Positano, Italy is a city that had long been on our bucket list. And, after three unforgettable days there, we are happy to report that it absolutely lived up to the hype. We enjoyed postcard-perfect views, golden hour cocktails, and pasta-filled dinners. We spent a day on the water and even danced late into the night in a seaside cave. Through it all, Positano delivered beauty, indulgence, and more than a few surprises. Here’s a detailed look at our 3-day Positano, Italy itinerary, along with tips, highlights, and a few honest reflections.
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Day 1: Arrival, Aperitivos, and Dancing in a Cave
Our travel day started off on a bit of a chaotic note. We were originally scheduled to land in Naples around 1:00 PM, but delays pushed our arrival closer to 3:00 PM. Thankfully, we still made it safely to Italy and checked into Hotel Marincanto around 5:00 PM. Upon check-in, we were welcomed with a complimentary glass of champagne and breathtaking views that quickly erased the stress of the journey. We spent the next hour or so exploring the property and taking photos from the hotel’s spectacular terrace before heading to our room to freshen up.
Once ready, we set out on a leisurely walk through the city. Positano is stunning in every direction, and it felt like a new postcard view appeared around each corner. Eventually, we made our way to Hotel Poseidon for our 7:45 PM reservation at Il Tridente cocktail bar. Here, we got our first true taste of Positano pricing (cocktails start around €30, though wine tends to be a slightly more budget-friendly option). Still, the golden hour view over the colorful cliffside town made every euro worthwhile. We were also treated to a generous aperitivo spread with olives, chips, perfectly crisp taralli crackers, and some small bites complimentary of the chef.
After drinks, we walked a few more minutes uphill to Da Vincenzo, a cozy and welcoming restaurant with some of the friendliest staff we encountered in Italy. Taking our server’s recommendations, we started with zuppa di cozze (sautéed mussels), followed by two outstanding pastas: a tomato-stuffed ravioli and a tagliolini topped with shaved white truffle. After our Positano-priced cocktails at Il Tridente, we opted for a bottle of wine recommended by the regulars seated next to us, which was the perfect pairing for the hand-made pastas. We ended the meal with panna cotta, before slowly making our way back toward the hotel.
Still not ready to call it a night, we made the trek down to Music on the Rocks, Positano’s iconic nightclub set inside a seaside cave. Conveniently, the entrance is located at the bottom of the staircase that connects Hotel Marincanto to the beach. Be aware, though: cover was steep, costing us €50 per person (with one drink included). It was more than we expected, but after some deliberation, we eventually decided to go for it—mostly because the thought of climbing 200 stairs back up without at least one dance break felt far worse. We used our drink tickets on vodka Red Bulls to fight off the jetlag, and danced late into the night, eventually dragging ourselves back up the staircase in the early hours of the morning.
Day 2: Boutique Hopping, Poolside Lounging & Fireworks Over the Bay
The next morning, we set out to have breakfast at a spot called Posides, which had come highly recommended by a local. Unfortunately, when we arrived, the restaurant was unexpectedly closed. Vowing to return later in the trip, we instead walked to Casa e Bottega, a bright and welcoming café nearby. I ordered focaccia topped with parma ham and burrata, while Ally went with poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce. After breakfast, we wandered through Positano’s city center, browsing boutiques and soaking up the atmosphere. Ally found a cute sunhat at Bottega Di Brunella, which she bought to wear during the rest of our trip.
By late morning, the streets began to fill with day trippers and the temperature climbed into the 90s. Ally and I decided to retreat to Hotel Marincanto to beat the heat and the crowds. One of the reasons we chose Marincanto was its prime location on the eastern edge of Spiaggia Grande, complete with a serene pool and a semi-private beach area. Both of these are rare perks in Positano. Of course, in Positano fashion, you have to descend a few flights of stairs to reach the pool. However, we continued just a bit farther and discovered the most amazing tucked-away daybed nestled into the hillside. It felt like our own secret hideout, completely untouched by other hotel guests. We spent the next few hours basking in the sun and cooling off with occasional dips in the pool, enjoying a peaceful escape from the afternoon rush.
In the late afternoon, we stopped by Angelo Cafe, a charming spot near our hotel, for a refreshing lemon sorbetto. In true Positano fashion, the lemon sorbet was served in a frozen lemon peel, keeping it cold and making for a great photo op. Just across the street, we found a perfect little overlook, where we enjoyed our sorbet with picture-perfect views of Positano. Later that evening, we walked down the street to ROC Pizza and Steak for an early dinner. The restaurant had come recommended by a local friend and was conveniently located near Hotel Marincanto. We felt compelled to try both specialties, so we shared a ribeye steak and a spicy Diavola pizza. The steak was flavorful and cooked to perfection, but the pizza truly stole the show. It was crispy, fiery, and easily one of the best we had in all of Italy.
After dinner, we made our way to Aldo’s cocktail bar for golden hour drinks. Located in the immaculate Le Sirenuse Hotel, a reservation at Aldo’s is an amazing way to experience the property without actually staying there. Aldo’s also shares the same iconic view as Instagram-famous Franco’s Bar (both are part of Le Sirenuse). However, we appreciated the ability to make a reservation in advance, rather than queuing outside Franco’s. A reservation at Aldo’s was an amazing way to soak in the magic of Positano without the crowds.
As night fell, we joined the locals in celebrating the feast day of Saint Vitus (the patron saint of Positano). To celebrate, the locals decorated the town center with food stalls and carnival games for the local children. We grabbed gelato at Buca di Bacco, before heading to L’Alternativa for a few drinks. This casual food-truck-style bar near the pier offers some of the most affordable drinks in the city (€8 spritzes!). We ended the night on our hotel balcony, watching the celebratory firework display over the bay, a truly unforgettable sight.
Day 3: Capri by Boat & Sunset Cocktails
On our third day, we set off on a private boat charter to explore Capri from the water. We had the option to dock and explore the island, but decided to stay aboard. We loved being on the water and didn’t feel like paying additional port fees for a few hours on shore. Instead, we spent the day cruising around the island at our own pace. Along the way, we admired the dramatic Faraglioni rocks, marveled at the superyachts anchored offshore, and stopped at several scenic spots to swim in the clear blue water.
After spending the morning sailing around Capri, we stopped for a quick lunch in Sorrento before heading back toward Positano. As we cruised along the coastline, our skipper served us a bottle of champagne and light snacks. We sipped and snacked while watching the Amalfi Coast slowly come back into view. Before returning to the port, we made one last swim stop near Li Galli Island. The water was calm and inviting, a perfect end to a day at sea. As we neared Positano, we lingered just off the coast, floating and soaking in the views. We snapped a few final photos, wanting to capture every last bit of the magic before heading ashore.
We returned to Positano sun-kissed and salty. After a quick shower and change, we headed out for our 7:30 PM reservation at the Terrace Bar at Il San Pietro. This luxury hotel is just a few minutes outside of town and offers sweeping views down the coast. Unfortunately, it started to rain shortly after we arrived, forcing us into the hotel’s lobby to wait out the weather. Thankfully, it cleared up after 20 minutes and we were able to return to our table outside. Service for the rest of the night was a bit slow, likely due to the disruption from the rain. Still, the stunning views and well-crafted cocktails made the experience well worth it.
We ate our final dinner in Positano, Italy at La Taverna Del Leone, just a short walk from Il San Pietro. This restaurant is Michelin-recommended, but also relatively affordable and a favorite among locals. The food was fantastic, particularly the simple but delicious pizza made with San Marzano tomatoes. Best of all, the restaurant drove us back to Positano after dinner, saving us a pricey cab ride. Pro tip: if you dine here, call in advance as they frequently arrange shuttles to and from the city center.
Bonus Morning: Posides Breakfast and Farewell
Before checking out on our final morning, we made the walk over to Posides for breakfast. Though it’s a bit of a trek from Hotel Marincanto, it was more than worth the effort. We arrived right around opening time—or at least when it was supposed to open. Like many small spots in Italy, Posides runs on its own schedule, and Chef Antonio and his brother showed up about ten minutes later to unlock the doors. Honestly, we felt that this casual pace added to the restaurant’s charm. As we waited outside, we struck up a conversation with another couple in line. They told us that they had stumbled upon the restaurant on their first day in Positano and it was so good that they had returned every day since.
Arriving early paid off, and we snagged the best seat in the house, the singular table on the restaurant’s balcony. While we would have been happy sitting anywhere, we enjoyed the incredible views over the Fornillo neighborhood as we ate. Ally ordered the “carbonara toast,” a decadent creation layered with eggs, pancetta, and creamy white sauce. I followed the advice of the couple we met in line and chose the French toast. It came topped with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a thin layer of brûléed sugar that added a perfect crunch. Both dishes were exceptional, and I can confidently say that this French toast was the best I’ve ever had anywhere in the world.
If you are ever visiting Positano, Italy, Posides is an absolute must. It was the perfect end to our time in the city. We left Positano full, happy, and ready for our next adventure in Puglia (post coming soon!).
Final Thoughts on Our Positano Italy Itinerary
Positano, Italy is a magical destination, but it’s also undeniably expensive and crowded during peak hours. In our experience, the busiest hours in Positano ran roughly from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Outside of that window, the town was surprisingly peaceful. Our advice is to book a hotel with a pool and good views so you can escape the day-tripper chaos. Make dinner and drink reservations in advance. And don’t let the cocktails prices ruin your mood, just sip slowly and savor the view.
If Positano prices feel like too much of a splurge, look into staying in a nearby town along the Amalfi Coast. Places like Praiano and Ravello tend to be quieter and more affordable. You’ll still be close to Positano, with easy access by bus, ferry, or private transfer. Sorrento is another great option and works especially well as a home base. It offers more hotel choices and connects directly to many of the region’s top destinations.
If you’re planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast and want help putting together the perfect itinerary, we’d love to help. As travel specialists, we can create a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests, style, and budget—so you can spend less time stressing and more time exploring. Reach out to start planning your dream trip today!
Know Before You Go: Travel Tips for Positano, Italy
Book in advance. Positano’s hotels, restaurants, and tours book up quickly, especially in high season. Reserve as early as possible to avoid disappointment and score the best prices.
Pack comfortable shoes. Positano is built into a cliffside, so expect lots of stairs and steep paths. For women, we recommend platform sandals with an ankle strap for both comfort and style. For men, simple white sneakers work well for navigating the town’s hilly streets. Both of these footwear options are very popular in Positano, and are perfectly acceptable at restaurants and bars.
Views vs. food. The restaurants with the best views don’t always offer the best meals. Some of our top dining experiences were in more modest settings. We recommend enjoying golden hour with a drink at one of Positano’s many scenic bars, then grabbing a late dinner afterward. For great places to eat, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Positano.
Get out on the water. You haven’t truly seen Positano until you have seen it from the sea! Whether you charter a private boat like we did or book a more affordable group tour, cruising the Amalfi Coast gives you unmatched views of the town. It’s an experience that’s well worth including in your itinerary.
Bring cash. Most places accept cards, but smaller shops, airport transfers, and taxis may be cash-only. It is always smart to have euros on hand for convenience. If you’re traveling from outside the E.U., the best way to get euros is by withdrawing from a local ATM in Italy using a debit card with no foreign transaction fees.
Stay hydrated. The sun can be intense, especially in summer. Always carry a bottle of water while exploring. Tap water in Positano is safe to drink, so bring a reusable bottle and refill it at your hotel to save money and reduce waste.
Consider travel insurance. Things don’t always go according to plan—especially when traveling overseas. For peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip delays, cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Positano, Italy
When is the best time to visit Positano, Italy?
The best time to visit Positano is during shoulder season (particularly the months of May and September). These months offer warm weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months of June through August.
How do you get to Positano, Italy?
Most travelers arrive via Naples or Sorrento. From there, you can rent a car or take a private transfer, ferry, or bus. If you are considering renting a car, keep in mind that Positano’s roads are narrow and winding.
Is Positano, Italy expensive?
Yes. Hotels, restaurants, and even cocktails tend to be pricey. That said, it’s possible to find affordable meals and accommodations by planning ahead.
Do I need a car in Positano, Italy?
No. In fact, we recommend against it. The town is best explored on foot, and parking is both limited and expensive.
How many days do you need in Positano, Italy?
We think 3-4 days is the perfect amount of time to explore the town, relax by the beach or pool, and take a boat trip along the coast.
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