Things to do in Positano

It may sound like rather perverse advice sense but one of the best ways to admire Positano in all it’s beauty is away from it, on a boat in the bay. Positano looks it’s most picturesque when viewed from the water and renting a boat in Positano is definitely something to consider if you’re looking for things to do in Positano.

The view of Positano itself is one reason but there are other compelling reasons to look for a boat rental in Positano.

Positano is a great base in which to explore all the other sights on the Amalfi coast. Hiring a boat is a fun way to see other nearby towns such as Ravello or Amalfi. You could even sail to Capri and explore this beautiful island from the comfort of your own boat as anyone who have ever visited Capri in high season will tell you how large the crowds are waiting for the ferry back to the mainland!

For the more adventurous you could take a longer boat ride to the magical islands of Il Galli.

There are different rental options for different budgets.

It is possible to hire a boat to sail yourself. This gives you complete freedom to do what you want and where to stay but you will need to check with the different operaters whether you require a boating licence.

If you want a more stress free boating experience then you can hire a boat for the full day or half day with your own skipper. Prices depends on the size and quality of the boat but range from small boats to luxury yachts. It’s sometime worth asking your hotel whetgher they can arrange this as some of the more exclusive hotels might have their own sailing yacht available for guests to hire.  

The beaches in Positano are similar to other beaches on and around the Amalfi coast. Due this region of Italy being in a volcanic area then beaches are usually rocky. However, there are some nice stretches of black sandy beaches in Positano and below we list the best ones to visit.

Spiaggia Grande (Marina Grande)

This is the main beach in Positano and impossible to miss if you’re arriving by boat. The cascading and tumbling buildings of Positano appear to lead directly towards this beach.

The first thing you will notice are the lines of umbrellas and sun beds which is a tell tale sign that yes, you will need to pay if you want a sunbed on this beach. The beach club that operates here is called Lido L’Incanto.

Prices to rent a sunbed on the first row, during the high season (June to end of September) are € 45 per person per day. Free wifi access is provided and they also provide a beach catering service although there is also a pizzeria and a snack bar if you prefer to eat away from your sunbed.

Changing rooms and showers are also available for guests.

This beach club also has a more exclusive section known as “Zighy Beach”. This is a section of beach separated away from the main part offering guests designer sunbeds and a more sophisticated and premium beach experience.

There is actually another beach club which is technically “on” Spiaggia Grande called La Scogliera. This is located at the far end of the main beach and is on a rocky outcrop. This is a much more exclusive affair and packages start at € 800 for two sunbeds and an umbrella but this includes bed mattress, towels, entrees, appetisers and a first course as well as a bottle of wine or champagne. Hot and cold showers are available as is a bar and restaurant.

There is a free section of beach open to the public right in the middle of the Spiaggia Grande. There are no sunbeds or umbrellas here and you can throw your towel on the sand and that space is yours but there is no catering service here nor can you reserve a space and during the summer season it can get incredibly busy and crowded here.

One good thing about staying on this Positano beach is that you are close to all the shops, restaurants and bars such as Chez Black or the Fly Lounge Bar.

Fornillo Spiaggia (Beach)

If you prefer somewhere a little less crowded then Fornillo beach is worth checking out. It lies to the west of Marina Grande beach or, if you stand on the main beach of Marina Grande, face the town with your back to the sea then Fornillo beach will be on the left side of where you’re facing. From there it is about a 10-15 minute walk.

A section of this beach is free but, as before, places get taken up quickly in high season. The rest of the beach is controlled by private beach clubs.

At the far end of Fornillo beach is the Pupetto beach club who offers various services and amenities such as lounger and umbrella hire, beach catering, wine and champagne, bar and restaurant and even towels. It is advisable to book your place during the busy tourist season. Prices at Pupetto are pretty reasonable and you can expect to pay around € 107 for two sunbeds, an umbrella, towels and a bottle of wine.

F.Li. Grassi beach club is located close to Pupetto. They offer a free boat shuttle from Spiaggia Grande and provide a premium service with a price to match.

Expect to pay around € 150 per person to secure a lounger on the fourth row. This price includes free wifi, a welcome bottle of wine, two glasses of Prosecco, two lunches, two appetisers as well as your sunbeds, towels and umbrella. It is pricey but this IS Positano!

Da Ferdinando beach club is sandwiched between Pupetto and Grassi beach clubs. They have some of the most reasonable prices of all the beach clubs in Positano but lack some of the amenties the others offer but if you’re after a lounger and umbrella and a few steps away from a restaurant with a view then it’s hard to argue against Da Ferdinando as being an excellent choice. Prices are around € 64 for two sunbeds including umbrella.

Spiaggia Arienzo (Arienzo Beach)

Arienzo beach is a small, secluded beach within it’s own bay. It is probably the most iconic of all Positano beaches and has become something of an Instagram central destination filled with models and influencers. Don’t let that put you off too much as it is popular for a reason……..it’s truly beautiful here!

It’s not particularly easy to get to Arienzo from the centre of Positano and many people elect to take a shuttle boat to access the beach and the Arienzo beach club.

You CAN walk from the centre of Positano but there are LOTS of steps!

One half of the beach is free to the public but doesn’t provide sun beds, umbrellas etc. Just throw your towel on the sand and guard your place with your life!

On the other half of the beach, the Arienzo beach club offers all the services and amenties you would expect from an exclusive beach club but with a premium spin. An increasing number of beach clubs in Positano now only offer “packages” for the day, for example, at Arienzo, a full day pass would include your sunbeds, an umbrella and towels, a two course meal and probably a bottle of champagne. Different packages offer different brands of champagne.

Arienzo charges around € 650 for it’s entry level package so the price gives you an indication as to the type of service you can expect at this Positano beach. There is also Laurito beach, a small sandy beach which is a fair distance away from Positano’s Marina Grande beach and really requires a car or boat journey to get there. 

3. Have a drink with a view

Pretty much ALL of Positano is one stunning view but there are some places where the view is just unparalleled and makes a perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and admire the beauty in front of your eyes.

Some of the best bars with views in Positano belong to some of the swish hotels in the area but not all the great views are exclusive to them.

Positano is a place to explore for yourself. We have no doubt you have probably done some research about the best bars in town but sometimes the simple pleasure of stumbling across an unexpected gem is just as exciting.

4. Hike the Path of the Gods

If you enjoy walking or hiking then the there is a hiking trail along the Amalfi coast, known as Sentiero degli Dei or Path of the Gods.

The trail is a series of old footpaths and mule tracks with the name first having been coined in the 19th Century by an Italian mountaineering enthusiast. Yes, we know, you were hoping that Ulysses was involved in the storyline……….sorry.

The Path of the Gods trail has become remarkably popular over recent years almost to the point that it is recommended to go slightly out of season to avoid the volume of hikers AND the summer heat.

Considered to be a moderately challenging hiking trail it should be manageable for many provided that they take suitable clothing and provisions, water is an absolute must! Due to the heat, numbers of steps to descend and ascend and the often tricky paths then it’s a hiking trail that should not just be taken for granted as being “easy”, for example, don’t attempt it wearing your beach flip flops!

The Path of the Gods trail follows a path from Bomerando di Agerola, a pretty mountain village, equidistant between Amalfi and Positano.

The end of the trail is at Nocelle, just on the outskirts of Positano, although many hikers choose to continue to walk into Positano to extend the hike. If you choose to end the walk in Nocelle then you have the option to reach Positano by public bus or even catch a taxi there.

This particular version of the hike is relatively easy as most of the trail is downhill and depending on your pace then you can complete the hike between 1.5 to 3 hours.

There are a few variations to the trail making it more challenging if you prefer but whichever one you choose be sure to stop from time to time and admire the views as that is really the whole point of walking the Path of the Gods.