Whatever you do, don’t miss Positano while you’re in Italy. It’s magical and there’s truly nothing like it! It was one of our favorite places that we’ve ever been to and we wish we could’ve stayed longer. The food is delicious, the beaches/beach clubs are incredible, and we can’t wait to go back. It has the perfect mix of beauty, romance, relaxation, and fun. This Positano travel guide has you covered on it all!
Where to Stay
Il San Pietro – The most amazing hotel in Positano, hands down. The staff was incredible, the views were absolutely stunning, and there was just the most special and magical vibe as soon as you step foot on the property. We also loved that it was more removed from other hotels that are packed in the main town area – it was still close enough to get over quickly. It was by far the best hotel we’ve ever stayed at! It felt like heaven. Check out the view from our room’s patio!
Other notable hotels: Villa Treville, Hotel Poseidon, Marincanto, La Sirenuse, and Hotel Eden Roc
Where to Eat
Da Adolfo – As the Italians told us, everyone has to go to Da Adolfo once in their lives. Iconic, casual, and really fun spot that has a very casual vibe. As soon as you step foot on the rocks it feels like a party. First things first, order a pitcher of their white wine with peaches to compliment the meal. You can’t go wrong with any of their fresh seafood and you must GET THE PESTO! It’s completely different from the more common genovese pesto. This is pesto alla friggitelli made with Italian sweet peppers. It was the most unique flavor and I honestly could have drank it. Delicious in the pasta dish but also to dip bread into. Don’t leave without dessert – they offer a variety of homemade cakes. They offer a complimentary water taxi to get to and from the restaurant located right on the shore.
La Tre Sorelle – Their lobster pasta was SO good! We loved the staff and the food was phenomenal. It’s right in the middle of all the action at the beach in Positano. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed!
Chez Black – Iconic Hot spot located right off the main beach in Positano. Known for their seafood, heart shaped pizza, and celebrity clientele. Their spaghetti alla Nerano was especially delicious (though, still not at the same level as Lo Scoglio)! We went for lunch and thought it would be a really fun spot for dinner as well.
Positano Home Cooking – This isn’t a restaurant but it might as well be because the food was outstanding! It’s actually a cooking class and DEFINITELY worth doing if you have a chance. It starts at 6pm and goes until 9 or 10pm. You’ll have the chance to eat/drink all kinds of food and wine (and I mean a lot…) and everything is extremely high quality. Not only were we blown away by the food and wine, but we also had the best time – it was so much fun and even better with a group of friends/family!
La Taverna Del Leone – After not going in 2022, we heard a lot about this restaurant from locals and we’re so glad that we finally had the chance to try it out for ourselves! The food was fantastic and their semifreddo al torrone di mandorle is one of the best desserts we’ve EVER had. The pastry chef has been making it for the past 65+ years!
Zass – Upscale fine dining with a spectacular view at Il San Pietro. Be sure to request a table outside on the terrace. The food was great, the staff was so kind, and we had a great experience. We ordered fish, pizza, and pasta.
Carlino Restaurant – Nice casual spot for lunch right next to the beach club of our favorite hotel (Il San Pietro).
La Tagliata – This is a farm-to-table, family style restaurant with a set menu priced at 50 euros per person. We’ve never had more food in one sitting – this included a bottle of wine, one of the best bruschettas we’ve ever had, marinated vegetables, salad, greens, cured meats & cheeses, 4 types of pasta, fries, a variety of meats, dessert assortment and of course, limoncello). If you come here, make sure to come hungry! It’s a fun atmosphere with an incredible view. Full disclosure, this restaurant is very touristy.
Ristorante Max – Well known for their delicious seafood (we both ordered the lobster pasta), great bread, and extensive wine list. It’s also very centrally located.
Da Vincenzo – Has a beautiful terrace view overlooking the Positano coastline. The atmosphere is romantic and a great spot for dinner.
La Sponda – Well known upscale restaurant located at Le Sirenuse. Beautiful ambiance and great view – their wine list was also amazing.
Here are a few restaurants that we heard are great but we didn’t get a chance to go to: Da Ferdinando, Donna Rosa, Il Ritrovo, Meastro (for the view), Buca di Bacco, and Bar Bruno
Rooftop Bars
Franco’s Bar – Lively bar with a view
Terrace Bar at Il San Pietro – Beautiful view of Positano with a romantic atmosphere
Music On the Rocks
What to Do
Arienzo Beach Club – Less crowded than the main beach and just as beautiful! Highly recommend.
Fornillo Beach – Another less crowded beach nearby.
Spiaggia Grande – This is the main beach in Positano – the one that you’ve probably seen featured in those iconic blue umbrella photos. The only downside is that it’s very crowded during peak season so if you’re going for a picture, be sure to get there very early.
Beach Club at Il San Pietro – SO relaxing and fun – it has an incredible view of Positano. It’s also never too crowded because of their relatively limited seating. Totally worth checking out.
Fiordo di Furore – Very small beach that locals go to. It has a beautiful bridge with an arch above the water.
Walk through Town and Window Shop – Tons of cute little stores!
Boat Tour around the Amalfi Coast – We used Princess Positano and booked through our hotel.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1
- Check into Hotel
- Lunch at La Tre Sorelle
- Walk around Positano town and window shop
- Aperitivo at Franco’s Bar
- Dinner at Chez Black
- Drinks at Music On the Rocks
Day 2
- Breakfast at hotel or local café
- Relax at Fornillo Beach or Spiaggia Grande
- Lunch at Ristorante Da Adolfo (Da Adolfo will pick you up via water taxi – set this up ahead of time through your hotel)
- Arienzo Beach Club
- Aperitivo at the Terrace Bar at Il San Pietro
- Dinner at Da Vincenzo
Day 3
- Breakfast at hotel or local café
- Beach Club at Il San Pietro
- Boat tour of Amalfi Coast and lunch at Lo Scoglio da Tommaso
- Dinner at Positano Home Cooking
Notes & Tips
- There is no train to Positano and the roads along the Amalfi Coast are well known to be windy.
- One transportation option is to drive into Positano but if you do, I recommend hiring a driver take you rather than driving yourself (unless you’re VERY confident in your driving abilities in Italy).
- Another transportation option is taking a bus from Naples or Sorrento. This is significantly cheaper but also more time consuming and less convenient. You can also take a ferry into town but I don’t recommend either of these options unless you have no other choice.
If you liked this Positano travel guide & itinerary and are interested in checking out more about Italy, we have several more guides here!
