2026 Positano Travel Guide
If you’ve ever seen photos, TikToks, and Instagram posts of someone on the Amalfi Coast, they were most likely taken in Positano, a small yet stunningly beautiful village along Italy’s most famous coastline. It might be the perfect vacation destination, whether you’re looking for a honeymoon, an Italian beach getaway, or a little adventure mixed with sweet relaxation. Here's our guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in the Amalfi Coast town of Positano.
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Navigating the Italian Language
Italian is the national language. As a Latin language, some words can be interpreted without prior knowledge of the language. We found most younger people and those who worked in hospitality spoke very good English. The only times there was a lack of communication were with older Italian citizens or those farther outside the main tourist areas. However, you can quickly remedy any language barrier with Google Translate. While you definitely don’t need to know Italian to enjoy Positano, here are a few words that are helpful to know while exploring this city:
Buongiorno - pronounced bwohn-goor-no- means Good day (said before sundown)
Buonasera - pronounced bweh-nah-seh - means Good evening (said after sundown)
Arrivederci - pronounced ah-ree-vah-dehr-chee - means Goodbye
Ciao- pronounced chow - means Casual hello/goodbye (Say only after someone says it to you first; otherwise, use the more formal greetings and goodbyes of buongiorno, buonasera, and arrivederci)
Grazie - pronounced graht-seh - means thank you
The Best Parts of Positano
Nothing can fully prepare you for how breathtaking the sunset views over the cliffs and ocean are from this perspective. Pro tip: walk toward Ristorante Bruno for the best views! A laid-back Italian beach day on a lido. La dolce vita - the sweet life - isn't about running around, checking off every list, and seeing all the sights! Take time to slow down and soak up the sun, sea, spaghetti, and plenty of sorbetto. Positano is the perfect launching pad for nearby day trips. While you need a day or two to explore the town itself, you can easily take day trips to Amalfi, Ravello, Capri, Sorrento, and Ischia.
Attractions & Things To Do on the Amalfi Coast
Positano is incredibly picturesque. Nestled along the Amalfi Coast, this charming destination provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and some of the best Italian seafood. While “walk around and see the town” may not sound like much to do, it certainly is! With the hills, shops, restaurants, and beaches, there is plenty to do in and around Positano.
Start with the water: schedule at least one beach day! We highly recommend renting beach chairs at either the Spiaggia Grande, the main beach, or venturing to the secluded Fornillo Beach, where you can unwind in a more serene setting. Another must-do activity in Positano is wandering its charming streets to shop, eat, and take photos.
The town is full of colorful buildings perched on the cliffside and dotted with gorgeous bougainvillea flowers. Stroll along Via dei Mulini, the main street lined with upscale boutiques, local artisan shops, and cozy cafes. These pathways through town also offer some of the best views! You can’t visit Positano without taking a few day trips to the other beautiful towns along the Amalfi Coast. You must visit the namesake town of Amalfi, as well as nearby Ravello.
These are easy day trips by ferry or bus. And while Capri certainly deserves more than a one-day trip, if you’re staying in Positano for a few days, you need to see Capri for at least a day! From the iconic Blue Grotto to the shops and chair lift in Anacapri, there’s so much to see and do on that beautiful Italian island.
What & Where to Eat in Positano
Who doesn’t love Italian food? Plenty of fresh pasta, pizza, and espresso are everywhere, and the seafood is absolutely spectacular. Few foodie moments are better than enjoying freshly caught fish with an ocean view! Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in the famous lemon-infused specialties, such as the delicious lemon risotto at Il Capitano, a charming restaurant overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Amalfi Coast.
For an upscale dining experience, head to La Sponda, a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant tucked within the luxurious Le Sirenuse hotel, where you can savor exquisite regional cuisine with breathtaking views. For a more relaxed vibe, head to Chez Black, a beachside trattoria serving classic Italian dishes since 1949. Their spaghetti alle vongole, made with freshly caught clams, is a must-try.
LIMONCELLO - this potent pour of lemon liquor is incredibly delicious! The Amalfi Coast produces enormous, flavorful lemons that make this often homemade goodness. Order it as a shot (but don't shoot it! Sip it!) or as a spritz.
COSTA D'AMALFI BIANCO - locally made white wine. You'll find acres of wineries dotted along the Amalfi Coast, so make sure to order a glass with dinner!
APEROL SPRITZ - the iconic cocktail of Italians during aperitivo (happy hour); we're pretty sure it's impossible to have a bad Aperol Spritz in Italy.
ESPRESSO - need a caffeinated pick-me-up? You won't see Italians sipping on large coffees. Instead, the typical way to order coffee in Positano is to walk into a bar (not like the bars in the States!) and order an espresso or doppio espresso (double espresso) to sip on quickly while standing at the counter.
PROSCIUTTO E MELONE literally translates to "prosciutto (cantaloupe)” (cantaloupe). It's a simple appetizer dish, and while the idea sounds off-putting at first, we promise it's SO good!
SEAFOOD - Sounds generic, but it's the best thing to order! Ask the wait staff what the catch of the day is and enjoy the freshest fish imaginable.
GELATO - a no-brainer, nothing beats relaxing with a gelato in hand. Need it dairy-free? Order a sorbetto (sorbet). For tips on ordering the best gelato, check out our essential tips you need to know before visiting Italy.
Money Matters in the Amalfi Coast
Italy uses the euro. If you're wondering if you should bring cash or a card, the answer is yes - both! You'll almost always need cash for purchases under $30. I recommend using a currency converter app to check the exchange rate when you go. This tool was also helpful when visiting smaller markets and asking the vendor, "How much?" (quanto? in Italian) They can type the number into the app like a calculator, and you can easily see the conversion rate there.