Positano walking tour & city guide
Pastel houses tumbling down cliffs on the Amalfi Coast.
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Positano is the postcard image of the Amalfi Coast: a cascade of pastel-colored houses clinging to a steep cliff above the Tyrrhenian Sea. Once a quiet fishing village, it became a magnet for artists and writers in the 20th century and is now one of the most glamorous destinations in Italy.
Exploring Positano
Positano is a vertical town: narrow lanes and hundreds of steps wind down from the coastal road to the sea, past boutiques selling linen clothing and sandals, lemon-scented shops and terraced restaurants. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its majolica-tiled dome, sits just above the main beach, Spiaggia Grande.
A cliffside path leads west to the smaller, quieter Fornillo beach. As the evening walk shows, the town is especially beautiful at sunset, when the houses glow and the lights come on across the hillside.
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches along the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula. The town of Amalfi, once a powerful maritime republic, has a striking cathedral at the top of a grand staircase, while Ravello, high above the sea, is known for the gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone.
The coastal road, the SS163, is famous for its hairpin bends and breathtaking views. Driving it is unforgettable but demanding; buses and ferries are good alternatives in summer. Hikers love the Path of the Gods, a trail high above the coast with spectacular views down to Positano.
Visiting tips
Ferries link Positano with Amalfi, Capri and Sorrento. July and August are crowded and expensive; May, June and September are ideal. Wear comfortable shoes for the many steps.
Top sights in Positano
- 1
Spiaggia Grande
Positano's main beach below the colorful town.
- 2
Santa Maria Assunta
A church with a famous majolica-tiled dome.
- 3
Fornillo Beach
A quieter beach reached by a cliffside path.
- 4
Path of the Gods
A spectacular hiking trail above the coast.
- 5
Amalfi
A historic town with a grand cathedral.
- 6
Ravello
A hilltop town famous for its villa gardens.
Food markets & where to eat in Positano
Fornillo Beach
Relaxed beach restaurants on the quieter side of town.
Spiaggia Grande restaurants
Seafood and pasta on terraces by the beach.
Hillside terrace restaurants
Dinner with views over the town and sea.
Lemon shops
Limoncello, lemon sweets and granita.
Food to try in Positano
Scialatielli ai frutti di mare
Fresh pasta with seafood, a coastal classic.
Delizia al limone
A lemon cream sponge dessert.
Limoncello
Lemon liqueur made from Amalfi lemons.
Fresh fish
Grilled or baked in 'acqua pazza'.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Positano
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in PositanoCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Positano.
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