Positano, Italy, on the Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I loved visiting and hope to go back someday! Read on for everything you need to know to plan an amazing luxury trip to Positano, including the best time to visit, how to get there, hotel recommendations, and more.
The Best Time to Visit Positano
Peak season in Positano is June through the end of August. It can get busy during this time, so if you prefer a more relaxing pace, consider visiting during the shoulder season: May or September. Another option is to visit during the off-season, but be aware that some restaurants, services and activities may be closed or have limited offerings. For example, the ferry system along the Amalfi Coast only operates in Positano between late March/early April through October.
How to Get to Positano, Italy
Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport FCO is the closest major airport to Positano. From here, take the train to Rome’s central train station, Roma Termini, and transfer to a high-speed train to Naples. I recommend buying high-speed train tickets in advance of your trip. From Naples, take a private transfer to Positano. Like your high speed train ticket, the private transfer should be booked in advance, too.
I would not suggest renting a car in Rome or Naples and driving to Positano. The roads along the Amalfi Coast can be narrow and winding with hairpin turns, especially in Positano. And once you get to Positano, everything can be explored on foot – or by ferry.
Where to Stay
There are many gorgeous and luxurious hotels in Positano. The most well-known is Le Sirenuse, a celebrity favorite and iconic staple of Positano. Another outstanding option is Hotel Palazzo Murat, with its beautiful gardens and inner courtyard. Both properties are in the heart of Positano: the beach, shops and restaurants are only steps away.
If you’re looking for a more affordable, B&B feel, and don’t mind a (gorgeous) 10 minute walk to the city center, Villa Mary is a wonderful choice.
The Best Restaurants in Positano, Italy
My two favorite restaurants in Positano, for lunch or dinner, are:
Ristorante Max: An upscale, art and antique-forward property in the heart of Positano. My husband and I loved the gnocchi and lasagna, pictured above. Both were some of the best we had in Italy and the setting is stunning.
Bruno: Their terrace offers incredible views of Positano. Bruno serves classic pasta and seafood dishes, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. 10/10 recommend.
When you arrive in Positano, you’ll notice a number of restaurants along the beach. We found the quality and service wasn’t at the same level as Ristorante Max or Bruno, but they were perfect for a quick pizza for lunch or aperol spritz in the evening.
Speaking of drinks in the evening, the patio at Hotel Palazzo Murat, Bar Le Petit Murat, is gorgeous – don’t miss visiting at least once! For outstanding views of Positano, check out Il Tridente Restaurant and Bar.
Things to Do in Positano, Italy
There’s no shortage of things to do in and around Positano. Here are a few of my favorites:
Shopping
Positano is filled with beautiful shops like the one above. Many are located on Positano’s main walkway: Viale Pasitea. In addition to Absolute Positano, don’t miss Artigianato Rallo for custom sandals or Linomania for handmade linen clothes.
Sightseeing and day trips
The archeological museum in Positano gives visitors a glimpse of life in a 1st century AD Roman villa. Another gem is Santa Maria Assunta, a 15th century church in Positano’s city center.
The ferry system along the Amalfi Coast allows for easy day trips from Positano. Capri and Amalfi are great choices; click here for everything you need to know to visit Capri. On my list for next time are Ravello, close to Amalfi, and the Amalfi Lemon Experience, where you’ll find tours and cooking classes in their terraced Amalfi lemon groves.
Positano, Italy: In Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this travel guide to Positano! If you’re heading to Positano, you might also enjoy my guides to other Amalfi Coast destinations, Amalfi and Capri. You can also find all of my guides to Italy here.
