Positano is a small town on the Amalfi Coast. It is famous for having colorful houses stacked up the cliffs above the bright blue sea. Even though it’s not a big place, it has a fun and lively atmosphere. You’ll see tons of little shops, lots of flowers, and cozy cafés everywhere. People here really know how to slow down and enjoy life. The first time you see Positano’s cliffs and beaches, you can’t help but smile! In this guide, I’ll share how to spend the perfect one day in Positano.
This post contains affiliate links where I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Your support helps me continue to provide valuable travel tips and recommendations. Find out more here.
Below are helpful resources to make your travel planning easier and stress-free:
If you only have one day in Positano, you can still see a lot. Whether you’re coming from another Amalfi Coast village or arriving by ferry, I recommend starting with the best viewpoints and then having lunch by the sea. Even with just a few hours, Positano is worth visiting.
The best way to explore Positano is on foot, it is absolutely beautiful but has tons of steep streets. Many areas can only be reached by stairs, so get ready for a LOT of climbing! Driving isn’t the best option because parking is limited and expensive. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking around this stunning coastal town!
Unique Experiences to Book when visiting the Amalfi Coast
🌟 Check out How To Get To AMALFI COAST From Naples, Guide blog post!
Where to Stay in Positano for All Budgets
Luxury Hotels
Mid-Range Hotels
- Palazzo Talamo
- Villa Mary Suites
- Albergo Miramare
- Villa Fiorentino
- La Gasparina
- Maison Marì
- Casa Danira – Positano
- Hotel Savoia
How to get to Positano
Getting to Positano isn’t the easiest, but it’s definitely worth it. There are a few ways to get there. You can take a ferry and enjoy the amazing views along the coast, book a private transfer if you want a comfortable ride, or choose a cheaper option if you’re on a budget. I recommend looking at all the options and picking what works best for you. Click here to find the best and easiest way to get to Positano!
If you’re staying in nearby towns, you can take the SITA bus to Positano. You can purchase the bus ticket in advance at Tabacchi shops (tobacco shop). Bus tickets are not sold on board. This is an affordable and easy way to travel between Amalfi Coast villages while enjoying great views along the way.
🌟 Check out Capri 1 Day Ultimate Travel Guide: All You Need to Know blog post!
Getting around Positano
Positano is a small town, and the best way to get around is on foot. The streets are steep, with lots of stairs, but every climb rewards you with great views of the colorful cliffs and the Mediterranean Sea.
There are local buses that run through Positano, connecting it with neighboring towns, as well as a private car service, but walking is a great way to really enjoy the town’s charm. If you want to explore beyond Positano, ferries and private boats are a scenic way to visit other Amalfi Coast villages. On a ferry, you will enjoy stunning coastal views.
Best time to visit Positano
APRIL, MAY, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER (Shoulder Season)
April, May, September, and October are the best times to visit Positano. You can really enjoy the beauty of the town at your own pace. Take a walk through the charming streets or spend a relaxing day at the beach. The weather is great, and there are fewer crowds, so you get the perfect mix for your trip
JUNE-AUGUST (high season)
The Amalfi Coast starts to get crowded in late June, but July and August are by far the busiest and hottest months. This is peak season, so expect lots of tourists everywhere. The heat can be intense, especially if you’re not used to it. Streets and beaches in places like Positano are packed with people during this time.
Hotel and attraction prices go up a lot in July and August, so be ready for higher costs. You’ll also need to book restaurants well in advance. It will be harder to enjoy yourself with the crowds, especially at the main sights and beaches.
NOVEMBER – MARCH (off-season)
If you visit the Amalfi Coast between November and March, you’ll find it much quieter than in the summer. The weather is cooler and there are fewer tourists around. Some hotels and restaurants do close for the winter, but the ones that stay open are usually more affordable. If you’re looking to save some money and don’t mind the cooler temperatures, this is a great time to explore the area.
🌟 Check out Sorrento: 22 Best & Ultimate Things to Do in 2025 blog post!
How to spend the perfect day in Positano
Start Your Day with a Vintage Car Tour
Start your day in Positano with a vintage car tour. This is a unique way to see the town and enjoy the beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast. In the morning, Positano is quiet and peaceful. You can drive through the winding streets, see the colorful houses, and take in the coastal scenery without any crowds. It’s the perfect way to begin your day.
You can either drive the car yourself or have a driver. I recommend choosing a driver, especially since the cars are stick shift, the roads are narrow, and Positano is very hilly. Our driver took us to the best spots, helped us take photos, and even recorded some videos for us.
Stop by the famous cliffside fruit stand just south of Positano, before you reach Praiano. This spot has some of the best views on the coast. The local vendor is very friendly and will help you take great photos. Make sure to buy some fruit while you are there to support him.
📍 Address: SS163, 53, Positano (google maps coordinates: 40.62403563310551, 14.502228577157435)
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind way to explore Positano, this is it.
🌟Check out my AMALFI COAST Itinerary: The Best Travel Guide blog post!
Enjoy coffee with a view
After, or if you decide not to take the vintage car tour, make your starting point at the top of Positano (where the bus would drop you off) and begin strolling down towards the town. On the way, stop for a coffee with a view at Dolce & Salato. This charming café is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a delicious espresso while enjoying the best views of Positano, its colorful cliffs, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
🌟 Check out 15 BEST Positano Instagram spots on the Amalfi Coast blog post!
Walk down to the bottom of Positano
Take your time as you make your way down the winding streets of Positano. The narrow, pedestrian-only alleys provide the perfect opportunity to explore at a leisurely pace, so you cam fully soak in the charm of this iconic town. While the streets can get crowded with tourists, you will see tons of boutique shops and restaurants in the town center to pop into along the way.
Walking through Positano is one of the best things you can do here. The streets have so many vibrant pergolas, colorful flowers, and lots of greenery climbing up the peach-colored walls. Every corner looks amazing. As you get closer to the bottom, you really start to feel the special vibe of this town. The views and atmosphere are unforgettable.
Relax on Positano’s famous beach
BEACH TIME! Marina Grande, also called Spiaggia Grande Beach, is the largest and most famous beach in Positano. I recommend you spend some time here, even if just for a few hours. The beach is free, so if you bring your own towel, you can relax and swim in the beautiful turquoise water. From the beach, you get an amazing view of the colorful cliffside houses that make Positano so iconic. If you want extra comfort, you can rent a chair and umbrella at the beach club area and enjoy a more relaxing experience.
Just keep in mind that it gets very crowded during the summer, so I suggest arriving early if you want to get a good spot.
🌟 Check out PUGLIA Ultimate Itinerary: The Best Travel Guide blog post!
Have lunch at the iconic Chez Black
After you’ve enjoyed some time on the beach, head straight to Chez Black for lunch. This restaurant is right on the beach, so you don’t have to walk far at all. Chez Black is Positano’s most iconic restaurant, famous for its nautical decor, lively vibe, and amazing views of the main beach. It’s a must-visit! The menu has all the Italian classics, from fresh seafood and pasta to specialties like sea urchin.
I tried the octopus, ravioli, and melon with prosciutto, and everything was delicious! I recommend pairing your meal with a cold Aperol Spritz or a glass of Italian wine while you soak in the beautiful views. This is also one of the best places in Positano for people-watching and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Make sure to book a table in advance, especially if you visit during the busy summer months.
Lemon sorbet time!
After lunch, I recommend stopping by Collina Positano Bakery for a lemon sorbet. This is one of the best ways to try the local flavors. The sorbet is tangy and refreshing, and it’s especially good on a warm day. You can enjoy it as you stroll through the colorful streets or sit by the beach and take in the beautiful views of Positano.
🌟 Check out MATERA Ultimate Travel Guide to Ancient City in Italy blog post!
Walk back up and shop for souvenirs
After lunch, I recommend taking a walk through Positano’s narrow streets. The staircases and alleyways here are like a maze, and you’ll find lots of little shops selling everything from lemon-scented candles to hand-made pottery, jewelry, and unique clothes. This is the perfect time to pick up a souvenir that will remind you of your trip.
On your way back up, make sure to stop at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. The dome is beautiful and it’s one of the most famous landmarks in Positano. Don’t miss the chance to take a postcard-worthy photo with the cliffs, sea, and colorful buildings in the background. There are lots of great spots for photos along the main street.
🌟 Check out Sorrento in One Day: Ultimate Itinerary to Lemon Town blog post!
Aperitivo Time!
Aperitivo time in Positano is a great way to relax with a cocktail and enjoy the beautiful views. This is one of the best ways to experience la dolce vita on the Amalfi Coast. Here are my top two recommendations for places where you can soak in the laid-back vibe with a drink.
Franco’s Bar is a famous and trendy outdoor cocktail lounge in Positano. It has a fun atmosphere, a neo-baroque fountain, and amazing sea views. If you want a vibrant place to enjoy your drink, this is a good choice. Keep in mind that it can get expensive. There are no reservations, and the front-row seats have a €40 minimum spend per person. I recommend arriving early if you want a good spot.
Dolce & Salato is another option if you want the same great views without spending as much. It is just a 3-minute walk uphill from Franco’s Bar. This place is quieter and more relaxed, with self-serve drinks. The views are just as beautiful, and there is no minimum spend. It is a good choice if you want to enjoy Aperitivo without worrying about the cost.
🌟 Check out What to Do in Ravello: Top & Epic Things You’ll Love blog post!
Dinner at Aldo’s
After a full day in Positano, I recommend having dinner at Aldo’s in the beautiful Le Sirenuse hotel. The seafood is fresh and full of flavor. You can try some of the best Mediterranean dishes here.
You can have your meal on the outdoor terrace, right next to the pool and bar. It’s a great spot for a drink or to take some photos before you eat. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff are very friendly. The cocktails are amazing. While you eat, you get some of the best views of Positano and its colorful houses.
This is the best way to end your day in Positano. You can enjoy a great meal and take in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast.
🌟 Check out How to Spend Amazing 3 Days in Rome blog post!
Is it worth visiting Positano?
Positano is one of those places that really lives up to the hype. Getting there takes a bit of planning, but the journey itself is beautiful, especially if you arrive by ferry and see the cliffs and colorful houses from the water. The views are incredible everywhere you look, and it’s easily one of the most photogenic spots on the Amalfi Coast.
Need inspiration for your next trip? Check out some of my other posts:
- Best MALLORCA Itinerary 7 Days: The Ultimate Travel Guide
- Perfect one day in POSITANO, the BEST travel guide
- 4 Days Lisbon Itinerary: How to Plan the Perfect Time
- Find the Best Viewpoints in Positano: Ultimate Guide
- 13 Best Places to Visit in Southern Spain You’ll Love
- Epic Paris Itinerary: How to Spend the Perfect Time
- Guide to Beautiful Amalfi Coast Beaches & Beach Clubs
- Ultimate Amalfi Coast Travel Guide You Need for Italy
- Best Paris Cafes: Ultimate and Iconic Shops to Visit
- Amazing Instagram Places in PARIS for the Best Photos
- Perfect One day in Colmar France: How to spend time
- Spend an Amazing 1 day in Strasbourg: Best Itinerary
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.