You know that picture perfect postcard your friend sends you from their exotic holiday? Well Positano, in Italy, is exactly that destination.
Every view is straight from a postcard. It’s simply divine! If it’s not on your list already, it should be.
Positano is only a 20-minute drive from the well-known holiday spot of Sorrento, or three hours south of Rome.
Drive along the winding roads of the steep slopes of the Amalfi Coast and you’ll come to your first stop, the charming village of Positano.
Whether you like showcasing your holiday fashions, dining in exquisite restaurants or soaking up the sun on a pebbled beach, you are going to love this coastal village.
The charm of Positano lies in its warm community atmosphere, breathtaking panoramic views and the laidback village culture.
The locals really are living la dolce vita (the sweet life), so take some time while visiting to just ‘be’.
While there aren’t your typical tourist attractions and monuments in Positano, there are plenty of ways to fill your days and enjoy the best of what this charming village has to offer.
Things to do in Positano
Walk from the top to the bottom of town
Get the bus directly to Nocelle, located at the top of the village, and walk down.
I know this sounds rather simple, but with the sensational views on offer, this is anything but your average stroll.
You get to enjoy the views on the way up through the bus windows, and again leisurely on the way down.
If you stay in accommodation high up in the region, like we did, you can enjoy the picturesque stroll towards the sea each day.
It’s well signposted and friendly locals will always point you in the right direction if you lose your way.
If you have half a day to spare, you may also like to take the Sentiero degli Dei (the Walk of the Gods). It’s a three-hour walk that takes you along an incredible mountain path with heavenly views of the coast.
Directions: From the main beach area, head to Positano Centro and take the bus towards Montepertuso – Nocelle.
Take a boat trip to Capri
When you’re staying in a spot this beautiful, it would be rude not to get out on the water and soak it all in.
You can either get the ferry to Capri or, as I would recommend, do a small group boat tour (max 8 – 12 people). We enjoyed a full day’s itinerary, from 9am – 6pm, cruising around the Amalfi Coast with refreshments, including champagne.
You’ll get to see epic cliffs and hillsides dotted with colourful buildings influenced by Moorish architecture.
You’ll stop by the famous Blue Grotto (tide dependent), Green Grotto and many other stunning natural features around the island.
You’ll then be dropped off on the famous island of Capri where you’ll get a taste of the lifestyles of the rich and famous – stroll through the cobblestone streets, sip on an Aperol Spritz in one of the restaurants, and bathe in the crystal-clear waters of the coves and beaches.
Cassiopea Positano: The information and booking desk is located at the main beach of Positano. Look for the big orange umbrella.
Places to eat and drink in Positano
La Pergola
With a colourful mosaic backdrop of houses and hotels climbing high into the sky and pristine blue waters laying before you, La Pergola is the perfect place to soak up the best of Positano’s scenery.
Enjoy a classic Italian meal of a simple pizza and fresh caprese salad, matched with a local Amalfi beer, and you’ll have the perfect summer meal by the sea.
Ristorante La Pergola: Via del Brigantino, 35, 84017 Positano, Italy.
La Tagliata
Putting into words how incredible the food was at La Tagliata may be impossible.
But one thing is for sure: this restaurant offers more than dinner, it’s an experience.
From the moment you walk in and catch a glimpse of the breathtaking view, to when the family who operates the restaurant comes out to greet guests at the end of their meal, it’s unforgettable.
At the time of our visit, it cost €40 per person, all inclusive. The menu is never the same and all dishes are secret family recipes, but you are guaranteed to enjoy eight courses of delicious Italian cuisine made from farm fresh produce.
Musicians will play, customers will sing, wine will be generously poured, and you will enjoy.
Reservations are mandatory, so be sure to book a table if you don’t want to miss out on this incredible culinary experience.
La Tagliata: Via Tagliata, 32B, 84017 Positano, Italy.
Where to stay in Positano
There are two very distinct accommodation options in Positano: hotel or Airbnb.
If you’re happy to drop some serious coin, stay in Centro, near the beach. Hotel Buca di Bacco offers exceptional views from the waterfront.
We chose to stay in an Airbnb, high up in the town of Montepertuso, conveniently located around the corner from our favourite restaurant in Positano. I loved the views (pictured above), the peace and quiet, the local hospitality and the spaciousness of our accommodation.
Either way, it is easy to get around the village by foot, bus or local taxi, making it a delight to explore this exquisite spot on the Amalfi Coast.
Getting to Positano
The best way to get to Positano is by train or shuttle from the closest airports (Rome or Naples).
We drove to Positano from Rome in a rental car and I think I aged five years during the four-hour drive! It was great having the flexibility of a car, but the roads are treacherous.
There are also buses available from elsewhere in Italy. Or you can arrive in style, by boat, from Sorrento, Capri and Ravello.
Disclaimer: The writer travelled at their own expense.
