9 Best Things to Do in Positano

Spiaggia Grande is the place to be in Positano if you’re hoping for the perfect snapshot of the famed cliffside town. You can find the unmistakable image of Positano’s brightly coloured homes cascading down the hill here. Grab a seat among the rows of umbrellas and lounge chairs lining the pebbled shore and spend the day under the sun.

Spiaggia Grande is the social epicentre along Positano’s coastline with terrific places to eat or have a drink. The convenient location of being just a few minutes stroll from the centre of town has its perks. Mind that the sun loungers for rent aren’t budget-friendly and you’ll need flip-flops at least – the rough pebbles on the shore can get very hot.

The stunning Church of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the most revered architectural works of art in Positano. Its history can be traced back to the 10th century when a Byzantine icon symbolizing the Virgin Mary arrived in Positano. The church celebrated this icon for centuries, and it remains an important figure in the local way of life.

The church faced its struggles during the Middle Ages but is now a marvellous testament of Positano’s beauty and history. The masterfully restored structure boasts a breathtaking belltower, magnificent medieval artwork and an exquisite dome-shaped roof set against the cliffside townscape.

Piazza dei Mulini is a vibrant hub of shopping and sightseeing in Positano. You’ll find trendy fashion brands and local artists showing off their handmade crafts. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems as shops are often hidden along the steep, winding walkways. 

One of the unique things to purchase in Positano is handmade leather sandals. For an authentic Positano experience, get yourself fitted for your own pair of custom-made sandals. The town also has boutiques specialising in marvellous clothing designs. Whether you need a new dress or simply want to make a fashion statement, Positano has various places to shop for designer clothes.

The Path of the Gods offers a delightful trekking route for thrill-seekers and nature lovers in Positano. This nature trail, known locally as Il Sentiero Degli Dei, takes you above Positano and into cosy local villages residing along the Amalfi Coast. The hike is roughly 6.5 km and rewards you with spectacular views of Positano and the neighbouring coastline.

You’ll pass the villages of Bomerano and Nocelle, each of which offers a chance to escape the crowds for a while. The aerial views of the sea are some of the most jaw-dropping near Positano. The hike is easier when you trek from Bomerano to Nocelle since it is mostly downhill.

Nicknamed the ‘Emerald Cave,’ the Grotta dello Smeraldo is a mesmerising natural phenomenon you simply cannot miss. Go underground and marvel at the green light that is reflected in the aqua-blue water. You can get a closer look at stalactites hanging from the cavern roof by riding a boat inside the cave.

For the best view of the emerald light shining through Grotta dello Smeraldo, try to visit when the sunlight is the brightest. The cave is located roughly 5 km west of Amalfi, which you can reach by car or boat.

The summit of Monte Faito is a phenomenal place to catch sweeping views of the nearby landscape. Marvel at the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius or the island of Capri as you witness breathtaking scenery from the mountain’s summit. Although seasoned hikers make the trek to the summit, riding the cable car is the quickest way to the top.

You can reach the cable car via the Castellamare di Stabia train station. The journey from Positano to the train station is roughly 1-2 hours by car or public transit. When you reach the top of the mountain, there are numerous walking paths to appreciate the incredible viewpoints.

Arienzo Beach is where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a calming beach day in Positano. You can reach it in no time by hopping on the ferry at the Positano pier, located beside Spiaggia Grande. Shuttle boats are ultra-convenient and depart every half hour from 10am to 1pm. If you’re trying to reach the beach by land, you’ll have to descend a steep flight of steps.

The Arienzo Beach Club has you covered with tasty food and delicious cocktails for a lazy afternoon. You can rent a sun lounger or sit on the dock to work on your tan.

Very few drives can match the majestic beauty of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. This world-famous route hugs the cliffside and overlooks the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The roughly 50-km drive connects the nearby towns of Sorrento and Amalfi as Positano sits in between. Every sharp turn reveals a unique look at pristine beaches and lovely villages.

If you don’t want to miss any of the astonishing cliffs or the deep-blue horizon, hiring a driver may be a smart investment. Plus, having someone at the wheel who knows the roads creates a more relaxing road trip experience. You can focus your attention on the ancient roadway’s grace instead of oncoming traffic.

Cantine Marisa Cuomo is where you can attend a wine tasting and learn the secrets of winemaking on the Amalfi Coast. Located about 1 hour from Positano, the winery is set in a breathtaking location along the cliffside. Tour the facility to see how they uniquely age their wines inside the rock formations of the Amalfi Coast.

Enjoy the gorgeous scenery of terraced vines hugging the rocky cliffs of the Fiordo di Furore fjord that overlook the sea. Complete your grand tour of the vineyard with a pairing of the winery’s top selections.