13 Best Things To Do in Positano

Positano is the Amalfi Coast’s poster child. Pastel houses stacked against the cliffs, beach umbrellas lined up in neat rows, narrow streets buzzing with visitors. It is the photo you have probably seen a hundred times, but when you finally stand here in person, it almost does not feel real.

I’m Italian from Bologna, and I have been to Positano a few times now, and every visit is the same mix of awe and frustration.

Awe, because nothing quite compares to that first glimpse of the town from the sea or the view you get after climbing yet another set of steep stairs. Frustration, because yes, it is crowded, expensive, and your legs will be sore by the end of the day.

But then there are the little moments that make it all worth it. Buying a cold lemon granita from a tiny stand after sweating through a climb. Swimming in the sea just before sunset when the crowds thin out and Positano finally feels like yours.

That is the real magic of this place, and it is why I keep coming back. There is more to Positano than just a pretty picture, and if you plan your time well you can actually enjoy it instead of fighting your way through the crowds.

If you’re building a broader itinerary, this guide to things to do on the Amalfi Coast helps put Positano into context.

Below you will find the best things to do in Positano, plus a few honest tips to make them easier and more enjoyable.

Top 5 Things to Do in Positano at a Glance

• Take a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast or to Capri, because IMO the best view of Positano is from the water.
• Spend a beach day at Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo, or Arienzo, choosing between iconic, laid back, or chic beach club vibes.
• Hike the Path of the Gods or the Path of the Lemons, two very different but equally beautiful coastal walks.
• Join a cooking class in Positano and learn to make gnocchi, fresh pasta, or lemony desserts with a local host.
• Enjoy aperitivo with a view at spots like Franco’s Bar, Il Tridente, or Ristorante Bruno while the cliffs glow at sunset.

What To Do in Positano

Take a Boat Tour from Positano

One of the most unforgettable things to do in Positano is getting out on the water. As soon as you leave the harbor and look back, the pastel houses stacked up the cliffs seem even more dramatic. It is one of those views that never gets old.

There are three main ways to get out on the water from Positano. A shared cruise along the Amalfi Coast, a day trip to Capri, or a private boat charter.

If you want to dive deeper, I break down the best boat tours from Positano below, with what each option includes and what to expect in terms of time and price.

*Prices are approximate and based on small group tours in 2026. Always check current rates when you book.

Amalfi Coast Cruises

A half day or full day boat trip along the Amalfi Coast lets you swim in hidden bays, glide past sea caves, and stop in towns like Amalfi. It is the most relaxing way to enjoy the coastline without stressing about buses, parking, or traffic.

→ Book this small group Amalfi Coast boat trip with swimming stops

Want more options? Read my full guide to boat tours from Positano.

Insider tip: If you are short on time, choose a half day cruise. You will still get to swim and enjoy the views, and you will have the rest of the day for the beach or a sunset aperitivo.

Capri Boat Tours

Capri is the dream destination for many visitors, and Positano is the perfect jumping off point. A typical day trip by boat includes a loop around the island, swimming stops, views of the Faraglioni rocks, and if the sea is calm, a visit to the famous Blue Grotto.

→ Book this popular Capri day tour from Positano

I have also reviewed the best Capri tours from Positano if you want to compare small group and private options.

Insider tip: Go for a small group tour instead of a big ferry. Ferries will get you to Capri, but you will not stop for swims or enter the smaller sea caves.

Private Boat Charters

For a honeymoon, a special occasion, or just to escape the summer crowds, you can also book a private boat with a skipper. This is the splurge experience in Positano, but it is also the most flexible one.

Most private charters include drinks, snacks, towels, and flexible stops, so you can set your own pace. From Capri to secluded coves and swimming spots on the Amalfi Coast that larger boats skip.

→ Check this private Capri boat charter from Positano

→ Or this luxury Amalfi Coast private cruise

Insider tip: A late afternoon or sunset private cruise is hard to beat. The sea is usually calmer, the cliffs turn golden, and you will avoid the harsh midday heat.

Spend a Day at Positano’s Beaches

Positano has three main beaches. Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo, and Arienzo. All are pebbly (water shoes help). Each one has a different vibe and different price levels. Prices below are based on the 2025 season.

Spiaggia Grande (Marina Grande)

I personally think there are better beaches to spend the day on along the coast (you can see my full list of Amalfi Coast beaches), but Spiaggia Grande is by far the most convenient option if you’re staying right in Positano. And it’s quite iconic!

Free public area: Yes, you can lay your towel down here. Try to arrive before 10 a.m. in high season.

Lido L’Incanto is the main beach club. It offers two zones:

• Blue area. €40 first row · €35 second row.
• White boho zone. €125 per person including towel and cocktail.
• Opening hours. 8.30 a.m. to 8 p.m., seasonal.

Insider Tip: Arrive before 10 a.m. if you want a free spot. In the evening, the crowds clear and the view of the cliffs lighting up is incredible.

Fornillo Beach

A 10-minute walk along a scenic cliffside path from Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo is smaller, calmer, and less flashy. A few beach clubs (like Pupetto and Da Ferdinando) line the shore, and there’s also a free area.

Prices here are usually €30–40 per person, so not drastically cheaper than Spiaggia Grande, but the atmosphere is more relaxed and the water often clearer. Clubs typically open around 10 a.m. and close by 6 p.m.

Arienzo Beach

Known as the “300 Steps Beach”, but most visitors arrive by the free shuttle boat from Spiaggia Grande instead of walking down.

Arienzo Beach Club packages start at around €200 per person, including sunbeds, umbrellas, towels, the shuttle, and often lunch or drinks.

Boat Shuttle hours: Usually 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., returning from around 3.45 p.m. until early evening. The beach club closes around 6.15 p.m.

Arienzo gets more late afternoon sun than other beaches. Perfect for swimming into golden hour.

Visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta sits right in the heart of Positano. Its colorful majolica tiled dome is one of the first things you notice when you arrive in town. It is an easy stop while you explore the lower part of Positano.

Inside, the highlight is a thirteenth-century Byzantine icon of the Madonna. Local legend says it arrived here by sea, brought by pirates. Whether true or not, the church is peaceful and worth a quick visit.

Insider tip. The church is free to enter. It sometimes closes in the middle of the day, so check the hours if you want to go inside.

Hiking and Scenic Walks Around Positano

The Amalfi Coast is full of old walking paths that once linked tiny villages. Some start high above Positano, others begin in nearby towns, but all of them offer big views, lemon groves, and a much calmer atmosphere than the waterfront below.

I’ve written a full guide to the best hikes in the Amalfi Coast, but here are the top ones to try from Positano.

Path of the Gods

The most famous hike on the Amalfi Coast, the Path of the Gods runs about 7.8 km (5 miles) between Bomerano and Nocelle. Along the way you’ll pass old shepherd shelters and terraces, with endless views across the cliffs and Capri in the distance.

Most people take 2–4 hours depending on pace and photo stops.

From Nocelle, you can either descend nearly 2,000 steps to reach Positano, or hop on the Mobility Amalfi Coast bus (~hourly, €1.30 ticket) if you don’t want to walk back down.

I’ll admit – I’ve never done this hike myself. I’m afraid of heights, and my husband even more than me, and some parts of the path run right along the edge with steep drops. It’s not the best choice for us, but if you’re comfortable with heights, it’s one of the most scenic trails in Italy.

→ Book a guided Path of the Gods hike if you prefer to have a guide

Insider Tip: Late afternoon hikes mean golden light and cooler temps, just bring a headlamp if there’s any chance you’ll finish after sunset.

Path of the Lemons

If you want something gentle but still scenic, the Path of the Lemons is a beautiful walk between Minori and Maiori. It takes about an hour each way, following old mule tracks lined with citrus groves, little chapels, and quiet staircases.

I loved this walk. It felt like stepping back into a slower, simpler version of the Amalfi Coast. The smell of lemons fills the air, especially in the morning, and along the way you’ll find tiny family stands selling fresh lemonade or even granita.

I stopped for a glass at a non-commercial place and ended up chatting with the owner, Mr. Luigi, about how his family had been tending lemon trees here for generations. This is the kind of local encounter you rarely get in busier towns like Positano.

→ You can also book a guided Path of the Lemons tour with tastings from Maiori

Insider Tip: Try to walk it in the morning, when the sun is soft and the groves are most fragrant. Also bring cash: you’ll definitely want to stop for a cold lemonade or limoncello tasting along the way.

Walks to Nocelle & Montepertuso

If you’d rather skip the big-name hikes, you can still find incredible views with shorter walks up to Positano’s hillside hamlets. Both take around 2 hours uphill from Positano, and reward you with quieter corners of the Amalfi Coast.

Nocelle is a tiny village perched high above Positano, right at the end of the Path of the Gods. Life here moves at a slower pace – narrow lanes draped with flowers, cats napping in the shade, and locals chatting in the piazza. From the terrace near the church you get one of the best views of the coastline, and there are a couple of trattorias where you can sit down to a plate of pasta with Positano spread out below you.

Montepertuso means “hole in the mountain,” named after the giant rock formation that towers above the village. Legend says it was created by the Virgin Mary to defeat the devil — locals will happily tell you the story. Today it’s a sleepy spot with family-run restaurants, where you can eat hearty, traditional dishes for a fraction of Positano’s prices. The views from here stretch all the way down the coast.

You can, of course, take the bus up if you don’t want to hike, but I think the walk itself is part of the experience. Climbing up the stone staircases, pausing for breath while Positano slowly shrinks below you, makes arriving in these villages feel that much more rewarding.

Insider Tip: Come for dinner. Restaurants in Montepertuso and Nocelle are known for generous portions and down-to-earth hospitality, and you’ll be dining with locals instead of tourists.

Join a Cooking Class in Positano

A cooking class is one of the most rewarding things you can do in Positano. Food isn’t just something we eat – it’s how we (Italians) connect with each other. Sitting around a table of homemade pasta and a bottle of local wine feels just as special as any cliffside view to most of us.

I’ve joined multiple cooking classes across Italy myself, and I always come away learning something new. Even familiar recipes like gnocchi or tiramisù often come with little family secrets or techniques you wouldn’t find in a cookbook.

In Positano, most classes are intimate: often in a family home, a small restaurant kitchen, or a terrace overlooking the sea. You’ll learn regional favorites like gnocchi alla sorrentina, fresh pasta, or a lemony tiramisù, dishes that are simple but full of tradition.

→ Book this top-rated gnocchi and tiramisù cooking class

→ Or join this farm-based cooking class with garden visit and full meal

For a deeper look, my guide to cooking classes in Positano compares the main options.

Choose an evening class if you want a social dinner atmosphere, or a daytime one with a garden or market visit if you’re curious about local ingredients.

Insider tip: classes in Positano fill fast in summer, so book at least a couple of weeks ahead if you have your eyes on a specific class.

Enjoy Aperitivo With a View

I never skip aperitivo when I’m on the Amalfi Coast. For us Italians it’s just part of the evening, but here it feels extra special because you’re sipping your spritz with one of the best views in the world. Most people go for Aperol, some prefer the bitter Campari (my favorite), and in this region you’ll also see limoncello spritz on the menu.

Let me be upfront: aperitivo in Positano is expensive everywhere. You’ll easily pay two or three times more than you would in other Italian towns. But the setting makes it worth it, at least once during your stay.

• Franco’s Bar is the spot everyone talks about. It’s gorgeous, no doubt, but also busy and pricey. They don’t take reservations, so if you want a table for sunset you really need to be there just before 5 p.m. Personally, I think it’s worth trying once, just to see the view.

• If you want something a bit calmer, I prefer Il Tridente at Hotel Poseidon. It has a beautiful terrace, the atmosphere is more relaxed, and you can actually reserve a table if you’re planning to stay for dinner.

• Another place I like is Ristorante Bruno. It’s technically a restaurant, but people often stop by just for a drink. It’s less polished than Franco’s but still has that picture-perfect Positano panorama, and it feels a little more local.

Insider Tip: Go early, especially at Franco’s. Otherwise, you’ll spend more time standing in line than enjoying your drink. And if Franco’s has a long line, walk one minute up the road to Bruno. The view is just as good and you can sit right away.

Go Shopping in Positano

Positano is known for its boutiques tucked away on its narrow streets. Yes, some shops are touristy (and very expensive), but there are still places where you can find quality items made by local artisans.

Some of the most iconic things to buy here are linen clothing (perfect for the hot Amalfi summers), hand-painted ceramics, and Positano-style leather sandals, which you can often have custom-made to your size in just a couple of hours.

There are also art galleries, jewelry shops, and plenty of lemon-themed souvenirs.

• For sandals, check out Safari Sandals, famous for their custom-made leather shoes.
• For linen and clothing, Maria Lampo is a Positano institution, while Antica Sartoria is famous for its colorful boho-chic dresses. Apart from those, many small boutiques line Via Pasitea, while Via Cristoforo Colombo is where you’ll find luxury brands and designer shops.
• For ceramics, Ceramiche Casola has beautiful (if pricey) hand-painted pieces made right here on the Amalfi Coast in Vietri sul Mare. Avoid buying ceramics right next to the beach. Prices are lower in the upper part of town.
• And of course, lemons are everywhere. You’ll see them turned into soaps, perfumes, candies, and bottles of limoncello – easy to pack gifts that smell and taste like the Amalfi Coast.

Insider Tip: If you want custom sandals, order them early in your trip. Many shops need a day or two to finish them, especially in high season.

Walk Up to the Best Viewpoints

Positano has a few viewpoints that are easy to reach and give you that perfect wide shot of the town. Most of them are completely free and only require a short uphill walk.

• The most classic angle is along Via Cristoforo Colombo, the road that curves above the center. From here you get that full pyramid of pastel houses with the sea behind it. It’s an easy walk and one of the best spots for photos at any time of day.

• Another great area is the network of quiet alleys around Latteria, a small deli in the upper part of town. These little streets open up to balconies, staircases, and corners with beautiful views down to Spiaggia Grande. It’s a much calmer area than the center and feels more local.

• There is also a paid photo terrace in the heart of Positano. I’m not exactly sure of its name but it’s across the street from the Missoni store. It’s part of a ceramics showroom and has a colorful set-up designed for photos, with a wide open view of the whole town.
  
  It’s the most commercial option, but if you want an easy, crowd-free shot, it works. Tickets cost 10 euros (or it’s free if you buy something from the store). You can also just take a picture from outside teh barrier if you don’t need to be in the photo.

Insider tip: early morning is best for soft light and quieter streets (but the third option will be closed).

The Best Day Trips from Positano

One of the best things about staying in Positano is how many incredible places are within easy reach. Whether you’re into history, gardens, food, or just soaking up iconic views, here are the day trips I actually recommend.

Capri

Capri is the most glamorous day trip from Positano, and it really does live up to the hype.

The ferry takes approximately 40 minutes, and once you’re there, you can spend the day exploring Anacapri’s peaceful streets, shopping in the Piazzetta, or heading to viewpoints like Monte Solaro.

Don’t miss a boat tour around the island: you’ll see the Faraglioni rocks, the White and Green Grottos, and, if conditions allow, the famous Blue Grotto. The grotto is very weather-dependent, so don’t plan your entire day around it.

→ If you’d rather join a tour, book this popular Capri day tour from Positano

Insider Tip: Capri gets very crowded between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Take an early ferry and stay until evening if you can. The island is much more enjoyable once the other day-trippers (mostly the cruisers) leave.

Amalfi & Ravello

Amalfi and Ravello are the perfect pairing for a cultural day out. The ferry from Positano to Amalfi takes 15–30 minutes, and from there it’s a 30-minute bus ride up the hill to Ravello.

In Amalfi, spend time around the striking Duomo di Sant’Andrea, wander the narrow streets, and maybe stop for a lemon granita on the promenade.

Ravello is famous for its elegant gardens at Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, both offering spectacular views. Ravello also has a quieter, more refined atmosphere than the coast below.

→ If you’d rather skip the hassle of figuring out transport, join this guided Amalfi & Ravello day tour with private transport

Insider Tip: Go to Ravello first thing in the morning before it heats up, then enjoy Amalfi in the afternoon with a slower pace and easy ferry back.

Pompeii (with or without Vesuvius)

If you’re into history, Pompeii is unmissable. The ruins are massive. You’ll walk through streets, houses, bath complexes, even the amphitheater, and it all feels frozen in time since the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Expect to spend at least half a day here.

Getting there involves a ferry or bus to Sorrento, then the Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi. If that sounds like too much hassle, booking a tour with direct transport from Positano is the easiest option:

→ Book a guided Pompeii tour with transport from Positano

→ Or combine Pompeii with Vesuvius and a winery lunch

Insider Tip: Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. There’s very little shade inside the site, and the summer heat can be brutal.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a more laid-back option. It’s just 30–40 minutes by ferry from Positano, and once there you can explore the historic center, enjoy a long lunch, and stroll down to Marina Grande. The town is also famous for its lemons, so don’t miss a taste of limoncello or a lemon granita.

You can easily combine sightseeing with a lemon farm or food experience. Many family-run farms welcome visitors for tastings of olive oil, wine, and limoncello alongside a home-cooked meal.

→ Join this farm and food experience with lunch

→ Or stay right in town and visit this enchanting lemon farm (I personally loved this experience!)

Vintage Car or Vespa Tour

For a completely different vibe, you can live your own “La Dolce Vita” moment on a vintage car or Vespa tour along the Amalfi Coast. Driving these roads is stressful on your own, but with a guide or driver it turns into a glamorous experience.

Imagine riding in a classic Fiat 500 or a convertible down the winding roads, with stops in Amalfi, Ravello, or hidden coastal viewpoints for photos. Vespa tours are also an option if you’re comfortable on two wheels.

→ Book a vintage convertible tour of the Amalfi Coast

→ Or a guided Vespa tour to Amalfi & Ravello

Insider Tip: Don’t attempt to drive a Vespa on the Amalfi Coast unless you’re very experienced. The roads are narrow and chaotic.

Where to Eat in Positano

Positano has plenty of restaurants, but not all of them are worth the price. These are the spots I actually recommend, with good food and a mix of views, atmosphere, and honest local dishes.

Lo Guarracino
A classic Positano choice with a beautiful terrace overlooking Fornillo Bay. Great for seafood, pasta, and a quieter atmosphere compared to the center. They also make a great pizza.

Ristorante Casa Mele
Refined, modern dishes and a more intimate setting. It’s one of the best places in Positano if you want something creative and well executed.

Il Ritrovo
A local favorite up in Montepertuso, known for hearty portions and authentic recipes. You can take the free shuttle from Positano, and the views and hospitality make the trip worth it.

Casa e Bottega
Bright, fresh, and perfect for breakfast or a healthy lunch. Think smoothie bowls, colorful salads, and homemade cakes in a pretty, modern space.

D’Aiello
Good Italian food with a great view and without the chaos you get closer to the beach. Friendly service and fair portions, they’re mostly known for their seafood dishes.

Delicatessen S.N.C.
Great option if you want something quick, casual, or takeaway. They do prepared dishes, sandwiches, and picnic-style food you can bring to the beach.

Ristorante Bruno
One of the best terraces for a relaxed dinner with a view. It sits above the main beach, so the panorama over the pyramid at sunset is beautiful.

La Sponda
An elegant restaurant with a sprawling terrace overlooking the sea where you can enjoy the ultimate fine dining experience. It’s part of La Sirunese Hotel, so you can expect top-notch service and food. 

Insider tip: book dinners at least a few days in advance if you’re visiting in the summer.

Mini Itineraries for Positano

If you only have a short time in Positano, here are simple plans that help you enjoy the best views, food, and beaches without rushing.

For a more detailed day-by-day plan, follow my full Positano itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 days.

Half Day in Positano

• Start with a walk to the upper viewpoints on Via Cristoforo Colombo.
• Visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
• Relax at Fornillo Beach.
• End with aperitivo at Bruno or Il Tridente.

One Day in Positano

• Morning boat tour.
• Lunch at a beach restaurant on Spiaggia Grande.
• Explore the upper alleys and small shops.
• Sunset aperitivo at Franco’s Bar.

Two Days in Positano

• Day 1: Boat tour, beach time, aperitivo.
• Day 2: Day trip to Amalfi and Ravello or a cooking class.

Reality Check

Positano is beautiful, but it is not perfect. It helps to know what to expect so your trip feels less stressful and more enjoyable.

• There are stairs everywhere. You will climb a lot, so wear comfortable shoes.
• It is expensive. Beach clubs, taxis, and restaurants cost more than other towns.
• It gets crowded. June to September is busy all day. Early mornings are much quieter.
• Beaches are pebbly. Bring water shoes if you have sensitive feet.
• Book early. Cooking classes, boat tours, and restaurants fill fast.

Does that mean you shouldn’t come? Not at all. Just plan ahead and book hotels, transportation, and tours/experiences in advance.

I often get messages from people bummed that some specific activities (some cooking classes and some boat tours) are booked out weeks in advance, so if there is something you really want to do, plan ahead.

If possible, visit in shoulder season (May or September) when the town breathes a little easier. That’s when Positano feels closer to the dreamy version you see in photos (although, if you really want no crowds, you might want to come in April or October).

If accommodation prices are too high, consider staying somewhere else. Plenty of other towns are considerably cheaper and just a short ferry or bus ride away. I’ve written about the best options in my guide about visiting the Amalfi Coast on a budget.

Positano is not the easiest place to visit, but it is one of those towns that stays with you long after you leave.

If you plan well, book a couple of key experiences ahead of time, and give yourself enough slow moments between the stairs and the crowds, you will see why so many people fall for it. Enjoy the views, eat well, swim whenever you can, and take it all in. That is the real Positano.