Overview
Positano is an unbelievably beautiful city situated between mountains and ocean. Unlike other cities, a specific itinerary is not needed. Wandering the city shopping, visiting beaches and eating delicious Italian food is easily obtainable without a set plan. Get ready for some of the best views of your lifetime.
Logistics
How To Get There:
From Naples airport—the easiest (but definitely not the cheapest) option is to arrange a private transfer, especially if you have large luggage.
Drive time to Positano: 1 hour, 25 minutes.
Drive time to Nocelle: 1 hour, 45 minutes.
Cost of private transfer:
From Positanoshuttle.com = $35 euros per person
Our Host arranged one for us for $95 euros from Naples airport to the town of Nocelle
Public transit options are cheaper but take longer and are crowded
Stay Here:
Rather than staying directly in Positano, check out the nearby town of Nocelle for significantly cheaper rates (we’re talking $100 VS $300+). It’s also the starting point for the incredible Path of the Gods hike.
I recommend: Villa La Quercia (also on Airbnb) for €85 per night (+ €30 service fee).
Pros & Cons to Staying in Nocelle:
Pros: Quaint, off-the-beaten-path, romantic, quiet, escape the crowds, scenic ocean views, surrounded by locals
Cons: Only 3 restaurants in town, must carry luggage up/down steps to reach your accommodations as it’s cliff-side and pedestrian only (Tip: Pack light). To walk from Nocelle to Positano you must walk down a 1700-step staircase. It takes roughly 45-minutes but is absolutely stunning. Note: A local bus also runs between towns. It takes 25 minutes but gets crowded and doesn’t come often so make sure to plan accordingly. Tip: Get to the bus stop early as they sometimes arrive ahead of schedule and leave early.
How To Get Around:
I advise against renting a car or scooter. The roads are really only built for one car and it would be terrifying having a bus approach you at full speed on narrow winding roads.
Public transit is the cheapest alternative. The SITA bus runs along the Amalfi coast and it’s easy to use. While the driving is terrifying at least you’ll be distracted by the stunning views. You cannot buy tickets on the bus but the bus drivers always let us on without a ticket. They cost ~ €10 and can be purchased at cigarette ships (“tabaccherie”), newspaper stands, bars and cafés. Tip: When traveling south, sit on right side of the bus.
You can take a ferry from the main beach/port in Positano to many destinations.
Exploring
Eat This:
Ristorante Santa Croce — fresh local Italian dishes, the best restaurant in Nocelle
Visit at sunset, reservation available, ask for patio seating with a view
Casa e Bottega — healthy bakery and juice bar (best for breakfast and lunch)
Panino prosciutto was delicious (enough for two)
Yummy smoothies
Stylish décor
Capricci — affordable pizza and sandwiches located in central Positano
Do This:
Wander Positano’s curvy pedestrian-only streets
Shop at mom-and-pop shops
Eat at local restaurants and drink local wines & limoncello
Visit beaches in Positano and nearby towns including:
Spiaggia Grande (Marina Grande Beach) — beach in Positano
The main beach in Positano
Ferries/boats come and go from this beach
Includes both chair rentals and pubic beach space
Spiaggia di Fornillo (Fornillo Beach) — beach in Positano
Fiordo di Furore — beach in Furore
Small rocky swimming beach between a canyon.
Take the SITA bus, it will stop along the highway (SS163) AKA Amalfi Drive.
Spiaggia della Gavitella — beach in Praiano
Hike This:
Path of the Gods (AKA Sentiero degli Dei)
Tips
Bring your own towels to the beaches, you will have to pay to use chairs. Most beaches include a large chair rental space as well as a small public area for laying towels.
A great way to save money is to find accommodations that include breakfast. Then use the cold cuts, breads and fruit from breakfast to pack a lunch for the day.
Things to pack for coastal Italy: sunscreen, goggles, inflatable inner-tube, refillable water bottle, water-shoes for pebbled beaches
Always ask if there’s a student discount when visiting sites! They don’t always advertise it but will often give it to you if you ask.
