Positano

Positano is a cliffside village in southern Italy, known for its beautiful coastline, elegant fashion and colorful buildings. Located in the region of Campania, Positano’s unspoiled beauty offers numerous things to do and see.

On Ferryhopper, you can find useful information about must-see locations, beaches, local delicacies, and ferries to Positano. Read below our travel tips and available routes, and book cheap ferry tickets without any hidden fees.

A colorful alley with picturesque buildings in Positano

Vacation in Positano

In Positano, you don’t have to choose between the mountains and the sea. Here, scenic beaches and views of the Lattari Mountains come together to create an otherworldly atmosphere. Apart from its natural wonders and beautiful surroundings, the village of Positano is known for its traditional, colorful architecture.

Only 20 minutes from the town of Sorrento, Positano is a must-see location if you’re interested in touring around the Amalfi Coast. Every year, millions of visitors come to enjoy its stunning beaches, local fashion scene and delicious cuisine. It’s also a popular destination for hiking and diving.

Holidays in Positano are perfect for couples, nature lovers and travelers who want a taste of the village’s vibrant and elegant nightlife.

How to get to Positano?

You can reach Positano by bus, car and ferry, our personal favorite. Traveling to Positano by ferry is a great way to avoid traffic and the curvy roads of the Amalfi Coast, all while overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Ferry connections to Positano are usually available from April to October. You can catch a ferry to Positano from neighboring cities of the Amalfi Coast, the islands of the Gulf of Naples (Capri, Ischia and Procida) and the cities of Naples, Salerno and Sorrento. Here, you can find more detailed information about ferries to Positano.

Alternatively, you can catch a bus from Sorrento or Salerno, though they tend to fill up quickly in summer. If you wish to get to Positano by car, keep in mind that there are limited parking spots and plenty of narrow streets and alleys.

Narrow roads among impressive cliffs leading to Positano

What to do in Positano

Getaways to Positano are all about relaxing and reconnecting with nature. One-day trips are most likely not enough to explore the village’s beaches, hiking trails and historic center.

Due to its topography and easily accessible coves, Positano attracts many sports enthusiasts who are interested in climbing and water sports, such as diving. Boat tours around the coast of Positano are also available, which is a great way to sit back and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of the Amalfi Coast.

If you want to explore Positano without getting your feet wet, consider the Path of the Gods, a popular hiking trail that connects Positano to nearby villages and cities.

As you take a break from uncovering Positano’s hidden gems, head over to the village’s boutiques and browse hand-made clothes and souvenirs! For more ideas, discover the best of Positano below, including the top beaches, attractions, dishes, and more!

Beaches in Positano

In Positano, you can find mostly rocky beaches, though there are a few sandy stretches as well. Either way, relaxing at the beaches of Positano is the best way to recharge your batteries and try out water sports on the Amalfi Coast.

Here, you can find the best beaches in Positano:

• Marina Grande: it’s the most famous beach of Positano, favored by locals, tourists and celebrities. There are 2 bathing establishments, restaurants and a nightclub. From here, you can explore nearby coves. This is one of the easiest beaches to access, as there are buses for people with disabilities.
• Laurito: this is a much smaller and more natural beach, surrounded by cliffs. To get there, you have to go down a few stairs close to the Hotel San Pietro. Apart from the free area, there are 2 restaurants and a private area managed by the hotel.
• Arienzo: this is a sandy cove with great views and turquoise waters. To access it, you have to go down about 300 steps.
• Fornillo: this is one of the most popular beaches in Positano, with both pebbles and sand. This convenient location is accessible by bus and includes bars, umbrella rentals, restaurants, and hotels nearby. This is also a great spot for trying out snorkeling in Positano.
• Tordigliano: it’s one of Positano’s hidden gems. After following a scenic path to the beach, you get to enjoy the unspoiled, natural beauty of the archipelagos of Gallos.

The charming beach of Arienzo with its 300 steps

Sightseeing in Positano

You can find natural and cultural wonders in every corner of Positano. Here are the top attractions in Positano that you should not miss:

• La Grotta di Fornillo: this is a wonderful cement artwork full of miniatures that represents the village and inhabitants of Positano.
• Church of Santa Maria Teresa dell’Assunta: a famous church in the historic center of Positano, known for its Black Madonna that dates to the Byzantine era.
• The Medieval Crypt: here, you can find beautiful structures and treasures from the 11th century CE.
• Torre Sponda: this is the oldest watchtower of Positano.
• Lattari Mountains: this is a great location for hiking. Popular areas include Montepertuso, with its natural caves, and Punta San Pietro, where you can find a small church overlooking the sea.

Tip: in the village of Positano, you can wander through its numerous scenic alleys and discover local shops, bars and colorful buildings.

Breathtaking panoramic view of the sea from the Path of the Gods

Nightlife in Positano

Positano perfectly encapsulates the worldly nightlife of the Amalfi Coast. Thanks to its numerous bars and restaurants, you get to admire views of the sea while enjoying cocktails and local aperitifs.

For those interested in hitting the dance floor, Music on the Rocks, the famous nightclub of Positano, is the place to be. It’s located on the beach of Marina Grande, with popular DJs hosting parties every year.

Food in Positano

The region of Campania excels in traditional cuisine, and Positano is no exception. Here, you can find a luscious mix of seafood, fresh pasta, citrus fruits and herbs.

Read below some delicacies to try out during your stay in Positano:

• vermicelli di Positano (fresh pasta, vegetables and herbs)
• fried fish
• onion soup with saffron
• la zuppa di cozze (mussels prepared with tomato sauce)
• Il totano imbottito (squid, usually stuffed with nuts, cheese, eggs, and herbs)
• seasoned olives

Delicious fried fish, a popular delicacy of Positano

Villages close to Positano

Positano is not only a good representation of the Amalfi Coast, but also a convenient spot to visit nearby villages and cities.

Some of the other most beautiful villages on the Amalfi Coast to visit during or after your vacation in Positano are: Atrani, Cetara, Praiano, and Vietri sul Mare. Then, you can visit Sorrento and Vico Equense, located on the northwestern side of the Amalfi Coast.

Reminder: you can move around the Amalfi Coast by car or bus, though our suggestion is to travel by ferry!

Tips for your holidays in Positano

Read below our top tips for your stay in Positano:

• Holidays on the Amalfi Coast tend to be a bit pricey, especially during the high season. If you want to stay several days in Positano, make sure to plan your trip early in advance to find better offers.
• Sightseeing in Positano requires a lot of walking through steep alleys and steps. Using a moped or public transport is highly recommended.
• After your vacation in Positano, you can discover the nearby islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida. Take a look at the Positano - Capri, Positano - Ischia and Positano - Procida ferry routes!

Useful information about Positano

Positano comes to life every summer, during the high season. If you prefer more relaxation and tranquility, however, you can always plan a winter trip to Positano and enjoy its cozy atmosphere. 

In any case, Positano has everything you need. In the center of the village, you can find supermarkets, restaurants, banks, 3 pharmacies, and medical services. The closest hospital is located in the neighboring town of Sorrento.

When it comes to accommodation, the list of hotels, apartments and Bed & Breakfasts in Positano is endless. As most options tend to be a bit pricey, we recommend staying outside the center. If you arrive in Positano by ferry, staying close to the port is more convenient.

As for shopping, Positano is known for its local crafts, including hand-made fabrics, shoes and ceramics. Don’t miss out on the popular Positano swimwear during your stay there!

Important phone numbers for your stay in Positano

Here are some useful numbers for your holidays in Positano:

• Tourist Office: +39089857657
• Emergency medical services: +390898122059
• Municipality of Positano: +39089871205
• Municipal police: +390898752775
• Carabinieri (military force for public safety): +39089811666 
• Roadside assistance: 116
• Sea rescue: 1530
• European emergency number: 112

A terrace with beautiful flowers in Positano

Transportation in Positano

Getting around Positano on foot is easy and convenient. Alternatively, you can use a moped or the village’s bus lines, which are also connected to its historic center.

Good to know: as Positano is a cliffside village with lots of steep alleys and steps, moving around with a stroller or wheelchair is challenging.

Getting around Positano by car

If you wish to bring along your car to Positano, keep in mind that the only free parking lots are in Nocelle and Montepertuso, since most places are reserved for pedestrians. This means that most areas might be inaccessible or pricey when it comes to parking.

Ports in Positano

The port of Positano is located close to the beach of Marina Grande. Due to its convenient location, visiting the rest of the Amalfi Coast and exploring the Gulf of Naples by ferry is easier than ever.

Tip: close to the port of Positano, you can find hotels, bars, restaurants, local shops, and rental services.

Positano ferry: schedules and tickets

Interested in traveling to Positano by ferry? There are several daily sailings from the rest of the Amalfi Coast (Amalfi, Cetara, Maiori, Minori, and Vietri sul Mare), the islands of the Gulf of Naples (Capri and Ischia) and the cities of Naples, Sorrento, Castellammare di Stabia, and Salerno.

The ferry routes are usually active from April to October and are operated by Alilauro, Seremar, NLG, Capitan Morgan, Positano Jet, Coast Lines, Grassi Junior, and Travelmar. Depending on the port of departure, trips can last from 15 minutes to 2.5 hours.

Here, you can read more information about the available ferry connections to Positano:

• Amalfi - Positano ferry: the Amalfi to Positano ferry route is available with up to around 25 daily crossings that last on average 15-35 minutes.
• Capri - Positano ferry: the itinerary from Capri to Positano is active from April to October. There are usually 8 daily trips that last 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Ischia - Positano ferry: the connection from Ischia to Positano is seasonal, with up to 4 daily weekly sailings. The duration of the route is about 2-2.5 hours.
• Naples - Positano ferry: the route from Naples to Positano is available with several daily crossings. The ride usually lasts about 40 minutes to 2.5 hours.
• Salerno - Positano ferry: there are usually up to 15 daily connections from Salerno to Positano that last 50 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. 
• Sorrento - Positano ferry: there are up to 10 daily departures from Sorrento to Positano lasting about 20 minutes to 1.5 hours.
• Castellammare di Stabia - Positano ferry: the route from Castellammare di Stabia to Positano is available with 7 weekly crossings that last about 2 hours.
• Vietri sul Mare - Positano ferry: the connections to Positano from Vietri sul Mare are available 5 times per day and last around 1 hour 30 minutes on average.
• Cetara - Positano ferry: the itinerary from Cetara to Positano is available 6 times per day, with the estimated travel time being 1-1.5 hours.
• Procida - Positano ferry: the route to Positano from Procida is active once a day with early afternoon crossings of 2.5 hours.
• Maiori - Positano ferry: the route from Maiori to Positano has up to 7 connections per day. The crossing takes around 1 hour.
• Minori - Positano ferry: the crossing from Minori to Positano is active up to 7 times per day with a total travel time of 35-40 minutes.

Tip: take a look at our Map of ferries, discover all ferry crossings to Positano and start planning your trip easily and quickly!

The stunning port of Positano

Book ferry tickets to Positano online

On Ferryhopper, you can find all crossings to Positano, compare prices and timetables, and book your ferry tickets online with ease. Your vacation in Positano, with its beautiful landscapes and local delicacies, is just a few clicks away!