It only takes one look at a photo of Positano to add it to your list of places to visit. I’d call it a bucket list destination personally! Nestled away in the Amalfi Coast region, the water is a deep blue green and the cities are built into the sides of the hills, making them each hidden gems. After three blissful days in the city that felt like a dream, I’ve put together a Positano travel guide. It’s full of the best things to do in Positano, and places to eat, shop and stay in the colorful city. Plus, get all my outfit details too, like this linen top, this dress and these sandals I wore everyday!
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The Best Things to Do in Positano
How to Get to Positano
There are a number of ways to get to Positano, depending on where you’re coming from. Since we flew into Rome, our original plan was to catch a connecting flight down to Naples and then take a car service to Positano. But, when our flight was pushed back 4 hours days before our trip, we cancelled it and decided to take the train instead. It worked out fine, but we ended up delayed regardless (darn trains!).
Once you get to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), you’ll need to take the 30-35 minute airport transfer train to Rome Termini station. Then, from there you can take either the Italo, Trenitalia, or Frecciarossa train down to Naples. They’re all pretty similar. Thought, I hear Italo is slightly nicer (we took Trenitalia both ways based on times). The fastest trains will get you there in just over an hour.
Alternately, if you’re coming from another area in the Amalfi Coast, like Sorrento, I hear the ferry is great too.
We worked with Josh at ProTravel again to plan and book many parts of our trip, including our transfers and some of our activities, in addition to our hotels. If you haven’t used a (great) travel agent before, this might not make sense to you. Believe me – I’m type A and like to control all aspects of the trip. But, the advantages include possible upgrades at your hotel and recommendations for some non-touristy things you wouldn’t think of otherwise.
Positano Travel Guide
Our driver from Naples to Positano told us that under 4,000 people live in the city. But, that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of things to do in Positano or great places to eat! We visited 3 cities on our trip to Italy this month. But, Positano was the most beautiful and the one I have been most excited to talk about here. Before the trip, I researched A TON so that I could put together this Positano travel guide as a way for you to see the best, no matter how long you spend there.
Outfit Details: Bodysuit // Lemon Shorts // Earrings // Sandals // Boater Hat // Basket Bag // Sunglasses
Where to Stay in Positano
Le Sirenuse
One of the “it” hotels of the area, Le Sirenuse is pricey but worth it. For us, it was one in a million moment to stay here. So, we splurged! Many of the photos of Positano that you see on Pinterest are taken from this stunning property. The first photo above is the view looking out from our room (we stayed in the lowest tier for rooms too!) and the other picture is from the pool area. The rooms are decadent Italian style luxury, with lemon trees on the grounds. Location-wise, Le Sirenuse is further down the hill, close to the main Spiaggia Grande beach.
Villa Franca
two of my closest friends stayed here on their honeymoon and raved about it. Villa Franca is higher up the hill in Positano, so it gives you a gorgeous, sprawling view of Positano. Reviews on Trip Advisor are overwhelmingly good or excellent, which is a source I regularly use when booking anything travel-related. Rooms can still range in price, but average seems to be $750/night.
Il San Pietro di Positano
I originally wanted to stay at this hotel before we booked Le Sirenuse. But, they had already sold out of their less expensive room types. We didn’t get a chance to visit while we were in town (I hear they are one of the best places to grab cocktails!). But, we did see it from the water during our boat tour and it looked incredible! The hotel rooms are built one on top of the other – so everyone has a seaside view. It’s also one of the most expensive hotels, so grabbing drinks here is probably better for those on a budget!
As I mentioned above, the hotel is just outside of town. While we were planning our trip that didn’t seem like such a big deal. But, once we got to Positano – I realized being right in the center of things was much more beneficial.
Covo dei Saraceni
when we were down by Spiaggia Grande beach, I’d often look up and see this gorgeous hotel with bougainvillea surrounding the pool. I’m pretty sure it’s this hotel and I know a few other bloggers who have stayed here and really liked it.
HOTEL TIP: Book far in advance! The city opens for tourists in April and rooms sell out quickly, especially during high season of May – July. We booked our flights and hotels 2 months in advance, but most people book even sooner.
Related: Packing for International Travel
Outfit Details: Linen Top // White Denim // Boater Hat // Earrings // Bangles
Where to Eat in Positano
Bar Bruno
we dined here the first night we got in town (it’s right up the street from Le Sirenuse) and the apps are so tasty! We had the tomato mozzarella and the calamari, which was honestly one of the best I’ve ever had. That said, our dinner was just okay. Matt and I both had the spaghetti and meatball entree, which was one of the specials. But, the view is out of this world, especially if you sit on the patio. Come for the apps and the views!
La Sponda
the restaurant at Le Sirenuse is like no other I’ve seen before. With ivy dangling from the facade and incredible views of the dome – even if you’re not staying at the property you need to dine at La Sponda. It’s a Michelin star restaurant, so come prepared for an experience (and to open up your wallet!). The portions will be small, but you’ll find that you get a handful of courses you never ordered that the chef sends out.
Chez Black
this is where you get that famous heart shaped pizza! Chez Black is right down by the beach and it’s a staple of Positano. Ask three different people for the best pizza place in town and you’ll get three different answers (with one of them undoubtedly telling you to go to Naples!), but Chez Black is where it’s at. First, they send out a bruschetta that wets your palette and follow up with traditional Italian pizza (thin crust) that will make you wonder how you can get anything remotely close back home. We talked about it the rest of the trip it was so darn good!
The Best Things to Do in Positano, Italy
Visit the beach
perhaps one of the most gorgeous beaches in The Amalfi coast, the beach in Positano is romantic and captivating. The best months to visit are June – August, but if you go in May like we did then you have a bit more privacy and can enjoy the beach by yourselves.
Take a private boat tour
you can grab a boat down at the pier but we chose to rent one in advance through the hotel. Many people choose to visit Capri and its beautiful. But, another option is to visit Amalfi and their famed duomo which is unlike any other I’ve seen. Tour buses often make stops here, so prepare for that type of activity.
Limoncello tour
we didn’t get to partake in the limoncello tour coordinated by the hotel, but seeing as how the after dinner beverage is a classic for the country, it’s a fun activity. Plus, the lemon trees make for a fun photo op.
Shopping
the must-have items to buy in Positano are linen and custom sandals. I found so many cute linen items, like dresses, button ups and pants. But, I left with a cute striped matching set. The better quality items are at Idillio and they have two shops in town. I also recommend you pick up something cashmere. There are cardigans and ponchos. I grabbed a cream colored scarf that I wore throughout the trip!
Lastly, you need to get a pair of sandals. I bought a pair of white leather sandals that were custom fit to my feet (so cool)! The store was right down the steps from the famous Santa Maria Assunta church. I can’t find the name, but I’ll update here when I do!
Take Photos
Positano is a place you want to remember! Find a photographer and get some professional photos taken around the beautiful city! I found Pix Around and am OBSESSED with them (more on that in my next post). Basically, they work with photographers all around the world and help you find a great one in the city you’re visiting to capture your moments (think family photos, couples photos, engagement pics, etc). Pasquale captured some stunning photos for me in Positano that I included above. I highly recommend him and Pix Around!
If you’re planning a trip or have any questions on the area, please let me know!
