Best Things to do in Positano

There are so many things to see and do in Positano that it is impossible to do them all. And if you're not careful, it's easy to spend all your time eating ice cream and doing nothing else. That's why in this post you'll find those activities and places you can't miss on your itinerary.

Whether you decide to relax in its coves, go trekking along the Path of the Gods or visit the little Pompeii of Positano, beyond the places flooded with tourists, contrast the hidden but equally beautiful sides so you can savour its nuances and enjoy the eternal Italian crib. Write it all down for your next visit to the Amalfi Coast.

When you visit the beaches of Positano, you will be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful seaside resorts in Italy, hence the Amalfi Coast.

Spiaggia Grande, located in the centre of town, has beautiful views. It is undoubtedly the most famous and most visited. For a more authentic experience, I recommend taking the Sentiero degli Innamorati**(Lovers' Path**), which starts at the harbour and skirts a rocky outcrop before reaching Fornillo beach. This beach is popular with locals because it is quieter than Spiaggia Grande and easier to reach by sea or on foot.

You can reach Fornillo by boat from Bagni d'Arienzo if you book sun loungers and umbrellas there or have lunch at its restaurant. You can also walk along the road (about 15 minutes) and climb the stairs to get to the beach.

If you feel like kayaking, you can rent a kayak in Spiaggia Grande or Fornillo and reach smaller resorts that are only accessible by sea such as the beaches of La Porta, Arienzo and San Pietro Laurito. Here is more information about excursions to the Amalfi Coast from Positano.

Positano boat tours allow you to explore this dream destination by sailing through its marine treasures. Knowing that this Amalfi Coast town is well known for its beaches, coves, grottoes and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, can you think of a better way to visit?

The boat trips are really special. You can explore the surroundings and the coast itself in private or in a group from the comfort of a boat, with time to snorkel, swim or simply enjoy a prosecco or limoncello on deck. The perspective from the sea is completely different and is one of the most popular things to do in Positano.

There are boat trips to suit all tastes. The most popular excursions are to Amalfi and Capri, although there are also some that take you to Naples from Positano. And you can choose from:

• Day trips and see Positano, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast or relax in a single destination such as the coast.
• Midday excursions, to explore an area like Capri directly.
• Sunset excursions, ideal to let the romance of the south of Italy take over.

Positano is a jewel of the Amalfi Coast, and its beauty is worth enjoying with one of the city tours. As a seaside town, the harbour is a good starting point to begin the tour through the network of narrow streets and its stairways branching off in all directions.

In front of the harbour, after seeing the competition in number of boats and umbrellas, you will see the dome of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta below the multicoloured houses spread out on the cliffs. The view is truly picture postcard!

You can then continue along Cristoforo Colombo to the main square along a path where shops selling handicrafts, handmade ceramics, linen clothes, boutiques and souvenirs of all kinds line the route.

You can then begin to climb the stairs and ramps that connect the overlapping streets while the scent of flowers and citrus fruits reminds you of the town's signature scent.

You then stroll through the liveliest areas of Positano, passing through the Chiesa Nuova neighbourhood towards the main square, Piazza dei Mulini, where most of the restaurants and cosy cafés overlooking the coast are located. From here you can admire Playa Grande, lapped by the crystal clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the sweet lemon slush kiosks.

Carla's Tip

There is no tourist bus in Positano, however, minibuses run every hour (in summer every 30 minutes) so you can tour the 12 districts for about €2 which you can pay when you get on the bus.

With its Byzantine dome, ancient history and imposing structure, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is undoubtedly **Positano'**s most famous building. The majolica tiles on its exterior stand out in such a way that the common imagination can easily picture what Positano looks like. Inside, however, lies the true beauty of the church: the winged cherubs and the columns with gold-covered Ionic capitals are nothing to envy.

Although popular belief links the birth of this church to a miracle linked to an icon from Byzantium, historically it is closely linked to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria Assunta. The abbey enjoyed a golden age until around the 15th century, when it was abandoned. Finally, in 1783, after many years of closure, it was reopened to the faithful.

Today, this church is divided into three naves with five arches along each aisle, a total of ten arches! Along one side there are several chapels: the Chapel of San Nicola di Bari, where you can see an 18th century crib with shepherds; the Chapel of San Vito, which houses an important 16th century reliquary from Naples; and other chapels, like the Annunciation and the Crucifix.

Interesting details

• Address: Piazza Flavio Gioia, Positano SA.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 09.30 am to 12.00 noon and from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

If you visit Positano in 3 days or more, there is one thing you cannot miss: the Path of the Gods. This route was once the only way to travel between the villages of the Amalfi Coast.

The Path of the Gods is steeped in mythological history. It is named after Odysseus, who made it his mission to escape from the Sirens with the help of the Greek deities who caught up with him along the way (and turned into rocks when they were no longer needed).

The path runs from Positano to Agerola, specifically from Nocelle di Positano to Bomerano. It stretches for 9 kilometres and the route is of medium-low difficulty level, it takes about 4-5 hours to walk it, depending on the breaks.

The trail is not too demanding. You can go at your own pace and stop whenever you want to enjoy the views of the coast and Capri - they are breathtaking!

Carla's Tip

If you walk from Agerola to Positano you will be walking downhill. You'll be facing the views of the Amalfi coast and Capri.

Most people know or have heard of Pompeii on the shores of the Gulf of Naples, but did you know that in Positano there is a little Pompeii?

This is MAR, the Roman Archaeological Museum of Positano, better known as the Roman Villa of Positano is a kind of little Pompeii. It rests at the foot of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and is the most recent treasure of the place.

It was discovered by Karl Weber in 1758, who referred to the exquisite frescoes in the villa ever since, yet no one knew that the paintings were just below the main church of Positano. How could it have gone unnoticed?

The village was buried after the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. The eruptive plume rose to an incredible height, surpassing the Lattari mountain range. The eruption was followed by a torrent of rain and mudslides that covered the Roman Villa of Positano. Roofs and attics collapsed and columns shifted, while mud filled every space until it was buried 11 metres underground.

After ten years of excavation and restoration, the villa was reopened to visitors in 2010. The excavation is still partial, but many artefacts have already been found at this depth, and more may be discovered in time!

Interesting details

• Address: Piazza Flavio Gioia, 7, Positano, SA.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday

Between April and October from 09:00 to 21:00. Between November and March from 10:00 to 16:00.

When you think of Positano, you picture its beautiful beaches, cafes and breathtaking views, the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine, limoncello and some seafood. But what if I told you that at sunset it transforms and presents two interesting and extremely different versions?

If you visit the town during the day, you enjoy the panoramic views that make this town on the Amalfi Coast such a beautiful place. The stunning scenery of the town attracts an incredible crowd of people and fascinates with its natural beauty.

But if you visit Positano at night, something magical happens. The lights start to come on, and the urban nativity scene comes to life, magic floats in the air and presents a playful imprint that seduces visitors with its new atmosphere. It's as if you're in a completely different country.

The best way to experience this magical city at night is to have an aperitif from one of its most beautiful rooftops such as those offered at the famous Music on the Rocks Club (literally carved into the rock overlooking the sea). These are just some of the ways to enjoy Positano's unique nightlife.

Positano is a town that has always been famous for its unique style, beautiful scenery and charming people. But did you know that shopping in Positano is also an experience?

The town is known for its high quality linen clothes, geometric plays, use of vibrant colours and contemporary combinations. This is home to some of Italy's best shops such as La Bottega di Brunella, Ceramica Casola and CeramicaAssunta.

Theodora is another great option if you are looking for linen clothes and scarves. And if you are looking for unique custom-made sandals? You've come to the right place: Positano is known for its sandal shops. Always different and unique designs that allow you to make particular combinations according to your personal taste!

And don't forget the handmade ceramics. It is one of the oldest art forms in Positano, and there are many shops selling vases, lamps, sets of plates.... anything you can think of! Finally, remember to bring the authentic limoncello (a traditional lemon liqueur).

It's hard to resist the charms of the humble lemon. No wonder this little fruit has become a symbol of the Amalfi coast. Lemon trees have been grown here since the Middle Ages, when monasteries were built and monks began creating terraces to gain land for cultivation.

And when you visit this region in southern Italy, you will know that their importance lies not only in the beauty of their plantations but also in their constant presence in Positano cuisine.

The lemons grown in the area are special: large and thick-skinned, they can be eaten raw as a refreshing summer snack - yes, lemon peels are edible! - or used for sweets and desserts such as lemon delights or your typical**"granita al limone**" or lemon granita. But the best known is limoncello, a sweet liqueur made from lemon peels with export quality. To taste this or other typical liqueurs of the region you can also sign up for one of the city's wine tours.

In Positano, as part of the Amalfi Coast, you will find the**"limoneti" - the lemon terraces -**scattered all over the area. You are welcome to the paradise of lemons!

When in Positano, it's not enough to just stroll around the centre of town. The best way to experience the true beauty of this place is to get away from the city chaos. Explore its surroundings, wander through an ancient landscape untouched by modern development and you get that right above the town, trekking in Montepertuso and Nocelle, the two fractions of Positano.

Trekking lovers will find several options among which stand out:

• In Montepertuso. The path to "il buco", the large natural hollow of the mountain that gives its name to this hamlet. This is a medium level hiking route.
• In Nocelle. A place so peaceful and breathtaking that it is one of the best places in the world to practice yoga according to National Geographic.

In addition to doing yoga or following the Path of the Gods, regular trekkers can do the Monte Catiello - Paipo route. From the Crucifix, the road to Paipo leads up Monte Tre Calli to Capo Muro, the starting point to Monte Catiello or Caldara, a high level trekking route that includes a rocky ascent. At the top, the prize is the best views of the two gulfs of Naples and Salerno with the coast of Sorrento and Capri.

Sounds good, doesn't it? Don't wait any longer, book your flight, check airport transfers so you don't waste time and enjoy the beautiful town of Positano.