectural landscapes.
Good to know: Modest dress is required for churches and religious sites. Be sure to have your legs and shoulders covered if you wish to go inside.
13. Explore Amalfi
Just a stone’s throw from Positano is the core of the famed coast, Amalfi town. It’s full of medieval history and enticing sites.
How to get there: You can get there by bus from Positano, but note buses can be full with lengthy transit times in high season, so patience is a must. You can purchase your bus ticket at various shops in town.
To avoid all the traffic on the roads, opt to take the ferry. It costs just €10 (~$11.08 USD) for a one way ticket and takes 15-20 minutes to get to Amalfi from Positano. You can purchase your ferry tickets at the Lucibello transportation booth on the Spiaggia Grande Beach.
Things to do in Amalfi
- Wander the narrow streets: The maze of charming passageways has shops, restaurants, historic sites, and museums.
- Visit the Duomo di Sant’Andrea: An ornate cathedral with an impressive crypt and a collection of artifacts.
- Relax on the beach: The edge of town is cradled by a pebbled beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or kayaking.
- Hike to the Valle delle Ferriere: A serene nature reserve with lush flora and fauna, and cascading waterfalls.
- Marvel at the Emerald Grotto: Stalactites and stalagmites encase this vibrant pool illuminated by reflected sun rays.
14. Visit the Terrace of Infinity in Ravello
This picturesque terrace within the 11th-century Villa Cimbrone is one of the most sought-after views along the Amalfi Coast lined with interesting marble busts.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the nearby Villa Rufolo for the gardens and famous views over Ravello, as well as the Piazza Centrale and Duomo di Ravello.
How to get there: Take the 30-minute ferry to Amalfi, then take the bus to Ravello from there. The bus ride is about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. You can purchase your bus tickets at the Tabacchi (tobacco shop) just off the Piazza Flavio Gioia where the buses pick up.
15. Day trip to Capri
An island just off the point of the Amalfi Peninsula, Capri is an easily accessible and exciting day trip from Positano.
How to get there: Ferries depart frequently from the main port in Positano (at Spiaggia Grande) for an affordable rate.
Capri gets busy, so try and book an early departure. Otherwise, you can book a guided boat tour with a local skipper.
Things to do in Capri
- Take the gondola to Monte Solaro: This mountain peak has 360-degree views of Capri and war remnants at the summit.
- Explore and shop in Capri Town: Wander boutiques, pick up some gelato, or leisure at a beach.
- Take in the views at the Gardens of Augustus: This seaside botanical garden has sweeping coastal views and peaceful footpaths.
- Take a boat ride around the island: Marvel at famous rock archways, jagged cliff sides, and pass by a scenic lighthouse.
- Tour the Blue Grotto: A popular blue cave illuminated in an eerie blue hue by reflected sunlight.
Amalfi Coast map: Our favorite spots!
Click on the map and enter your email to gain access to our interactive Amalfi Coast map. It’s filled with custom pins of everything on this list, plus our favorite eateries, day trips and more!
First timer’s guide to Positano
If this is your first time visiting Positano, you’ll want to read our First Timer’s guide which is packed with helpful information like how to get around and where to find the best eats.
Perfect Amalfi Coast itinerary
Planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast can feel overwhelming. How do you choose between all the picturesque towns, where should you stay, how do you get around… and what about all the logistics?
Good news: we’ve already done the legwork for you—and we’re sharing everything we learned so you can plan your dream trip in a fraction of the time.
After returning to the iconic coast on multiple occasions, we created a detailed 7–9 day Amalfi Coast itinerary that takes the guesswork out of planning.
Whether it’s your honeymoon, a bucket list adventure, or a spontaneous getaway, this guide will help you make the most of your time in one of Italy’s most iconic regions.
Highlights of our Amalfi Coast itinerary:
- Try the best pizza in the world in the birthplace of the Margarita pizza
- Cheers on a rooftop overlooking Positano and the Tyrrhenian Sea
- Hike the cliffside Path of the Gods and marvel at the breathtaking views
- Eat the freshest seafood at a private beachside cafe
- Explore the Amalfi Coast by boat
- Have lunch in an ancient tower overlooking Amalfi Town
- Take in the views at the Terrace of Infinity
- Eat all the pasta and fresh seafood you can find
- Try all the citrus-inspired drinks and dishes this region is famous for
- & so, SO much more!
We know how much time it takes to plan a trip like this — and we’re excited to help you skip straight to the fun part.This is a paid itinerary ($17), simply because it took dozens of hours to research, organize, and format in a way that’s easy to follow. And we truly believe it’s worth every penny — you’ll have almost everything planned for you!
Plan your trip to Italy
We have TONS of resources on travel in Italy and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate Italy Travel Guide for answers to all your questions, or read some of our favorite articles below!
- Not sure when to go? This guide to the best time to visit Italy will help you avoid crowds and make the most of your trip.
- Find out exactly how to get from Rome to Naples and Naples to Positano with detailed instructions for using the trains and ferries.
- You’ll want to save our Path of Gods hiking guide to plan this epic route!
- Planning a visit to Rome? These are the best things to do in Rome—from historic sights to stunning viewpoints.
- Our 3-day Rome itinerary covers all the must-sees (and a few local secrets!).
- Into more coastal hiking? You’re going to love the Cinque Terre Blue Trail that winds the iconic hillside villages.
- And while you’re there, don’t miss our Cinque Terre National Park guide with everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Perfect Italy itinerary
Want to save hours of time planning?
If you don’t have a ton of time to spend planning your Italy itinerary (or you just don’t find travel planning fun), we’ve got something you might be interested in…
We created the ultimate done-for-you Italy itinerary that hits the top destinations for first time visitors. Our itinerary is spread out over 10 days and includes the highlights of Rome, Cinque Terre, Florence and Venice.
In fact, we have both a 10-day classic itinerary as well as a one-week Amalfi Coast itinerary that can be easily combined into one epic trip!
Don’t miss your chance to grab your Italy packing list!
In this free Italy packing list PDF download, we’ve provided packing checklists for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women and men!) to what shoes to pack and extra medicines you may want to have on-hand just in case.
Plus, we’re sharing tons of packing hacks and tips for traveling in Italy that you won’t find anywhere else!
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We want to hear from you!
Have you ever been to Positano before? What was your experience like? Which of the things to do in Positano on this list are going straight to the top of your bucket list? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!