Things to do in Positano

Itineraries for Your Trip to Positano

Positano locals share their perfect days.
Find your Positano

1 Day in Positano for First Timers

Curated by Zoë SmithZoë Smith is a British travel writer, editor, and digital content creator who has lived, worked, and traveled over six continents, and is currently based near Nantes, France. She has written for Rough Guides, CNN, and Culture Trip, and is digital editor at FrenchEntrée.

Whether you’re making your way along the Amalfi Coast or visiting on a day trip from nearby Naples, the colorful seaside town of Positano promises to enchant you. One day is just enough time to explore the town, sample local cuisine, and admire the coastal views. Here’s how to make the most of one day in Positano.


Morning

Positano’s cobbled streets lend themselves well to walking tours, which help you navigate the maze of lanes and provide tailored tips on where to eat, drink. Most tours follow the main street of Viale Pasitea as it winds up the hillside and visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta

After your tour, spend an hour browsing boutiques, art galleries, and cafés before heading down to the seaside, where the Spiaggia Grande beach is the ideal spot to cool off with a swim; this is also a great spot to photograph the town from below.

Afternoon

The Amalfi Coast and the neighboring Sorrento Peninsula are both renowned for their cuisine, so it’s worth devoting an afternoon to regional produce. Whether you join a food tasting tour, take a cooking class, or enjoy wine tasting at a local winery, food lovers will find plenty to get excited about in Positano. Must-try dishes include fresh seafood, ndunderi (a local variety of gnocchi), and Treccia mozzarella, which is best accompanied by a glass of Tramonti wine and followed by delizia al limone, a dessert made with lemons from Sorrento. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of limoncello (lemon liqueur) as a souvenir.

Night

You can’t visit Positano without admiring the Amalfi Coast from afar; for time-pressed travelers, a boat cruise is the best way to get unobstructed views of the UNESCO-listed landscapes. Views of Positano, Amalfi, and the Li Galli islands are most magical during sunset, when numerous evening cruises set sail from Positano Port. Opt for a romantic Champagne cruise on a private boat or join a lively catamaran excursion.

Back in Positano, there’s still time for a cocktail at one of the beachside bars, or you could head to Music On The Rocks, a nightclub that’s carved into the rocks on the seafront.

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