Positano is the iconic cliffside resort of Italy's Amalfi Coast, its pastel houses stacked in tiers above the sea, and the first town you reach when arriving on the coast from Naples. Crystalline waters, narrow winding lanes and the majolica dome of the Santa Maria Assunta church make it a byword for Italian 'dolce vita'. Easy ferry links from Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri also make it a favorite day trip.
Marina Grande (Spiaggia Grande) - the town's main beach, roughly 400m of sand, mostly beach-club zones with a small free public stretch (spiaggia libera)
Church of Santa Maria Assunta - its colorful majolica-tiled dome and the venerated Byzantine 'Black Madonna' (Madonna Nera)
Fornillo Beach - quieter and cheaper than the main beach, a local favorite
Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) - a ridge-top hiking trail with views as far as Capri on clear days
Strolling the steep, narrow lanes and admiring the coast by mini-cruise
Good to know
RulesThe town center is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL); in summer (roughly late June to mid-September) private vehicles are banned from early morning until midnight. Cameras record every plate and fines start at €150 (verify latest). If driving, a private garage reservation is essentially mandatory.
MannersThe Church of Santa Maria Assunta is free to enter but enforces a dress code covering shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing clothing, including for attending mass (verify latest).
SafetyThe whole town is built into a cliff with stairs, so you'll climb hundreds of steep stone steps daily. Sidewalks are nearly nonexistent; skip heels and wear comfortable walking shoes.
SeasonJune-August high season, especially weekends, is extremely crowded. Ferries run mainly mid-April to mid-October; in low season (Nov-Mar) service is sparse and cancelled in rough seas. Early morning or late afternoon is calmer (verify latest).
RulesBeach-club sunbeds and umbrellas are paid and vary widely by spot and season, roughly €60-400 in 2026 (packages higher). Confirm prices and book ahead; reserve high-season ferries weeks to months in advance (verify latest).
Practical info
Easily reached by ferry from Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri; the Sorrento route runs year-round (about 10 daily in summer). Comfortable shoes are essential; pre-book high-season ferries and parking. Check the latest fares, timetables and rules before you go.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
