What to Do in Positano: Walking, Beaches and Unique Views
- Apr 14
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Positano is one of the most photogenic towns on the Amalfi Coast. In this guide, we’ll show you what to do in Positano based on our experience exploring the town, its beaches, and some of the best viewpoints.
If you want a general idea of how to move between towns, where to stay, and how to organize your route, you can check out our AMALFI COAST: COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE, where we explain everything in a simple way and connect each destination.
What You’ll Find in This Positano Guide
🏠 Where to stay – upper vs lower areas
🏖️ Beaches – Spiaggia Grande & Fornillo
🏛️ MAR Museum
How to Get to Positano
Positano is one of the most vertical towns on the Amalfi Coast, so getting there has a few things you should know:
By ferry (the best option): You can arrive by sea from other parts of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, or Naples. It’s by far the most comfortable and scenic option during high season. Plus, arriving by water gives you that iconic first view of the colorful houses “hanging” from the cliffs.
By bus: You can also get there using the SITA bus line. It’s a cheaper option, but keep in mind the ride can be long and slow due to summer traffic.
Important tip!!
If you get motion sickness, avoid the bus, the road has lots of tight curves and can get uncomfortable. Also, if you’re traveling with big luggage, the ferry is much more practical.
Where to Stay in Positano
Positano is extremely steep, so where you stay will really affect your experience.
Upper areas: Offer the most incredible views and those postcard-perfect photos. But be ready, you’ll be climbing hundreds of stairs every time you go down to the beach or the port.
Lower areas: Much more convenient for getting around and going out at night, but usually more expensive and busier because of their proximity to the center and the port.
Key tip: If your hotel is in the upper part, we highly recommend using the porter service available at the port. Trust us, paying a few euros to have someone carry your luggage up the stairs is one of the best decisions you’ll make.
If you decide to stay in Positano, here are two great options depending on your budget:
Hotel Pasitea (€): A great option if you’re looking for a more modern design and slightly more reasonable prices (for Positano). Located in the upper area, so most rooms have panoramic sea views.
Hotel Poseidon (€€): A Positano classic with one of the best terraces in town. It’s located in a mid-level area, not too low, not too high, so you still get great views without dealing with endless stairs. The only downside is the high price in peak season.
Booking months in advance is essential, availability goes fast and prices increase a lot last minute.
If you’re looking for a more practical, flat, and budget-friendly base to explore the area, Sorrento is usually a better option. But if your dream is waking up with Positano at your feet, nothing compares.
🇮🇹 What to Do in Positano 🇮🇹
Walk Around the Town
There’s no fixed route here, like we always say, the best way to explore is on foot.
There’s nothing better than going up and down the famous stairs, getting lost in the narrow streets with artisan shops, and stopping at every natural balcony with sea views.
Tip: Yes, there are A LOT of stairs. Go light, take your time, and wear comfortable shoes.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta
Located right in the center, it’s famous for its ceramic (majolica) dome that shines under the sun.
Entrance is free, and it’s worth stepping inside even if just for a few minutes.
Opening hours: Every day from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Beaches in Positano
After all the walking, this is the best part: relaxing by the sea.
Spiaggia Grande: The main beach, located right in front of the historic center, with incredible views of the colorful houses.
Fornillo Beach: Our favorite because it’s more relaxed. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the main beach along a beautiful coastal path.
It feels a bit more local and less chaotic than Spiaggia Grande.
During high season (June–September), beaches get crowded. There are small free areas and larger sections with beach clubs offering sunbeds and umbrellas.
Approximate price: €40 per person for a sunbed.
MAR Museum of Positano
If you’re into history and museums, underneath the Church of Santa Maria Assunta you’ll find the Roman Archaeological Museum (MAR).
It’s a short but very interesting visit if you want to learn more about the town’s past.
Visits are only guided tours (around 30 minutes).
💸 Ticket: around €15 (includes guided tour)
🕒 Hours: every day from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Visitor numbers are limited, so booking in advance is recommended.
Via dei Mulini
One of the most famous and picturesque streets in Positano.
It starts near the church and goes up to Piazza dei Mulini.
It’s pedestrian-only and full of gelato shops, ceramics, and local crafts, perfect for browsing and picking up a souvenir.
Viewpoints in Positano
This is one of the best things to do in Positano.
The best views in Positano come from walking up from Piazza dei Mulini along two key streets: Viale Pasitea and Via Cristoforo Colombo.
Viale Pasitea: This is the main road into town—narrow, uphill, and with open views of the colorful houses on the hillside. One of the best viewpoints is near Chiesa Nuova.
It’s best to walk up or take the bus (parking is very limited). Some of the most popular restaurants are also located along this street.
Via Cristoforo Colombo: This is where you get that classic Positano postcard view. There are several terraces and natural viewpoints along the street.
The most famous one is at Franco’s Bar, but there are also free spots with almost identical views.
Other Great Viewpoints
Views from the upper part of Via dei Mulini: perfect for quieter photos without bars or crowds
Viewpoints on the way to Montepertuso: fewer people and wider views
Views over Spiaggia Grande: amazing photo spots from different points going down to the center
How Much Time Do You Need in Positano?
Half a day is enough to walk around the center, take photos, and enjoy the views.
But if you want to go to the beach or see the town lit up at night (which is a completely different vibe), it’s best to stay overnight or spend a full day without rushing.
Travel tips – visiting Positano
If you're planning your visit to Positano, here are a few things we’d keep in mind:
Be ready for stairs
Positano is all stairs, everywhere! Comfortable shoes are a must.
Travel light
If you have luggage, it can get very uncomfortable moving around.
Ferry > bus (in high season)
It’s faster, more comfortable, and the views are incredible.
Go early or late
Midday gets very crowded, especially in summer.
Beach clubs are expensive
If you want a sunbed, expect to pay around €40 per person.
Choose your area wisely
Upper areas = better views
Lower areas = easier access
Are you planning your trip to the Amalfi Coast?
After traveling through it ourselves, we created a super complete guide with the itinerary already organized day by day, so you don’t have to spend hours figuring out how to get around, where to stay, or what’s actually worth doing.
The guide includes:
📍 Day-by-day itineraries
📍 Interactive Google Maps
📍 Ferries and how to move between towns
📍 Real restaurant and beach recommendations
📍 Recommended accommodations
📍 Tips to save time and avoid unnecessary expenses
📍 Alternatives depending on your energy, the weather, or your travel style
Comments