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Positano: Jewel of the Amalfi Coast

Discover Positano, the Amalfi Coast's iconic gem: colorful houses, stunning views, and a vibrant atmosphere await in this Mediterranean paradise.

Positano, a picturesque village on Italy's Amalfi Coast, is renowned for its colorful houses cascading down a steep hillside towards the sea. Once a humble fishing village, it has transformed into a world-renowned resort town, attracting visitors with its stunning beauty and vibrant atmosphere.

A brief summary to Positano

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Positano.

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as Positano involves a lot of walking and climbing stairs.
  • Visit during the shoulder seasons (May, September, October) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
  • Consider taking a ferry to Positano for stunning coastal views and to avoid traffic.
  • Book accommodations and parking in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Explore the Path of the Gods hiking trail for breathtaking panoramic views.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    Positano is best explored on foot due to its narrow streets and numerous stairs. From Piazza dei Mulini, the main square, you can walk down to the Spiaggia Grande (main beach) in about 10-15 minutes. Be prepared for some steep inclines and steps. There are shops and restaurants along the way. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by SITA bus (which connects Positano to Sorrento and Amalfi), get off at the main stop on Viale Pasitea. From there, you can take the local 'Interno Positano' bus that loops around the town, or walk down to the center. A single ride on the local bus costs around €5. Keep in mind that the SITA bus can be crowded, especially during peak season.

  • Ferry

    Ferries connect Positano to various destinations along the Amalfi Coast, including Capri, Naples, and Sorrento. Upon arrival at the Positano pier, Spiaggia Grande is steps away. Ferry tickets vary depending on the distance: Amalfi to Positano can range from €12-€20 , while Naples to Positano can cost around €34. Ticket offices are located near the pier.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Positano, but they can be expensive. A short taxi ride from the top of Viale Pasitea to the center can cost around €20-€30. There are no ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Taxis can be found at designated stands or requested through your accommodation.

  • Parking

    If arriving by car, be aware that parking in Positano is limited and expensive. The closest parking lots to the center are De Gennaro and Mandara, with hourly rates of €8-€10. Free parking is available in Nocelle and Montepertuso, located outside the town center, from where you can take a bus to Positano. The bus ticket costs €1.60.

Discover more about Positano

Positano, a captivating town in the Province of Salerno, is arguably the most iconic destination on the Amalfi Coast. Its dramatic setting, where brightly colored houses cling to steep cliffs overlooking the azure Tyrrhenian Sea, has made it a favorite subject for photographers and a sought-after destination for travelers from around the globe.Legend has it that Positano was founded by Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, for a nymph he loved. More realistically, the area shows traces of settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era. The Romans also appreciated its beauty, building lavish villas here until the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD buried them. In the 9th century, the town began to grow around a Benedictine abbey. It later prospered as a maritime power, trading with other Mediterranean towns. The town's defenses were bolstered after being pillaged by Pisa in 1268, mirroring the architecture of nearby Amalfi with narrow roads, fortified walls, and watchtowers.During the 16th and 17th centuries, Positano thrived, but by the mid-1800s, it faced hardship, leading many residents to immigrate to America. The town was a relatively poor fishing village for the first half of the 20th century. However, its rediscovery by artists in the 1950s transformed Positano into the glamorous resort it is today.Today, Positano offers a blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and sophisticated charm. Visitors can explore the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its majolica-tiled dome and a Byzantine icon of a Black Madonna. They can wander through the narrow streets lined with boutiques, relax on the beaches of Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo, or hike the scenic Path of the Gods.

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