Positano

Coastal village dotted with pastel colored buildings, fresh seafood and pasta


Positano
How to Travel to Positano

The best way to travel from Naples airport (NAP) to Positano is by taxi or private car. Contact your hotel prior to your arrival to arrange a private car service for pick up at the Naples airport or train station or if you are traveling by train from Rome or another city. The Positano shuttle offers shared shuttle bus service from the airports and train stations in Naples and Rome. The cost is quite reasonable but it could be inconvenient to wait for other passengers to board the shuttle and then wait as everyone is driven to their hotel. I think I would choose another mode of transportation if I am jet lagged after an overnight flight.

Trains do run in the region but it’s necessary to take a taxi from the station in Castellammare di Stabia to Positano. This is time-consuming and will not save you much money. Another option is to take a train from Napoli Centrale train station to Salerno. From Salerno, Travelmar provides boat service to most towns on the Amalfi coast.

Boats and ferries offer a scenic way to arrive to the Amalfi Coast. Alilauro, a fast ferry from Naples arrives in the main port of Amalfi after making stops in Capri and Sorrento. The trip is beautiful but can take take 2 to 3 hours due to the stops, so plan accordingly.

During the busy summer months, reservations are definitely required!


Where to Stay in Positano

There are a variety of accommodation choices in Positano ranging from 5 star hotels to villas and guest houses. The pricier options offer full- service restaurants, swimming pools and spas. If your budget is more modest you can enjoy wonderful, personal service at small villas or guest houses. Many smaller places do not have restaurants but will include breakfast on your balcony or in your room. Be sure to check sites for travelers’ reviews so you know what to expect before you arrive, in terms of room size and hotel amenities.

We stayed at the Le Agavi Hotel a Positano, a lovely, 5-star hotel on the edge of a cliff overlooking the town with a pool and private beach. The rooms were very simply decorated but the views made up for it. We enjoyed most of our meals at the restaurant at Le Agavi because we were part of a group tour. They conveniently provided a shuttle to and from Positano.


Where to Eat in Positano

We traveled on a Tauck tour to the Amalfi Coast and ate most of our meals at Le Agavi hotel. We knew we would have a night on our own so we made reservations before we left home and enjoyed a truly memorable dinner at La Sponda at the famous Le Sirenuse Positano. The vaulted ceiling of the dining room is covered in vines and lit solely by hundreds of small candles. The beauty of the dining room competes with the amazing views of Positano and the sea below. The dinner was expensive but, I think, worth it. The hotel offers less expensive dining and beverage options at Aldo’s and Franco’s. Reservations are definitely recommended!

Not surprisingly, the cuisine on the Amalfi Coast features a variety of fresh seafood, especially shellfish. You will have a hard time finding chicken or beef on most menus.

You’ll feast on fresh vegetables like, eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes, and melt in your mouth mozzarella di bufala! Fresh made pasta and risotto are very popular and be sure to try the stuffed zucchini blossoms. Lemons grow abundantly here so sample the locally made limoncello.

Here are some popular restaurants in Positano. You’ll want to do some checking on-line to review the menus, hours of operation and reservation policy:

  • Fattoria La Tagliata
  • Chez Black
  • Ristorante Bruno
  • Casa e Bottega
  • Da Vincenzo
  • Ristorante Max
  • Ristorante La Cambusa
  • La Terra
  • Da Luigi ai Faraglioni
  • Ristorante Aurora

What to See in Positano

The main attraction in Positano is the harbor area. In addition to enjoying Marina Grande, be sure to wander the narrow streets and alleys and admire the colorful buildings, small shops and cafes. The Chiesa of Santa Maria Assunta is worth a visit to see the majolica-tiled dome.

Steep and narrow alley with views to the sea

Wine tastings in vineyards, cooking classes are boat trips are all great ways to immerse yourself in this special place.

Hike on the Il Sentiero degli Dei- Path of Gods- a 4.8 mile hilltop trail between the towns of Agerola and Nocelle. This link from Culture Trip provides a helpful guide about hiking the path.

Marina Grande

Where to Shop in Positano

Shopping in Positano is limited to small shops selling local made products such as sandals and ceramics. Shops selling relaxed vacation attire are plentiful as well. Many places sell items from dish towels to magnets decorated with lemons.


What to Pack when traveling to Positano

Positano is a very casual, laid back town and it can get very hot especially mid-day. You will probably wear a bathing suit or shorts during the day and skirts or sun dresses and pants for men during the evening. Italian men wear collared shirts instead of tee shirts to dinner so you will want to do the same. Jackets are generally not required, but check if you have made reservations at one of the fancier places, like La Sponda at Sirenuse. A light weight pashmina or wrap will come in handy on your flight or while dining al fresco.

Pack comfortable sandals or slip-ons to safely navigate the steep stairs and alleyways and bring sneakers if you plan on hiking the Path of Gods.

Remember to bring sun block, hats and your camera to capture the beauty of this scenic, coastal town.


How to Plan a Trip to Positano

U.S. Citizens are required to have a valid passport to enter Italy. A Visa is not necessary.


Sunrise on the Amalfi Coast

Ciao from Positano


Beth’s Boarding Pass

Italy

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