How to Spend 3 Days in Positano

Located on the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast, Positano is an ideal base for discovering coastal villages, the Bay of Naples and the Sorrento Peninsula. Three days gives you time to take it all in, especially if you use tours and day trips to help maximize your time. Here’s how.

Day 1: A Perfect Day in Positano

Positano is best explored on foot, so spend the morning strolling around on a walking tour; peek inside the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and browse shops, art galleries, and cafés. Then, check out the town’s main beach Spiaggia Grande, where you’ll find the most impressive views of the town from below.

For lunch, head to a beachside restaurants to sample the region’s renowned seafood. Afterwards, cool off with a swim in the Mediterranean Sea or rent a kayak or paddleboard. 

Alternatively, foodies can opt for a gastronomic tour of the neighboring Sorrento Peninsula, a culinary hotspot famous for its lemons, mozzarella, and limoncello. As well as tasting locally produced cheeses and olive oils, you’ll get to feast on homemade Italian pizza. 

Day 2: Explore the Amalfi Coast

Hailed as one of Italy’s most impressive coastlines, the Amalfi Coast warrants an entire day of exploration. Set sail on a full-day cruise, which tend to stop at the coastal villages of  Amalfi and Ravello, home to medieval buildings and handicraft shops. You’ll also pass natural wonders such as the cliffs of Fiordo di Furore; visit the Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo); and stop at beaches and coves that are only accessible by boat. 

Alternatively, adventurous travelers can hike the dramatic Path of the Gods route on a hiking tour that reveals some of the area’s best coastal views. 

Back in Positano, head to Music On The Rocks on Spiaggia Grande beach to drink and dance the night away. Carved into cliffs overlooking the ocean, it’s the most famous nightclub on the Amalfi Coast.

Day 3: Visit Ancient Pompeii

Spend your final day visiting the archaeological site of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. For the best value, choose a day trip that includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and visits to other nearby sights. 

Most tours begin with a walk around the Pompeii ruins— highlights of which include the petrified Forum, Thermal Baths, and Teatro Grande amphitheater—and then visit the nearby Herculaneum archaeological site. Some also take in the views of Mt. Vesuvius, the volcano responsible for Pompeii’s demise. 

Another popular addition to a day tour is a boat cruise along the Sorrento Coast, which features swimming and snorkeling stops.