If I had to name a place that really took my breath away, it would be Positano – the most picturesque town of the Amalfi Coast. Positano is truly a slice of heaven and every photographer/blogger’s paradise. It’s been a few months since I visited and I’m excited to finally share with you my Positano travel guide.
The Essential Positano Travel Guide
Everything You Need To Know
How To Get There
There are several ways to get to the beautiful Positano. If you are coming from any of the neighboring coastal towns like Capri or Sorrento then it’s easiest to take a ferry. We flew in from Barcelona and landed in Naples. I had pre-booked private car service for 3 people which cost a total of €140. If you are only 1 or 2 people then it may be more economical to book a shuttle (about €35 per person). If you are coming by train, you could also pre-book shuttles or transfer services from the station. Alternatively, if you are staying at a hotel that is further from Positano city center and has a parking lot then you can rent a car and drive yourself. The drive along the coast is extremely beautiful and there are many spots where you can stop and take photos.
Where To Stay
Villa Fiorentino Positano
This was my first time staying in Positano and I wanted to make sure I stayed at a hotel with a pool with the best views in town. Villa Fiorentino Positano is a great choice if you have a budget for luxurious views and infinity pools. You can read my full review of Villa Fiorentino Positano here.
Le Sirenuse
Le Sirenuse is possibly one of the most famous hotels of Positano and is included in every Positano travel guide on the web. It is situated close to the markets and is a close walk from the beach. Le Sirenuse is convenient location wise and has some of the best views in town. It definitely is NOT cheap to stay here and when I wanted to book a couple months ahead it was already sold out. So make sure to book ahead of time to ensure you get a room here!
Il San Pietro Di Positano
Another luxury hotel that was fully booked when I was planning my trip was Il San Pietro Di Positano. Il San Pietro is a close car ride away from the city center of Positano and has amazing views looking towards Positano and the sea. This hotel would be a great option if you have rented a car and you like to stay at a place further form the crowds.
Villa Treville
Villa Treville is a gorgeous hotel with multiple villas and amazing gardens. It has its own pool AND private beach! Ville Treville is probably one of the most exclusive and expensive!
Hotel Poseidon
Hotel Poseidon is a picture-perfect hotel situated near the Positano markets and main beach. It’s not as posh as Le Sirenuse or Ville Tre Ville but the views are just as nice and the prices are slightly cheaper!
What To Do
1. See and be seen at Positano’s main beach Spiaggia Grande – The rows of orange umbrellas are signature here. You can rent a chair and umbrella for €12.50.
| Swimsuit (on sale!) by For Love and Lemons |
MORE: 16 Gorgeous One Piece Swimsuits For Your Next Beach Vacation
2. Escape the crowds and walk to Il Fornillo (second beach) and chill with the locals. The umbrellas here are cheaper and there’s more space.
3. Hike the Path of Gods – This hike got its name for a reason. It’s not an easy walk but the view when you get to the top is definitely worth it.
4. Take a private boat tour, relax on a boat and see Positano from the water. It can get a little pricey, but the experience is well worth it. If your tour is long enough you can also visit Emerald Grotto.
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5. Shop at the markets of Positano – Italy is known for its leatherwear, lace and the Amalfi Coast is particularly known for its ceramics and lemon motifs. You can shop all these souvenirs at the markets of Positano located near the beach. There are countless alleyways lined with stores where you can find some locally crafted goods.
| Off The Shoulder Dress by For Love and Lemons | Addicted Cross Body Bag by Parisa Wang |
What To Eat & Drink
Le Sirenuse
If you are an early riser and you like to get your full morning meal then it’s worth it to get breakfast at Le Sirenuse. Breakfasts are decadent and served by the pool with an amazing view of Positano. The cost was not cheap (€40 per person to be exact) but if you love a full Italian breakfast and a gorgeous view, then it’s definitely worth it. If you have the budget, head back to La Sponda, the Mediterranean restaurant at Le Sirenuse for a romantic candle-lit dinner again with stunning views. It’s guaranteed to be one of the most amazing dining experiences you’ll ever have!
La Tagliata
Looking for a more casual but hearty and amazingly delicious meal? Try La Tagliata. La Tagliata provides free shuttles from Positano hotels to their restaurant located further north in Montepertuso. (But take heed of the last shuttles leaving the restaurant or you’ll have to get a taxi that will cost you an arm and a leg!!) There is no menu at La Tagliata and every dish was a taste of heaven. The caprese salad was so fresh I almost cried. We walked away with full and satisfied tummies only paying about €35 per person. Given how expensive all the other restaurants are in Positano, this was a great deal!
Other Options
For those who love fine-dining, I have heard amazing things about Next2 and Casa Mele. Both restaurants are top rated according to Trip Advisor. Has anyone been? Any thoughts?
The only restaurant I really would NOT recommend is Chez Black. Although the service was just fine, the food simply wasn’t good enough. I am a serious seafood and sea urchin lover and I can tell you their ‘signature’ sea urchin dish was not good at all. There was hardly any sea urchin and it barely tasted fresh.
Where To Drink
If you are an alcoholic like me, you might want to grab some drinks at Il San Pietro Di Positano. Situated a little away from Positano city center, they have an outdoor area facing Positano. Sip on your (pricey) cocktail while enjoy the amazing view and sunset. The seats here are super photogenic and they have gorgeous gardens and stairs that make for perfect Instagram photos!
Things To Know / Tips
While Positano is totally dreamy and positively gorgeous, it is also frighteningly expensive. The food and the accommodation are necessary costs but I didn’t expect taxis to cost THAT much. For a 5-10 minute one way drive they would easily charge us €40. So try to make use of any free shuttle that may be available to you, or consider renting a car or scooter.
Another thing to consider when booking a hotel in Positano and planning your activities is that Positano is full of stairs. After 2 days of walking up and down daily I felt like I got my months worth of exercise and my legs were VERY sore. For these reasons you may want to book a hotel that isn’t too far from the beach and city center if you main activities are around there.
I hope this Positano travel guide has been helpful for your trip! If you’ve been to Positano I’d love to know what you think! Do you have any other suggestions? Leave a comment below!
| Photography by Austin Donohue |
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Lovely pictures! ♡
Ellone | Looktheotherway.co | Minimal Lifestyle & Fashion
Thank you so much Ellone 🙂
♥