Positano is a very popular destination to visit in Italy, and for good reason. The colorful buildings stacked on the cliffs, the blue Mediterranean Sea, and the narrow streets full of ceramic shops and little stands selling fresh fruit and lemon sorbet make it feel almost unreal. There are so many beautiful areas that you’ll want to stop every few steps to take photos or just enjoy the view. That’s why I recommend finding the best viewpoints in Positano before you get there.
In this travel guide, I’ll show you the best places for views in Positano, from famous overlooks and cliffside roads to hotel terraces and hidden staircases. I’ll also tell you the best time to visit each spot and where you can eat or have a drink with a view. If you want to wake up to the postcard scenery, I’ve included some hotels with amazing views too.
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Spiaggia Grande: The Classic Shot
Spiaggia Grande is the main beach of Positano and probably one of the most iconic spots and main attractions in town. If you’ve seen photos of Positano Amalfi Coast, chances are they were taken here. The dark sand, the rows of colorful umbrellas, and the pastel houses climbing up the hill make this one of the most photogenic spots in Italy. The dome of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta also stands out above everything and gives you that classic shot.
If you want the best Instagram photo spots, I recommend coming early morning when the beach is still quiet, and the light is soft. Golden hour in the late afternoon is also amazing, with warm light making all the vibrant colors pop. Walk to the end of the beach near the small jetty for a different perspective and a great view back toward the town.
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Via Cristoforo Colombo: The Cliffside Road
Walking up Via Cristoforo Colombo from the beach is one of the best things that you shouldn’t miss in Positano. The road goes uphill and takes you past lots of ceramic shops and small boutiques.
There are several terraces and beautiful views along the way. My favorite photogenic spot is the ceramic terrace at number 6-8, where you’ll find a rooftop full of bright ceramic plates and vases. It’s the perfect place to take photos with the pastel houses in the background.
A little bit further up, the views get even better. From some spots along this road, you can see all the way to Amalfi, Ravello, and even further. It really shows you how Positano is built right into the hillside. This is one of the best places to get a full view of the town from above.
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Franco’s Bar: Sunset Views in Style
Franco’s Bar is probably the most famous bar in Positano, and it really lives up to the hype. It sits right above the main road and has amazing views over the sea and the colorful houses below. This is the perfect location to watch the sunset with a cocktail.
Franco’s opens at 4 PM and you can’t make a reservation, so if you want a seat by the railing, get there right when they open. There is a €40 minimum spend per person, but the views are so good that most people don’t mind.
The golden hour light here is the best part. The warm glow hitting those pastel buildings makes for beautiful photos and the kind of evening you won’t forget.
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Dolce & Salato: Coffee and Cocktails with a View
If Franco’s feels like too much of a splurge, Dolce & Salato is just a 3-minute walk away and offers the same breathtaking views but without the price tag and with no minimum spend.
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Positano Ceramic Terrace
This is probably one of the most famous and best viewpoints in Positano. The colorful ceramic shop is located on a terrace overlooking Positano’s colorful cliffside houses. The terrace has tons of ceramic plates and vases.
📍 Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 6-8. (Google Coordinates: 40.62951422074691, 14.486711595699532)
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Le Sirenuse Hotel: The Most Iconic View in Positano
If you want another best view point in Positano, you have to go to the terrace at Le Sirenuse Hotel. This famous 5-star hotel is right on the hillside and has panoramic views over the whole town, the beach, and the sea. The view here is truly impressive.
You don’t need to stay at the hotel to enjoy the view. You can have dinner or drinks at Aldo’s, the hotel restaurant and terrace bar, and get the same amazing views. Try to come during golden hour for the best light and photos. Le Sirenuse is one of the top hotels in Positano, so if you want a luxury stay with a nice view, this is the right place.
Hotel Poseidon: A Terrace Open to Everyone
Hotel Poseidon has some of the best views of Positano. The large terrace by the entrance is open to everyone, even if you’re not a guest. You can just walk in and enjoy a front-row view over the rooftops and colorful buildings. It’s a great spot for a perfect photo opportunity while you explore the town.
Viale Pasitea: Cliffside Views
Viale Pasitea is the main road in Positano and has some of the best viewpoints if you know where to look. My favorite is at number 126, near Boutique Castellano. You get a perfect cliffside view of the pastel houses and the sea. This is one of the best photo spots on this stretch. Just be careful with the traffic because it’s a busy road.
V165 Viale Pasitea: (by Hotel Posa Posa)
Another great view is at V165, right by Hotel Posa Posa. Both are easy to find as you walk around town.
Early morning is the best time to visit both spots before the crowds show up. While you’re here, check out the cute shops and cafés along the road. This is one of the nicest areas in Positano for a slow, scenic walk.
The Famous Fruit Stand: Views with a Side of Fun
Just south of town on the SS163 road to Praiano, you’ll find the famous fruit stand. It’s one of the most popular Instagram spots in Positano, and the views are amazing.
I stopped here during a vintage Fiat 500 car tour, and it was such a fun experience. But the best part is the owner. He is really funny and energetic. He grabbed my phone and started directing me on the best photo poses. It’s one of those fun travel moments you’ll remember for a long time.
Make sure to buy some fruit while you’re there. It’s delicious, and it’s a nice way to thank the owner for making your visit so much fun. If you want to have a good chance of having the place to yourself, go early in the morning.
Chez Black: Views Right on the Beach
Chez Black is probably one of the most famous restaurants in Positano. It is known for its heart-shaped pasta, delicious seafood, and a beachfront location right on Spiaggia Grande. The restaurant has a nautical décor and a lively vibe. You get perfect views of the colorful houses rising up from the beach behind you. Aside from tasty food, it’s also a great Instagram photo spot.
The best time to visit for photos is late afternoon, when the light is softer, and the colors really pop. If you visit during the summer months, make sure to book well in advance. Since it’s peak season, Chez Black gets very busy. Buca di Bacco is another great restaurant right at the end of the beach. It also has fantastic views and a good menu.
Fornillo Beach: The Quieter Alternative
Fornillo Beach is just around the headland from Spiaggia Grande. It’s a small beach, and most people walk right past it. It’s one of the best spots in Positano if you want something more peaceful. The views back toward the colorful houses and cliffs are beautiful. There are far fewer crowds than at the main beach, so it is much easier to take good pictures without other people in the background.
This is also a great spot to relax, set up a beach chair, and enjoy the scenery. The walk between Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo takes about 10 minutes along a scenic coastal path. It is easy to get to and definitely worth adding to your day in Positano.
Capture Positano from the Sea
The best way to see Positano is from the water. If you take a boat tour, you get a view you just can’t get from land. You’ll see the whole town with its colorful buildings and the cliffs right in front of you. I think this is the best way to really appreciate how beautiful Positano and the Amalfi Coast are.
Most boat tours also stop at places like Fiordo di Furore, a beautiful spot for photos, and other nearby towns along the coast. If you want to get there fast, your best option is to take a water taxi from the main beach. But if you have more time, I recommend a boat ride so you can swim and explore. Looking back at Positano from the sea is something you should definitely add to your itinerary.
Via Trara Genoino: The Hidden Gem
Via Trara Genoino is a quiet spot that feels like a hidden gem. If you walk down from Viale Pasitea toward the beach and go past Casa Cosenza, you’ll find a lookout with a great view of Positano’s colorful houses. Most tourists don’t know about this place, so it stays peaceful even when the rest of the town is crowded.
I recommend coming here early in the morning or early evening when the light is soft and it’s quiet. It’s a great place to take the perfect shot without the crowds you find at the popular viewpoints.
Beyond Positano: Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone
If you have time for a short trip from Positano, I recommend visiting Ravello, a hilltop town with one of the best viewpoints on the Amalfi Coast: the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone. The terrace overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and the cliffs below, and the views are truly impressive. You might have seen photos of it on your Instagram feed, but seeing it in real life is breathtaking.
It costs €10 to enter, and you’ll have access to the gardens and a café with amazing views. I suggest getting there right when it opens at 9 AM, so you can enjoy it before the crowds arrive. While you are in Ravello, you should also visit Villa Rufolo. It has beautiful gardens and sea views, and it is worth adding to your itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Positano’s Viewpoints
If you want to visit the most iconic spots in Positano, go early in the morning. The light is soft, the streets are quiet, and you can enjoy places like Spiaggia Grande and the ceramic terrace without the crowds. Late afternoon is also a good time to visit, especially if you want to catch the golden hour.
The best time to visit is in April, May, September, or October. The weather is warm, you can swim in the sea, and there are fewer tourists than in July and August, which is the high season.
If you want to avoid walking uphill, you can take the local bus along Viale Pasitea. A water taxi from the main beach is the easiest way to reach other coastal spots.
In my opinion, the best viewpoints in Positano are reached on foot. Walking around the town is a great way to find hidden corners and beautiful spots you might not expect.
Final Thoughts
I visited Positano with my daughter on a mother-daughter trip, and to this day she still says Positano is one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen. I agree with her. Positano really lives up to the hype.
The best views are not just from the famous spots. Sometimes you stumble upon a quiet corner or a small café terrace with an incredible view when you least expect it. I recommend exploring the town slowly. Every street gives you a new perspective of the cliffs and the blue sea. Don’t rush your visit. Enjoy every moment!
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Growing up between Europe and New York, I was always drawn to new places and how they made me feel. After visiting over 25 countries, that love has only grown. I enjoy finding great places to visit, stay, and eat—and I’m someone who really loves planning and staying organized. Through this blog and on Instagram, I share my travel tips, personal experiences, and ready-to-go itineraries to help you plan memorable trips.