15 Best Things to Do in Positano, Italy

With its pastel-colored buildings cascading down the cliffs, sparkling blue waters, and charming streets lined with boutiques, Positano is easily one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Whether you’re here for a quick visit or a longer stay, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do, from lounging on picturesque beaches to taking a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast.

To help you make the most of your time, I’ve put together this list of the best things to do in Positano, including must-see spots, delicious food experiences, and unforgettable adventures. If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to start, this guide has you covered!

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Best Things to Do in Positano You Can’t Miss

1. Snap a photo from Cristoforo Colombo

This is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Positano, offering a postcard-perfect shot of the colorful cliffside town with the sea in the background. It’s located close to the Positano (Sponda) bus stop, making it easy to find if you’re arriving by bus.

For the best experience, visit early in the morning when the lighting is soft and the crowds are minimal. During the day, it gets quite busy, and while people are usually respectful and line up for photos, you may have to wait your turn. If you’re visiting later in the day, bring some patience – but the view is absolutely worth it!

2. Grab breakfast at Angelo Cafe

Located right next to the Cristoforo Colombo viewpoint, Angelo Cafe is the perfect spot to start your day with a coffee and a pastry while enjoying one of the best views in Positano. It’s a great place for a quick breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, and I think it’s also fairly priced especially considering the location.

The cafe is tiny, with no seating inside – just a few small tables attached to the railing outside where you can stand and take in the view. It feels more like a takeaway spot, but I actually think that adds to the charm!

The cappuccinos are excellent, and the croissants are fresh and buttery, making it a simple but satisfying stop before exploring the town.

3. Stay at a hotel with a view

Waking up to a panoramic view of Positano’s colorful buildings cascading down the cliffs is one of the best parts of staying here. Since the town is built vertically, many hotels offer stunning sea views right from your balcony or terrace.

Le Sirenuse is the most iconic hotel in Positano, offering luxury and world-class service with some of the most famous views in town. Hotel Marincanto is another fantastic option, known for its infinity pool and breathtaking terraces. Hotel Eden Roc is also a great pick, with spacious rooms and a rooftop restaurant overlooking the coastline.

I highly recommend choosing a hotel with a great vantage point, even if it means staying a little higher up in town. The views are absolutely worth it, and many of the best hotels in Positano have incredible amenities like private balconies or pools where you can soak it all in.

4. Relax on Positano’s best beaches

Positano’s beaches are the perfect place to spend a sunny day while taking in the stunning coastal scenery. The most famous one is Spiaggia Grande, right in the heart of town, where you’ll find rows of colorful umbrellas and a lively atmosphere.

If you prefer something quieter, Fornillo Beach is a great alternative, just a short walk away along a scenic coastal path.

Both beaches have a mix of free and private areas, so you can choose to rent a sunbed or bring your own towel and find a spot on the public section. The water is usually calm and great for swimming, and there are plenty of beachside restaurants where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat.

5. Head out on a boat tour

One of the best ways to experience Positano and the Amalfi Coast is from the water. A boat tour gives you a completely different perspective of the dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and picturesque villages along the coastline.

You can stop for a swim in crystal-clear waters, visit sea caves, or just sit back and enjoy the views. Even if you’re spending only one day in Positano, I think it’s worth doing a boat trip!

If you’re looking for a well-organized group experience, this Amalfi Coast Boat Tour is a great option. The tour takes you along the coast with stops for swimming and snorkeling, plus free time to explore Amalfi. It’s a fantastic way to take in the scenery while avoiding the crowded streets on land.

6. Wander through the charming streets

Positano’s streets are just as beautiful as its views, with colorful houses, boutique shops, and hidden staircases leading to unexpected spots.

Walking around is the best way to soak in the atmosphere, but be prepared for plenty of stairs! Positano is built vertically, and getting around requires climbing up and down constantly. It’s definitely a workout!

We explored in the morning, and even then, I was a sweaty mess after tackling all the steps. But honestly, it’s worth it!

Some of the best streets to wander are around Via dei Mulini, where you’ll find cute shops selling handmade sandals, ceramics, and linen clothing. The further you go from the main roads, the quieter and more charming the alleys become.

7. Visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta

Right in the heart of Positano, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks. Its colorful majolica-tiled dome stands out against the surrounding pastel buildings, and you’ll likely spot it from multiple viewpoints around town.

The church is small but worth a quick visit, especially to see the famous 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna inside. Stepping inside also offers a nice break from the heat, and it’s a great spot to take in a bit of history before continuing your Positano explorations.

8. Enjoy sunset drinks at a scenic bar

Positano has some great spots for sunset drinks, where you can relax with a cocktail and take in the views. Franco’s Bar is one of the most popular choices, with a stylish setting and panoramic views over the town and sea.

Eden Sky Bar is another great option, offering an upscale atmosphere with stunning views from above. If you’re looking for something more exclusive, Villa Treville’s bar provides a more private and luxurious setting.

These places tend to fill up quickly, especially in peak season, so it’s best to arrive early if you want a good spot.

9. Shop for colorful ceramics

Ceramics are one of the most popular souvenirs from the Amalfi Coast, and Positano has plenty of shops selling beautiful hand-painted pieces. From decorative plates and bowls to lemon-themed tiles, you’ll find a variety of designs inspired by the region.

One of the most famous ceramic shops in Positano is located just a few minutes’ walk from Franco’s Bar. If you continue up the road, you’ll find a stunning display of colorful pottery set against the backdrop of the town. This spot is super popular, and I always get questions about where to find it!

Many shops display their ceramics outside, making it easy to browse as you walk through town. Prices can vary depending on the size and detail of the piece, but even a small item makes for a great keepsake or gift.

10. Have a beachside lunch at Rada Beach Bistrot

For a meal with a view, Rada Beach Bistrot is a great spot right on Spiaggia Grande. Sitting just steps from the water, this casual beachfront restaurant serves fresh seafood, pasta, and light bites in a relaxed setting.

It’s a perfect place to grab lunch after a morning at the beach, and the atmosphere is much more laid-back compared to the fine dining restaurants in town.

The menu focuses on Mediterranean flavors, and the sea breeze makes the experience even better. Since it’s right on the beach, you don’t have to go far to enjoy a great meal with a view.

11. Take a cooking class

A cooking class is a fun way to experience local culture while learning to make classic Italian dishes. This small-group pasta and tiramisu class takes place in a local home, where you’ll get hands-on experience preparing fresh pasta and tiramisu from scratch.

The class lasts about three hours and includes all ingredients, step-by-step guidance, and a chance to enjoy the meal you’ve made. It’s a great activity if you want to take a break from sightseeing and bring a piece of Positano’s food culture home with you.

12. Go on a day trip to Capri

Capri is one of the most popular day trips from Positano, offering stunning coastal scenery, upscale shopping, and famous attractions like the Blue Grotto. Getting there is easy – you can take a ferry from Positano and explore the island on your own or join a guided boat tour for a more relaxed experience.

Ferries run frequently, but tickets tend to sell out, so it’s best to book in advance. You can check the schedule and reserve tickets on Ferryscanner.

If you’d rather see Capri from the water and visit some of its most scenic spots along the coast, this full-day boat tour is a great option. It includes stops at the famous Faraglioni rock formations, Marina Piccola, and free time to explore the island.

13. Hike the Path of the Gods

If you’re up for some adventure, hiking the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) is one of the best ways to take in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast. This scenic trail runs high above the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the cliffs and sea below.

The hike starts in Bomerano and ends in Nocelle, just above Positano. It’s mostly downhill if you start from Bomerano, but there are still plenty of stairs and uneven terrain, so good shoes are a must. If you prefer a guided experience, this private walking tour can help you navigate the trail while learning more about the area’s history and landscape.

14. Explore other towns along the Amalfi Coast

Positano is one of the best places to stay on the Amalfi Coast, and I think it makes the perfect base for exploring other towns.

Amalfi is the easiest to reach by ferry and has a lively atmosphere, a beautiful cathedral, and plenty of shops and restaurants. Right next to it, Atrani is much quieter and feels more local. You can easily walk to Atrani from Amalfi within like 10 minutes!

Ravello is one of my favorites, with its stunning gardens at Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, but since it’s up in the hills, you’ll need to take a bus or car from Amalfi to get there. If you want a more relaxed alternative to Positano, Praiano is a great stop with fewer crowds and some incredible sunset views.

For more info, check out my Amalfi Coast itinerary where I go into detail about what to do in each town and how to get there.

15. Visit the famous fruit stand

Along the main coastal road (SS163), there’s a well-known fruit stand that has become almost as iconic as Positano itself. With its colorful display of fresh lemons, oranges, and other local produce, it’s a great place to stop for a refreshing snack or to pick up some locally made limoncello.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to visit this time, but it’s definitely on my list for next time. It’s the perfect quick stop if you’re exploring the Amalfi Coast by car, and from what I’ve seen, it looks like a great spot for photos too!