Positano

Positano is the jewel of the Amalfi Coast — a vertical pyramid of pastel houses tumbling down to a dark-sand beach.

Passport

Are you in Positano? Take the stamp. It needs your location: it is earned by being here, not by reading this page.

With a photo

Ferry from Amalfi

25min

Bus from Amalfi

40min

Car from Amalfi

25min

Beaches

Sights

Crowd today

Almost empty

Almost empty25 °CBest hours: Before 9:00 or after 18:00Details

The guide

Why go

Founded in the 9th century around a Benedictine abbey, it grew with refugees from Paestum fleeing Saracen raids. After centuries of decline and emigration to the US, it was reborn in the 20th century when artists like Picasso, Steinbeck, Paul Klee and Liz Taylor made it their refuge. Today it's the most famous village on the coast — glamorous, vertical, and entirely made of stairs.

What to See 7

Spiaggia Grande

The main beach — 300m of dark sand, vibrant beach clubs, and the heart of Positano's social life. Frequented by the international jet-set.

Fornillo Beach

A quieter, more intimate beach reached via the romantic Sentiero degli Innamorati from Spiaggia Grande, past ancient Saracen watchtowers.

Arienzo Beach

Known as the 'beach of 300 steps' — the reward is the last sunset light on the entire coast.

Church of Santa Maria Assunta

Iconic multicolor majolica dome visible from everywhere. Inside: the Byzantine Madonna Nera icon (13th century), linked to the legend of Positano's name.

Li Galli Islands

Three mythical islands off the coast — the ancient 'Sirenuse' of Homer's sirens. Once owned by dancer Rudolf Nureyev. Boat trips with swimming stops.

Nocelle & Montepertuso

Hill frazioni above Positano. Nocelle is the endpoint of the Path of the Gods with breathtaking panoramas. Montepertuso has a dramatic hole pierced through the mountain rock.

Path of the Gods

The legendary 10km hiking trail from Agerola to Nocelle (4h, easy). Walk it west-to-east for the views in front of you.

Where to Eat 5

Da Adolfo

Legendary beach restaurant at Laurito cove — reachable only by free boat shuttle from Spiaggia Grande (look for the red fish on the mast). Book ahead.

Best time to visit