Positano Travel Guide: What to Do and See in Positano

December 14, 2024 13 min read.

General Information about Positano

Positano is a small and picturesque town located on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. It is known for its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and beautiful beaches. The city was once a fishing village, but has since become a popular tourist destination.

Positano offers many sites of interest, such as the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the Path of the Gods hiking trail and the Spiaggia Grande beach. The town also has many shops and boutiques selling handmade pottery, clothing and jewelry.

The cuisine in Positano is a reflection of its coastal location and includes seafood dishes and locally produced wines. The city celebrates its culture with festivals throughout the year, including the Festa di Santa Maria Assunta and the La Dolce Vita Food and Wine Festival.

Overall, Positano is a charming town that offers a mix of art, music, food, and fashion, influenced by its history and location on the Amalfi Coast. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of Italian seaside life.

Location of Positano

Next, we show you where Positano is located:

Map of Positano on Google Maps

What to Do in Positano?

Positano is a beautiful coastal city in Italy that has many places of interest for tourists. Here are some of the best places to visit in Positano:

Spiaggia Grande: This is the main beach of Positano, and it is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sun. It is surrounded by colorful buildings and has a great view of the city.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta: This is a famous church in Positano dating back to the 10th century. It has an imposing dome covered with colorful ceramic tiles and is dedicated to the patron saint of the town.
Path of the Gods: This is a hiking trail that offers stunning views of the Amalfi Coast. The trail begins in nearby Bomerano and ends in Nocelle, a small town above Positano.
Villa Rufolo: This is a historic villa in the vicinity of Ravello that dates back to the 13th century. It has beautiful gardens and is known for its stunning views of the coast.
Playa Fornillo: This is a smaller beach located just outside of Positano. It is less crowded than Spiaggia Grande and offers a more secluded experience.
Grotta dello Smeraldo: This is a sea cave located near Positano that is famous for its emerald waters. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the cave and see its natural.
Positano Artisanal Shop: This is a shop located in the heart of Positano that offers a variety of products made by hand by local artisans. Visitors can find unique souvenirs and gifts to take home.

In general, Positano has many attractions for tourists, from its beautiful beaches and historic churches to its hiking trails and artisan shops.

Beaches of Positano

Positano is a city known for its stunning beaches, which are some of the most beautiful and picturesque in Italy. Below we will tell you a little about these famous beaches where you can enjoy the most wonderful views.

Spiaggia Grande

This is the main beach of Positano and it is located in the heart of the city. It is a large and spacious beach that offers impressive views of the town and the sea. It is also a popular place for swimming and sunbathing.

Fornillo Beach

It is a quieter and more secluded beach located to the east of the urban area. It is accessed through a path that skirts the cliffs and offers beautiful views of the sea.

Arienzo Beach

It is a small and secluded beach located to the west of the urban area. It is accessible via a trail or by boat and offers crystal clear waters and stunning views.

Laurito Beach

This is a small and secluded beach located to the west of Playa Arienzo. It is accessible via a path that winds along the cliff and offers a calm and quiet environment.

Marina di Praia

This is a small beach located in the nearby town of Praiano. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing and offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding cliffs.

What to Eat and Drink in Positano

Positano is known for its delicious cuisine and offers a variety of traditional Italian dishes as well as local specialties. Here are some of the foods and drinks you can try in Positano.

Positano is a seaside town, so it's no surprise that seafood is a big part of the local cuisine. Some of the most popular seafood dishes include grilled octopus, spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), and fritto misto (mixed fried seafood).

Also, Italy is known for its pizza and Positano is no exception. You can find delicious pizzas with a variety of toppings at many restaurants in the city.

As for a drink and dessert, try Limoncello. This is a sweet liqueur made from locally grown lemons. It is a popular after-dinner drink in Positano and is often served chilled in small glasses.

Also, Gelato is a traditional Italian dessert that is similar to ice cream but has a creamier texture. There are many ice cream parlors in Positano where you can try a variety of flavors.

Italy is known for its wine, and Positano has a variety of local wines that you can try. Some of the most popular types include white wines like Fiano di Avellino and red wines like Taurasi.

Another must is the Pasta. Italy is also known for its pasta dishes and Positano has a variety of delicious options. Some of the most popular pasta dishes in Positano include spaghetti alla puttanesca (spaghetti with tomato sauce, olives, capers, and anchovies) and penne all'arrabbiata (penne with spicy tomato sauce).

And to finish, try Pastiera. This is a traditional Neapolitan dessert that is often served during Easter. It is a sweet cake made with ricotta cheese, wheat berries and candied citrus fruits.

In general, Positano offers a variety of delicious food and drinks that you can try during your visit. Whether you're looking for seafood, pizza, ice cream, or traditional Italian dishes, you're sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.

Festivals in Positano

In general, Positano and its surroundings offer a variety of festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate the culture, cuisine and traditions of the city.

This makes Positano a very lively city with different events to enjoy at all times. Here we will tell you a little about its best-known celebrations.

Festival of Santa Maria Assunta

It is the patronal festival of the town, which is celebrated on August 15. The festival includes a procession through the streets of the town, fireworks and a market.

Ravello Festival

This is a music festival that takes place in nearby Ravello during the summer months. The festival features a variety of classical music performances at historic venues such as the Villa Rufolo.

La Dolce Vita Wine and Food Festival

This festival takes place in Positano in May and celebrates the city's cuisine and wine. It includes wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and a market selling local products.

Positano Jazz Festival

This is a music festival that takes place in Positano in July. The festival features jazz performances at various venues throughout the city.

Lemon festival

This festival takes place in nearby Massa Lubrense in July and celebrates the region's famous lemons. The festival includes food and craft markets, music, and a parade.

Festival of San Giovanni Battista

This festival takes place in nearby Praiano in June and celebrates the town's patron saint. The festival includes religious processions, music, and fireworks.

Holy Fish Festival

This festival takes place in nearby Cetara in August and celebrates the town's fishing heritage. The festival includes a street market selling seafood dishes, music, and fireworks.

How to Get to Positano

There are several ways to get to Positano. Here are some of the most popular options:

By Car: You can drive to Positano, but be aware that the roads are narrow and winding, and parking is limited. If you choose to drive, be sure to check ahead of time if there are any restricted traffic areas or ZTL zones in the city center.
By bus: there are buses that go from Sorrento, Amalfi and Salerno to Positano. The bus ride can be scenic and affordable, but keep in mind that the roads are winding and the buses can be crowded.
By Ferry: There are ferries that run from Sorrento, Capri, and other towns along the Amalfi Coast to Positano. This is a great option if you want to enjoy the amazing views of the coast and avoid the busy roads.
By private transfer: If you prefer a more comfortable and hassle-free option, you can arrange a private transfer from Naples, Sorrento or Salerno. This option may be more expensive, but it offers the convenience of door-to-door service and a more comfortable ride.

How to Get Around Positano?

Getting around in Positano can be a bit challenging due to its narrow and steep streets. Walking is the best way to explore Positano on foot, as the town is compact and most attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance.

However, if you don't want to or can't walk too far, Positano has a local bus service that runs from the town center to nearby towns and beaches. Buses can be crowded, but they are an inexpensive way to get around.

Also, taxis are readily available in Positano, although they can be expensive. Please note that some areas of the city are restricted to traffic, so taxis may not be able to take you to certain places.

If you're comfortable riding a scooter or motorcycle, this can be a fun and convenient way to explore Positano and the surrounding area. You can rent a scooter or motorcycle at one of the rental shops in the city.

And of course, a very good option is to travel by boat. Positano is located on the Amalfi Coast, so you can also explore the nearby towns and beaches by boat. There are several boat rental services in town, or you can take a ferry to nearby destinations like Capri or Sorrento.

Best Time to Visit Positano

The best time to travel to Positano depends on your preferences and what you want to experience during your trip. Here are some factors to consider:

Weather: The weather in Positano is mild and pleasant for most of the year, but the best time to visit if you want to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities is from May to September, when temperatures are warm and the days are long.
Crowds: Positano is a popular tourist destination, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to visit during the shoulder season, which is from April to early June or September to October. During these months, the weather is still nice, but the crowds are thinner.
Festivals: Positano has several festivals throughout the year, including the Festa di Santa Maria Assunta in August and the La Dolce Vita Food and Wine Festival in September. If you are interested in attending these events, please plan your trip accordingly.
Budget: Positano's peak tourist season is from June to August, which means prices for accommodations and activities can be higher during this time. If you're on a budget, consider visiting during the off-season, when prices may be lower.

What to Give If You Travel to Positano?

If you are planning a trip to Positano and you are one of those who appreciate surprising your loved ones with a beautiful present, then we have some ideas that you can take advantage of.

First of all we recommend the famous Limoncello. This traditional Italian liqueur is produced with local lemons and its exquisite flavor will allow you to take a bit of Positano with you in your suitcase.

Also, another great idea is to give olive oil as a gift, since the Amalfi coast is known for its quality olive oil and the local producers will not disappoint you.

Finally, if you are looking for a more sophisticated option, do not hesitate to give jewelry, since Positano is home to very talented artists who create beautiful pieces of jewelry with local products, such as pearls and corals. Originality and good taste are a promise.

Cultural Aspects of Positano

Positano is a city with a rich cultural heritage that is influenced by its location on the Amalfi Coast and its history as a fishing village.

The city has a long history of art and design and is famous for its handmade pottery, which you can find in many shops throughout the city. Positano has also been a destination for artists and writers, who have been inspired by the city's beautiful scenery and vibrant culture.

Music and dance are an important part of the culture in Positano. The city has a rich musical heritage that includes traditional folk music, modern jazz, and pop music. There are also many opportunities to see and participate in traditional dances such as the tarantella.

The majority of the population of Positano is Catholic and religion plays an important role in the culture of the city. There are several beautiful churches in the city, including the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which is the main church of the city.

Positano is also known for its fashion. The city is famous for its colorful, flowing clothing, which is perfect for the warm weather and beach lifestyle. You can find many boutiques in Positano selling handmade clothing and accessories.

Is It Worth Visiting Positano?

Positano stands out for its incredible history and culture and its beaches that are famous for their beauty.

In turn, due to its proximity to Capri and Sorrento, many travelers combine their trip to Positano with these destinations, which is why you will find these sites in several of our offers.

Are you looking to marvel at the most incredible landscapes? Do you want to know a fascinating culture? Do you want to taste exquisite cuisine?

If your answer is "yes", at Greca we have several proposals for tourist packages to Positano, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and times.

There are travel packages for all tastes. Choose your own adventure according to your needs!