Positano may well be one of the most beautiful, yet misleading destinations in the world. A single photo will have you bewitched and obsessed… a fact made abundantly clear by the thousands of visitors who flock there for special occasions each year, from proposals and honeymoons to otherwise once-in-a-lifetime vacations.

But as visitors soon learn the hard way, the pretty photos only tell a fraction of the story. While undeniably stunning, Positano can be crowded, expensive, and lacking in things to do. Plus, the side effect of those dramatic cliffs and winding house-lined paths? Stairs. A truly shocking number of stairs.

All that said, I’m not actually a Positano hater. I just want you to have the right expectations before you go, because more often than not, with the wrong expectations in Positano comes disappointment… which is a shame, given that this seaside town has one important redeeming factor: it’s stunning. Even more so than the photos depict!

So if you’re happy to pay a premium to ogle some of the most beautiful views in the world, then read on. In this post, I’ll be sharing a (small, but mighty) list of things to do in Positano that’s full of honest takes & opinions that I hope will set you on the right path to enjoying the town properly.

… Sorry, hope I haven’t scared you off too much.

1. Get the perfect Positano view

Okay, this is going to sound absurd, but honestly the very best thing to do in Positano… is stare at it.

After all, the aesthetic is why you’re here. The cliffside houses, the crashing waves, the vibrant sea stretching farther than even your travel budget… this place is ridiculously beautiful and you’re gonna want to photograph it from every possible angle.

(If your goal is cultural immersion, excellent dining or historic museums however, I’d advise choosing another destination)

Now in spite of my lukewarm intro, I did enjoy my visit to Positano for a simple reason: sure it was crowded, sure it was frightfully expensive, and sure there wasn’t much to actually do there besides spend money… but honestly all these cons melted away as soon as I saw its postcard-perfect coastline for the first time. It’s seared into memory still as probably one of the prettiest views I’ve ever seen. 

So, yes. The number one thing to do in Positano? Admire the views. To save you some time, here are some the best viewpoints:

• Fotopoint Positano: There’s an observation deck here designed to give you incredible views over Positano from way up high on the western side.
• Via Cristoforo Columbo: The further up this street you walk the better the views get, there are some cute little cafés where you can sit and look at the views for as long as you like! Having a drink at Franco’s Bar will also reward you with stunning views without the price tag of staying at the La Sirenuse Hotel.
• Viale Pasitea: On the opposite side of Positano is another road that rewards you with epic views as you ascend.
• From the water: Positano is also gorgeous when seen from the water, either as you arrive by ferry or just by walking to the ferry dock or main beach and looking back up.

2. Walk the Path of the Gods

With a name this dramatic, you know it’s good…

And truly, if you’re up for a bit of exercise, bumbling along the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is a Positano must-do.

This scenic trail offers breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and leads you through fragrant lemon groves and charming hillside villages.

Most people do this hike by starting in Bomerano and hiking through Nocelle to Positano. You can also start from Positano, but it is an easier hike going in the other direction as it’s more downhill (and then you get to finish in Positano!).

If you do want to hike from Positano though, just be prepared to go up about 500 meters and also have to tackle a LOT of stairs. It’s doable if you’re pretty fit and leave early before it gets too hot. Check out this guide for all the details you need to do the hike, including a picture of the elevation from Positano!

Not feeling confident doing it on your own? You can even book a guided walk along the path like this one.

3. Enjoy a cooking class

One of the main complaints that Positano haters will repeat is that the whole town feels like a tourist trap, with overpriced souvenirs and restaurants around every corner.

I have a great antidote for both these issues – book yourself a local cooking class!

Not only does this guarantee a lovingly prepared local meal (thereby thwarting crappy tourist trap restaurants), it also provides you with the best souvenir of all: the ability to replicate local dishes once you get home.

There are a few different options for this in Positano, like this one that’s conveniently located in town or this premium one that includes a boat ride and cooking lessons overlooking the sea in Praiano.

4. Whizz around on a Vespa

For those with raging main character syndrome, one of the most iconic things to do in Positano is exploring the Amalfi Coast by Vespa.

Whether you were inspired by Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday or Tanya McQuoid in The White Lotus, zooming through beautiful Italian landscapes on the iconic Italian scooter is a bucket-list experience for many. You’ll be living La Dolce Vita (the sweet life) before you know it!

NOTE: The winding roads along the coast here are notoriously narrow and difficult to navigate for the inexperienced, so it’d be in your best interest to book a guided tour like this one.

5. Enjoy a boat tour

Or, for a more leisurely experience on the coast, you can consider booking one of the many, many boat tours that are available from Positano.

The Amalfi Coast is just as, if not more, beautiful when seen from the water, and you’ll definitely feel like a movie star as you sail along between the pretty towns – without all the sweating involved if you were to hike!

And what better way to escape the crowds than literally fleeing out to sea? This full day tour even includes a swimming stop, along with the chance to explore the Emerald Grotto and spend time exploring the town of Amalfi.

6. Enjoy an epic sunset

If you’re tired of me recommending pretty views, too bad – I have a final recommendation for you. Make sure you never miss a sunset during your time in Positano. Many of the nice viewing spots above will be especially magical at sunset, or if you want, you can even watch sunset from a boat tour like this one.

7. Drink your weight in Limoncello

Aside from glorious views, the most famous thing that the Amalfi Coast is known for its probably its gigantic baseball-sized lemons, so, it’s only right that while you visit Positano, you savour some local flavours with a taste of Limoncello, a zesty local lemon liqueur.

Limoncello is everywhere in Positano, so it’s tough to escape it. Whether enjoying samples at a souvenir shop, sipping on one after a nice long lunch, or visiting a family-owned limoncello factory to learn about the traditional production process, one of the best things to do is enjoy as MUCH limoncello as you can. Trust me, you’ll be dreaming of it for years to come.

If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can even book a tour like this one from Positano that allows you to make your own!

8. Laze on the beach

While commonly touted as a beach destination, I honestly wouldn’t come to Positano just to get your tan on. Sure it looks pretty in photos but the beaches here are rather small and rocky, so you should adjust your expectations accordingly. Positano is not where you want to go if you want soft sandy beaches.

Also beware that while there are small public parts of each beach that are free, all the pretty photos you’ve seen of perfect sun beds/umbrellas belong to beach clubs… which – you guessed it, come at an extra cost and can even sometimes sell out in peak season.

So, just a fair warning in case you want to beach it up during your time in Positano. Make sure you research beach clubs and come prepared with water shoes like these (sexy, I know).

Positano’s main four beaches are:

• Spiaggia Grande: The most popular one you see in all the photos! It’s a paid beach with sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent, accessible by descending around 300 steps from the town center.
• Fornillo Beach: Fornillo Beach is a scenic and less crowded alternative to Spiaggia Grande in Positano, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s a paid beach with sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent, accessible by walking along a picturesque coastal path or descending approximately 300 steps from the town center.
• Laurito Beach: Laurito Beach is a secluded and intimate cove nestled along the Amalfi Coast, offering a tranquil escape from the crowds of Positano. It’s a paid beach with limited facilities, accessible by descending approximately 400 steps from the main road or arriving by boat.
• Arienzo Beach: Arienzo Beach is a pristine and secluded stretch of coastline located a short distance from Positano. It’s a paid beach with sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent, accessible by descending about 300 steps from the main road or arriving by boat.

9. Splurge on a luxurious terrace experience

As you’ve probably gathered by now, Positano is by no means a cheap destination. There’s a reason why it’s a go-to for proposals and honeymoons alike.

That’s also why (if budget permits), one of the best things to do in Positano is to splurge on a gorgeous terrace meal overlooking the town’s iconic views.

Here are some popular picks:

• La Sponda Restaurant at Le Sirenuse: Restaurant at a luxurious hotel with stunning views and probably the most famous terrace in Positano, guaranteed to add touch of glamour to your visit…… and leave you mildly bankrupt.
• Il Tridente at Hotel Poseidon: Il Tridente’s terrace also offers some incredible views over Positano, along with delicious meals including a vegetarian menu.
• Maestro’s at Villa Treville: You’ll be in good company at Maestro’s as apparently Franco Zeffirelli (director of the 1968 Romeo & Juliet film) used to bring guests to dine here and why wouldn’t he? Fresh local ingredients and dreamy views from the sheltered terrace.
• Adamo ed Eva at Hotel Eden Roc: The food and décor is very modern here, perfect if you’re looking for something a little more chic or quirky. Of course, the views are just as stunning too.

10. Step inside the Church of Santa Maria Assunta

There aren’t a ton of actual attractions to visit in Positano, but the main one would be the iconic Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the prominent dome-topped church that frequently stars in Positano’s postcards.

Sure, it’s not as grand as some of the other churches you’ll find in Italy, but a highlight is a 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary, along with various frescoes, paintings, and religious artwork depicting scenes from her life. The interior of the church is also adorned with beautiful majolica-tiled domes, featuring intricate designs and vibrant colors.

If you want to escape the heat for a while, this is a great bet.

11. Visit the Roman Villa

One of the most unique things you can do in Positano is visit the remains of a Roman Villa… that’s located underneath the Church of Santa Maria Assunta!

Also known as MAR – Museo Archeologico Romano Positano, it’s believed that this villa was buried by the same volcanic eruption that destroyed Pompeii in 79 AD. Even back then the Amalfi Coast was a holiday destination, so this villa was probably the holiday home for a rich Roman family.

You can only visit via a guided tour, but it’s really incredible to see how well preserved the colorful mosaics are, along with all the artefacts and items that were found during the restoration process. Check opening times and ticket prices here.

NOTE: The entrance to MAR is actually behind the church’s bell tower, the square tower out the front in the picture below, rather than from within the church.

12. Book an archaeological walking tour

Looking for some nerdier things to do in Positano? Don’t worry – this town isn’t all resorts and pricey terraces.

If the preserved Roman Villa isn’t quite enough history for you then you could also join this walking tour which visits lots of secret spots in Positano’s Old Town and includes guided entry to MAR as well. Other highlights include seeing a 13th-century fort, exploring lots of local shops and art galleries.

You’ll also get to spend some time on both the main beaches of Positano, along with the best walking routes to get there and other sights you’d only find with a local showing you the way.

13. Shop til you drop

If you’re into breezy, cute and stylish resort wear, I have some bad news.

You are going to spend a LOT of money in Positano.

Fully embracing its unmatched aesthetic, the town has become pretty well known for its local fashions too, from breezy linens and handmade sandals to chic resort wear, the boutiques here are very much a fashionista’s dream come true.

… But your wallet’s nightmare as well, undeniably.

Due to its compact size, it won’t be hard for you to find Positano’s most glamorous boutiques, but Via Cristoforo Colombo is a good place to start.

14. Visit other spots along the Amalfi Coast

Of course, Positano isn’t the only beautiful place to see along the Amalfi Coast, so if time permits, make sure you explore more of the surrounding coastline as well.

NOTE: Transportation can be a bit of a nightmare in this region, especially in peak season if you’re relying on public transport like buses and ferries. If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, hopping along the coast probably isn’t a good idea unless you’re going with a boat tour like this one.

To the west, there’s Sorrento, which is nice, but admittedly more full of hotels than actual interesting sights.

Within an hour drive east of Positano, you’ll also find the following places:

• Montepertuso: Perched above Positano, known for its rustic charm and spectacular views
• Praiano: A coastal town located between Positano and Amalfi, known for its scenic beauty, picturesque coastline, and relaxed atmosphere
• Fiordo di Furore: A stunning fjord-like inlet surrounded by dramatic cliffs. An ideal spot for swimming, diving, and admiring the natural beauty.
• Amalfi: Situated to the east of Positano, approximately a 30-minute drive away. Renowned for its rich history, medieval architecture, and stunning seaside setting, Amalfi is also famous for its iconic Duomo di Sant’Andrea
• Ravello: Located inland from Positano and reachable by a scenic drive or bus ride. Known for its breathtaking views, historic villas, and lush gardens
• Minori: A short drive from Positano, with well-preserved ancient Roman ruins, including beautiful frescoes and mosaics
• Maiori: Famous for being one of the largest and most popular beach towns on the Amalfi Coast, with a long sandy beach and charming seafront promenade

15. Head out to Capri by boat

Whether you’re interested in natural beauty, history, shopping, or simply relaxing by the sea, the island of Capri has something for everyone to enjoy.

Best of all, you can take a ferry from Positano to Capri or join a full-day boat trip if you want time to experience everything Capri has to offer! The tour includes lots of stops along the way to admire natural landmarks such as Marvelous Grotto, the White Grotto, the Green Grotto, the Natural Arch, and the Faraglioni rocks.

You’ll also have opportunities for swimming or snorkelling in the azure waters, as well as a few hours free time to explore the island by yourself.

16. Do a day trip out to Pompeii

Finally, if you’ve based yourself in Positano then you could also do a day trip to see the incredible preserved ruins of Pompeii, since they’re only about 20 kilometers away (as the bird flies). This same eruption also buried the Roman Villa of Positano as I mentioned before.

Visiting Pompeii is like stepping into a time machine and being whisked back to ancient Rome. It’s not just a bunch of old ruins; it’s a living, breathing snapshot of daily life nearly 2,000 years ago. It’s a must-visit for history buffs and adventure seekers, plus its’s less than an hour’s drive from Positano.

You can also join a guided tour of Pompeii from Positano if you don’t fancy trying to figure out transport yourself.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Positano?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Positano activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂