The Best Beaches in Positano Italy (and Beach Clubs) - UPDATED 2024
Visiting the beaches in Positano and along the Amalfi Coast is one of the best Positano things to do. Depending on how many days you have in town, I’d plan to spend at least one full day at one of the options below, if not more!
I started visiting Positano way back in 2015. It was mid July, and the weather that year was abnormally hot. When we first arrived at Dimora del Podesta, Elia, one of the brothers who runs it and has since become a friend of mine, asked us our Positano itinerary.
We were on a month long trip visiting more cities and towns than I can remember, so our plans were more or less to play it by ear. The first thing I remember him saying is: you will go to Fornillo Beach. It is the more local beach, not the tourist-packed one you saw when you arrived.
Since then I’ve made friends with many locals, some that I still keep in touch with almost daily. One big benefit of those friendships is that even on years I’m not able to make it to Positano, I’m still able to get all the best Positano info to share with y’all from people who know it better than anyone else!
As far as beaches in Positano go, there are many different options you can pick between. Whether you’re looking for a free, mellow day at the beach, a luxurious, once in a lifetime day at Positano’s most iconic VIP spot, or a bit of a party — there is a Positano Italy beach for everyone!
So here are the best beaches (and beach clubs) in Positano:
Have plans to visit Capri too? Don’t miss our guide to the best beaches in Capri (and beach clubs in Capri)!
— How to get to Positano
— Where to stay in Positano
— What to do in Positano
— The best restaurants in Positano
— The best beaches + beach clubs in Positano
The Best Beaches in Positano (and Positano Beach Clubs)
Amalfi Coast Beach Clubs — What Are They + How do They Work?
If you are new to the beach club concept you might be wondering how do beach clubs in Italy work? Beaches are a big business in Italy. While the seafront in Italy is technically public property, the majority of it is managed by private businesses.
In some popular beach towns, up to 90% of the coast is not free to spend a day on. Instead, they’re covered in umbrellas, sun lounger, changing rooms, toilets, showers, restaurants, and more — all costing money to use.
It also means you can expect a clean, well-maintained spot to spend the day at! And it helps keep Italy’s tourism sector alive and well.
I’m sure you’ve seen photos of various beach towns in Italy with perfectly lined up, picturesque rows of sunbeds and matching umbrellas. That’s a beach club!
The name “beach club” might be a bit misleading if you are new to Italy. It can mean a range of things — from a simple beach with a sunbed you must pay money to lay on to something more reminiscent of a typical club, just on a beach. They can also vary greatly in level of luxury.
In general, you should expect to always have to pay for any beach beautifully lined with sunbeds and umbrellas. The closer to the first row (nearest the sea) you are, the more you will pay. If you want an umbrella in addition to the sunbed, it usually requires an additional fee. It’s a beautiful part of Italian culture!
Beaches in Positano
The town of Positano has four beaches in total: Positano Spiaggia Grande (Marina Grande Beach), Fornillo Beach, Arienzo Beach, and Laurito Beach.
Positano Spiaggia Grande/Marina Grande Beach (beach of many, many names) is the famous Positano beach you see in all the photos. It’s located right in the center town, adjacent Positano’s port, and is by far the busiest spot in all of Positano.
Fornillo Beach, also reachable by foot from town, is located to the left of the main beach. It’s a much less chaatic and far more enjoyable alternative to the main Positano beach.
Located further outside of town, not within walking distance but reachable by boat, is Arienzo Beach and Laurito Beach.
One important thing to note is that the majority of Amalfi Coast beaches are not sand. Instead, they are rocky, so shoes are a must. Click here for the ones I recommend buying.
Whatever you bring, do make sure the sole is quite thick, otherwise you will be able to feel the pebbles and rocks below your feet. Ouch!
The ones I recommend are great for walking on the beach and the sea, while still being cute! That way they’re versatile enough to wear anywhere. If you’re like me and try to pack as lightly as possible, that is a must. Click here for the beach shoes I recommend.
While the Positano beaches are accessible year round, the beach clubs Positano has are generally open from May to October (along with most things in Positano). July and August, considered peak tourist season, are always the craziest so be sure to make reservations if that’s when you’ll be visiting Positano.
Are Beaches in Positano Free?
Each Positano beach does have a small free section, but the majority of each beach in Positano requires payment to enjoy. In general, anytime you see an area with sunbeds and umbrellas, that costs money to use.
But again, it also means you can expect a clean, well-maintained spot to spend the day at, usually with access to showers, changing rooms, toilets, and other perks! And it helps support the tourism industry in Italy.
Beach Club Positano
Looking for the best Positano beach club? The five Positano beach clubs I recommend visiting are: La Scogliera Positano, Da Ferdinando Beach Club, Laurito Beach Club (formally Treville Beach Club), Da Adolfo, and Arienzo Beach Club. There is also One Fire Beach Club in nearby Praiano, easily accessible to those staying in Positano, so I always include it in my beach club Positano lists.
Below we’ll go over each of the beaches in Positano, including more detailed information on each beach club Positano.
The Best Positano Beach Club
But what is the best Positano beach club? Each Positano beach club I recommend is great, it just depends on what you’re looking for.
For a quick comparison of all the Positano beach clubs I recommend — to help you determine which is best for you personally — watch this video:
If I really had to pick which Positano beach club is the best, I’d say my top two Positano beach club recommendations are Da Ferdinando and Arienzo Beach Club. If you have two days available in your Positano itinerary to spend at the beach, I recommend going to both of them.
They are two of the best Positano beach clubs and offer much different vibes, with Da Ferdinando being a more laidback, local spot, and Arienzo being an upscale and glamorous Positano hotspot. You can find more detailed information on both below!
HOW MUCH IS A BEACH BED IN POSITANO?
The cost to reserve a beach bed in Positano varies greatly from beach club to beach club. It also usually varies within each Positano beach club, depending on time of year (July and August being the most expensive) and sun bed location (the closer the sun bed row is to the beach, the more expensive the rental).
The price of a beach bed in Positano in 2023 starts at €30 per person and can be as high as €600+. Keep reading for detailed pricing information for each Positano beach club I recommend.
DO YOU NEED TO BOOK BEACH CLUB IN POSITANO?
Positano tourism in 2023 is far and beyond record breaking, and it’s only June! In general you should try to make reservations for pretty much everything on your Positano itinerary, including the Positano beach clubs.
Click here to watch a quick video about making reservations at the beach clubs in Positano.
Booking your desired beach club in Positano is especially important during high season. High season in Positano (and the Amalfi Coast in general) includes the months of July and August. You can expect most if not all of the Positano beach clubs to fully sell out during these months.
However, because 2023 Amalfi Coast visitor numbers are reaching unprecedented levels, I would recommend making beach club reservations outside of those months as well. Otherwise you definitely run the risk of not being able to spend the day at your desired beach club Positano.
How to book each beach club in Positano varies from beach club to beach club. Detailed information on how to make reservations at each Positano beach club I recommend visiting can be found below.
CAN YOU WALK TO THE BEACHES IN POSITANO?
From the center of Positano, you can walk to both the main Positano beach (Positano Spiaggia Grande) and Fornillo Beach. Laurito Beach and Arienzo Beach are located outside of town, down Amalfi Drive towards Amalfi, and are accessible via boat shuttle. More information on that below.
Click here to watch a quick video about walking to the Positano beaches.
Spiaggia Grande Positano (Marina Grande Beach)
Spiaggia Grande, also known as Marina Grande Beach Positano or Positano Spiaggia, is the main Positano beach. It’s also the largest, hence the name! And easily the most famous and recognizable beach Positano has.
Click here to watch a quick video about which Positano beach clubs have the famous Positano view.
Located in the center of town, if you arrive or leave Positano via boat at any time this is most likely where you’ll depart from. The Positano port where Amalfi Coast ferries and cruise ships drop off tens of thousands of people visiting Positano as a day trip every single day is located here. Most Amalfi Coast boat tours and Capri boat tours depart from here as well.
You can get to Positano Spiaggia Grande by heading towards the water on foot, just below the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
At Positano Spiaggia Grande there is a small free area without umbrellas and sunbeds. During the peak summer months it gets very busy so be sure to arrive early if that’s where you want to spend the day.
As you see, the majority of the main Positano beach is lined with umbrellas and sunbeds and therefore requires payment to enjoy. Prices vary depending on time of year and your placement on the beach, but you can expect to pay 60-80 euros at Lido L’Incanto for two sunbeds.
While I very much recommend every other Positano beach club over this one, if you really want to spend the day here, click here to reserve your spot.
Location — Spiaggia Grande Positano (the main Positano beach)
How to get here from Positano — walk
2023 Pricing — for two beds: €70-80 for row one, €60-70 for row two and beyond. Single beds cannot be booked, only pairs
2024 Pricing — TBD (not yet released)
How to reserve your spot — to make reservations at Lido L'Incanto, click here
One good thing about Positano Spiaggia Grande is that it’s lined with a string of restaurants, instead of just one or two like some of the others. Most of them are not great — eating here is like going to New York City and hanging out and eating in Times Square — but there are a few decent options.
Where to eat at Marina Grande Beach Positano:
RADA BEACH BISTROT — A high-end Italian restaurant at the end of the beach, offering the best views of the beach and Positano.
CHEZ BLACK — A very popular restaurant, ran by the same folks that own Music on the Rocks! One of the biggest tourist hotspots.
FLY LOUNGE BAR — For drinks. It’s above my favorite Music on the Rocks and also offers a beautiful view of the main beach.
This area is also popular at night. Many of my local friends gather down here, visit some of the bars, and hangout prior to heading to the club (Music on the Rocks).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Of all the beaches in Positano, this is by far my least favorite. It makes for great photos, but it’s the tourist hotspot of Positano and is an area I would never, ever go prior to sunset.
The Positano port where ferries and cruise ships drop off 37,000+ people per day that are visiting Positano for a few hours from Sorrento and other neighboring towns is located at this beach. Of course, if you pay to access a beach club those people are not able to enter unless they are also paying customers, but the whole area is still incredibly overwhelming and — to be frank — a total nightmare in my opinion.
Plus it’s just simply not worth spending the day there just for the photos when there are far better beach club options and equally amazing photo opps in more enjoyable locations. For more info on where I recommend going for the same view instead, click here.
Photos via La Scogliera
La Scogliera Beach Club
If you do want to spend the day soaking up the sun in this area, I recommend La Scogliera. La Scogliera Positano calls themselves a beach resort but it’s more or less an upscale beach club on the far side of Positano Spiaggia Grande. The most glamorous beach club Positano has.
One of my local friend says it is considered the most iconic spot in town, where all the VIPs go. I have not personally been yet!
Location — Spiaggia Grande Positano (the main Positano beach)
How to get here from Positano — walk
2023 Pricing — prices start at €200 for two beds
2024 Pricing — prices start at €250 for two beds
How to reserve your spot — to make reservations at La Scogliera, click here
Pricing for sunbed rentals at La Scogliera starts at 200 euros for two beds and go up to 500 euros. They sell out like wildfire so reserve your spot ASAP! The photos speak for themselves in my opinion. For more info and to reserve your spot, click here.
Fornillo Beach
The second Positano Italy beach is Fornillo Beach. Fornillo is the only other Positano beach that you can reach by foot from the center of Positano. If you want something walkable from town and on the more mellow side, this is the best beach in Positano for you.
Fornillo Beach is a favorite amongst locals and wanna-be locals like myself. It’s smaller and much calmer than the main beach, especially because most visitors aren’t even aware it exists. Until I started posting viral TikTok videos about it, that is! (Sorry, local friends)
Speaking of which, here’s an quick intro to my favorite Positano beach, Fornillo Beach:
If you’re looking at a map of Positano, the main Positano beach (the famous beach in Positano) is located in the bottom right. In the bottom left of any Positano map, you will find Fornillo Beach.
HOW TO GET TO FORNILLO BEACH
Getting to Fornillo Beach in Positano is as simple as can be because all you have to do is walk there! From Spiaggia Grande/Marina Grande Beach it’s a quick ten minute walk along the coast. If you’re up in town there are a few different routes via stairs, so I’d recommend a quick Google walking search to help you find the most direct route.
Sometimes Google Maps can be incredibly inaccurate in Positano though, so be careful. If you get stuck and need directions, click here for my custom Positano beach club map guide. It includes walking directions to Fornillo Beach from both the main Positano beach and the top of town.
I personally recommend taking the route from the top of town, as the walk down to the beach is absolutely beautiful the entire way. Click here to see for yourself!
Walking back up into town from Fornillo Beach can be quite difficult, so you might want to instead take the path over to the main beach and navigate from there instead. It’s a far less steep incline over there, plus you can always hop on a bus or try to hunt down a taxi once you reach the street.
DO YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR FORNILLO BEACH?
As mentioned, each Positano beach has a small free area, including Fornillo Beach. The free area operates on a first come, first served basis so you are not guaranteed a spot. Because the majority of Amalfi Coast beaches are rocks/pebbles instead of nice sand, it can be quite uncomfortable to lay directly on them (as required in the free area due to lack of sunbeds).
Instead, I highly recommend giving the wonderful people at Da Ferdinando Beach Club your time and money.
Side note: do people wear water shoes in Positano? Only if you want to be able to walk on the beach without burning or slicing open your feet :) Click here for the ones I recommend buying.
HOW MUCH ARE SUNBEDS ON FORNILLO BEACH?
Positano’s Fornillo Beach is home to many different beach clubs you can rent a spot to spend the day at. Sunbed prices will vary greatly depending on time of year, which row you want to be in, etc., as well as by beach club, but you can expect to pay around 30-40 euros per person.
Da Ferdinando Beach Club
Of all the Fornillo Beach beach clubs, Da Ferdinando is by far my favorite. It’s actually probably my favorite Positano beach club period. I have spent at least one day with them every time I have visited Positano and I highly recommend you do the same! I would never go to Positano and not go to Da Ferdinando.
Da Ferdinando has been around since 1953 and is both restaurant and beach club. Like so many of my favorite places in Positano, it is a family-run establishment, opened by Ferdinando and now run by his children and grandchildren.
There’s even an adorable dog, Chica, that you’ll usually see running around Da Ferdinando! Even more reason to love it, in my humble, dog loving opinion.
The Da Ferdinando restaurant is amazing and is my number one lunch recommendation on Fornillo Beach. They offer breakfast as well, which I have not yet tried but is on my list for next visit! All things Da Ferdinando are amazing so I have no doubt their breakfast is as well.
Even if you don’t want to rent a sun bed or spend the day at a beach club I recommend dining at Da Ferdinando. You do not have to be a guest of their beach club in order to dine at their restaurant.
And because they have the best food and drinks on Fornillo Beach it makes sense to spend your entire Fornillo Beach day with them — including your sun bed rentals!
Location — Fornillo Beach
How to get here from Positano — walk (see map below for directions if needed)
2023 Pricing — €35-40 for row one, €30 for row two and beyond
2024 Pricing — prices start at €35 per person
How to reserve your spot — to make reservations at Da Ferdinando, click here
Sun bed rental pricing at Da Ferdinando Beach Club varies by row and time of year. During peak season (July and August), the first row is €40 and everything from row two and beyond is €30. Outside of peak season, row one is €35 and row two and beyond is €30.
You can reserve your spot online by clicking here. Note that you must show up by noon, otherwise they cannot guarantee your reservation! If you cannot arrive by noon, I recommend going without a reservation.
In addition to the restaurant and beach club, Da Ferdinando also offers boat rentals (both with or without a captain), along with canoe rentals. They also have a great shop you can buy merch at! I love my Da Ferdinando shirts.
Laurito Beach
Laurito Beach is a small beach towards Praiano and Amalfi. If you’re staying way out at Il San Pietro di Positano or somewhere near it you can walk, otherwise you’re going to want to take a boat here.
As usual, there is a small free area here. If you’re looking for a free beach, I’d not recommend this one though, due to the fact that you’ll need to take a boat here.
Instead I recommend one of two Laurito Beach options, both of which include a free boat service from the Marina Grande in Positano:
Laurito Beach Club
Da Adolfo
Laurito Beach Club (TREVILLE BEACH CLUB)
Laurito Beach Club (formally Treville Beach Club) is a beach club brought to you by the wonderful Villa Treville. It’s open daily from 10am to 7pm, with boat shuttles leaving Positano every hour. The ride takes just five minutes.
Location — Laurito Beach
How to get here from Positano — via free boat shuttle from the main Positano pier (must have a reservation)
2023 Pricing — €120 for row one, €100 for row two and beyond
2024 Pricing — TBD (not yet released)
How to reserve your spot — to make reservations at Laurito Beach Club, email beachclub@villatreville.com or call +39 089 811580
Pricing at Laurito Beach Club is €120 per person for the first row and €100 per person for row two and beyond. Each booking includes a sunbed, umbrella, towel, shower and changing room access, a welcome cocktail, and shuttle boat service from the main Positano beach.
Reservations are required. You can reach them via email at beachclub@villatreville.com or by phone at +39 089 811580.
Their restaurant (seen above) is stunningly beautiful and sounds great based on the reviews. They also have eight rooms available here if you want to stay the night.
DA ADOLFO
Want to eat fresh seafood on the beach at one of the Amalfi Coast’s most iconic spots? Enter option number two: Da Adolfo. Da Adolfo is a famous seafood restaurant at Laurito Beach, available via free boat shuttle! It’s a can’t miss type of thing while visiting Positano.
Location — Laurito Beach
How to get here from Positano — via free boat shuttle from the main Positano pier (must have a reservation)
2023 Pricing —
How to reserve your spot — to make reservations at Da Adolfo, call +39 089875022
The Da Adolfo boat leaves the main Positano pier hourly from 10am to 1pm. Look for the boat with the red fish reading “Da Adolfo”. If you have any trouble, ask literally anyone for help — everyone knows Da Adolfo! Do note that the boat is available only for restaurant guests.
Once off the boat you can not only eat your delicious seafood, but they also offer beach services. You can book a beach bed, umbrella, use the showers, toilets, and changing rooms, and visit the bar.
You must make reservations by phone at +39 089875022. Do not email or DM them for reservations! It is very popular so don’t forget to reserve your spot.
If you’re looking for the best experience possible, Da Adolfo is definitely it!
Photos via @arienzobeachclubpositano IG
Arienzo Beach
Last but certainly not least is Arienzo Beach. Like Laurito, Arienzo is located a bit outside of town so your best bet is to arrive via boat (they have a free shuttle). You can arrive via car, but that will mean you have to walk up and down 300 steps to and from the beach. Up to you though!
Like all of the other beaches in Positano Italy, Arienzo has a small free area, along with some private (paid) sections. I recommend checking out the beach club!
Arienzo Beach Club Positano
Arienzo Beach Club is a popular and well known Positano beach club, probably THE most popular and well known. When it comes to the best beach clubs in Positano, Arienzo makes the top of the list! You likely recognize their iconic orange umbrellas and chairs from Instagram.
Location — Arienzo Beach
How to get here from Positano — via free boat shuttle from the main Positano pier (must have a reservation)
2024 Pricing — prices start at €175 and can be as much as €630+ per person during peak season
How to reserve your spot — to make reservations at Arienzo Beach Club, click here
Open at 10am, they offer free shuttle boat service every 30 minutes from 10 to 1pm. Look for the boat reading “Arienzo” with a blue and yellow compass rose!
The shuttle service back to Positano starts at 3:45pm and runs until late afternoon.
You can book your spot at Arienzo Beach Club Positano online by clicking here. There are tons of different package options, all of which seem to include at least a sunbed, towel, umbrella, bottle of water, a few menu items, espresso or limoncello, and dessert. Yum.
As always, the closer the row you choose to the sea, the more expensive. At Arienzo though, the better the row, the better the experience as well! Meaning it includes more items, such as a champagne welcome glass. A luxurious beach clubs Positano experience!
During peak season, the most basic package is €153. Keep in mind that includes a long list of things (three courses of food and three drinks - one alcoholic, plus all the beach items) so it’s honestly a steal of a deal if you ask me.
The Bagni Arienzo Bistro Bar/Arienzo Beach Club Positano Restaurant comes so highly recommended that even my local friend included it on his short list of lunch suggestions. That’s basically the highest form of compliment as far as I’m concerned.
If you’re looking for something more on the lively and busy side, I would choose Arienzo Beach over the choices at Laurito Beach.
DO YOU HAVE TO BOOK ARIENZO BEACH CLUB?
Yes! Positano tourism in 2023 is at a record high and Arienzo Beach Club is one of the most sought after spots in all of Positano. You absolutely must reserve your spot here, especially if you are visiting Positano in July or August.
You can book your spot at Arienzo Beach Club Positano online by clicking here.
CAN YOU WALK TO ARIENZO BEACH CLUB?
You cannot walk to Arienzo Beach Club from the center of Positano, as Arienzo Beach is located well outside the city center. Instead, you can get there from the main Positano beach via free shuttle boat (see above).
However, if you find yourself in the area of Arienzo (outside of Positano, down Amalfi Drive towards Amalfi), you are able to walk down the beach. It will take you about three hundred stairs to get there and it will be less convenient than the free boat shuttle, but it is possible!
Gavitella Beach (praiano)
One Fire Beach Club
One more great option when it comes to Amalfi Coast beach clubs is One Fire Beach Club in Praiano. Praiano is not Positano, of course, but it’s the town directly next to it so it’s easily accessible and not far.
Location — Gavitella Beach in Praiano
How to get here from Positano — via free boat shuttle from the main Positano pier (must have a reservation)
2023 Pricing — €65 for row one, €40 for row two and beyond
2024 Pricing — TBD (not yet released)
How to reserve your spot — email Maria at onefirebeach@gmail.com or message (WhatsApp) or call her at +39 338 3508555
One Fire Beach Club is located at Gavitella Beach. It is open from 10am to 7pm. For your reservation it is important that you arrive before 1pm, after which your reservation will no longer be valid.
How to get to One Fire Beach Club: free boat shuttle! As with the other options above, this is your best bet. The boat shuttle from Positano to One Fire Beach Club leaves from the main pier at 11am and 1pm, returning at 5:30 and 6:30.
You can also drive to Praiano and then walk down on foot. The trail to get down starts at the church of San Gennaro and includes a 400-step staircase!
Of all the options I would say One Fire is the most club-like. Club meaning what you traditionally think of when you hear the word club (i.e. loud music, a party, etc.). Everyday at 4:30 they have something called “Melon Time” You can see videos of it on their Instagram.
For sunbed pricing, the first row is 65 euros per person, and the others are 40. In addition to the sunbeds you will also have access to changing rooms, bathrooms, and showers. Note that it does not include a beach towel — you must bring your own of buy one from them.
They have a full menu with sandwiches, salads, and some traditional Italian options, in addition to cocktails, spirits, wine, and more.
To reserve your spot, email Maria at onefirebeach@gmail.com or message (WhatsApp) or call her at +39 338 3508555.
Other Amalfi Coast Beaches
If you want to venture outside of the beaches in Positano, there’s also a huge variety of beaches in each of the neighboring Amalfi Coast towns. Seen above in order of appearance are:
Marina di Praia in Praiano
Spiaggia di Atrani in Atrani
Fiordo di Furore in Furore
Marina Grande in Amalfi
Fiordo di Furore is one of the coolest places in the Amalfi Coast, in my opinion! It’s amazing to see even if it’s just a quick visit via boat. The easiest way to do so is by hiring a private boat tour to take you along the coast for the day. Click here for the one I recommend.
Another way I very highly recommend is via scooter. I make sure to do both whenever I’m in town — see the coast via boat from the water and via scooter. Each is a totally different experience. Click here for the scooter tour I recommend.
If you prefer to rent a scooter instead of getting a tour, that is possible as well. Click here to book your private rental.
Positano Beach Map
Make sure to save this custom Google map I made for you of the beach Positano + the best Positano beach clubs for your trip!
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