Positano is an upscale colorful cliffside village on the central Amalfi Coast in Italy, the perfect getaway for a Mediterranean summer. You can walk through the steep maze of narrow alleys and browse boutiques en route to the beach. The main beachfront (Spiaggia Grande) is lined with red-orange umbrellas, numerous cafes, and watercolor artists painting their rendition of the magical coast. I would recommend spending at least two days here. If you have more time, then take a taxi or bus ride to the neighboring Amalfi coast, about forty minutes away, which is a spectacular sight with a more ancient vibe (read more about Amalfi here). Another must is taking at least a day trip over to the island of Capri, a 30-minute boat ride away from Positano (read more about Capri here).

Where to Stay

Le Sirenuse
Il San Pietro di Positano
Hotel Eden Roc, Positano - read more on my blog here
Hotel Poseidon - read more on my blog here

When to Go

Summertime is a popular and busy time of year. Sunny, warm, and restaurants and shops are open this time of the year. However, I would consider shoulder season like September when the weather is still warm, but the village is not as crowded.

Things to Do

Take a leisurely stroll through the steep and narrow alleys to shop at chic boutiques and souvenir shops.
Drink some aperol spritzer or limoncello.
Relax on the main beach (Spiaggia Grande) or adjacent beaches (Spiaggia del Fornillo, a small beach to the right); take a taxi to a less crowded beach like Bagni d' Arienzo.
Take a boat ride to Capri (read more here). Near the deck, you will find tour stands that can help you book day trips to Capri at reasonable rates.
Sign up for a wine tour or food tour.
Grab some afternoon drinks at Le Sirenuse.
Go kayaking for amazing views of Positano from the water.

transportation

The last time I went to Positano, I flew into Naples and took a 45-minute taxi ride to the Amalfi Coast where I spent 2-3 days and then took another 45-minute taxi from there to Positano. The actual distance between Amalfi Coast and Positano is not that far, but the streets are narrow along the cliff and some of them with only one lane, causing some traffic and congestion even in September.

Once you arrive to Positano, I would recommend to travel by foot as everything is pretty much walking distance. If you would like to explore some small remote beaches along the cliffside, you could take a taxi/bus or boat to those spots.

Where to Eat

La Tagliata

Fresh farm-to-table family-run restaurant perched on a cliff with beautiful ocean views, La Tagliata is a gem with deserving popularity. Dinner is served family style with a pre-fixe menu by Mamma, including antipasti, variety pasta platter, grilled meat platter followed by dessert and limoncello apertif. The restaurant conveniently provides a free shuttle service to and from your hotel. Make reservations and arrange transportation in advance. Get there before sunset to view their vegetable garden and soak in the ocean views from your table on the terrace.

Ristorante La Sponda

Such a romantic and elegant restaurant, La Sponda is a Michelin-rated restaurant within Le Sirenuse Hotel and is definitely a place you should try at least once. Your dinner table and backdrop will be postcard perfect. You can choose a table on the terrace overlooking Positano and the sea, or be seated in their equally famous candlelit dining room. The ambiance is enchanting with soft lighting from over four hundred lit candles, strolling violinists and mandolin players, and delicate ivy and bourganvilleas adorning the walls. The service is attentive and impeccable and the meal masterful. It is no surprise this restaurant is mentioned as one of the world's most beautiful restaurants with a view.

Da Adolfo

I have never had a chance to try this restaurant, but it's definitely on my list and wanted to mention it since I've heard such raving reviews about it. It's a casual beachy lunch spot with great seafood and pasta. The restaurant has a free shuttle service that picks you up in a boat from the Positano dock and drops you off on a beach cove where the restaurant is located. You can eat, then relax on the beach chairs, or go out for a swim. Make sure to book in advance.

luxe tips

Bring comfortable walking shoes
Make dinner reservations in advance

Check out my aerial footage of Positano below: