Is Positano worth visiting? 8 ways to best experience it
Ever since I met my husband, I have been telling him that everyone should visit Positano once in their lifetime.
When we finally visited last year, he asked me beforehand, “So, are we seeing museums there? What’s there to do?”
He couldn’t quite grasp what the attraction was to Positano, until we arrived. Then the magic of this Amalfi coastal town swept him away.
People debate whether Positano is worth visiting. Some argue that you can explore other Amalfi towns without the hassle of steep stairs or large crowds.
But in my mind, nothing compares to the immersive experience of Positano. This beautiful and mesmerizing town is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to the Amalfi coast.
8 ways to best experience Positano
Positano often gets a bad rap for being overcrowded and touristy. We traveled there in July, at the height of the tourist season.
By following the tips below, you can avoid the crowds and truly savor your time in Positano, as we did:
1. Smart Timing
As they say, timing is everything. When planning your trip to Positano, consider the season. Spring and fall are less crowded than summer. In winter, everything shuts down.
If you find yourself visiting in the summer, you can plan your days strategically to avoid the crowds.
When we visited in July, we were only in Positano each day from 4 pm until 10 am the next morning.
Why? Because during the day, swarms of day trippers from other towns descend on Positano, making the pedestrian traffic in the narrow walkways challenging, to say the least.
Instead, we scheduled all of our excursions elsewhere during the day.
When we returned in the late afternoon, the town slowed down and we could wander around peacefully before dinner without weaving through crowds of tourists.
2. Avoid the Stairs
Okay, I know this sounds crazy but my last visit to Positano compared to my first was like night and day, mostly because I was able to avoid the stairs.
Any time we walked to or from our hotel and the center of town, we took the only road in town.
It’s much more gradual than the stairs, way more forgiving on the calves, and gives you time to take in the views while walking, instead of being out of breath as you climb your way up.
3. Take a Boat Tour
They say the best way to take in Positano is from the water and I couldn’t agree more.
A boat tour gives you a panoramic look at the town’s colourful hillside architecture from a totally different perspective.
Amalfi Coast Boat Tour
The boat tour along the Amalfi coast was a highlight of our trip. You can book a private tour or join a group tour, usually around 8 people.
It is the perfect way to spend the day – relaxing while soaking in the rays as you sip on prosecco and stop at various bays and grottos along the way for swimming and snorkelling.
The boat provides towels, drinks and floatation noodles. I couldn’t get enough of the vibrant blue water.
I could have stayed in the water all day. As the Tyrrhenian Sea is part of the Mediterranean, the water wasn’t cold at all in July!
➡️ Amalfi coast lunch hot spot – on this boat tour, you stop for lunch at a sea-only accessible restaurant, Ristorante Da Teresa, where we had one of the best lunches of our trip. The spaghetti vongole was to die for!
This boat tour then stops in the town of Amalfi for just over an hour, which was the perfect amount of time to explore.
We saw a lot of people in Amalfi waiting in line to get on the sold-out buses to other coastal towns so arriving by boat is the way to go. Don’t miss Amalfi’s famous lemon sorbet.
Sunset Cruise
If you don’t have time for a day trip, take a Sunset Cruise, while you sip an aperitivo as you sail into the sunset. A very romantic way to experience Positano.
Day trip to Capri
If you have one more day to spare, I would also consider a day boat trip to Capri.
Most boat tours stop at the grottos, Faraglioni rocks, and allow for a couple of swim breaks along the way before docking in Capri.
In Capri, you can enjoy a few hours in town and if you’re up for it, ride the Anacapri gondola for the most majestic views.
👉Book your Positano boat tours now
Boat tours fill up quickly, especially in the summer. It is recommended you reserve your boat tour in advance.
4. Hike the Path of Gods
To get a real sense of the Amalfi coast, spend half a day hiking the Path of the Gods.
This coastal hiking trail is up in the mountains and can take a couple of hours depending on your fitness level and the route you decide to take. Start as early as possible to beat the heat.
The full trail starts in Bomerano and ends in Nocelle, where you then take 1,700 steps down to Positano.
If you take the trail in the reverse order, you will be walking up all those steps from Positano, not a good way to begin your hike.
If you prefer to leave the logistics to someone else, take a guided trail hike or you can arrange for transportation to take you to one end.
If time allows and you’re up for it, hiking the Path of the Gods will be worth it for the breathtaking and magnificent views.
👉Book your Path of the Gods guided hike by clicking here
👉Book transport to Path of the Gods by clicking here
5. Drinks at Sunset
One of my favorite ways to get a sense of a town is by grabbing drinks at sunset. Here are three spots that deliver stunning views (I’m all about a view), each with its own personality:
La Giara A romantic, cozy outdoor bar tucked away from the noise and crowds. Perfect for soaking in the beauty of Positano. I love that it’s perched higher than the town center, offering sweeping views of the town and sea. The reasonable prices for drinks and snacks make La Giara a true hidden gem.
Aldo’s
Located in the iconic Le Sirenuse hotel (a celeb favorite), Aldo’s gives you front-row seats to the sea and townscape, without the hefty room rate. Drinks are pricey, though they come with lots of nibbles that are frequently refilled. It’s a fantastic spot at sunset and for some top-tier people watching, if that’s your thing on vacation.
Quick Tip: Make sure to book a table in the bar in advance. Reservations open two months prior and fill up immediately!
Franco’s Bar Located in the same block as Aldo’s, Franco’s prides itself on being an old-fashioned bar serving classic drinks with breathtaking views of Positano. It’s a little more upscale than your average outdoor bar, where you can enjoy quality cocktails and sunset views in a more casual, friendly atmosphere. No reservations here so be prepared to wait in line to get in if you don’t get there early.
6. Come for dinner
If you have access to a car, why not visit Positano for dinner? Dishes served in Positano and much of the Amalfi coast feature the region’s fresh fish and seafood, along with authentic pasta dishes.
Da Vincenzo’s We tried Da Vincenzo’s after several people recommended it for its great food and reasonable prices (especially by Positano standards), and it definitely lived up to the hype. The food was delicious, the staff was friendly, and if we’d had another night in town, we would’ve gladly gone back. They have outdoor seating, but we preferred the quieter vibe inside, away from the street noise.
Max’s Ristorante Tucked away just off the main drag, I chose this charming restaurant for my husband, an art and wine enthusiast. The interior is a visual feast, with artwork and sculptures filling every corner—it’s easy to see why Max’s also calls itself an art gallery. You can also eat outside in the charming garden while sampling their impressive wine list.
Zass
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the jaw-dropping cliffside views and five-star fine dining at Zass will make it a night to remember. This Michelin-starred restaurant is located in the luxurious Il San Pietro hotel, perched cliffside, just outside Positano. You can get there by car in about 10 minutes. For a more memorable arrival, take the scenic (and quicker!) water taxi from Positano. How fun is that?
7. Stay Overnight
There is something enchanting about Positano at night. The lights twinkle on the cliffs, the streets are quieter and the views are utterly romantic.
One evening, we were entertained with a spectacular fireworks show as we walked back uphill to the hotel.
And in the morning? You will wake up to some of the most magnificent views in all of Italy.
To say that hotel prices in Positano are expensive is an understatement.
But I am always on the hunt for finding good value for your dollar and listed below are two recommendations of places to stay that won’t break the bank and still provide the Positano experience:
📍Villa Yiara This B&B was a delightful surprise. Our room was the largest hotel room we’ve ever experienced in Italy, complete with a spacious, modern bathroom.
Each morning, a generous and delicious breakfast was served on our private balcony— an idyllic way to start the day while taking in the beautiful views.
Though it’s a B&B, the staff were always around and incredibly helpful. They even prepared a to-go breakfast for our early departure. << Click here for rates and availability>>
📍Albergo California/Hotel California Positano The name may not sound very Italian but the rooms are classic Italian. Rooms at Albergo California are bright and spacious with balconies and views of the sea or the town.
You can’t beat the location, right on Via Cristoforo Colombo. It might not be as fancy as some of the other hotels in town but the price point is right considering what neighbouring accommodation charges. << Click here for rates and availability>>
Looking for hotels for a special occassion, families or large groups? Where To Stay in Positano: Best Areas, Hotels & Tips can help you plan your stay.
8. Take a Cooking Class
A really fun way to enjoy your time in Positano is to take a cooking class.
Max’s Ristorante offers a four-course cooking class where you can learn to make Eggplant Parmesan, Stuffed Zucchini flowers, Pizza and Tiramisù, Italian-style.
If you’re looking for more of a party atmosphere, La Tagliata offers a five-hour cooking session.
You’ll get to pick ingredients from La Tagliata’s farm and garden, then learn from the restaurant owners on how to make authentic Italian dishes.
Afterward, you’ll gather for a lively Italian family-style lunch featuring the dishes you created, served with outstanding coastal views, plenty of wine, music and even dancing! The restaurant is a 15-minute drive uphill and they’ll pick you up in town.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Positano?
If you want to avoid the height of the tourist season, visiting Positano in spring or fall is best.
But honestly, I’ve visited in July and in August, and that didn’t deter me from visiting.
How many days in Positano is enough?
A two-night stay will satisfy your curiosity and give you a sense of the town’s magic.
Is Positano expensive?
Yes, I am not going to lie. Positano is expensive. For us, it was the most expensive destination on our trip to Italy but we planned for it in our budget.
Still, if you can squeeze it in your itinerary and pocketbook, Positano is worth visiting at least once.
How do you get to Positano?
Either by car, bus or ferry. If you are coming from Naples, the drive is about 1.5 hours by car.
The main highway is cliffside for much of the drive from Sorrento to Positano, which can be stressful if you are behind the wheel, navigating the narrow road and Italian traffic.
If you are coming by car and not staying overnight, finding parking may be a challenge.
What is the best way to get to Positano?
You can also catch the high-speed ferry that might actually get you there in a shorter amount of time. This is a great way to travel from towns along the Amalfi coast.
Just be mindful that if you go this route, the ferry docks at the bottom of Positano so if you have luggage, you will have to carry it up the stairs to your destination.
There are porters for hire who can transport your luggage to your hotel.
Savvy Summary
So there you have my insider tips on the best ways to experience Positano that help you avoid the crowds, capture the town’s beauty and make it worth visiting.
If you are looking to add other towns to your trip itinerary, Sorrento is a popular destination and just a half-hour drive away.
Related Posts:
Where To Stay in Positano: Best Areas, Hotels & Tips
Sorrento or Positano: Which Should Be Your Amalfi Coast Home Base?
