FIND YOUR WAY IN POSITANO
The first visit to Positano is a step into an unreal landscape. As you make your way around the bending road that leads to the city, the visual spectacle laid out before you forces you to reevaluate just how beautiful a city can be. With that said, planning a visit requires a lot of research. Finding the easiest way to get there, the best time of year to visit, the food that you can’t miss, the beaches tucked away from the crowds—this destination requires more research than you’d expect. Which is why we’ve put together this outline so you can discover what makes Positano so incredible.
GETTING TO KNOW POSITANO
The Location: In terms of regionality, Positano is a part of the Amalfi Coast. A collection of towns along the coast of the Salerno Coast.
The Walk: Getting around Positano is pretty simple—you walk. You walk a lot. Lots of changes in elevation give you plenty of opportunity to walk off all the food and wine you’ll be consuming. If you’re trying to check out Amalfi (the city), Ravello, or any other nearby town, it’s just a quick cab ride away.
The Language: Learning the basics in whatever country you’re in is just good manners. "Thank You", "Sorry, do you speak English?"; "Please"; "I’ll order..." The basics. With that said, Positano is a big vacation spot, so most businesses, restaurants, and locals will be easy to communicate with.
The Tourists: The entire Amalfi coast reaches its busiest around July and August. It’s pretty easy to escape the crowds by hiring a boat to explore beaches and coves or set out on a hike in the mountains. Our preference is to visit in late September. The crowds have died down a bit, while the weather still hasn’t cooled too much.
The Money: Italy operates on the Euro. For your stay in Positano, be sure to have cash on hand as some of the mom-and-pop shops do not take cards. Big-ticket items will most likely have a card option, but the smaller shops may not.
The Beaches: The beaches of the Amalfi Coast are some of the most beautiful places in the world. When you’re checking them out, be sure to carry cash or a beach towel with you. Beach chairs are typically available, but usually at a hefty price (20–50 euros per chair).
ARRIVAL
Involving almost every form of transportation, getting to Positano can be cumbersome. If it’s the first leg of a trip, you’ll typically fly into Rome or Naples. From Rome, you’ll hop on a train to Naples, which gives you some time to decompress from the flight. Once in Naples, hiring a private car is your best bet for a stress-free ride into Positano. Rent a car or jump on a bus at your own risk; the roads are narrow and locals have a unique driving style that does not gel well with the faint of heart.
We use positanotravelling for our car service, and the drivers are very knowledgeable of the area, which serves as a great introduction to the Coast. From Naples to Positano, the rates hover around 100 euros each way (tip not included), and it’s well worth it. Transit times run between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on traffic jams along the single-lane road winding along the cliffside.
FOOD & DRINK
The natural beauty of Positano is evident in nearly every aspect of town life. The food and drink are no exception, using simple ingredients to create dishes that reflect how life is lived along the Amalfi Coast. Fresh fish paired with fresh vegetables paired with fresh desserts made with fresh fruits—are you seeing a pattern here?
Casa E Bottega: Delicious breakfast dishes that sit lighter than you would expect from most Italian foods, paired with what is still the best juices we’ve ever had.
Da Adolfo Beach Club: Catch the boat with the red fish sign and get treated to fresh meals made from fish caught earlier that day. Word of advice, when making your reservation, be sure to book a few beach chairs ahead of time; they go quick.
Collina Bakery: Perfect for a quick bite before diving into Positano or hitting the beach. Grab a shot of limoncello (which originated along the Amalfi Coast) or binge on Italian baked goods.
Casa Mele: Some of the finer and more modern fare that Positano has to offer. And it does not disappoint. Refined dishes paired nicely with an intimate setting. Be sure to book ahead.
Franco’s Bar: Drop in for a Negroni night cap or camp out for some of the best views in Positano while enjoying an Aperol Spritz, all complimented by a laidback atmosphere.
Anywhere on the beach: Grab a beach chair at any beach, and there will most likely be some sort of drinks service. Order a bottle of white wine, sit back, and watch the waves roll in over the smooth, stoned coastline.
VISIT CAPRI
One of the great things about Positano is that it’s central to so much worth seeing along the Amalfi Coast. Ravello, Amalfi, Pompei—the options available are plenty. Our favorite? Capri. Just an hour-long ferry ride away, exploring the island of Capri will leave you stunned and amazed. The colorful beauty of the island grottos, the drastic changes in elevation, the beaches that appear out of jagged cliff faces, the jaw-dropping resident spaces—there’s so much to see on this tiny island. Ferry tickets can be purchased on the harbor of the main beach in Positano. Ticket prices vary from 15 to 23 euros, with rides departing about three times a day.
GET LOST
We suggest this in any new city, but it’s especially true with Positano. With the drastic changes in elevation, wandering around the city allows you to see the city from a bigger point of view without sacrificing the little details that define it. Climb a new staircase and you may find a family-run limoncello shop that’s currently in its 6th generation of ownership. Take a wrong turn and discover a tiny wine shop that offers tastings that result in shipping an entire case back home. If you have the time, make mistakes, get lost, and find something new and exciting.
