Looking for the ultimate hotel guide to Positano Italy? Positano is the most famous and iconic village on the Amalfi Coast, the spectacular strip of coastline with the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the the Lattari Mountains on the other. The coastline stretches for 37 miles in the southern Italian region of Campania. The entire Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a dip in the crystalline waters off the coast, admire the dramatic cliffs by sea, relax over a romantic dinner, or stroll along the narrow, twisting roads. These unique charms make Positano one of the top destinations in all of Italy for those who want to enjoy the country’s “la dolce vita” atmosphere. Its scenic vistas, art history, and incredible food and drink have long made Italy a destination for romance-seekers, foodies, and adventurers. Enjoy the Ultimate Hotel Guide to Positano Italy, and start planning your Positano vacation today. Visit all of the best beaches of Italy here, or visit us on Pinterest.
Positrano Italy Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Positano Italy is in the spring and fall, specifically May and September, with temperatures in the upper 70s to lower 80s. During these months, crowds are largely gone and temperatures are the most comfortable, with highs in the 70s and 80s. Summer (temperatures in high 80s to low 90s) may sound like the ideal option, but both domestic and international travelers flock here, making it the busiest time to visit . Winter (temperatures in the 50s) travel is a great time if you want to stay on hotel and airfare, but it’s also when cafes and restaurants close up shop for the season. The autumn months following September (temperatures from upper 70s to lower 80s) are another recommended time to visit, as day temperatures are still relatively warm.
Best 5 Positano Area Beaches
Laurito Beach
Laurito beach is a tiny little beach, which can reached via a flight of steps which starts in the small square opposite Hotel San Pietro. Laurito is divided into a free beach and a private beach, the latter belonging to a small hotel, and has two casual beach restaurants.
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Arienzo Beach
Arienzo beach is often called the 300 steps beach, because of the impressive number of steps visitors need to climb down to reach it. On your way down towards the beach, you can catch glimpses of the gardens of some of the Amalfi Coast’s most luxurious villas. The beach is divided into private and free areas.
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Marina Grande Beach
Marina Grande Beach is Positano’s main beach and is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan of all those on the Amalfi Coast. Along the large, three hundred meter long beach, there is a string of restaurants and bars and a famous discotheque (Music On the Rocks). The beach has two bathing establishments and a free area, from where excursions along the coast and shuttle boats to the nearby bays depart.
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Fornillo Beach
Fornillo Beach is a well-established favorite among those looking for a more peaceful beach than that of Marina Grande. Given the vicinity to the center of Positano, during summer weekends even Fornillo can be crowded with sun worshippers.
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La Porta Beach
La Porta Beach is both long and wide. There is plenty of space for people to lay out in the sun and enjoy a beach day. This beach is only accessible by boat, so you won’t ever find it crowded. There are plenty of ferry’s leaving Positano that will easily take you to this beach.
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Best Positano Area Tours & Activities
Full-Day Capri Island Cruise from Sorrento
Cruise out to explore the island of Capri on this full-day tour from Sorrento. Set sail along the Sorrento coast; take in Capri highlights such as the White and Green Grottos and the Faraglioni rocks; then head ashore to dine at a seafront restaurant or enjoy swimming and sunbathing at the island’s beaches. Book Your Full-Day Capri Island Cruise Here.
Small-Group Amalfi Coast Day Cruise from Positano
Get an intimate look at the stunning Amalfi Coast on this day cruise from Positano. Led by an expert skipper, glide past the Emerald Grotto sea cave in Conca dei Marini, the Furore fjord, and the fishing village of Praiano, marveling at the UNESCO-listed seashore as you go. Hop off the boat for a dip or some time to snorkel, and explore the town of Ravello or Amalfi at your leisure. Numbers are limited to 12 people on this small-group tour to ensure a more personal experience. Book Your Small-Group Amalfi Coast Day Cruise from Positano Here
Capri & Blue Grotto Boat Trip-Prime Experience with max. 8 guests from Sorrento
Discover the dazzling beauty and captivating culture of Capri and Sorrento on a small-group boat tour. With a maximum of seven passengers on board, you’re treated to an intimate and truly personalized Italian experience. Have your camera ready for the Natural Arch, Villa Malaparte, Cala di Mitigliano Waterfall, and of course, the Blue Grotto. Later, enjoy free time to explore the island at your own pace. Book Your Capri & Blue Grotto Boat Trip Here
Amalfi Coast Private Day Tour from Sorrento
See the stunning Amalfi Coast at your own speed on this private, full-day trip from Sorrento. After creating your own itinerary, sit back and relax as a private driver takes you along the coast, making stops in the most beautiful villages in southern Italy: Positano, Ravello and Amalfi. Get a true taste of the region’s rich history, architecture and cuisine before concluding with drop-off back in Sorrento. Book Your Amalfi Coast Private Day Tour from Sorrento Here
Private Capri Boat Tour Top Sellers
Capri is one of the most popular islands in Italy, but can be overrun with tourists during most of the year. With this private boat tour, escape the crowds and enjoy dazzling views of the rugged coastline from the water. Stop to swim and snorkel in quiet coves, explore the coast’s grottoes and Roman ruins, and enjoy an on-board snack of Caprese salad and Prosecco. Book Your Private Capri Boat Tour Top Sellers Here
Best Positano Restaurants
Chez Black $11 – 30
Legendary restaurant on Positano’s waterfront. Set right on the beach with a lively atmosphere and fresh fish and seafood. Try the spaghetti with sea urchin. Telephone: 39 089 875036 Web: Chez Black
La Sponda $30 and Over
The in-house restaurant at Hotel Le Sirenuse. Considered one of the most beautiful restaurants on the Amalfi Coast, lit with hundreds of candles each evening. Try the Calamari stuffed with local cheese, lamb with Mediterranean herbs. Telephone: 39 089 875066 Web: La Sponda
Rossellinis $30 and Over
Gourmet dishes with breathtaking views. An exclusive location and creative menu with updated traditional dishes. Try the Linguine with sea urchins, saffron and shrimp risotto. Telephone: 39 089 818181 Web: Rossellinis
Da Vincenzo $11 – 30
Good home cooking since 1958. Local ceramics and an open-plan kitchen, with panoramic sidewalk tables. Try the Squid and potatoes, alici ‘ndorate e fritte (fried anchovies), linguine with shrimp. Telephone: 39 089 875128 Web: Da Vincenzo
Rada $30 and Over
Fine dining on the Positano seaside. Traditional cuisine with a twist, a relaxed atmosphere, and Positano as backdrop. Try the shrimp with amaranth, seafood risotto. Telephone: 39 089 875874 Web: Rada
Best Places to Have Fun After the Sun Sets
Buca di Bacco
Address: Via Rampa Teglia, 4 – Positano Telephone: 39 089 875699 Web: Buca di Bacco
Le Terrazze
Address: Via Grotte dell Incanto, 51 – Positano Telephone: 39 089 875874 Web: Le Terrazze
Le Tre Sorelle
Address: Via del Brigantino, 27 – Positano Telephone: 39 089 875452 Web: Le Tre Sorelle
Chez Black
Address: Via del Brigantino, 19 – Positano Telephone: 39 089 875036 Web: Chez Black
Palozzo Murat
Address: Via dei Mulini, 23 – Positano Telephone: 39 089 875177 Web: Palozzo Murat
I feel lucky to come across your site.
My wife and I debate the vacation destination, and what I am seeing is quite inviting.
La Porta Beach catches my eye as it is accessible by boat only, so it definitely will not be crowded.
It’s not like we don’t like beaches with lots of people on them, but we are looking for a relatively secluded place this time. That could be it.
The Amalfi coast is indeed one of the most spectacular coastlines that I have ever seen. But I didn’t realize it was actually a UNESCO World Heritage site, which doesn’t surprise me. We were only a day trip when I visited Positano and Sorrento, so, there wasn’t time to actually visit the beach, we were only in the town of Positano.
What would you recommend as a minimum stay to fully explore and see everything that is on offer in Positano and the surrounding area?
I agree! I think that this is the best bet for Italy. I have family in Italy and they are a bit far from the Amalfi Coast, but I plan to make a 3 week trip out of time there. You know as far as vacation length, it really depends on what you want out of the vacation and what all you want to be able to see. I always include 2 days (for travel) on top of my length of stay. Jot down what you don’t want to miss while you are there, and include some great tours and/or activities. Then plan a day for each, and you will have a minimum stay 🙂
Oh, Italia! Always on my list to visit, was planning to visit Milano! But after what I read about Positano, definitely, it changed my mind.
Now I have several questions
What does it cost for a casual trip for couples for two weeks?
I noticed that thebest time to visit Positano Italy is in the spring and fall, but that lovely beach wouldn’t be great at the summer do you think?
Are there any tourist areas and historical places to visit?
The summer in Positano would be great. I don’t mind crowds, and I certainly enjoy a nice warm/hot day over being chilled. I love getting in the water, and if the air temp is warm, then I am golden. Really as far as price goes, it depends on how much you want to spend on your hotel, whether it be budget or luxurious. I have all the best hotel picks at the bottom and you can go thru them and find out what the cost is for each by plugging in your dates and room preferences. This will give you an exact picture of what your cost will be for accommodations.
Very nice to look at all the places I could go on vacation. You really did a good job in listing these locations with good reasoning to visit them. Thanks for the valuable information you provided here, it was a good read and I know things about a few places you listed that I didn’t know before.
I am glad you enjoyed your visit to Beach Travel Destinations Nikki. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi there Leahrae,
Your detailed guide to Positano is quite awesome. I’ve been meaning to visit the place for a while now and I think next year is going to be the year I get to go. May will be the best month for me and my family to go there to relax and unwind. Thanks for including the best activities, beaches and even the phone numbers of the best hotels. I can’t thank you enough for that. You have saved me a lot of time and effort and I really appreciate it. 🙂
Leahrae,
in addition to the splendid Positano, how could you not stress that we Italians are here! 😁😁😁 This makes this wonderful place even more special!
As an Italian, I confirm what you write and the low season months are the best time to visit it away from the holiday crowds.
Have you ever tried the typical onion soup with saffron or their seasoned olives? Mmmhh .. now I’m leaving and I’m going to Positano!
I have tried the soup! Saffron adds a special flavor. I tried to duplicate here in the U.S. but Saffron is really really expensive here for some reason.
Wow, I did not know that. Meaning, I had no idea that the Amalfi Coast is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. That’s so cool. And it only adds to my fascination with the place and the desire to visit it in person.
That’s an interesting best-of-time to visit. I mean, it’s either like an early summer to properly enjoy or like a prolonged one when you didn’t get to spend enough time sunbathing. Or maybe it’s both. 🙂 Meaning, an early summer and a birthday gift (because my birthday’s in September, haha). 🙂
Personally, I would love to visit all of those beaches. Fornillo looks really captivating; shuttle boats sound incredible at Marina Grande; anti-crowded at La Porta sounds fascinating.
Thank you for all the insight!
I’m glad you enjoyed Matiss. Yes, most do not know that it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just adds to it to me. I agree, all the beaches here are wonderful and there are more too 🙂 The list would just be too long. Thanks for your visit and I am glad you enjoyed learning about Positano Italy.
We have all seen the posters and travelogues of this area. You made it come more alive and provide just about everything necessary that there is to know about visiting here. Right away, I started thinking about airfares and there was the info. I really like to travel during the late summer early fall months, because, as you noted, the temperature is more bearable and the crowds are gone. One thing I was thinking about was how the travel possibilities are during the winter months. Is it too chilly or do the crowds come back? Thanks for this article. Well done!
Warren
I would consider it too cold, but that is just me. You are going to have temps in the low 60s….brrrrr. It will not be crowded by any stretch of the means, but the hours will be shortened and you might find a few things closed.
I would love to go to Positano next spring. I have never gone there. But close friends have just moved close to Laurito beach, and they say it is wonderful. So, I began to research it. Thank you for sharing insight into what it is like. You have helped me make up my mind to go. I will start booking flights.
Great Paolo! Please let me know if you need any help with your travel plans. I would love to help 🙂
The Amalfi coastline looks so interesting and beautiful, even the colorful buildings make you want to visit. Positano is a real gem for sightseeing of a Unesco World Heritage Site. I would enjoy visiting the Lattari mountains as they look great for hiking. Great food, wonderful art, and scenic vistas are everything that tourists are looking for in their holidays.
Fornillo beach is my pick for a quiet getaway. The Capri island cruise is my pick for fun. It looks pretty expensive, is there budget accommodation available?
Sounds like you would have a wonderful time. I could not find a low-cost Capri Island Cruise. But I think once you arrive, you could find a cheaper alternative. It is worth it for sure. I am glad you enjoyed your visit to Beach Travel Destinations.
This is a nice place to go on vacation. I would want to go around June as I am not too busy around that time. I see that you said it is perfect to go around that time so I will do so. Tell me, what can I do in Italy? Originally I would go for the soccer but what else can I do?
So much to do in Italy: visit the temples, the beaches, climb Mount Vesuvius, visit Cinque Terre, visit Lake Como, see the Coliseum, go to Pompeii, take a boat ride along the Amalfi Coast, check out the historic center of Siena, see the Vatican, see the Roman Forum, climb Stromboli, take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto, take in the sights at the Grand Canal, climb the leaning tower of Pisa, see the Frasassi Cave, visit Acropolis or see the Milan Cathedral. Now of course these all are not in Positano, they are through out Italy, but you did ask 🙂
Good day, the arienzo beach is a major tourist attraction otherwise known as the 300 beach, it is really a nice place, I have seen videos of the place but I’ve never been there that’s why I want to go to Positano this holiday to experience all these major sights
Great Collins, I hope you can visit there soon!
Italy is one of my favorite countries to visit!!! But I haven’t been to Positano yet! Now I really want to go!
Great Jordan! Please let me know if you have any questions.