Amalfi Coast:
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Top things to see and do!
Discover Amalfi Coast from the Sea
The Unmissable Boat Tours
Explore the Amalfi Coast and its surroundings
Our recommendations for the top experiences on the Amalfi Coast, based on your travel style and budget!
Inspiration
Our recommendations for the top experiences on the Amalfi Coast, based on your travel style and budget!
Where to Stay
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Restaurant Guide for Positano and the Amalfi Coast
The best restaurants and pizzerias for lunch and dinner on the coast
Amalfi Coast Towns
Choose the best town to stay on the Amalfi Coast
Positano.com: Your Complete Guide
Positano is the most famous and iconic village on the Amalfi Coast, the spectacular strip of coastline with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea to one side and the peaks of the Lattari Mountains to the other. The coastline stretches for 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Naples (Napoli) and north of Salerno in the southern Italian region of Campania. The entire Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with highlights including Positano as well as the equally picturesque towns of Amalfi and Ravello.
Take a dip in the crystalline waters off the coast, admire the dramatic cliffs by sea on a mini-cruise, relax over a romantic dinner overlooking the water, and stroll along the narrow, twisting lanes under a lush canopy of wisteria and lemon trees. These are the unique charms that make Positano one of the top destinations in all of Italy for those who want to sample the country’s timeless "la dolce vita" atmosphere.
Where is Positano?
Positano is the first town you reach on the Amalfi Coast when arriving from Naples, and it's about a 20-minute drive from the Sorrentine Peninsula and about 30 minutes from Capri by ferry. After Positano, the next towns are Praiano, Conca de' Marini, Amalfi, and the other villages along the coast.
You can reach Positano by bus from Sorrento or Amalfi (there are two stops: "La Sponda" and "Chiesa Nuova"). There are also ferries in the summer from Sorrento and Capri.
Where should I stay on the Amalfi Coast?
Positano is perfect for couples, with its romantic atmosphere and leisurely days on the beaches: Fornillo, Arienzo, Laurito, or Spiaggia Grande (also called Marina Grande). There are great cafés and restaurants and you can also take a boat tour to admire the Li Galli Islets, Capri, and the surrounding coastline. Keep in mind that Positano is a vertical town, with a number of steep staircases that are not accessible for those with limited mobility or small children.
Amalfi is flatter than Positano and set in the middle of the coastline. There is just one small beach, but there is a convenient boat service that will take you to a number of other nearby beaches that are only accessible by sea.
Ravello is set on the clifftop above the coastline and is famous for its stunning views from the terraces of its historic villas. The town is also home to a number of art and music festivals.
Maiori and Minori are better choices for families, as they are flat and have an easily-accessible beach.
What is there to see and how should I get around?
Positano is a small village and you can see its sights easily in half a day. More than just a place to visit, Positano is more an experience. Stroll along Via Pasitea to admire the shops selling "pezze di Positano" (local resort wear in linen and silk) or relax on one of the terraces to admire the views over the colorful houses tumbling down the cliffside.
One of the most famous landmarks in Positano is the colorful majolica cupola of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which houses the Byzantine Madonna Nera that is the object of much devotion among locals. This historic icon was found on the beach after a violent storm and on that site, the church was built. You can also visit the ancient Roman domus next to the church, the recently excavated ruins of a seaside villa with frescos similar to those found in Pompeii. The Roman Archaeological Museum where the villa is located is open all year round for guided visits.
Be sure to take in the Saracen towers, ancient watchtowers that were built on strategic spots along the coast and were used to protect the locals from pirates. Positano is home to three of these: Torre Trasita, Torre di Sponda, and Torre di Fornillo.
From Positano, head up to Montepertuso and the hamlet of Nocelle to walk along the Path of the Gods to Agerola.
The easiest way to get from Positano to nearby towns and Capri is with the ferries and boats that set off from the small pier in Positano. Otherwise, there are Sita buses. We do not suggest driving due to the heavy traffic and limited parking. For couples, the most convenient way to get around is by scooter.