Positano is the most photographed village on the Amalfi Coast, and once you see it from the water — a cascade of pink, terracotta, and white houses spilling down a near-vertical cliff to a crescent of dark sand — you understand why. But Positano is far more than a backdrop for holiday photos. This guide covers the best things to do in Positano, from beach days and boat trips to hidden churches and sunset aperitivi.
1. Spiaggia Grande — The Main Beach
Spiaggia Grande is Positano's most famous beach, a wide arc of grey-gold sand directly below the village. The free section is on the left side as you face the sea; the right side is occupied by private beach clubs (stabilimenti) where you can rent a sunbed and umbrella for around 20 to 35 euros per day. The clubs also serve food and drinks to your lounger, making it easy to spend an entire day here without moving.
Tip: Arrive before 10:00 to claim a spot on the free section. By midday in summer, the beach is packed. For a quieter alternative, walk 10 minutes east to Fornillo Beach — smaller, less crowded, and backed by a cliff rather than a road.
2. Take a Boat Tour Along the Coast
Seeing the Amalfi Coast from the water is a completely different experience to the view from the road. From Positano, you can join a boat tour from Positano that heads west toward the Li Galli islands — a tiny archipelago once owned by ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev — and along the coast to Amalfi and back. Alternatively, a private boat charter lets you set your own pace, stopping to swim in hidden coves and explore sea caves that are inaccessible from land.
BlueKeys offers group and private boat tours along the Amalfi Coast, with experienced local skippers, snorkelling gear, and drinks on board. A half-day group tour typically costs around 70 to 90 euros per person, while a full-day private charter runs from 900 to 1,400 euros for the boat — excellent value when split among a group of friends. A sunset cruise from Positano is also a magical option.
3. Wander the Pedestrian Streets
Positano has no flat ground and very few cars. The village is a labyrinth of narrow stepped lanes, arched passageways, and tiny piazzas shaded by bougainvillea. Via dei Mulini is the main pedestrian route down to the beach, lined with boutiques selling the local Positano fashion — linen dresses, handmade sandals, and colourful ceramics. Take your time descending; the views around every corner are extraordinary.
For handmade sandals, stop at one of the traditional cobbler workshops where artisans will custom-fit a pair of leather sandals in about 20 minutes. Prices start at around 40 euros.
4. Visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta
The majolica-tiled dome of Santa Maria Assunta is Positano's most recognisable landmark. Inside, the church houses a 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna, said to have been carried here by Saracen pirates. The interior is modest but atmospheric, and admission is free. The church sits at the base of the village, just steps from the beach.
5. Hike the Path of the Gods
The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) ends in Positano — or, more precisely, in the hillside hamlet of Nocelle, from where a staircase of roughly 1,700 steps leads down to the village. The hike itself starts in Bomerano, above Agerola, and follows the cliff ridge with panoramic views the entire way. It takes around four hours and is moderately challenging. BlueKeys offers a guided Path of the Gods trekking experience with transport from your accommodation to the trailhead.
Getting to the trailhead: Take a SITA bus from Amalfi to Bomerano, or book a private transfer for a more comfortable start.
6. Sunset Aperitivo with a View
Positano faces west, which means spectacular sunsets. Several bars and restaurants along the cliffside offer terrace seating where you can watch the sky turn gold over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Music on the Rocks, built into a sea cave at the eastern end of Spiaggia Grande, is famous for its cocktails and DJ sets after dark. For something quieter, the terrace at Hotel Le Sirenuse offers one of the most celebrated views on the entire coast — arrive early and order a Negroni.
7. Day Trip to Capri
Capri is easily reached from Positano by ferry (around 40 minutes) or by private boat. A day trip gives you time to ride the chairlift to Monte Solaro, explore the Gardens of Augustus, and swim in the crystalline waters off the Faraglioni rocks. BlueKeys runs Capri boat tours from Sorrento that can include a pick-up from Positano, or book a Capri boat tour directly — ask when booking.
8. Where to Eat in Positano
Dining in Positano ranges from simple beachfront pizza to Michelin-quality tasting menus. For fresh seafood at fair prices, try Da Vincenzo on Via Pasitea or Lo Guarracino, perched on a terrace above Fornillo Beach. For a splurge, Zass at Il San Pietro di Positano is one of the finest restaurants on the coast, set in a terrace literally carved into the cliff face. Expect to pay around 15 to 20 euros for a pizza, 25 to 40 euros for a seafood main, and upwards of 120 euros for a tasting menu.
Things to do in Positano always include eating well — this is southern Italy, after all. Do not miss the local speciality: pasta with fresh anchovies and wild fennel.
Plan Your Positano Trip
Browse stays near Positano, book a boat tour from Positano or a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast, or arrange a private transfer — all through BlueKeys.
