Positano, Italy

Here’s a detailed 3 to 4-day itinerary for visiting Positano, Italy, the iconic cliffside village on the Amalfi Coast, known for its cascading colorful houses, azure waters, and luxurious Mediterranean atmosphere. This guide blends relaxation, exploration, and indulgence in Italian culture, food, and breathtaking scenery.

Day 1: Arrival in Positano and Exploring the Village

• Morning:

  • Arrive in Positano, accessible via car, ferry, or bus from Naples (1.5 hours) or Sorrento (30 minutes). Check into your accommodation, ideally at a hotel with sea views to fully take in Positano's stunning scenery.

  • Begin by walking through Via dei Mulini, Positano's main pedestrian street filled with charming boutiques, cafes, and artisan shops offering ceramics, linen clothing, and luxury Italian goods.

  • Visit Santa Maria Assunta Church, known for its striking Majolica-tiled dome and a Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Chez Black, a popular beachfront restaurant serving delicious seafood dishes like spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) and other fresh catches from the sea.

  • Spend the afternoon relaxing on Spiaggia Grande, Positano’s main beach, or head to the more secluded Fornillo Beach, just a short walk away along a scenic cliffside path. Take a swim in the crystal-clear waters or rent a sunbed for a lazy afternoon by the sea.

• Evening:

  • For dinner, head to Da Vincenzo, a local favorite serving authentic Amalfi Coast cuisine, such as fresh seafood and pasta, paired with Italian wines. The restaurant sits on a hillside, offering magical sunset views over Positano.

  • After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through Positano’s narrow streets or along the beach promenade, soaking in the twinkling lights of the cliffside houses.

    
    

Day 2: Amalfi Coast Boat Tour and Ravello

• Morning:

  • Embark on a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast. You can either rent a private boat or join a group tour to experience the coastline's hidden coves, sea caves, and picturesque towns like Praiano and Furore. Some tours also include a visit to the Emerald Grotto, known for its glowing green waters, and stops for swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.

• Afternoon:

  • After the boat tour, visit the historic town of Amalfi. Have lunch at Eolo, a restaurant perched with panoramic views of the sea, offering refined seafood dishes and regional specialties.

  • After lunch, head up to Ravello, known for its beautiful villas and gardens. Visit Villa Rufolo, with its terraced gardens offering breathtaking views of the coastline. You can also explore Villa Cimbrone and its famous Terrace of Infinity, which provides one of the most iconic views on the Amalfi Coast.

• Evening:

  • Return to Positano for a luxurious dinner at La Sponda, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Le Sirenuse Hotel. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine prepared with local ingredients, paired with a candlelit ambiance and views of the coastline.

  • End your evening with a cocktail at Franco’s Bar, offering stylish seating and unbeatable views of Positano at night.

    
    

Day 3: Path of the Gods Hike and Praiano

• Morning:

  • Start the day with a hike along the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), one of Italy’s most famous trails. The moderately challenging hike offers jaw-dropping views of the Amalfi Coast’s cliffs, villages, and the shimmering sea. The hike begins in Bomerano and ends in Nocelle, a small hamlet above Positano, and takes about 2 to 3 hours. The walk is scenic, with unforgettable views around every corner.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Ristorante Bruno, offering delicious local dishes like seafood pasta and fresh salads with views of the coast as you dine.

  • In the afternoon, visit Praiano, a quieter town on the coast. Relax at Marina di Praia, a small beach surrounded by cliffs, perfect for swimming or sunbathing. You can also explore the town’s winding streets and visit the Church of San Gennaro, with its stunning Majolica-tiled dome and sweeping sea views.

• Evening:

  • For dinner, dine at Il Pirata in Praiano, a charming seaside restaurant set on the rocks, serving fresh seafood with views of the coastline.

  • After dinner, enjoy a drink or evening out at Africana Famous Club, one of the Amalfi Coast’s most famous nightclubs, located inside a natural cave right by the sea.

    
    

Day 4 (Optional): Day Trip to Capri or Sorrento

• Option 1: Day Trip to Capri

  • Morning:

    • Take the ferry from Positano to Capri, a glamorous island known for its chic atmosphere and stunning landscapes. Begin your day at the Piazzetta, Capri’s main square, and visit the Gardens of Augustus for panoramic views of the Faraglioni rock formations.

    • Ride the chairlift to Monte Solaro, the highest point on Capri, for breathtaking views of the island and surrounding sea.

  • Afternoon:

    • Have lunch at Ristorante Il Geranio, which offers fantastic views of the Faraglioni. After lunch, visit the Blue Grotto, Capri’s famous sea cave known for its glowing blue waters. You can take a boat tour around the island and explore the grotto, or relax at one of the island’s beaches.

  • Evening:

    • Return to Positano for a final dinner at Next2, a contemporary restaurant offering modern Mediterranean cuisine with a beautiful terrace.

• Option 2: Explore Sorrento

  • Morning:

    • Take a ferry or drive to Sorrento, a bustling town known for its clifftop views and vibrant atmosphere. Explore Piazza Tasso and the Sedile Dominova, then visit Chiesa di San Francesco with its beautiful cloisters.

  • Afternoon:

    • Have lunch at Ristorante Tasso, known for its fresh Neapolitan pizza and seafood. Then, explore the Villa Comunale, a park offering beautiful views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.

  • Evening:

    • Return to Positano for a relaxing final evening. Dine at Ristorante Max, a sophisticated restaurant known for its art-filled ambiance and refined Italian cuisine.

      
      

Tips for Visiting Positano:

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Positano is during the spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October) when the weather is warm and pleasant but not as crowded as the peak summer months. July and August offer the best beach weather but are busier.

• Getting Around: Positano’s narrow streets are pedestrian-friendly, and exploring on foot is the best way to experience the village. Ferries and buses connect Positano with nearby Amalfi Coast towns like Amalfi, Ravello, and Sorrento. If you plan to visit Capri or Sorrento, ferries are the best option.

• What to Pack: Bring comfortable shoes for walking through the steep streets and for hiking. Swimwear, sunscreen, and light clothing are essentials for beach and boat trips, while a light jacket may be needed for cooler evenings.