Mapping out a Positano itinerary is one of the joys of planning a trip to this area of Southern Italy. Easily one of the most recognisable towns lining the stunning Amalfi Coast, Positano is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to have a truly classic, Italian seaside getaway.
If you have 1, 2, or 3 days to spend in Positano, the town has an abundance of things to offer; whether you’re looking to eat your way through Positano, or even hike and swim throughout your trip. Continue reading this article to get a better idea of how to best arrange your time for the quintessential Positano itinerary.
How Many Days in Positano?
So, how many days in Positano are ideal to get the most out of your visit?
A one-day day trip from a neighboring town on the Amalfi Coast (such as Sorrento or Amalfi) or even from Naples is feasible. With one day in Positano, you’ll manage to have a walk around the town, eat delicious food by the sea and potentially spend time at the beach.
2 days in Positano is even better as you will be in less of a rush to take in all that Positano has to offer.
If 3 days in Positano is an option for you, I think it’s the ideal amount of time to plan to spend in Positano. You’ll be able to do everything you’d have the chance to do in 2 days and potentially go on a day trip.
If you’re a beach lover, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time at the beaches in Positano and reserve one day to lounge by the sea under the Amalfi sun.
Getting To & Around Positano
Getting to Positano
Luckily, Positano is the first town on the Amalfi Coast, making it an excellent Amalfi destination for those hoping to not travel too far to enjoy the Amalfi Coast.
If you’re not already in Naples or the southern Italian regions before traveling to Positano, the ideal way to reach the famous Amalfi town is to first travel to Naples.
To reach Naples, you’ll have the option of traveling either by train or plane. If you’re traveling from other Italian destinations such as Rome, it’s possible to easily reach the Naples Central Station. You can view train schedules here.
Otherwise, if you’re flying into Naples from other cities in Italy or other European destinations, Naples-Capodichino Airport is your best option as it’s located around 62 km from the Amalfi Coast.
From the Naples airport, you can either travel to the Naples Central station to continue onward to the Amalfi Coast or take a direct bus from the airport to Sorrento. There are also private transfers available.
From Naples Central Station, you’ll be able to travel to Positano by bus, train, ferry, or a combination of a few. The best option is to first take a train to Sorrento on the “Circumvesuviana” line (Sorrento is the last stop). From there, you have the option of either taking a ferry or a local Amalfi SITA bus to Positano.
The bus is the most cost-efficient option and offers incredible views from the winding roads along the Amalfi Coast during the 45-minute journey, but it is also not for the faint-hearted if you’re someone that’s scared of hairpin coastal roads or if you easily get car sick.
If you prefer to skip the bus, you can take a ferry to Positano for the same amount of time, taking you from the port of Sorrento to Positano.
And finally, the most convenient way to reach Positano from Naples is by ferry. It’s the least cost-efficient mode of transport, but you can reach the port of Positano from Naples by ferry in an hour and a half. You can view ferry schedules here.
While you can easily get to Positano without a car, if this is part of a long trip or you want more ease and flexibility getting around, hiring a car can be a good option – albeit intimidating for less experienced drivers. You can browse options on Rentalcars.com.
Getting Around Positano
The town of Positano is quite small, at 8.65 km², making it an ideal spot to visit in Italy if you’re hoping to be able to get around on foot.
For the majority of your stay you’ll likely be walking, but keep in mind that Positano is perched upon the seaside cliffs of the Amalfi coast, so many walking routes are quite steep. This is also important to keep in mind as you’ll likely have to walk down/up quite a few steps to reach your accommodation once arriving in Positano.
If you’re someone that struggles with steps and would prefer to have the option of public transport, there is a town bus in Positano that runs along the main road (Viale Pasitea).
If you hope to travel outside of the center of Positano and beach areas, having your own vehicle can be a great option to bring you outside the local areas and nearby towns if you’re planning on venturing out on a day trip. However, areas are accessible via public transport if you’re willing to be a little bit less flexible.
1, 2, or 3 Days in Positano Itinerary
Whether you’re keen on spending a good deal of time at the sparkling and dramatic beaches along the Positano shores or you’re hoping to dive into the local food scene in Positano, there’s something for everyone in this famous Amalfi coastal town.
This itinerary will bring you through the heart of the town, onto its shores, its hiking paths, and perhaps even to another nearby town or island such as dazzling Capri.
Day 1 – Positano’s Quaint Center
Positano Center
The ideal spot to begin a Positano itinerary or to spend just 1 day in Positano, is by wandering through the town’s enchanting center. With a town such as Positano, built into the steep hillsides overlooking the Mediterranean, you’re guaranteed just as idyllic streets, shops, restaurants, and cafes.
I recommend exploring the main streets of Positano (Viale Pasitea, Via Cristoforo Colombo, Via dei Mulini), getting lost in the colourful winding alleys, the beautiful arches of Via dei Mulini, and enjoying the local artisanal goods sold in the town’s shops. You can organise a walking tour if you would like to learn more about the history of the town.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta
While Positano is full of charming views and dreamy locations to relax, it doesn’t have many historic sites to visit, unlike many other parts of Italy.
One of the only and the most important historic sites to visit in Positano is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, located in the central area of the city at Piazza Flavio Gioia. Known for the 13th-century Byzantine Black Madonna and Child artwork that was once smuggled by pirates and brought west to Positano, the church to many is the heart of the city.
Dedicated to Virgin Mary, the church is a prime example of Medieval Architecture, with the colorful majolica tiled dome bringing all attention from the coast to this important cultural and historical landmark of Positano.
Cooking Class or Food Tour
Due to its perfect location; surrounded by the Mediterranean sea and fertile soil from nearby Pompei, Positano has an outstanding food scene. From fresh seafood to juicy lemons and colourful red tomatoes, there’s no doubt that you’ll enjoy incredible meals during your time in Positano.
To fully appreciate and learn more about the food culture, history, and richness of Positano, I suggest taking a cooking class or going on a food tour. For those who love Southern Italian cuisine, this is absolutely one of the best things to do in Positano.
Throughout the town, you’ll find plenty of options for cooking classes and food tours such as this pasta-making class or this traditional cooking class.
Day 2 – Positano’s Vibrant Seaside
Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)
If you’re someone of a fair fitness level or you’re looking for a challenge while surrounded by the abundant beauty of Positano’s verdant hills, mountains, and crisp blue sea, one of the best things to do with 2 days in Positano, is to embark on a hike through the Path of The Gods.
The trail and hike have existed for centuries, and while on the trail you’ll be treated to what some will say are easily the most outstanding views of the Amalfi Coast. While the trail is 7.8 km, you don’t have to go through the entire trail. If you’re an avid hiker and are looking to spend most of the day on the trail, I recommend hiking its entirety, otherwise, head back whenever you desire.
To reach the trail from Positano, I recommend first taking a bus from Piazza dei Mulini to the town of Nocelle (30 minutes away).
From Nocelle, you’ll want to follow the signs leading to the Path of The Gods. Once you reach the end point of Bomerano, you can either hike back to the starting point in Nocelle and take the bus back down, or be brave and hike back down to Positano over 1,790 steps. You can also take an organised tour if you prefer to go with a guide.
Marina Grande Beach (Spiaggia Marina Grande)
After hiking the Path of the Gods, the perfect spot to head to wind down and relax is the most famous pebble beach and the main beach of Positano, the Marina Grande.
Located in the southern part of Positano, Marina Grande is easily one of the most vibrant and exciting beaches lining the stretch that makes up the Amalfi Coast. From the beach, you’ll bear witness to exquisite views of the town of Positano, the clear & turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, and perfect views of the surrounding cliffs.
Marina Grande undoubtedly looks as if it’s taken straight from a postcard, and once arriving you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported into a classic Italian film while lounging in one of the beach’s classically vibrant beach chairs.
If you’re hoping to swim while at the beach, make sure to arrive early if you’re hoping to visit the free area located in the central part of the beach. Otherwise, expect to pay upwards of €20 for a lounge chair and umbrella on the serviced part of the beach.
Also, keep in mind that Positano has pebbled beaches so you may want to bring water shoes if this is a bother!
Dinner at Li Galli Bistrot
After spending time soaking up the sun and salt water, I recommend making your way to Li Galli Bistrot located on Via Cristoforo Colombo.
The restaurant is located far away enough from the busy tourist areas, but close enough to have a delicious local meal with exquisite views of the Amalfi Coast and Mediterranean sea.
Day 3 – Day Trip Options or Extra Beach Day
If you have 3 days to spend in Positano, you may feel the desire to just relax in the town or by the beach eating incredible local Campanian food. Alternatively, day 3 is also a great opportunity to head out on a day trip to a nearby Amalfi town, Pompeii, or even the beautiful island of Capri.
Fornillo Beach
If you’re keen on spending more time at the beach while in Positano but prefer somewhere quieter and more relaxed than the main Marina Grande Beach, Fornillo Beach is the perfect option for day three.
A beautiful expanse of sand and crystalline waters is tucked away just a short walk from the Positano Marina and although it’s the second largest beach in Positano, it’s frequently missed, keeping it quiet compared to other areas.
On the beach, you’ll find private beach areas where you’ll need to pay for a chair and umbrella, but there are also a few large public areas where you can relax to your heart’s content.
Pompeii
Easily one of the most famous ancient ruin sites in Italy, the fallen town of Pompeii is another fantastic day trip option from Positano.
To reach Pompeii from Positano, you’ll first want to reach Sorrento, which is easily accessible from Positano by either SITA bus or ferry. From there, you’ll take the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii.
If you’re looking to take the logistical guesswork out of a day trip to Pompeii, there are plenty of organised tours such as this half-day tour that include pick up and return from Positano, along with a tour guide in the archaeological site.
Spend time back in time wandering through the amphitheater of Pompeii, the tragically preserved homes of the city, and walk down the same streets that ancient Romans once walked before the town fell to the famous Mount Vesuvius.
Amalfi
The namesake of the Amalfi Coast, the town of Amalfi is a wonderful contender for a perfect day trip from Positano. A UNESCO World Heritage Site in itself, Amalfi is rich in history, dramatic coastal views of the Mediterranean, and adorably colourful homes.
Reaching Amalfi is quite straightforward from Positano and you have the option to either take the ferry from port to port, or take a local SITA bus.
The SITA bus is much more affordable but if you’re interested in seeing the coast from the water and this is your opportunity in comparison to a boat tour, I recommend going with the ferry option. You can check ferry schedules here.
Make sure not to miss the medieval Cathedral of Amalfi, the old Maritime Museum, and the Chiostro del Paradiso. In comparison to Positano, Amalfi has a lot more sites to visit and explore the culture and history, so it’s the perfect day trip from Positano if you’re searching for more than picturesque views.
Capri
Easily one of the most popular and well-known day trips from Positano is to the cosmopolitan, picturesque island of Capri. Capri is most well known for its idyllic views, famous visitors, striking Blue Grotto, and bustling nightlife.
Capri is easily reached from Positano by ferry (only seasonal routes) in just under half an hour making it a convenient day trip from Positano. You can view ferry schedules here.
If you’re looking to take the planning out of your time in Capri and just want to sit back and enjoy the island, there are also plenty of guided tours such as this full-day tour or this private boat tour.
While on Capri, make time to experience the famous Blue Grotto cave, the stylish Marina Grande & tranquil Marina Piccola, as well as the less visited and busy other side of Capri, Anacapri.
Where to Stay in Positano
Villa Celentano – Travelers after a mid-range hotel in Positano will love this delightful place to stay. Located only a stone’s throw from the beach, they have a number of lovely rooms available and some rooms are even equipped with a full kitchen. Click here to see their availability
Albergo Miramare – Those looking for a splurge in Amalfi will love this beautiful and sophisticated luxury hotel. They have extraordinary sea views, an excellent location, plenty of luxe rooms to choose from and countless other amenities for guests to enjoy. Click here to see their availability
Le Nereidi B&B – Visitors looking for a convenient and comfortable self-catering option in Positano will love this cosy bed and breakfast. They have a couple of furnished apartments available along with some en-suite rooms and an excellent location for exploring the town. Click here to see their availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Positano hotels!
While Positano is one of the most popular destinations in Italy and internationally, you’ll understand why once visiting for yourself. From the picture-perfect views to deliciously enticing food, time in Positano will make you feel like you’ve fallen into your own “La Dolce Vita.”
Are you planning to visit Positano? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!
