If you’ve ever seen photos, TikToks, and Instagram posts of someone in the Amalfi Coast, they were most likely taken in Positano, a small yet stunningly beautiful village along Italy’s most famous coastline.  It might just be the perfect vacation destination whether you’re looking for the perfect honeymoon destination, an Italian beach getaway, or a little bit of adventure mixed with sweet relaxation. Here’s our guide on the best things to do, see, and experience in the Amalfi Coast town of Positano.

Navigating the Language

Italian is the national language. As a Latin language, some words might be able to be interpreted without previous knowledge of the language. We found most younger people and those who worked in hospitality spoke very good English. The only times where there was a lack of communication were among older Italian citizens or those further outside of the main tourist areas.

However, any language barrier can always be quickly remedied by using 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: 

The Best Parts of Positano

Attractions & Things To Do

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” doesn’t seem like much to do, it certainly is! With the hills, shops, restaurants, and beaches, there is plenty to do in and around Positano.

Starting with the water, you have to 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 to wander through 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 simply must visit the namesake, the 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? Not only is there plenty of fresh pasta, pizza, and espresso to go around, the seafood is absolutely spectacular. There’s rarely foodie moments better than enjoying fresh caught fish with a view of the ocean! 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, make your way to La Sponda, a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant tucked within the luxurious Le Sirenuse hotel, where you can savor exquisite regional cuisine accompanied by breathtaking views. For a little more relaxed vibe, head over to Chez Black, a beachside trattoria that has been serving classic Italian dishes since 1949. Their spaghetti alle vongole, prepared with freshly caught clams, is an absolute must-try.

Food & Drinks to Order

• LIMONCELLO – this potent pour of lemon liquor is incredibly delicious! The Amalfi Coast produces enormous and flavorful lemons which go to make the 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 and melon (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 watch the catch of the day is an enjoy the freshest fish imaginable.
• GELATO – a no-brainer, nothing beats relaxing along the Arno river 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.

Where to Stay in Positano

While there are plenty of vacation rentals and hotels to choose from, we know you want nothing but the best in this romantic destination. After several visits and scoping out the best areas and properties, we’ve curated a list of the best places to stay for 2-4 nights in Positano, Italy. Here are a sample of our top picks:

Le Sirenuse

5-star upscale hotel with elegant rooms, phenomenal service, and the best views

4-star hotel with spacious rooms and an incredible infinity pool with a view of the town

Hotel Miramare

4-star hotel centrally located with incredible staff, cozy rooms, and stunning sea views

How to Get To & Around Positano

Because getting to Positano can be a bit confusing, we wrote an entire blog dedicated to getting to Positano. Make sure to read that well before booking your stay! Once you get to Positano, get your walking shoes on! The only ideal way to navigate the town itself is by foot. Many areas of the town are blocked off to cars anyway. If you’d like to visit other towns around the Amalfi Coast, the best way to get around is by ferry, hired boat, or private driver.

Money Matters

Italy uses the euro. If you’re wondering if you should bring cash or card, the answer is yes – both! You’ll almost always need cash for purchases of less than $30. I recommend using my favorite 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 conversation rate there. 

A helpful note about taking out foreign currency in cash: 

• The best practice (and cheapest) for having cash on hand in a new country is to go to your bank 5-10 business days before your trip and ask them for the new currency. Depending on your bank, this transaction will either be free or just a few dollars.
• If you’re like us and realize the airplane tires hit foreign soil that we forgot to do this, then find an ATM to take out euros in cash! Yes, you can do this even with an international debit card and even some credit cards. There will typically be a small transaction fee along with the exchange rate. It’s still cheaper to take out cash this way than to go to a money exchange or Western Union.