Proceed with caution: You May Fall in Love with Positano

italy positano holiday architecture

Positano,  the “Place to Stop”

Positano means “Place to Stop”, and it sure is THE place to stop! Especially for honeymooners and luxury travelers.

Located in the South of Italy on the Amalfi coast, this almost vertical town is a showcase of colors and splendor. No wonder so many tourists fall in love with Positano.

Although Positano is one of the more expensive summer destinations in Europe, it is not to be missed.

9 Reasons why you should visit Positano

 1. Positano Hospitality

The warm hospitality of the locals adds a personal touch to your vacation, making you feel truly welcomed and cared for. It is one of the reasons why I love Positano, but there is so much more to this Instagram spot on the Amalfi Coast. 

 2. Romantic Ambiance

Positano is known for its romantic ambiance, making it an ideal destination for couples. Enjoy sunset strolls along the beach or candlelit dinners overlooking the sea.

Positano is widely regarded as a romantic destination. Its breathtaking views, charming architecture, and romantic ambiance make it a popular choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

The town’s scenic beauty, stunning sunsets, and intimate atmosphere create a perfect setting for romantic moments, whether it’s enjoying a candlelit dinner overlooking the sea or taking leisurely walks along the beach. 

It is also one of the world’s most beautiful wedding destinations.  Trust me your wedding photos will be amazing.  One of the things I regularly see is a wedding dress hanging in the window of a hotel where the bride is getting dressed, and photos being taken of the dress with the stunning blue hues of the ocean behind it…

Boat Trip Capri min

And if you're looking for a honeymoon destination...

With its intimate atmosphere and the opportunity to create cherished memories, Positano is a perfect choice for a honeymoon filled with love and romance.

The town offers beautiful hotels with unmatched views of the blue ocean and stunning sunsets.  From the jetty to the top of town, you will love Positano.  Just strolling along the streets is pure joy (if you don’t count the thousands of stairs you’ll have to climb…)

Best places to stay

Discover fabulous Accommodation in Positano

The warm hospitality of the locals adds a personal touch to your vacation, making you feel truly welcomed and cared for. 

 3. Stunning Beaches

With its crystal-clear waters and pebbled shores, Positano boasts beautiful beaches like Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo, where you can relax, swim, and soak up the sun.

  • Relax on Spiaggia Grande beach which is one of the longest (300 m) beaches on the Amalfi coast. Alternatively, take a path from Spiagga Grande to Fornillo’s beach for a more peaceful spot.
  • Rent a boat or go on a boat tour or a sunset cruise.  We can recommend Blue Star Positano Boating Company, and you’ll see their stand right on the main beach.
  • Scuba dive, swim, snorkel, fish, paddleboat, or kayak.
  • Explore the beautiful Blue Grotto and Capri Island.

 4. Culinary Delights

Savor the flavors of the Amalfi Coast with Positano’s exceptional culinary scene. Indulge in fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and regional specialties while enjoying sea views.

Where to buy fresh fruit and veg in Positano?

There are several food stores in Positano where you can buy fresh produce. Some popular options include the famous upstairs Delicatessen and Casa e Bottega (which is a more upmarket boutique-like experience). These stores often source their fruits and vegetables from local suppliers.  A small hidden gem (as many people do not know of it), is Euro Frutta 2000.  They are situated at 188 Via G. Marconi, in Positano and their fruit and vegetables are usually very very good.  They are open till late.

Food Experiences

  • Buy a ‘Limone (lemon flavored) or Pistachio gelato’ and enjoy it on the beach.    You have to try one while you’re here.
  • Have lunch at one of the many restaurants and enjoy the best of Italian cuisine over a bottle of local wine. Or opt for a “light” pizza lunch. 
  • Do some limoncello tasting, Italy’s famous liqueur made only by lemons, sugar, and pure alcohol.
La Sponda restaurant in Le Sirenuse hotel in Positano, best restaurants in PositanoPositano: Proceed With Caution, You May Fall In Love!

La Sponda – Positano
Via Colombo 30, 84017 | Tel: 089-87 50 66
Step inside one of Italy’s most refined hotels, Le Sirenuse, and you’ll find La Sponda—a restaurant where the warmth of the welcome makes you feel like a treasured friend. The menu celebrates traditional Campanian flavors, with a focus on the freshest local fish and seasonal produce. Don’t miss the silky paccheri pasta from nearby Gragnano—it’s a dish you’ll be dreaming about long after you’ve left Positano.

🎒 Travel Tip(s):

Once you know your dates, call immediately to request a reservation—and consider letting your hotel concierge help. Even if you’re staying at Le Sirenuse, that doesn’t guarantee a table, but the concierge might have helpful inside access or tips on openings at short notice.

▲ Find your perfect Italian restaurant—click & go!

 5. Artisan Shopping

Explore Positano’s charming boutiques and shops, renowned for their handmade ceramics, stylish clothing, and unique coastal-inspired crafts, offering an opportunity for delightful shopping experiences.

  • Shop local handmade sandals
  • Visit an art gallery, and/or some of the beautiful ceramic shops.

 6. Breathtaking Views

Positano’s dramatic cliffside location offers unparalleled views of colorful houses cascading down to the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

 7. Charming Architecture

The town’s pastel-colored buildings, narrow streets, and picturesque stairways create an enchanting atmosphere that captures the essence of traditional Italian coastal charm.

  • Meander through the many cobblestone, narrow alleys.  (Be prepared to climb steps, many steps…)

 8. Proximity to Attractions

Positioned on the Amalfi Coast, Positano provides easy access to other nearby attractions such as Amalfi, Ravello, and the stunning Path of the Gods hiking trail, ensuring a diverse and fulfilling itinerary.

  • Take a day excursion to Capri or Amalfi, either by road or boat.
  • Rent a scooter and explore the coastline (ONLY if you have nerves of steel, you can rent a car).  The roads are extremely narrow, making it much easier to get around on foot or a scooter.

 9. Positano Has Ancient Origins

Positano’s story goes way back—like way back—to around 6000 BC. That’s older than the pyramids! Local legend says the town was born from a love story between the Greek god Poseidon and a sea nymph named Pasitea (how’s that for romantic beginnings?).

Fast forward a few thousand years, and the Romans turned it into their version of a luxury holiday escape. We even know where they stayed—a gorgeous villa that popped back into the spotlight when it was rediscovered in the late 1800s.

it’s the Roman Villa of Positano (Villa Romana di Positano).

It was buried under volcanic debris from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD (the same one that wiped out Pompeii) and only rediscovered in the late 19th century. Excavations revealed stunning frescoes, intricate mosaics, and a glimpse into just how glamorous Positano’s Roman holiday homes really were. Today, parts of it are open to the public as the Museo Archeologico Romano (MAR), right beneath the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.

FAQs About A Summer Vacation in Positano

What airport to fly into to go to Positano?

The airport of Naples, called Napoli Capodichino, is the nearest international airport, located around 60 km from Positano.

The Path of the Gods (II Sentiero Degli Dei in Italian) is a famous hike that is a bucket list item for all nature lovers. The Path of the Gods is about 7km (4.34 miles) long, at a spectacular height of 630m (2065ft) above sea level.

🎒 Also,  take the time to get off the beaten track and explore the thousands of other hiking routes up the mountain.  You will be rewarded with spectacular views and fewer crowds.

A question that people ask a lot isIs there a laundry service in Positano?  The answer is ‘Yes, there is.’  In Italy laundries/laundromat/laundry places, are called a “Lavanderia”.  During our visit L’Arcobaleno Lavanderia was a good choice.  It is one of the laundromats that has the most beautiful views…in the world.  LOL

You’ll find them at 273 Viale Pasitea near  (almost opposite) Hotel Villa Franca.  However your hotel will have a laundry service and when you stay in a B&B, they often have as well.  But we all know there are times when you need a laundry nearby.  🙂 

Start your perfect day in Positano with a delicious Italian breakfast overlooking the sea. Spend the morning lounging on the sun-soaked beach, dipping your toes in the turquoise waters. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, exploring boutiques and savoring gelato. Indulge in a romantic seaside lunch, then hike up to a panoramic viewpoint for breathtaking vistas. End your day with a candlelit dinner and a moonlit walk along the shore. Pure bliss!

Positano features in numerous movies, including ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ (2004) and ‘Only You’ (1994), which starred Robert Downey Jr.

The best time to visit Positano is during the spring and fall seasons. From April to June and September to October, the weather is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. During these months, you get to enjoy the beauty of Positano without the overwhelming heat or the high tourist influx.  However, keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable.  You’ll often get a year when it is still cold in May.  So, the best season is summer, BUT it gets extremely busy and extremely crowded in some places in town.

Winter in Positano has a charm all its own—quieter, softer, and a little bit magical. At Christmas, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta steals the show with a gorgeous nativity scene. The figures are so detailed you half expect them to start moving, and the tiny backdrops make the story of Jesus’ birth feel almost real enough to step into.

Wander through town and you’ll find twinkling lights, festive garlands, and other nativity displays tucked into corners. It’s the kind of holiday spirit that makes you slow down and smile.

But here’s the thing—Positano in winter is a completely different pace. Most hotels shut their doors, and you won’t find much happening at the gym, cinema, or theatre. Days are perfect for crisp-weather hikes if the sun plays along, while evenings are made for cozying up indoors with a good book, a glass of wine, or just the sound of the sea outside your window. It’s peaceful, romantic, and worlds away from the summer buzz.

Travel to the Amalfi Coast

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