10 Things to Do in Positano: Beaches, Walks, Boats and Sunsets
In short: The best things to do in Positano are: swim at Spiaggia Grande or Fornillo, visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Roman villa beneath it, hike the Path of the Gods to Nocelle, take a boat to the Li Galli islands or Capri, shop for linen and handmade sandals, and watch the sunset from above the village. One day covers the essentials; two or three days let you enjoy it slowly. Positano is about 1.5 to 2 hours from Naples by private car.
Last updated: October 2026
Positano is a village built vertically, from the beach up to the mountains, and most of it is reached on foot. We drive guests here every day of the season, and we see what they enjoy most: the sea in the morning, a walk in the afternoon, and a long dinner with the lights of the village below. These are the ten things we always recommend.
10 things to do in Positano
- Spiaggia GrandeThe main beach, in front of the church and the boats. Beach clubs and a free section; the classic postcard view is from the pier.
- Fornillo beachTen minutes on foot along a cliff path from the main beach: quieter, greener, with simple beach restaurants.
- Santa Maria AssuntaThe church with the majolica dome, symbol of Positano, home to a Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna.
- MAR, the Roman villaUnder the church, the frescoed rooms of a Roman villa buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD, open to visitors.
- The Path of the GodsThe famous hike from Bomerano to Nocelle, about 7–8 km and 3 hours, high above the sea. Start early in summer.
- Montepertuso and NocelleThe hill villages above Positano: views over the whole coast, family trattorias, and the end of the Path of the Gods.
- A boat to Li GalliThe small islands of the sirens, off Positano, once home to Rudolf Nureyev. Half-day boat trips leave from the pier.
- Capri by boatIn season, ferries and private boats link Positano and Capri in about 40 minutes to an hour.
- Linen, ceramics and sandalsModa Positano: linen dresses, local ceramics and sandals made to measure while you wait.
- Sunset from aboveWatch the village light up from the viewpoints on the Amalfi Drive, or from a terrace in Positano, with a limoncello.
A perfect day in Positano
Getting to Positano
There is no train to Positano. From Naples airport or station, a private transfer from Naples to Positano takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and costs €200 per vehicle for up to 7 passengers, door to door. From Rome, a private car to Positano costs €650; read how to get from Rome to Positano for all the options. In season, ferries also connect Positano with Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri.
Getting around Positano
A single one-way road winds down through the village and back up, served by a small local bus. Below it, everything is lanes and stairs. Parking is scarce and expensive, and in summer the road is often slow. That is why many guests use a private driver in Positano: pick-ups at the hotel door, rides up to Nocelle or down to Praiano, and day trips along the coast without thinking about buses or parking.
Beyond Positano
Positano is the best base for the rest of the coast. Praiano is ten minutes away, Amalfi and Ravello under an hour, and Capri a boat ride. To see the whole coast in order, read our Amalfi Coast itinerary from Vietri to Positano, or let a driver show you on the Amalfi Coast Tour.
Your driver in Positano
Private Mercedes, English-speaking driver, fixed prices, free cancellation up to 48 hours before.
- Naples to Positano transfer: €200 per vehicle
- Private driver in Positano: hotel pick-ups and rides on the coast
- Amalfi Coast Tour: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello in one day, from €500
Things to do in Positano: frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Positano?
Swim at Spiaggia Grande or Fornillo, visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Roman villa beneath it (MAR), walk the Path of the Gods from Bomerano to Nocelle, take a boat to the Li Galli islands or Capri, shop for linen and handmade sandals, and watch the sunset from a terrace or a viewpoint on the Amalfi Drive.
How many days do you need in Positano?
One full day covers the village, the beach and the church. Two or three days let you add the Path of the Gods, a boat trip and an evening up in Montepertuso or Nocelle. Positano is also a good base for Amalfi, Ravello and Capri.
When is the best time to visit Positano?
May, June, September and early October: warm sea, long days and fewer crowds than July and August. Many hotels and restaurants close from November to March.
Are the beaches in Positano free?
Partly. Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo have paid beach clubs with sunbeds and umbrellas, and free public sections where you can lay a towel. Smaller beaches like Laurito and Arienzo are reached by boat or long stairways.
How do I get from Naples to Positano?
By private transfer in about 1.5 to 2 hours, door to door: with Positano Limo Service it costs €200 per vehicle for up to 7 passengers. The alternatives are the SITA bus from Sorrento or, in season, the ferry from Naples.
How do I get around Positano?
Mostly on foot, on lanes and steps. One road loops through the village, served by the small local bus. Parking is scarce and expensive, so many visitors use a private driver for hotel pick-ups, dinners in the hills and day trips.