Positano Itinerary: How to Spend One Day in Positano

Positano is the kind of place that feels straight out of a postcard, with its colorful houses stacked along the cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and scenic streets made for wandering. Even if you only have one day in Positano, there’s so much to love about this little Amalfi Coast gem!

I’ve put together this Positano itinerary to help you make the most of your time, from grabbing a coffee with a view in the morning to sipping cocktails at sunset. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, take a boat tour, or simply wander through town, this guide has you covered.

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Morning

Arriving in Positano

Getting to Positano takes a bit of planning, but the effort is well worth it. Since the town is built into steep cliffs, there’s no train station, so you’ll need to arrive by ferry, bus, or car.

Ferries are the most scenic option, with routes from Sorrento, Amalfi, and Capri. If you’re coming from the Amalfi Coast, this is the easiest and most enjoyable way to arrive, offering incredible views of the coastline as you approach. You can check schedules and book tickets on Ferryscanner.

If you’re coming by bus, the SITA bus connects Positano with other towns along the Amalfi Coast. The ride is budget-friendly, but expect winding roads and packed buses, especially in summer. You can check the latest routes and times here.

Renting a car is another option, but I really don’t recommend driving to Positano. Parking is extremely expensive and very limited, and the narrow roads can be stressful to navigate. There are two parking garages where you can leave your car, but they don’t have the best reviews: Garage Mandara and Central Parking Di Gennaro.

If you’re planning to stay longer in Positano and use it as a base for your Amalfi Coast itinerary, booking a transfer from Naples might be the easiest option to get there.

It saves the hassle of navigating public transport or finding parking, especially after a long flight! Both private transfers and shared transfers are available from Naples Airport or the train station.

Breakfast with a view

Starting your day in Positano with a good breakfast and an amazing view is a must. One of the best spots for this is Angelo Cafe, a small café perched right along Via Cristoforo Colombo.

It’s just steps from one of Positano’s most famous viewpoints, making it the perfect place to fuel up before exploring. If you’re arriving by bus, the Positano (Sponda) bus stop is just a short walk away, making this an easy and convenient first stop.

This tiny café has no indoor seating, just a few small tables lined up along the railing, so you get front-row views of the colorful cliffside houses and the sea.

They serve coffee and pastries, keeping it simple but delicious. The prices are also surprisingly reasonable for the location, which is rare in Positano!

Exploring the town and viewpoints

After breakfast, it’s time to explore the charming streets of Positano. Walking through the town feels like stepping into a postcard, with pastel-colored buildings, bougainvillea-covered balconies, and hidden alleyways waiting to be discovered.

Since Positano is built on a steep hill, getting around involves a lot of ups and downs, so be prepared for a bit of a workout. I knew there would be stairs, but even in the morning, I was already feeling the climb!

One of the best viewpoints is right along Via Cristoforo Colombo, just steps from Angelo Cafe. It’s one of the most famous photo spots in Positano, offering an incredible panoramic view of the colorful buildings cascading down to the sea.

If you want to snap a photo here without the crowds, it’s best to arrive early in the morning. Later in the day, it gets busy, and while people are usually respectful and line up for their turn, it can take a while to get your shot.

From here, you can continue downhill through the town’s narrow streets, passing boutique shops, ceramic stores, and art galleries along the way. The walk down to the beach is beautiful but involves quite a few stairs, so take your time and enjoy the views along the way.

Church of Santa Maria Assunta

As you make your way through Positano, a stop at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is a must. This beautiful church is one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks, thanks to its colorful majolica-tiled dome that stands out against the pastel buildings.

Located just a short walk from Spiaggia Grande, it’s easy to visit as you explore the lower part of town.

Stepping inside, you’ll find a peaceful interior with soft lighting, intricate details, and a stunning altar. The church is best known for the 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna, which has a fascinating local legend behind it.

Even if you’re just passing through, it’s worth taking a quick look inside. The entrance is free, and it only takes a few minutes to visit.

Shopping in Positano

Before heading to lunch, take some time to browse the boutique shops that line Positano’s charming streets. The town is known for its vibrant ceramics, stylish linen clothing, and handmade leather sandals, making it a great place to pick up a unique souvenir.

One of the most famous ceramics shops is located just a few minutes uphill from Franco’s Bar. I always get asked about this spot, and it’s easy to see why – it’s packed with colorful pottery, plates, and home decor that make for the perfect keepsake.

If you’re looking for something to wear, Positano is famous for its breezy linen outfits, perfect for a European summer. Many of the boutiques sell beautiful dresses, shirts, and beach cover-ups that fit the laid-back coastal vibe.

You’ll also find small shops offering handcrafted leather sandals that can be custom-made on the spot.

Afternoon

Lunch at Rada Beach Bistrot

After a morning of exploring, it’s time to take a break and enjoy a delicious meal by the water. Rada Beach Bistrot is a great spot for lunch, offering a mix of fresh seafood, Italian classics, and refreshing drinks right on Spiaggia Grande.

Sitting here with a glass of wine and a plate of pasta while soaking in the view is the kind of Positano moment you won’t forget!

Prices are a bit on the higher side, but that’s expected for a beachfront restaurant in Positano. If you’re looking for a scenic and convenient spot for lunch, this is a solid choice.

Reservations are recommended, especially in peak season, as tables fill up quickly. If you’d rather grab something quick, there are also a few casual takeaway spots nearby where you can pick up a sandwich or a slice of pizza to enjoy on the beach.

After lunch, you have a few different ways to spend your afternoon in Positano. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the coastline by boat, or take part in a hands-on experience, there’s something for everyone.

Option A: Relaxing on the beach

If you’re in the mood to unwind, heading to the beach is the easiest option. Spiaggia Grande is Positano’s main beach, located right in the heart of town, with plenty of loungers and umbrellas available for rent.

The views from here are incredible, with colorful houses stacked above the shore and boats bobbing in the water.

For a quieter spot, you can walk over to Fornillo Beach, which is about a 10-minute stroll along a scenic coastal path. It’s much more laid-back than Spiaggia Grande and has a few beach clubs where you can rent chairs and order drinks.

Option B: Cooking class in Positano

If you’re interested in learning how to make fresh pasta and tiramisu, a cooking class is a fun way to spend the afternoon. This Positano cooking class starts at 5:30 pm, so you can combine it with some beach time beforehand.

During the class, you’ll get hands-on experience preparing classic Italian dishes and, of course, enjoy the meal you’ve made at the end. Since dinner is included, there’s no need to worry about making separate evening plans if you choose this option.

Option C: Boat tour along the Amalfi Coast

For a more adventurous afternoon, you can head out on a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast. Seeing the coastline with its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters is definitely one of the best things to do in Positano!

If you want to leave directly from Positano, this boat tour departs at 1:30 pm and includes snorkeling and drinks on board. Another great option is this boat tour from Amalfi, which follows a similar route, but since it’s departing from Amalfi, you’ll need to arrange transportation to get there.

Evening

Sunset drinks at Franco’s Bar

As the day winds down, there’s no better way to soak in the magic of Positano than with a drink at Franco’s Bar. This stylish open-air bar, located at Le Sirenuse, is one of the best spots in town to watch the sunset, with uninterrupted views over the sea and the colorful cliffside buildings.

Franco’s Bar doesn’t take reservations, so you’ll need to arrive early to get a good spot. I recommend getting there at least 30 minutes before opening to queue. Later in the evening, the wait can be long, especially in peak season. The atmosphere here is lively, with great music, handcrafted cocktails, and an upscale but relaxed vibe.

If you manage to snag a table, it’s the perfect place to toast to an incredible day in Positano. The drinks aren’t cheap, but the experience of sipping an Aperol Spritz with that view makes it totally worth it.

Dinner/Departure

If you’re staying overnight in Positano, dinner is the perfect way to wrap up the day. Since restaurants in town are always in high demand, it’s best to make a reservation in advance to secure a table.

Da Vincenzo is a long-standing favorite, known for its fresh seafood and classic Italian dishes. Ristorante Bruno offers a scenic dining experience with fantastic pasta and terrace seating overlooking the coast. Another great option is Chez Black, an iconic beachfront restaurant famous for its seafood and heart-shaped pizza.

If you’re visiting Positano as a day trip, you’ll need to plan ahead to catch the last ferry or bus. The final ferries to Sorrento and Amalfi usually leave around 6:30 pm, while the last buses depart around 7:30 pm.

Since buses can get very crowded, it’s a good idea to get to the stop early or consider taking a taxi instead.