8 Things You Absolutely Cannot Miss in Positano Italy
Heading to the Amalfi Coast and looking for the best things to do in Positano or wondering what to do in Amalfi Coast? In the off chance that you are not tired of hearing about my undying love for Positano Italy, I’m back for the latest edition of 8 Things You Absolutely Cannot Miss!
Because I find those “100 things to do in [enter popular destination name]” posts to be terribly unhelpful, I started this series as a way to help y’all narrow down your likely long list of things to do in some of my favorite places. Because you want a helpful Positano travel guide not just a list of everything you could do there, right?! Right.
For those of you who are new here, ciao! My name is Christie (click here if you want to stalk my Instagram) and I started visiting Positano in the summer of 2015. It was an unusually hot summer that year and it was a girls trip. There were four of us. I instantly fell madly in love with basically everything Positano and the Amalfi Coast towns have to offer — the dramatic landscapes, the food, and especially the people.
Right off the bat I developed close friendships with some incredibly lovely people who were born and raised in Positano. Seven years later I still keep in touch with many of them, some on an almost daily basis, and even travel to other cities to meet up with them.
But most of all I return to Positano as often as I can because no matter how many times I visit it is never enough. As John Steinbeck says, “Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone”. And bites deep it does!
One of the many perks of having close local friends is that even on years I’m not able to make it back to Positano, I have direct access to all of the best Positano info. Info that I can then relay back to you all! So basically you have close local Positano friends now, too.
And who knows better about the best things to do in Positano than a handful of people born and raised there? No one!
So, of all the things there are to do in the world’s most beautiful town, Positano Italia, and the things to do in Amalfi Coast, here are 8 things you cannot miss:
The below information covers all the best things to do in Positano, including some high level information on things like where to eat and drink, some of my favorite hotels, etc. In addition to that info, I have many other comprehensive and dedicated posts to help you plan your Positano trip. Everything you could ever need to know, really!
Don’t miss where to stay in Positano, how to get to Positano, the best restaurants in Positano, and the best beaches in Positano (and beach clubs).
— 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
A quick note before we start — when you book your transportation, accommodations, activities, and more through the links on my site, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This is what helps keep the site running and allows me to take the time researching, visiting, and sharing my recommendations with you! I really appreciate you supporting me by booking and buying everything via my links.
The Best Things to do in Positano Italy:
What to do in Positano first — Amalfi Coast Day Tour
One of the first things I do in any town I visit is go on a tour. If you read pretty much any article on my site, this is almost always my first recommendation. And Positano is no different, it is my first thing to do in Positano!
The Amalfi Coast is a collection of 13 towns, most of which I recommend visiting. The reason I recommend doing an Amalfi Coast day tour first thing is because there’s a chance you’re going to see something you love and want to spend more time seeing. If you do on your first day, you’re more likely to have the time to go back to those places in more detail before you leave.
To tour the Amalfi Coast, you have some different options: via boat, via scooter, or via car; private, shared, or self-guided. I have recommendations for all of the above, including:
VIA BOAT:
Shared (small group) boat tour or shared (small group) boat tour or shared (small group) boat tour
Private sunset boat tour or private sunset boat tour (if first is sold out)
VIA SCOOTER:
Guided scooter tour (my #1 recommendation)
VIA CAR:
Private tour (includes Sorrento) or private tour (no Sorrento)
We’ll cover some of those recommendations in more detail below, too!
Not staying in Positano? No worries (although I do very highly recommend it).
For a list of all the different Amalfi Coast boat tours and rentals I recommend (departing from various towns), click here.
For a list of all the Amalfi Coast scooter tours and rentals + car tours I recommend (departing from various towns), click here.
1. Scooter Ride Around the Amalfi Coast
First up on the list of things to do in Positano Italy is my personal favorite: a scooter ride around the coast. I very highly recommend staying in Positano while visiting the Amalfi Coast, but also recommend you spend some time exploring the other Amalfi Coast towns during your trip! Because one of the best things to do in Amalfi Coast is to actually see the Amalfi Coast.
The absolute best way to do so is via scooter. It is one of the most magical Positano activities. There is nothing like zipping around the world’s most beautiful coastline without windows, a car frame, or anything else blocking your view.
Click here to see the latest prices and reserve your spot!
I spent years (literally) looking for a good scooter tour option to recommend for you guys. After years of no luck, I reached out to a company I saw online that had great reviews for their existing tours. I boldly asked them to add a scooter tour option that specifically starts in Positano and includes all of the places I would personally include. They were kind enough to do so, so now there’s a scooter tour that goes to all of my recommended places! Click here to see the latest prices and reserve your spot.
If you aren’t familiar with GetYourGuide already, when you book activities through them you can cancel any booking up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund. No additional fees, no questions asked. There’s no risk if you need to cancel, so I highly recommend booking everything - scooter tour included - now to be on the safe side.
Fun fact: that scooter tour I had them create is now the 5th most popular activity on GetYourGuide in the Amalfi Coast! It’s an absolute hit.
The day I spent riding around the Amalfi Coast was truly one of the best days of my life and one I will remember forever. It is my highest recommendation in towns of Amalfi Coast things to do.
Want to give yourself your own tour? No problem! Click here to book your private scooter rental.
FYI — to drive your own scooter you will need an international drivers license. It’s pretty painless to get and lasts for a year so it’s worth the trouble in my opinion.
If you do give yourself your own tour, here is a guide to all of the Amalfi Coast towns I recommend you visit (along with an Amalfi Coast map).
Are you staying somewhere other than Positano? No worries, I have plenty of recommendations for scooter tours and scooter rentals from other towns like Sorrento, Naples, Amalfi, and Ravello. Click here for that information.
Don’t want to be on a scooter at all? There are also great Amalfi Coast tour options via car! Both private and shared (small group) tours are available from Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento, Naples, Ravello, Salerno, Rome, and more! Click here for the Amalfi Coast car tours I recommend.
2. Stay at (or at least visit) Hotel Poseidon
When I ask myself what to do in Positano Italy today, I often end up here. Hotel Poseidon Positano is a stunning family-run, 4-star hotel in the heart of town and one of the best places to stay in Positano. It’s not just one of the best Positano hotels but it also happens to be one of my very favorite Positano places in general. If you are looking for the perfect Positano hotel to stay at, this is it. It’s very popular and tends to book up quickly, so make sure to reserve it as early as possible if you are interested.
Click here to check availability and reserve your spot.
If you aren’t able to stay at Hotel Poseidon I still recommend visiting it, as it is one of my personal favorite things to do in Positano Italy! The view from the hotel’s terrace is one of the most amazing views in Positano. On the terrace is their wonderful Positano restaurant, Il Tridente, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner using only local ingredients. It’s also the most perfect place to grab a cocktail and watch the sunset.
In addition to Il Tridente, the terrace is also home to Hotel Poseidon’s pool. If you’re looking for Positano hotels with pool, need to escape the crowds or need a beach alternative, this is your spot! Access is free for hotel guests but as a non-guest you can pay a fee to access. I did this not once but twice while in town once and it was worth every penny! When it comes to Positano Italy hotels - you really cannot beat Hotel Poseidon.
Click here to check availability and reserve your spot.
If you are looking for a more inexpensive place to stay, check out Dimora del Podesta. I stayed there during my first visit to Positano and it is pure magic - I cannot recommend it enough. It too is ran by the sweetest local family and every single person I’ve sent (and there have been MANY) has loved it just as much as I do.
Or Stay at (or at Least Visit) Le Sirenuse
Also at the top of my list of what to see in Positano is Le Sirenuse. If you want to step it up a notch (from 4 star to 5 star), Le Sirenuse is the best of the best. It’s an iconic hotel with tons to offer.
If you’re able to stay here, I highly recommend it. Click here to check prices and availability.
If you’re not able to stay here, I still recommend visiting.
Their mediterranean restaurant La Sponda is great for dinner. They use fresh, local ingredients in the most beautiful venue. It’s hard to get into so you should book a reservation on their site prior to your arrival. Click here for more info on La Sponda.
You truly can’t beat it. Click here to book your stay!
For more information on where to stay, visit our detailed post on where to stay in Positano.
For a list of affordable options that are highly rated, click here.
3. Enjoy A Sunset Aperitivo
In terms of what to do in Positano for a day, you cannot miss skip this. Aperitivo is to Italians as happy hour is to Americans! Specifically, it’s a pre-dinner drink. The perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring, have a little snack, watch the sunset, and kill sometime before dinner.
Here’s where I recommend going for your sunset aperitivo:
Aldo’s Cocktail Bar and Seafood Grill (Via Cristoforo Colombo, 30) at Le Sirenuse is a great place to grab a sunset aperitivo at. It has one of the best views in town and is the perfect way to kick off your Amalfi Coast holiday. Due to its popularity, I would strongly suggest making reservations in advance here.
Also nearby, don’t miss Franco’s Bar (Via Cristoforo Colombo, 30). Franco’s Bar is a beautiful bar with an old-fashioned, quality-first drinks menu and one of the best views in town! It’s a popular spot even for locals — it’s many of my local friend’s favorite places.
Reservations are not permitted, as it is first-come, first-served. Show up early! We arrived about 20 minutes before opening and still had to wait in line for over an hour.
Click here to watch a quick video of my night at Franco’s Bar!
FLY Lounge Bar (Via Grotte dell'Incanto, 51), located above my favorite Music on the Rocks (more on that below), is another good option. Offering arguably the best views of the main beach and mixologist-crafted cocktails, it’s open everyday from sunset to 2am. If not for an aperitivo, stop by on your way to Music on the Rocks!
Li Galli Bistro (Via Cristoforo Colombo, 207) has one of the best views in Positano, similar to Aldo’s and Franco’s, but in a more casual space. It’s my local friend’s (born and raised in Positano) first choice for an aperitivo in Positano. If this is full, there’s also Ristorante Bruno just down the road.
If you’re looking for something beautiful during the day, O’RO Sky Terrace (Viale Pasitea, 318) at Hotel Villa Franca has an amazing view and great drinks according to one of my local friends!
For something on the more casual side, try Sky Bar (Via G. Marconi, 110) at the Eden Roc Hotel or Le Petit Murat (Via dei Mulini, 23) at Hotel Palazzo Murat.
For more detailed information, additional photos, + additional restaurant and bar recommendations, click here for the best restaurants in Positano.
Prefer to catch the sunset from a boat? A Positano sunset boat tour is a brilliant idea! Click here for the sunset boat cruise I recommend!
4. Dance the night away at Music on the Rocks
Of all the Positano Italy things to do, Music on the Rocks is the best nightlife option. This is especially for you if you are looking for unique things to do in the Amalfi Coast!
Any of you that know me in real life will likely be a bit surprised by this one since I almost always prefer a night in and rarely will you ever find me at a club. Unless in Positano, that is!
Music on the Rocks is a club in a cave (or a “disco” as the locals call it) and it is SO MUCH FUN. If you’re wondering what to do in Positano at night, this is basically your only option in terms of true nightlife (aside from very chill bars). It’s one of the most unique things to see in Positano, in my opinion.
I don’t know what it is exactly that makes me love this place despite not being a club person, but you’ll catch me here until it closes down at 4am most nights I am in town. It is one of the best Positano things to do. Don’t miss it if you’re looking to have a wild Positano holidays and make sure not to show up before 1am or you’ll be the only one there, literally!
Above photos via their Facebook page.
5. Spend a day at a Beach Club or Fornillo Beach
Some people don’t know this, but the main Positano beach is not the only beach. The beach you see in everyone’s photos and the one you arrive at if you come by ferry, Spiaggia Grande, can become a bit of a tourist nightmare depending on time of year. I do not recommend spending much time there.
Click here for a quick video that shows what that beach really looks like (the ultimate Instagram vs. reality).
Instead, I would suggest checking out a beach club for the day. One not on the main Positano beach! Arienzo Beach Club, Treville Beach Club, La Scogliera, Da Adolfo, and One Fire Beach Club in Praiano are all great options. There’s also La Fontelina in Capri — I’m sure you’ve seen photos of it on Instagram — along with tons of other options there!
ARIENZO BEACH CLUB — Arienzo Beach Club is reachable via, you guessed it, shuttle boat from the main pier! Every 30 minutes from 10am to 1pm. Unlike the others, you can book Arienzo online and there are tons of different package options to choose from!
TREVILLE BEACH CLUB — Treville Beach Club is located on a private beach just outside of town. It is reachable via shuttle boat from the main Positano pier every hour starting at 10am.
ONE FIRE BEACH CLUB — One Fire is in Praiano, the town next to Positano, at Gavitella Beach. You can get to it via free boat shuttle from the main pier in Positano.
LA FONTELINA — One of the most iconic places on the coast! Located on the island of Capri. Don’t miss it, and make sure you book it (well) in advance. For more Capri beach clubs, click here for our Capri beaches and beach clubs guide.
Those are just a few of the many great Positano beach club options. For more detailed information on all of the options plus things like how to get there and how to reserve your spot, visit our guide on the best beaches in Positano (and beach clubs). It walks you through all the different beaches in Positano and recommends specific beach clubs at each of them. I even made a custom beach Positano Google map for you that you can save for your trip.
Click here for the Positano beach guide.
Prefer videos? I have a whole Positano beach clubs playlist on TikTok with tons of detailed info on the Positano beaches and beach clubs! Click here to watch the Positano beach clubs videos.
There’s also Fornillo Beach in Positano which is a quick walk from Marina Grande or from the top of town. It is a much lesser known Positano Italy beach where locals and wanna-be locals like myself hang out instead. Fornillo is a bit smaller than Spaggia Grande but still easy to get a spot at even in July during peak tourist season, due to it being off-the-beaten-path a bit.
Even the walk itself to Fornillo Beach is one of my favorite things to do in Positano, as it’s beautiful the entire way down. Most people don’t take this walk so it’s also a good opportunity to get some more unique photos of town.
Click here to watch a quick video of my day at Fornillo Beach! It also includes the walk down to the beach.
Fornillo Beach is lined with many restaurants and beach bars like Pupetto and Da Ferdinando (my personal favorite) so you can grab a meal or drink between lounge sessions. I always spend at least one full day here while visiting if the Positano temperature is warm enough! Definitely one of the top things to do in Positano and one of the best beaches in Positano.
For more info on all of the Positano beaches, visit our detailed guide on the best beaches in Positano (and beach clubs).
Be sure to bring good sandals to the beach with you! Many of the beaches are not sand, but pebbles, so they can hurt and also get very hot. Depending on the weather, you might need to wear shoes the whole time, even walking from your lounger into the water. Be prepared!
I always bring a pair of these flip flops to wear a beach shoes because they’re inexpensive, do not take up much space, but have a thick enough sole to ensure you cannot hear the rocks through them. Another great option is these waterproof sandals which you can also wear around town!
For a full list of the shoes I recommend bringing to Positano, click here. I recommend packing 3-4 pairs.
6. Spend time in the less touristy area, Fornillo
Since I often visit Positano during summer, I cannot tell you how many people say to me “isn’t it filled with tourists?!” every time I go. They’re even more surprised when I answer “no”. I somehow find myself in Positano during the month of July which is the most touristy time of year for most places. Cinque Terre in July? Unbearable. Amalfi in July? No thanks. But Positano? It’s fine. Why? Probably because I don’t stick around the center of town.
Click here to see why I don’t love the center of town.
If you look at a Positano map, you’ll see the main beach on the bottom right. Everything north of there gets a bit touristy, but if you go over to the left everything is much less crowded. That area, called Fornillo, is a Positano must see!
2023 EDITOR’S UPDATE: I went in October 2022 and Positano is definitely more busy now. It has absolutely blown up. Make sure you make reservations for anything and everything as early as you are able.
It’s also where some of the best Positano Italy restaurants are, like Saraceno d’Oro and Da Vincenzo Positano, and some of my favorite Positano shopping. It tends to be easier to get into spots over there, plus I find it to be much more enjoyable in general, so don’t miss it.
I especially recommend having dinner here at Saraceno d’Oro at least once. They have the best pizza in town! It’s family run by one of my favorite Positano families; the same family that runs Dimora del Podesta (more on that in a minute) above it.
Eating dinner outside on the street at Saraceno d’Oro is truly what made me fall in love with Positano. It’s where I met the majority of the Positano natives I love so dearly, and where I first realized what a truly one of a kind place Positano is.
I especially love eating outside here because at times there will be live music. If not, there’s great people watching and it’s truly just such a magical experience. If Elia is your waiter please tell him that Christie sent you and that I say hello!
You’d be doing yourself a huge disservice to visit Positano and not get out of the tourist hotspot that is the center of town! I’d do this no matter the time of year, but if you are looking for things to do in Positano in July to escape the crowds, this is definitely for you!
This area is also home to Dimora del Podesta, one of the best hotels in Positano Italy. If you prefer more of a b&b vibe, this is the best place to stay in Positano. Click here for more information.
Also note that Positano is very hilly, so good shoes are a must. I can’t tell you how many times I hear people say “no one ever tells you how tiring it is to walk around Positano” so to be extremely clear — Positano is a cliffside village. It is a vertical town. It involves a lot of vertical walking. There is no way around it.
As Steinbeck famously wrote, “Its houses climb a hill so steep it would be a cliff except that stairs are cut in it. There is only one narrow street and it does not come down to the water. Everything else is stairs, some of them as steep as ladders. You do not walk to visit a friend, you either climb or slide.”
Those words are no joke. They are quite literal. Positano is a town of stairs as steep as ladders. You do not walk, you climb. There are buses to get to some places, and in rare cases you can find a cab (that will charge you $60 to drive three minutes), but most of the time you will be climbing.
Click here to watch a quick video giving you a peak into what walking around Positano is like.
Investing in the right shoes is an absolute must. You will be in a world of pain otherwise.
Personally, I never travel anywhere without M. Gemi’s white Italian leather sneakers, especially Positano. They are handmade in Italy so they are comfortable immediately out of the box. No break in period needed.
Because they are all white, they go with absolutely everything. Pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, leggings — everything. For my last month long Europe trip I packed only a carry on and wore these sneakers almost every day because they are so versatile. They also have a super lightweight rubber sole, making them even easier to wear all day everyday.
The one and only downside to M. Gemi’s Palestra sneaker is that they are popular. So popular that it can be quite difficult to find them in stock! Click here to check availability (and grab them if they’re in stock — trust me). And use code “CHRISTIE60” for $60 off your order!
More details: The Most Comfortable And Stylish Walking Shoes for Travel
Click here to watch a TikTok video about why they are so truly amazing!
7. Spend a Day on the Sea on an Amalfi Coast Boat Tour
You absolutely — I mean absolutely — cannot visit Positano without spending at least one day doing an Amalfi Coast boat tour. Positano and the Amalfi Coast is beautiful no matter the angle, but from the water it offers an entirely new perspective. I’ve been to Positano many times but still can’t believe my eyes as we’re pulling back into town on a boat.
If possible, I highly suggest booking a private boat tour instead of a shared one. There is so much to see on the Amalfi Coast and not everyone will have the same priorities. If you do a shared tour, you might end up with a group that has conflicting interests. This is why it’s best to do a private tour. Click here for the one I recommend.
The tour starts on the main beach, Spiaggia Grande, across from Chez Black. Your skipper will be a local expert and will help personalize your sightseeing experience to fit your needs.
One thing you should absolutely include in your Amalfi Coast boat tour is Fiordo di Furore. It’s located in the small town of Furore just past Positano and is one of the top Positano attractions.
You should also go check out Amalfi, Atrani (my favorite!), Minori, and the rest of the coast. Even if you already saw them via scooter!
If that tour is out of your budget or you simply don’t mind sharing your boat with others, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. Click here to book a small group Amalfi Coast day cruise from Positano. It is incredibly affordable and also highly rated.
If you don’t have time to spend an entire day boating, you should book a sunset cruise. Click here for the one I recommend! It’s run by the same company as the above mentioned tours.
Staying in a town other than Positano? Click here for my list of Amalfi Coast boat tours I recommend, departing from various Amalfi Coast towns.
HOW TO RENT A BOAT ON THE AMALFI COAST
Want to rent your own boat and drive yourself? There are a few different options. The first is available from Amalfi, Positano, Praiano, or Maiori. Click here for that one.
The second is available from Amalfi, Conca dei Marini, Maiori, Minori, Praiano, Nerano or Sorrento. Click here to check availability. It’s only $205 currently! Unbelievable.
8. Day Trip to Capri From Positano
If you have an extra day, treat yourself to a day trip to Capri from Positano! World famous Capri is home to the popular Blue Grotto, designer fashion, and upscale hotels and restaurants.
Side note: Capri is huge. And also lovely! If you have the time, it fully warrants a few days. Last time I visited we stayed on Capri for three nights and even that was not enough to really experience it. If you don’t have additional time, a day trip is better than nothing.
GETTING FROM POSITANO TO CAPRI
As Capri is an island, you will need to arrive by water. When it comes to getting to Capri from Positano, there are two different options I recommend:
Via ferry
Via private or shared boat
If you’ve already had a boat day and want to zip over to Capri without a tour, take the ferry. It is high speed, lasting 40 minutes, and currently costs €39,90 roundtrip.
The ferry times and schedule changes frequently, based on time of year, demand, weather, etc. Click here to find the current schedule and to buy your ticket. Make sure to buy it in advance! They sell out (I know from personal experience).
If you haven’t already spent time on a boat while visiting the Amalfi Coast, then you must book a private or shared boat! It is a must do in Positano. This way you can stop along the way to see a few different things, learn about the area, get your photos, etc. And this way you’ll still have plenty of time to explore Capri.
If you prefer to book a private boat, click here to reserve your spot. It comes incredibly highly recommended.
Staying in a town other than Positano? Click here for my list of Capri day trip tours I recommend, departing from various towns.
Want to rent your own boat and drive yourself? There are a few different options. The first is available from Amalfi, Positano, Praiano, or Maiori. Click here for that one.
The second is available from Amalfi, Conca dei Marini, Maiori, Minori, Praiano, Nerano or Sorrento. Click here to check availability. It’s only $205! Unbelievable.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK ON CAPRI:
PULALLI for a wine bar with a view of Capri’s beautiful clocktower overlooking the main Piazzetta square
DA PAOLINO for Capri cuisine served beneath lemon trees. Tres romantique and a celebrity hot spot!
VILLA MARGHERITA for authentic Italian cuisine
PESCHERIA LE BOTTEGHE for fresh fish and seafood
GENNARO AMITRANO for seasonal dishes using raw ingredients. Go for the tasting menu
J. K. PLACE LOUNGE BAR for a scenic terrace, great cocktails, and tapas
RESTAURANT LA TERRAZZA DI LUCULLO for regional cuisine made using local products and ingredients grown in the hotel's kitchen garden
LA ZAGARA for authentic Capri cuisine in Anacapri in the most jaw-dropping lemon grove
LO SFIZIO for Italian and seafood
DA TONINO for fine dining and a sophisticated wine selection off the beaten path
RISTORANTE BAGNI TIBERIO for seafood in a relaxed seaside venue
L’OLIVO for Michelin Star dining at Capri Palace. The food looks absolutely insane
IL RICCIO, also at Capri Palace, is a cliffside restaurant overlooking the Blue Grotto. The sea lounge is great for an aperitif!
WHERE TO STAY IN CAPRI:
If you plan to stay overnight, I recommend staying at:
For more detailed information on the above recommendations and more, click here for our detailed blog post on where to stay in Capri.
WHAT TO DO IN CAPRI:
Grab an espresso or an aperitivo in the center square Piazzetta. A celebrity-packed meeting place for locals and visitors.
Shop on Via Camerelle, a street world famous for its luxury shops and designer boutiques. Also visit Via le Botteghe for more shopping.
Visit Belvedere Tragara, a scenic overlook facing the Faraglioni rock formations.
Visit Faro Di Punta Carena, a historic lookout point with cliffs and the Punta Carena lighthouse.
Visit the Gardens of Augustus (Giardini di Augusto), a popular botanical garden with sea views dating back to the early twentieth century. Also stop by Saint James’ Charterhouse, a 14th-century monastery, nearby.
Take the funicular to Mount Solaro for the best (and highest) panoramic views of the island.
Visit Villa San Michele, a highly rated villa museum full of ancient art.
Dance the night away at Taverna Anema e Core.
Go on a beaches + caves group kayaking tour. Click here to reserve your spot.
Go on a beaches + caves group stand-up paddle board tour. Click here to reserve your spot.
Take a cooking class (+ wine pairing) with a local. Learn to make Ravioli Capresi, a traditional Eggplant Parmesan, and a Caprese lemon cake. Click here to reserve your spot.
Go on a winery tour. Click here for more info.
Go boating, of course! There are a few different ones I recommend, depending on what you are looking for:
Private Gozzo Boat Island Tour. A three hour private tour on your own Gozzo boat. You will visit the Blue Grotto, as well as many other lesser-known hidden caves and rock formations. The best option.
2 hour boat tour with happy hour. This is a group (shared) tour and doesn’t include a visit to the Blue Grotto due to the long wait times that entails. It is incredibly reasonably priced and highly rated!
Capri Island boat trip + Blue Grotto visit. The least expensive option available by far. If you want to see the Blue Grotto, this is a good choice. Note that the Blue Grotto entrance fee is not included in the price of this tour.
Relax at a beach club. There are countless options but most notably, in my opinion:
La Fontelina
Lido del Faro
Spiaggia Torre Saracena
La Canzone del Mare
Lo Scoglio Delle Sirene
Bagni Tiberio
For more info, visit our guide to the best beaches in Capri (and beach clubs in Capri).
Buy local, handmade, custom sandals
The Amalfi Coast is known for its handmade sandals. Positano is filled with dozens of stores that will make you sandals by hand while you wait, fit perfectly to your foot! You simply pick the style, the color, the size, and within around 15 minutes you have your own pair of fully custom sandals. I had mine made during a power outage (very impressive!) and still love them almost 3 years later.
Where to Eat + Drink in Positano
Positano, Italy is full of so many amazing places to eat and drink. When picking out a restaurant I am primarily interested in finding delicious, fresh, healthy food ideally made with local ingredients, served in a beautiful, preferably photogenic space. Bonus points if the owners and staff are fantastic as well.
For an aperitivo, I love Aldo’s, Franco’s, or Fly Lounge Bar.
For dinner, I love Saracena d’Oro (get the pizza), Da Vincenzo, La Tagliata, and La Sponda, to name a few!
For lunch, my top recommendation is Da Adolfo or Li Galli Bistro.
For more information on the above mentioned options + more recommendations, visit our post on the best restaurants in Positano.
Where to Stay in Positano
Depending on what you’re looking for, I very highly recommend staying at:
Le Sirenuse (5 star)
Hotel Poseidon (4 star)
Dimora del Podesta (B&B)
Want more information about why I love those hotels + additional accommodation recommendations? Click here for my detailed guide on where to stay in Positano.
How to Get to Positano
FROM NAPLES TO POSITANO: If you’re flying into Naples, the easiest thing by far is to hire a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Positano. Click here for the one I recommend. You absolutely must book this in advance. If you don’t and you just try to hire someone at the airport once you arrive, you will be charged twice as much (if you are even able to find someone to take you there).
FROM ROME TO POSITANO: If you’re flying into Rome, click here for the one I recommend.
Of course there are other options on how to get to Positano as well. For detailed information on all of the different options on how to get to Positano, regardless of where you are coming from, visit our post on how to get to Positano.
What to Pack for Positano
Having the right travel gear is incredibly important for any trip, especially if you are visiting Europe from a different continent. Save yourself time and money by getting all of the necessary items prior to arriving at your destination. Some of the items I consider non-negotiable:
A FEW OF MY TOP AMAZON PICKS —
APPLE AIRTAG — If you’re reading this in 2022 then you likely know that there are major issues right now with airlines losing luggage. My friend got back from holiday a few weeks ago and hasn’t seen her bag since. Worst of all, she has absolutely no idea where it is. Tens of thousands of dollars worth it items (plus some irreplaceable pieces passed down from generations of family members) simply gone — maybe forever.
While we can’t prevent airlines from misplacing our luggage, we can track it ourselves thanks to the fabulous people at Apple. Enter: Apple Airtag. With the Apple Airtag you can keep track of and find your luggage in the iPhone’s Find My app. All you do is set it up with your phone, drop it in your luggage, and viola! You can find your luggage anywhere in the world.
I just bought a few for my upcoming Europe trip and I will never, ever travel without them again. If you’re checking a bag, it’s absolutely essential. Click here to get yours.
COMFORTABLE SHOES — I consider proper walking shoes to be the most important packing item for Europe. The last thing you want is to be mid-trip, with torn up feet, and out of options. Trust me, I’ve been there.
My shoe recommendation is not the least expensive option on the market, but it’s definitely the best. You can wear them all day everyday for weeks straight and not once will your feet hurt. They are the only shoes I have ever found that are this way (and trust me, I have tested out a lot). Just imagine being on your once in a lifetime trip, able to run around from sun up to sun down without a worry. That alone makes them worth every penny!
I also love them because of their versatility. You can wear them with anything — jeans, leggings, skirts, dresses, anything! If they’re in stock in your size, get them while you still can. Click here to see the latest prices and availability.
DRESSES — I love dresses for travel because you can so quickly throw it on and go. My favorite places to shop for dresses are here, here, here, and here. For cheaper options, I like here, here, and here. The cheaper sites can take a little more digging to find the good quality stuff, but sometimes it's worth it!
TOPS —
LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL CARDIGAN — This circle cardigan is honestly one of the best travel-related purchases you can make. It is so warm and soft; I’ve brought mine on every single trip since purchasing my first (I now own many). It's fantastic for literally everything: you can wear it during the day, out to dinner, on transit days, while hotel lounging, anywhere and everywhere! This is the number one top seller on my site every single month because it is truly the best. Click here to see the latest prices and color options.
CASHMERE WRAP — Another top seller on ckanani.com every single month is this oversized cashmere wrap. It’s something I personally carry in my bag every single day, whether I’m on the road or back at home in San Francisco. If you haven’t already noticed, I love versatility. I’d rather pay a little more for something high quality that’ll last a little longer and also work in a few different ways. I bet you’re a bit like me, so this is a must. You can wear it as a scarf, as a wrap when you find yourself at a surprisingly cold restaurant or flight, as a blanket, and more. I can’t tell you how many times this thing has saved me. Click here to see the latest prices and availability.
SUNGLASSES — Of course! I cannot believe I am about to say this but I’ve found a very cheap brand I recommend. Why is that shocking? Because I absolutely hate cheap sunglasses. I used to be a total sunglass snob and only buy $400 Saint Laurent, Dior, or Chanel sunglasses because the cheap ones feel horrible and don’t actually protect. Until now!! This brand I found on Amazon is under $15/pair and is shockingly impressive. I’ve bought four pairs so far. Click here for my favorite all black aviators, here for my rimless aviators, and here for my square ones.
UPDATE: Basically all I wear now are these.
LUGGAGE — Beis is the way to go these days. Their suitcases have an unbreakable polycarbonate shell, expandable interior compartments, TSA approved zipper locks, and best of all a side carry handle with 50 lb weight limit indicator. You can literally weigh your bag without weighing your bag… Insane. They are minimalistic yet contain everything you could need, all at a reasonable price point. Click here to check out their suitcases.
BELT BAG — My latest obsession is this belt bag that you can wear crossbody or around your waist. It’s great for travel because it allows you to be hands free, you can wear it super close to you as a crossbody to ensure no one will pickpocket you, and it’s literally the most perfect size possible. I tried a lot of different ones before falling in love with this one and truly nothing else compares. Plus i't’s only $38 so why even bother trying anything else?! Click here to see availability and color options.
TOTE BAG — I always travel with an empty tote bag as well because pretty much every trip I find myself needing one for one reason or another. The ones below are my favorite because unlike almost all canvas totes, they aren’t flat (it's not just two pieces of fabric sewn together, there are sides and a bottom) so it holds way more than usual and is so much more convenient. They’re also super high quality, neutral colored so they go with everything, and - maybe best of all - Italy themed, making them perfect for your trip!
SPF — Don’t forget your sunscreen!! Click here for a travel set I love.
For more skincare and beauty recommendations, click here to follow me on Instagram @skincarethatilike.
SKINCARE — Do not neglect your skin while traveling! One of my favorite medical grade brands, Glowbiotics, has some great trial kits that are perfect for traveling. Click here to check them out and use code “CHRISTIE” for 20% off anything — sitewide!
If you want to learn more about Glowbiotics, including a full review and all of my favorite products, click here for my dedicated blogpost.
MAKEUP — My current favorites:
GOLD LAYERING JEWELRY — Layering jewelry from SHOP CKANANI specifically. It’s my own shop so I'm a bit biased, of course, but hear me out. I’ve always loved jewelry but was tired of spending $60 on a necklace that would tarnish after 2-3 wears so I started making my own. I hand make them in my San Francisco apartment of incredibly high quality, primarily gold filled materials.
Gold filled items are great because they contain 100+ times (!) more real gold than gold plated items. An item being gold filled means that there is an actual layer of gold pressure bonded to another metal, making it much more valuable, durable, and tarnish resistant. This means it’s also perfect for everyday wear and for travel! Because who wants to spend their trip taking their jewelry on and off constantly? Not me!
After sharing pictures of necklaces and bracelets on my Instagram story, I finally gave in to the requests asking me to start selling my creations. And that’s how SHOP CKANANI was born!
For Italy I especially recommend the CIAO necklace, the Global Citizen necklace (our best selling item), and the Evil Eye necklace. Plus an arm full of various gold chain bracelets, of course! And as a special treat from me to you, use code “POSITANO10” for 10% off.
For a full list of Italy packing recommendations, click here for what to pack for Italy!
And for my Amazon must have travel essentials, click here. You can also shop my Amazon storefront here.
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