10 Best Things To Do In Positano, Italy To Enjoy The Italian Coastal Gem

Are you wondering what are the best things to do in Positano? You are on the right page! I’ve been to the Amalfi coast and Positano. I would love to share with you all the charming places and activities that you can do to maximize your visit to Positano, Italy.

Italy’s Positano is well known for being a picturesque seaside haven. The bright, cliffside villas with views of the warm Amalfi Coast will astound you. Beach lovers will go crazy for the sound of the waves crashing against the pebbled shores. You’ll come across quaint cafés and boutique shops with a cosmopolitan vibe as you stroll through its sloping streets.

Positano has breathtaking scenery waiting for you at every turn. A vigorous hike up the rocky hills offers glimpses of the finest Italian opulence. It’s simple to be swept away by its distinctive charm as you take in the laid-back atmosphere. Here is a list of the top things to do in Positano so you can fully grasp what we mean.

Read more: Beautiful Places To Visit In Italy For The First Time

Best Things to Do in Positano, Italy:

1. Church of Santa Maria Assunta ( Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta) 

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its exquisite Moorish tiled dome, is without a doubt the focal point of Positano. A Byzantine icon representing the Virgin Mary arrived in Positano in the 10th century, beginning the city’s recorded history.

This icon has been revered by the church for many years and is still a significant part of the community’s culture. The church serves as the primary landmark for determining your location and navigating Positano.

It is worth visiting just to feel the spiritual calm that comes from taking a few minutes out of your day to sit in silence and consider how fortunate you are to be in such a stunning location on earth. Entry is free.

The Virgin Madonna and other Byzantine artifacts from the XIII century can be found inside the altar. According to legend, when a sudden storm caught the sailors of a Saracen ship carrying the stolen Madonna panel, they heard a mysterious voice commanding them to “Pose, pose” or “set me down.” The sailors hurried to abandon the Madonna on the first tiny beach they discovered, and ever since, that location has been known as Positano. Perhaps it was the Sirens calling.

Whether or not it is a place of legend, the Church is beautiful and well worth a trip.

2. Enjoy the Positano beaches 

Positano’s beaches are immaculate and stunning! So what could be more enjoyable than spending the afternoon on the Amalfi Coast tanning and swimming? You can visit the beaches listed here.

Fornillo Beach

Holidaymakers reach Fornillo beach, a well-known favorite among those looking for a more tranquil beach than Marina Grande, via a romantic walk between the sea and the cliffs that starts at Positano harbor. Despite this, given its proximity to Positano’s center, Fornillo can become crowded with sunbathers on summer weekends.

Positano beach 

Positano’s main beach is one of the liveliest and most international of all those on the Amalfi Coast, making it the perfect backdrop for picture postcards. There are numerous eateries, bars, and a renowned discotheque along the expansive, 300-meter-long beach that is almost directly opposite the Li Galli archipelago (Music On the Rocks). The beach has two bathing facilities and a public area from which shuttle boats to the nearby bays and excursions along the coast depart.

Arienzo beach 

Due to the impressive number of steps that guests must descend to access Arienzo beach, it is frequently referred to as the “300 steps beach.” Tourists can catch glimpses of the gardens of some of the most opulent villas on the Amalfi Coast, including one that once belonged to Franco Zeffirellli, as they make their way down to the water. The beach in Positano gets more sun than any other because it faces southwest. Private and public sections of the beach are separated.

3. MAR Positano Villa Romana 

An old Roman villa that serves as both an archaeology museum and a landmark in Positano is called MAR. It demonstrates the city’s status as a crossroads of art and culture as well as its historical importance.

Positano was a meeting point for many different civilizations, so there are a ton of interesting historical artifacts to be found there, especially considering how peaceful Positano has typically been.

The stunning tour doesn’t end with the ancient wall frescoes of vivid red, orange, and blue. The mysterious masonry of using stucco to complete the ancient work is on display in the underground medieval crypts.

Red paint strokes are used to create oblique bands and rhombuses on the soffits of the white lime hallways. Through long, slender, vaulted quadrangular rooms and broad rectangular ones, the passageways lead you.

Two naves are connected by marble pillars that support the arches, and the intricate stucco work suggests that there once was an altar there.

4. Amalfi Drive 

When traveling, most people view roads as a means to an end. They are merely the conduit—the stretch of tarmac that transports you to your desired location, where you can relax and take in the scenery.

This idea is mocked by the Amalfi Coast! The road is just as important as the towns as one of the attractions in this region of Italy. One of the world’s most picturesque stretches of road, the Amalfi Drive is renowned for its breathtaking views and hairpin turns. Nothing more than a metal fence separates you from the open air and the crashing waves below; while this may increase your heart rate, it also means that nothing is in the way of your enjoyment of the stunning Bay of Salerno.

Naturally, if you’re going to drive the Amalfi Coast, you should do it the Italian way. You don’t want to stand out as a tourist; instead, you want to appear as though you belong there, with your hair blowing in the wind, sunglasses on, and an ultra-chic appearance. You desire the “Dolce Vita.”

This necessitates that you ride a Vespa. Nothing is more glitzy, more Italian, or better for taking a selfie and making all of your Facebook friends irrationally envious. Proceed to Positano Pepe will take good care of you if you rent a scooter! He’ll get the best Vespa for you, teach you how to use it, and give you a great deal. After that, you can don your sunglasses and ride off into the distance. Or simply strike a pose while eating gelato in the city, of course.

5. Enjoy Italian food and wine 

You must eat at one of the many restaurants in Positano as part of your holiday activities there. Positano beach is undoubtedly one of the busiest places, and it is also where the majority of the city’s eateries and wineries are located.

Seafood restaurants 

In Positano, there are many seafood establishments, but Da Vicenzo is thought to be the best. In the center of Positano, Da Vincenzo is a charming seafood restaurant with a Michelin star. The eatery, which serves diners delectable fresh seafood and traditional Italian dishes, has established itself as a mainstay of Positano’s culinary scene. The finest seafood and produce from the area are featured on the expertly crafted Da Vincenzo menu.

Chez Black, which is situated right in the middle of Positano’s main beach, is another establishment that must be visited. The dishes on the Chez Black menu are inventive and creative, fusing traditional Italian ingredients with contemporary cooking methods. A standout dish is spaghetti with squid ink, which is made with a flavorful sauce made from the ink of local squid.

Wine

Italy continues to be a popular destination for wine enthusiasts with more than 500 registered grape varieties, and Marisa Cuomo was one of the first Amalfi Coast wineries to gain international recognition.

To maintain freshness and aromatic qualities, many white wines in the region are aged in stainless steel. However, Marisa Cuomo’s signature Fiorduva deviates from this tradition. First, the late-season harvest of the native grapes Fenile, Ripoli, and Ginestra. In order to create a rich wine, they are then fermented and partially aged in a small French oak barrique. The wine has hints of yellow flowers, dried apricots, and candied citrus peel. Since its introduction in 1997, Fiorduva has won recognition for its distinctive qualities and surprisingly lengthy shelf life.

Le Tre Sorelle Wine Room is yet another fantastic location to sample regional wines sourced from all over Campania. You can buy a prepaid card here to sample more than 40 wines by the glass. However, you can also request that the knowledgeable staff put together a flight (selection of wines) for you.

6. Appreciate the Positano ceramics and art 

If you enjoy shopping, Positano is the place for you. Boutique stores selling everything from locally made clothing to hand-painted ceramics, custom-made sandals, and lemon everything line the streets of Positano. Additionally available in Positano are ceramics, handmade sandals, and linen.

Here are some of the popular shops in Positano: 

• Luisa Positano: Purchase “Moda Positano” or Positano fashion. Quality linen is used for the items, which are handcrafted in-house with exquisite patterns and designs. A must-visit!
• Absolute Positano shop: One of Positano’s top stores is the Absolute Positano Shop. You can purchase paintings, art glass, art galleries, and priceless mementos here. To provide you with a memento of the authentic Positano way of life once you get them home, they are all proudly designed and made in Italy by regional artisans.
• Casa E Bottega: This adorable restaurant and boutique buy its handcrafted goods from local artisans. Here, you can find one-of-a-kind gifts like hand-printed linen kitchen towels.
• Ceramica Assunta: You can shop for serving bowls, platters, and pitchers as well as tableware. Purchase a full dinner service or simply pick up some whimsically painted limoncello cups, tiny olive dishes, and other mementos with pigs, sheep, and other animals. You won’t need to pack breakables in your luggage because the store will expertly package and ship your purchases.

7. Enjoy the nightlife 

Positano’s bars are crowded with locals and tourists enjoying aperitivi and people-watching on the balmy summer evenings. A perfect location for less-formal entertainment is L’lncanto, Via Marina 4, not far from the sea at Spiaggia Grande, as well as popular Chez Black, Via del Brigantino 19, nearby. If you’re in the mood for luxury, enjoy drinks on the lovely terrace at the hotel Le Sirenuse.

Right on the beach is the storied La Buca di Bacco, Via del Brigantino 35. When Positano was a luxury resort for VIPs, it began as a tavern and nightclub that served as the gathering place for the local dolce vita. It is still one of the most popular places to go out at night. The front bar is the ideal spot for a coffee or granita, and the tavern below has transformed into a cozy late-night wine bar that doubles as an art gallery and an Internet cafe.

8. Go Hiking on Scenic trails 

Hiking the Il Sentiero degli Dei, also known as the Path of the Gods, is one of the best things to do in Positano.

The picturesque towns and villages of the Amalfi Coast are connected by this system of old mule routes that meander across the slopes of Mont Sant’Angelo a Tre Pizzi. The hike is a collection of breathtaking coastal views etched into the mountainside at 1,640 feet above sea level. It is the five-mile-long natural balcony of the Amalfi Coast.

Before you emerge to breathtaking views of the terraced hills spilling toward the sapphire sea, you’ll have walked past stands of fragrant cypress and felt the breeze while hiding in the shade of stone pines. Rustic barriers that appear ineffective urge you to stay inside along some of the trail’s steeper sections. But the route never feels crowded, even during peak travel times.

You can also take the Path of Tre Calli which is a favorite for many reasons like the undoubted spectacularity of the landscape that we will have under our feet, just so, we will have the entire Amalfi Coast at our feet with Positano in the foreground, with a bright sea that will accompany us throughout the duration of the trek.

You can start from the square of Bomerano, a hamlet of Agerola, the first stretch uphill, is divided between road and stairs, until you reach the village of Paipo, where there will be the entrance of the path, with the first part still uphill quite challenging, then once you reach the three calli on the mountain 1102 meters you will always remain at high altitude in a relaxing walk to Capo Muro, where you will take your break eating a quick snack.

Here, a very picturesque path will lead you back to the starting point in less than two hours.

9. Church of Saint Januarius 

An ancient fishing community, Praiano was once a favorite getaway for wealthy Amalfitans. Today is still a haven of calm, color, and peace. The square and the San Gennaro Church are the main attractions here (Saint Januarius). The church was constructed in August 1589 on a foundation dating back to 1200 and belonged to the Corsario family, an Amalfi noble family, until 1572.

The Neapolitan bishop of Benevento, St. Gennaro, who perished as a martyr in Pozzuoli on September 19, 305, is honored in the parish church of Vettica Maggiore. The building has a bell tower with a majolica tiled cupola on each side. The square in front of the church is made out of a lovely majolica mosaic.

10. Go on a boat trip 

Ah, Positano life is good. lying in the sun on the sand. appearing stylish on the streets. eating exquisite food. What possibly could improve it?

What about lounging on a boat while eating delicious food and dressing stylishly? What about exploring the coast, sailing over clear blue waves, and checking out the uninhabited islands? Or sipping champagne while watching seabirds whirl in the warm breeze as the sun sets over calm waters?

One of the best things to do in Positano is unquestionably rent a boat; the experience will stay with you forever. There is undoubtedly no greater sense of freedom than being able to explore at your own pace while being aware that people on land are envious of you (hey, they don’t need to know that it’s not your boat!). If you want, you can even travel all the way to Capri, where you can tie up in the harbor and have the most amazing day trip.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everything Zany

Travel Blog

Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British – Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our missions are to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.