Positano is one of those places that looks almost unreal when you first see it. Pastel-coloured houses climb the hillside above the Mediterranean, narrow streets wind between boutiques and cafés, and almost every corner seems to reveal another beautiful view.
Positano was one of the highlights of our 8-day Italy road trip through Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast and Puglia.
However, planning a visit requires more preparation than the photographs suggest. Positano does not have a train station, parking is limited and expensive, and the town’s steep streets and staircases can make even short distances feel much longer.
In this guide, I will explain how to reach Positano from Rome, Naples and Sorrento, where to stay, where to park, where to eat and how to spend one full day exploring the town. I have also included our experience staying at Casa Cinque and visiting Positano with our 18-month-old son.
Follow our itinerary, adjust it to your travel style and spend less time researching – and more time enjoying the magic of Positano.
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How to Get to Positano
Positano does not have a train station, so reaching the town usually involves a combination of train, ferry, bus, private transfer or car. The best option will depend on where you are travelling from, the season, your budget and how much luggage you are carrying.
Getting to Positano from Rome Without a Car
Option 1: High-Speed Train and Ferry – The Most Scenic Route
This is my favourite option when ferries are operating, generally from spring through autumn.
Step 1: Take a high-speed train from Rome Termini to Salerno
- Train companies: Trenitalia or Italo
- Journey time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
- Price: Often between €15 and €55, depending on the train and how early you book
Step 2: Walk from Salerno train station to the ferry terminal
Travelmar ferries generally depart from Piazza della Concordia, which is located close to Salerno railway station. The walk usually takes approximately 5–10 minutes, although I would allow 10–15 minutes when travelling with luggage, a stroller or a young child.
Always check the departure terminal printed on your ticket. Some ferry operators may use Molo Manfredi, which is farther from the railway station.
Step 3: Take the ferry from Salerno to Positano
- Journey time: Approximately 70 minutes
- Price: Around €17 each way with Travelmar in 2026
- Ferry operator: Travelmar and other seasonal operators
This route feels like a sightseeing experience in itself. You travel along the Amalfi Coast from the water and approach Positano with the colourful town rising dramatically above the sea.
Ferries are seasonal and can be affected by weather, so check the current schedule before travelling.
Option 2: High-Speed Train and Bus
Take a high-speed train from Rome to Salerno. From Salerno, take a SITA bus to Amalfi and then transfer to another SITA bus travelling from Amalfi toward Positano and Sorrento.
This is not normally one direct bus from Salerno to Positano.
- Train journey: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
- Bus journey: Approximately 1½–2 hours, depending on traffic
- Bus price: Usually around €5–€10
This is one of the more affordable options, but buses can become extremely crowded during summer. You may need to wait for the next available bus, and the winding coastal road can cause motion sickness for some travellers.
Check the current timetable carefully, as schedules may vary by season and day of the week.
The Easiest Way to Reach Positano from Naples Airport
If coordinating trains, ferries and buses sounds stressful, the easiest option is to book a private or shared transfer from Naples Airport directly to Positano.
I especially recommend this during the busy summer months. You will not have to carry your luggage between connections, search for parking or navigate the narrow and winding roads of the Amalfi Coast yourself.
A private transfer costs more, but it takes you directly from the airport to your accommodation. A shared transfer is usually more affordable, although the journey may take longer because of additional passenger stops.
Book a private transfer from Naples Airport
Compare transfer prices from Naples Airport to Positano
Taking Public Transportation from Naples Airport
For a more affordable option, take the Alibus from Naples Airport to Piazza Garibaldi, beside Napoli Centrale, or continue to the port area near Molo Beverello.
From there, you have several ways to reach Positano.
- Ferry from Naples: Take a seasonal ferry from Molo Beverello directly to Positano. This is one of the most scenic options, but schedules vary and services may be affected by weather.
- Train and bus via Sorrento: From Napoli Garibaldi, take the Circumvesuviana or Campania Express to Sorrento. From Sorrento, continue to Positano on the SITA bus.
- Train and ferry via Salerno: Take a train from Napoli Centrale to Salerno, then walk to the ferry terminal and take a seasonal ferry to Positano. Confirm whether your ferry departs from Piazza della Concordia or another Salerno terminal before travelling.
- Shared or private transfer: For an easier journey with luggage, book a shared shuttle or private transfer directly from Naples Airport to your accommodation in Positano.
Always check current ferry and bus schedules before travelling, as services and departure times can change by season.
The Easiest Sightseeing Option: Book an Organized Positano Tour
Last but not least, if navigating trains, ferries, buses, coastal roads and parking sounds like more work than you want on vacation, book an organized day tour instead.
This is one of the simplest ways to visit Positano when you have limited time or are staying in Rome, Naples or Sorrento. Transportation is arranged in advance, the itinerary is planned for you, and you can enjoy the scenery without worrying about connections or finding parking.
Most organized tours combine Positano with other Amalfi Coast destinations, such as Amalfi, Ravello or Sorrento.
Organized Tour from Rome
This is ideal if you are staying in Rome but still want to experience Positano and the Amalfi Coast without arranging the journey yourself.
Book the Amalfi Coast and Positano Day Tour from Rome
Keep in mind that this will be a long day. Check the meeting point, departure time and return schedule carefully before booking.
Organized Tour from Naples
Naples is a much closer and more practical starting point for an Amalfi Coast day trip.
Book the Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi Coast Tour from Naples
Organized Tour from Sorrento
Sorrento is one of the easiest bases for exploring the Amalfi Coast. Many tours include Positano, Amalfi and Ravello in one full day.
Book the Amalfi Coast Full-Day Tour from Sorrento
An organized tour will not give you the same freedom as travelling independently, and your time in each town may be limited. However, it is a convenient choice for a stress-free introduction to Positano and the Amalfi Coast.
Driving and Parking in Positano
Driving along the Amalfi Coast can be beautiful, but it also requires confidence. The road is narrow, winding and busy, especially during July and August.
Traffic is generally more manageable from late September into early October, although weekends and warm sunny days can still be crowded.
Two centrally located paid parking garages include:
- Parking Mandara on Via Pasitea
- Parking Positano Di Gennaro, close to Positano’s pedestrian centre
Reserve your parking in advance whenever possible, particularly during summer and on weekends.
Once your car is parked, you probably will not need it again during your stay. Positano is best explored on foot through its narrow lanes, stairways, shops and waterfront paths.
Just remember that Positano is extremely vertical. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and local buses can help you reach the higher sections of town.
Where to Stay in Positano
Choosing the right location matters more than you might expect. Some properties that appear close to the beach on a map may require guests to climb a long series of stairs.
Before booking, check:
- How many steps lead to the property
- Whether a car can stop near the entrance
- Whether luggage assistance is available
- Whether the room includes the view shown in the photographs
- Whether parking is available
Positano’s pastel-coloured houses cascading down the hillside toward the Mediterranean Sea.
Casa Cinque: Where We Stayed
We stayed at Casa Cinque, and the view alone made it one of the most memorable parts of our Positano experience.
From our private balcony, Positano stretched out in front of us – pastel houses stacked into the cliffside, with the Mediterranean glittering beyond.
Spiaggia Grande, Positano’s main beach, was approximately a 7–10-minute downhill walk from our room. The return journey took slightly longer because it was uphill, but the location was still incredibly convenient.
Positano is famous for its endless staircases, so we were relieved that reaching Casa Cinque did not involve dragging our oversized luggage up and down hundreds of steps. Compared with many properties in town, access felt much more manageable.
Another huge advantage was the covered parking located directly beside the property. We paid €20 per day, which felt incredibly convenient. The last thing we wanted after navigating the winding Amalfi Coast road was to drive around Positano searching for an available parking space.
Once we parked, we did not need the car again because the beach, restaurants, shops and main areas of Positano were all within walking distance.
I highly recommend Casa Cinque if you want:
- A private balcony overlooking Positano
- Easy access to the main beach and town centre
- Fewer stairs than many cliffside properties
- Covered parking beside the accommodation
- A romantic and intimate place to stay
- The experience of waking up inside the postcard
Waking up, opening the balcony and seeing Positano directly in front of us felt completely surreal.
Check availability at Casa Cinque
Hotel Marincanto: A More Luxurious Option
For a more luxurious stay, consider Hotel Marincanto.
Located in the heart of Positano, the hotel is known for its panoramic terraces overlooking the town, coastline and Mediterranean Sea.
The property also offers an infinity pool and private beach access, making it a beautiful choice for a honeymoon, anniversary or special trip.
Many rooms and suites include balconies or terraces, but check the individual room description carefully to make sure you select the view you want.
Choose Hotel Marincanto if you want:
- Sweeping views over Positano and the sea
- A central location
- An infinity pool
- Private beach access
- A romantic and upscale hotel experience
Check availability at Hotel Marincanto
Whichever property you choose, confirm the number of stairs before booking. In Positano, a short distance on a map can still involve a very steep climb.
Positano on a Budget: Where Else to Stay
Positano is undeniably beautiful, but it is also one of the most expensive places to stay on the Amalfi Coast. Hotels, restaurants, parking and beach clubs can all come with premium prices, especially during summer. For a more budget-friendly base, consider staying in:
Praiano – is quieter than Positano, with beautiful coastal views and a more relaxed atmosphere. It can be a good choice for travellers who still want dramatic scenery without being in the centre of the crowds.
Minori – is a small, walkable seaside town with a more local atmosphere and generally better-value accommodation.
Maiori – is known for its long beachfront, flatter streets and larger selection of reasonably priced hotels. It can also be easier for families with strollers or travellers who want to avoid endless stairs.
Sorrento – is not technically on the Amalfi Coast, but it is one of the most practical bases in the region. It has trains, buses, ferries, restaurants and a wider selection of accommodation.
You can visit Positano during the day, then return to a quieter and often less expensive town in the evening.
Should You Stay in Sorrento or Positano?
Stay in Positano if:
- You want to wake up surrounded by the iconic postcard view
- You do not mind paying premium prices for the location
- You are comfortable with steep streets and plenty of stairs
- You want to experience the town early in the morning and after the day-trippers leave
- You are planning a romantic or special-occasion stay
Stay in Sorrento if:
- You want better value for your money
- You prefer flatter and easier-to-navigate streets
- You want convenient train, bus and ferry connections
- You plan to visit several towns along the Amalfi Coast
- You want a larger selection of hotels, shops and restaurants
Positano gives you the full dream experience, but Sorrento is often the more practical choice.
For first-time visitors planning several day trips, Sorrento can make the entire itinerary easier and more affordable.
Getting from Sorrento to Positano
- Ferry: Approximately 40 minutes when seasonal services are operating
- SITA bus: Approximately 50 minutes or longer, depending on traffic
- Private boat: More expensive, but incredibly scenic and memorable way to reach Positano.
- Private transfer: The easiest door-to-door option, particularly when travelling with luggage or young children.
How to Spend One Day in Positano
Begin Above the Town on Via Cristoforo Colombo
Because we were staying in the upper part of Positano, we began our day along Via Cristoforo Colombo before gradually making our way downhill toward Spiaggia Grande.
From this road, you can see Positano’s colourful houses layered across the hillside, with the beach and Mediterranean below. It is a beautiful place to pause and take in the full scale of the town before entering its narrow streets.
Try to visit between approximately 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. for cooler temperatures, softer morning light and fewer people. Once the day-trippers begin to arrive, the area can become extremely busy.
Stop at the Ceramic Shop Viewpoint
As you continue along Via Cristoforo Colombo, you will pass a colourful ceramic display framing another beautiful view over Positano. You have to purchase something before you can use the private terrace for photographs.
We chose not to enter and photographed the ceramics and hillside view from outside instead. The perspective was still magnificent, with the colourful pottery framing Positano’s pastel houses and coastline.
Colourful ceramic display overlooking Positano’s hillside
Stop for Breakfast With a View
After enjoying the morning views, continue through the upper part of town and stop for breakfast at Caffè Positano. Its terrace overlooks the sea and hillside, making it a lovely place to enjoy a cappuccino, pastry or a more substantial breakfast before walking down toward the beach.
Breakfast is currently served from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., but opening hours may change with the season, so check before visiting.
Walk Down to Spiaggia Grande
Continue toward Spiaggia Grande, Positano’s main beach.
The beach sits beneath the colourful hillside and offers the classic Positano atmosphere, with boats arriving, restaurants along the waterfront and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta nearby.
Spiaggia Grande
- The iconic main beach in the centre of town
- A mixture of private beach clubs and a smaller free section
- Very busy by late morning during summer
- Best for atmosphere and the classic Positano view
Walk to Fornillo Beach
Fornillo Beach is approximately a 10-minute coastal walk from Spiaggia Grande. It can feel slightly quieter and more relaxed, although it still becomes busy during peak season. The pedestrian path between the two beaches is beautiful.
Both beaches are pebbled rather than sandy, so water shoes can be helpful.
Visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is one of Positano’s most recognizable landmarks, thanks to its colourful majolica-tiled dome.
Inside, you can see the Byzantine-style Black Madonna icon associated with the town’s history. The church is located close to the beach, making it an easy stop before lunch.
Where to Have Lunch in Positano: Rada Beach or Ristorante Bruno
For lunch beside the water, stop at Rada Beach Bistrot near Spiaggia Grande. Its location makes it an easy choice after a morning spent exploring the beach and the lower part of town. You can enjoy seafood, pasta and Mediterranean-inspired dishes without adding another uphill climb to your itinerary.
The atmosphere feels stylish yet relaxed, with the sea nearby and Positano’s colourful hillside rising behind you. During the busy summer season, reserve a table in advance or arrive before the main lunch rush.
For a completely different experience, head uphill to Ristorante Bruno on Via Cristoforo Colombo. The outdoor tables overlook Positano’s layered hillside, tiled rooftops and the sea beyond, making the view part of the dining experience.
Bruno serves traditional local dishes, including seafood and pasta. We found it reasonably priced by Positano standards, especially considering the panoramic setting. It is a lovely choice when you want to enjoy the famous Positano view from above rather than eating directly beside the beach.
Ask for an outdoor table when booking, as the tables facing the view are naturally the most popular.
Wander the Streets and Browse the Shops
Spend the afternoon exploring Positano’s narrow streets and stairways.
Via dei Mulini and the surrounding lanes are lined with shops selling handmade sandals, ceramics, linen clothing, artwork and local souvenirs. The farther you walk from the busiest waterfront streets, the quieter and more charming the town can feel.
Positano is extremely vertical, and climbing stairs is unavoidable. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time for breaks.
Quiet morning street of Positano
Take a Short Boat Tour Along the Amalfi Coast
One of the best ways to experience Positano is from the water.
A short boat tour gives you a completely different perspective of the cliffs, colourful villages and hidden coves along the Amalfi Coast. Depending on the tour, you may also have time for swimming or snorkelling.
When you only have one day in Positano, choose a shorter coastal cruise rather than a full-day excursion. This will still leave enough time to explore the beaches, streets, shops and viewpoints on foot.
Book Amalfi Coast boat tour from Positano
End Your Day With the Evening Light Over Positano
Whether you are staying overnight or have arranged a later departure, try not to leave Positano before sunset.
As the daylight begins to fade, the sky often turns soft shades of pink and peach, while the pastel-coloured buildings seem to glow against the hillside. It is one of the most beautiful times to experience the town.
Find a panoramic viewpoint, relax beside Spiaggia Grande or stop for sunset drinks at one of Positano’s sea-view terraces.
Il Tridente Cocktail Bar has a panoramic terrace overlooking Positano, while Eden Sky Bar serves cocktails and small bites with beautiful sea views. Caffè Positano is another more casual option for an aperitivo overlooking the town and coastline.
Il Tridente currently requires an online reservation. Opening hours and booking policies at all venues may change with the season, so check directly before visiting.
If you are a day visitor, you should check the time of your final ferry, bus, transfer or organized tour before planning to stay for sunset. If your return schedule allows it, watching the evening light settle over Positano is a wonderful way to end the day.
You can also skip the bars entirely and return to your accommodation. Some of our favourite moments in Positano were spent on our private balcony at Casa Cinque, watching the colours of the town change as daylight faded.
Positano at Sunset
Additional Things to Do in Positano and Around Positano
These experiences are better suited if you are staying overnight in Positano or spending more than one day along the Amalfi Coast.
Optional: Rent a Scooter to Explore the Amalfi Coast
Renting a scooter is a popular way to explore the Amalfi Coast, especially for couples and experienced riders who want more flexibility than buses or organised tours provide.
With a scooter, you can travel beyond Positano, stop at scenic viewpoints and visit nearby coastal towns at your own pace. It can also be easier to find parking for a scooter than for a car, although designated scooter spaces can still fill quickly during the busiest summer months.
However, you do not need to rent a scooter simply to explore Positano itself. The centre of town is best discovered on foot because many of its most beautiful areas are connected by pedestrian lanes, narrow streets and staircases. A scooter is more useful when you want to continue along the coast toward places such as Praiano, Amalfi, Sorrento or other nearby villages.
Scooter rental prices vary according to the season, rental company, model and number of days booked.
For a one-day rental, expect to pay approximately €60–€100 or more. A standard scooter may cost less than a classic Vespa or a more powerful model, and prices can be higher during July and August.
We did not rent a scooter because we were travelling with our 18-month-old son. With a young child, a scooter was not a practical or safe transportation option for us.
However, if it had been just my husband and me, renting a scooter would hands down have been one of the experiences we would have chosen. Riding along the coast, stopping at scenic viewpoints and exploring the neighbouring towns at our own pace would have been an unforgettable way to experience the area.
For families travelling with a baby or young child, I would choose a ferry, private transfer or organised tour instead of a scooter.
Book your scooter rental in Positano here.
Hike the Path of the Gods
The Path of the Gods, or Sentiero degli Dei, is one of Italy’s most famous coastal hikes, offering sweeping views over Positano and the Amalfi Coast.
The classic route: Bomerano → Nocelle
- Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours, depending on your pace and photograph stops
- Difficulty: Moderate – the trail is rocky and uneven, with some exposed sections
- Important: The official trail ends in Nocelle
- Best time: Early morning, before the strongest heat and larger crowds
- What to bring: Supportive shoes, water, sunscreen and a hat
From Nocelle, you can descend approximately 1,700 steps toward Positano or take the local bus.
The staircase can be difficult on the knees, so the bus is a good option when you want to avoid the long descent.
Book a guided Path of the Gods walking tour
Practical Tips for Visiting Positano
Prepare for the Stairs – Positano is built vertically into the cliffside. Expect steep streets and frequent staircases. Wear supportive walking shoes, and ask your hotel whether luggage assistance or porter service is available.
Consider Using a Baby Carrier Instead of a Stroller – A baby carrier is generally much easier than a stroller because of the stairs and uneven walkways. A stroller may still be manageable around the beach level, but it becomes inconvenient when moving between the lower and upper parts of town.
Reserve Parking in Advance – Parking can cost approximately €25–€40 per day or more, depending on the season and garage. Some hotels have arrangements with nearby garages, so ask about parking before you arrive.
Make Restaurant Reservations – Restaurants with panoramic terraces often have the best views, but they can also be expensive and highly sought after. Reserve in advance whenever possible. Restaurants near the beach can feel more relaxed, and the flatter waterfront area may be easier for families with young children.
Visit Outside July and August – July and August bring the largest crowds, highest prices and most intense heat. May, June, September and early October often provide a better balance of warm weather and more manageable crowds. We visited in October and enjoyed pleasant weather and fewer people.
Expect Premium Prices – Positano is not a budget destination. Accommodation, meals, parking, beach clubs and transportation can all be expensive. Booking early and staying in Praiano, Minori, Maiori or Sorrento can help reduce costs.
Experience Positano Early in the Morning – Before approximately 9:00 a.m., Positano feels completely different. The streets are quieter, the light is beautiful and there is more room to enjoy the viewpoints before day-trippers arrive.
