Positano is spectacular, BUT it isn’t the easiest destination for choosing accommodation. The colorful houses climb steep hillsides, the sea sits below the town, stairways connect different levels, and a hotel with a beautiful view might not be the most convenient place to stay. So where are the best places to stay in Positano?
Some visitors dream of waking up to a sea view from their balcony. Others want to walk to dinner, browse little shops, spend their days at the beach or avoid a punishing climb back to their room. Some are planning a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, while others want the Positano experience without spending their entire holiday budget on accommodation.
However, the last thing you want, is to be dragging one or two heavy suitcases up hundreds of steps in Positano’s steep streets!
The good news: Some high-end hotels offer luggage assistance, porters or private transfers, which is pure luxury in itself. (You need to check the arrangements at the specific property.)
For those picture-perfect Positano views, be prepared to invest in five-star accommodation — some of the most spectacular panoramas come with a luxury price tag. But it is SO worth it:
If you have ever seen a photograph of Positano that looks almost too beautiful to be real, there is a good chance it was taken from a terrace overlooking the Amalfi Coast.
Our first hotel is one of those extraordinary places where the setting is part of the experience. Perched above the sea, this exclusive luxury hotel offers breathtaking coastal views, private terraces and a wonderfully secluded atmosphere away from the busiest part of Positano.
One thing to consider: It is located outside the main town centre, so plan how you will get to Positano’s shops, restaurants and beaches. You are choosing a more secluded setting rather than the convenience of stepping straight into the heart of town.
Le Sirenuse is a spectacular choice. This celebrated five-star hotel combines elegant accommodation with sweeping coastal views, a beautiful pool and fine dining.
And here’s a practical advantage: you don’t have to figure out the luggage situation on your own. The hotel can arrange porter assistance for arrivals and departures.
Of course, this is luxury accommodation, and the price reflects it. But for travellers who want the famous Positano panorama alongside attentive service and a central location, Le Sirenuse is well worth considering.
My tip: If you’re arriving by ferry with heavy suitcases, arrange with the hotel before your trip, for porter assistance.
For a holiday filled with beautiful views, Villa Franca is a wonderful option to consider. This five-star boutique hotel sits high above Positano, with a panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking the Mediterranean and the town’s famous cascade of colourful houses. Imagine spending an afternoon beside the rooftop pool, then enjoying a cocktail as the evening lights begin to sparkle across the hillside.
The hotel also has a Michelin-starred restaurant, Li Galli, and a wellness spa, making it appealing to travellers who want more than just a beautiful room.
Some places offer a beautiful view of Positano; Il San Pietro offers an entirely different perspective on the Amalfi Coast. Set into the cliffs just outside the town, this celebrated five-star hotel feels like a secluded retreat above the Mediterranean, with private terraces overlooking the sea and lush gardens tucked into the hillside.
One of its special features is the private beach club, reached by an elevator carved into the rock. Guests can enjoy the sea, relax on the sun deck or dine at Carlino, the hotel’s seaside restaurant. Back at the main hotel, the panoramic swimming pool and Michelin-starred Zass restaurant add to the experience.
The location is part of the appeal. Il San Pietro is about 1.5 km from Positano’s centre, and a complimentary shuttle runs between the hotel and town around the clock. That makes it easier to enjoy the shops and restaurants without having to tackle the uphill journey on foot.
A practical tip: If you want to explore Positano but prefer not to climb its steep streets repeatedly, the hotel’s complimentary shuttle is a real advantage.
Book your room @ Il San Pietro
Some hotels have a way of making the scenery part of the holiday, and Hotel Montemare is one of them. Overlooking the Mediterranean, this elegant four-star hotel offers rooms and suites with sea views, many with a balcony or terrace where you can enjoy the beauty of Positano from your own private space.
Dining is another highlight. The hotel’s Il Capitano restaurant has a panoramic terrace, making it a wonderful setting for a leisurely meal with the coastline as your backdrop. After a day exploring Positano, you can look forward to returning to a peaceful setting above the sea.
A practical tip: Check the exact room category before booking. Some rooms have a full sea view, while others offer only a partial view or an internal outlook.
Imagine opening your curtains in the morning to see the Mediterranean sparkling below and Positano’s colourful houses climbing the hillside around you. At Hotel Eden Roc, the view is part of the experience, with every room and suite offering a sea-view terrace.
This welcoming four-star hotel combines comfortable accommodation with a panoramic swimming pool, a rooftop bar and Adamo ed Eva, its restaurant overlooking the coast. It is a lovely option for travellers who want to enjoy Positano’s famous scenery while having somewhere inviting to return to after a day exploring the Amalfi Coast.
The location is practical, too. The main square, Piazza dei Mulini, is about a five-minute walk away, followed by another walk down to the beach. For the uphill return, a local bus stops near the hotel.
A practical tip: If you’re arriving by ferry with heavy suitcases, contact the hotel in advance to arrange porter assistance. The hotel can organise this for an additional fee.
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Imagine waking up in a beautiful whitewashed house, opening your balcony doors to views of Positano’s rooftops and the Mediterranean, and starting the day with fresh orange juice made from fruit grown in the garden. Casa Buonocore offers just this kind of intimate, personal experience.
Set in a restored 17th-century building, this small guest house has only nine rooms, each with its own character. Some offer panoramic sea and village views, while others look onto the peaceful garden. Breakfast is another lovely detail, served in a way that lets guests enjoy their morning at their own pace.
A practical tip: There are approximately 70 steps between the road and the guest house entrance. The owners can arrange for a porter to carry your luggage, so contact them before arrival. Also, check your room category carefully if a sea view is important to you, as not every room has one.
Ready to book your stay? >> It’s now or never…
It is situated high up, but located on Via G. Marconi.
If your idea of a Positano holiday includes a private terrace, a bubbling outdoor jacuzzi and beautiful views across the Mediterranean, Terrazza Zaffiro is worth a look. This intimate guest house has just two exclusive suites, each with its own terrace, sun loungers and private hot tub overlooking the scenery.
One of the lovely details is breakfast on your own terrace, with Positano and the Amalfi Coast spread out before you. It offers a more private experience than a large hotel, making it especially appealing to couples looking for a romantic stay, or if you just love your privacy.
A practical tip: Terrazza Zaffiro is on the hillside, so think about getting around before you book. A local bus stop is nearby, but walking back from the centre or beach can involve steep uphill sections. Check the route and transport options for your dates, especially if you are travelling with heavy luggage.
Imagine breakfast on your own terrace, with sweeping views of the Mediterranean and Arienzo Beach below. Villa Pietra Santa is a small, family-run accommodation in Positano, where all three rooms have a terrace with a hot tub and sea views. Guests can also reach Arienzo Beach via a private downhill path.
A practical tip: The property is in the Arienzo area, outside the busiest part of Positano. The route down to the beach involves a descent, so be prepared for steps and an uphill return. It’s a beautiful option for travellers who value privacy and views, but check the walking route and transport arrangements before booking.
Helpful travel tip: In Positano, 300 metres from the beach doesn’t necessarily mean a quick stroll around the corner! With steep hills, steps and winding lanes, a short distance on the map can feel much longer on foot.
If you’d love to wake up to views of Positano and the Mediterranean, Hotel Casa Albertina is worth considering. This family-run three-star hotel offers sea-view rooms, a rooftop bar and a sun terrace where you can enjoy the scenery with a drink as the sun sets over the coast.
Some rooms have balconies with sea views, so check the room category carefully when booking. The hotel also has a lift, which is a useful feature in a town known for its steep streets and steps.
Il San Pietro di Positano is a beautiful dinner location. With its beautiful setting, the romantic Zass restaurant (Michelin-starred) overlooking the sea is open to the public.
Do stuff like:
Yes, Positano is expensive, but it is so worth it. A romantic destination, a family holiday, a special celebration getaway, or a wedding destination…they have it all. Enjoy the fabulous weather in summer when everything is open and bustling with tourists everywhere. It’s a busy time of year, but tourist season is also the time when you can experience Positano in full.
During other times of the year, you’ll find many shops closed. Oh yes, and shopping is one of the reasons why you’d want to spend some time here. Fabulous woman’s clothing shops, fabric shops, beautiful ceramics, and many more will have you browsing from morning to lunchtime when it’s time to search for the perfect little restaurant. Of which beautiful Positano obviously also has more than enough options to choose from.
