Positano on the Amalfi Coast is picture-perfect. Stunning views. Draws a crowd every year. But there's more for people who don't want to do the "touristy" stuff. For the daring types, the romantic types, the get out of bed and watch the sunrise types, Positano's full of gifts. Check out these 19 off-the-radar things to do.
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Off the Beaten Path: 19 Unique Things to Do in Positano
This article is about exploring Positano's hidden spots. It's about finding gems and doing real experiences, not just the usual tourist stuff.
1) Take on a Sunrise Photography Session:
Shooting the sunrise in Positano? That's a chance to snap its quiet charm. Here's where to go and what to do:
Via Cristoforo Colombo Overlook: A top spot in Positano. It's west of Via Cristoforo Colombo and Amalfi Drive, near Profumi di Positano. Get there at sunrise for the best light.
Residence La Tavolozza Overlook: On Via Cristoforo Colombo, it overlooks colorful buildings and blooms. Frame your shot with the flowery tree.
Amalfi Drive Hike: Up for a climb? Start from Via Cristoforo Colombo. Half a kilometer up Amalfi Drive, the views get wild. Bring a wide-angle or telephoto lens.
Il Tridente Restaurant (Hotel Poseidon): Cliffside views here are unreal. Book ahead, aim for sunset.
Francos Bar at Le Sirenuse: It's stylish with a terrace. You get unblocked hill and sea views, perfect for sunrise colors.
Your Positano Hotel: Many have killer views. Scout around your hotel for a great shot.
Fornillo Beach: Less crowded, with colorful umbrellas. Best in early morning or late afternoon.
Positano Marina: Go early, before the boats swarm. The marina looks back at the town beautifully.
The Delicatessen Positano: Early morning, it's a classic Italian scene with a stone staircase.
Positano Views: They're all over. Walk towards and past Franco’s Bar on the main road for lots of chances.
Positano By Boat: Seeing it from the water? Different vibe. Private tour, group tour, or ferry - your call.
2) Take a Local Cooking Class
Taking a cooking class in Positano means diving into Amalfi Coast cuisine. You'll explore Mediterranean tastes, using fresh, seasonal stuff. Think juicy tomatoes, local herbs, Amalfi lemons, and top-notch olive oil. They get ingredients from nearby farms or the chef's garden.
These classes cover various diets, including vegetarian and vegan. Mediterranean cooking uses lots of veggies, grains, and dairy. You might make pizza margherita, gnocchi alla sorrentina, or eggplant parmesan. Classes end with a meal of what you cooked, plus great local wines, picked to match the food.
For example, Chef Satriano's class on the Amalfi Coast is interactive and lasts about 3 hours. You can pick classes like "Bella Italia," "Pesto Class," or "Pasta Fresca Class." You'll make everything from four-course meals to homemade tortellini, tagliatelle, and lasagna. The Amalfi Coast setting adds to the fun, with amazing views and the thrill of cooking.
3) Experience Limoncello Tasting
Checking out a local limoncello maker in Positano? That's diving into lemon liqueur lore. Two top tours are Amalfi Lemon Tour and Limoncello Making and Lunch with Lemon Base.
Amalfi Lemon Tour: Runs March 1st to October 31st. It's a 2.5-hour deep dive into Amalfi's lemon gardens. Learn about lemon cultivation and harvesting. It's hands-on and educational, connecting you to Amalfi's citrus roots. Costs 25 Euros for adults, 15 for kids under 10. You can buy stuff cheap straight from the factory.
Limoncello Making and Lunch with Lemon Base: This one's by Wine Tour Amalfi Coast. It goes for 4-6 hours. Includes a lemon garden tour and a lemon-based lunch. It's all about Amalfi's food traditions, with lemons front and center. Starts at about $403.90 per adult. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, lunch, and a guide.
4) Go on a "Hidden Beach" Exploration
Renting a kayak or boat around Positano? You're in for a unique Amalfi Coast adventure.
Positano Sea Kayak Association (PSK) sets up awesome sea kayak tours. They've got set or custom trips, from a day to overnight stays in coastal villages or the Sorrento Peninsula. They cover gear: kayaks, paddles, life jackets, dry suits, safety stuff. Italian Canoe and Kayak Federation pros guide you, making it safe and cool.
Want to go solo? Renting a kayak in Positano is easy, no booking needed. Hit Spiaggia Grande or Fornillo beach for kayak stands. It's cheap, like 10 euros an hour or 30 for 4 hours. Mornings are best - calmer water, fewer people. Snap pics of Positano cliffs, check out caves, and cruise the Tyrrhenian Sea's blue waters. Just watch the distance and wind to get back safely.
5) Dabble in an Art Galleries Tour
Hitting art galleries in Positano? You're diving into Amalfi's art world. The stunning scenery here sparks all kinds of art.
Check out Liquid Art System. They're in Capri and Positano. They mix local and international artists, calling it ‘glocal’. You'll see hyper-realistic paintings, lifelike sculptures, and Italian photos. It's a cool mix of contemporary art.
Don't miss Art & Craft Gallery by Giancarlo Angeloni. He's got contemporary paintings, sculptures, ceramics from Italian pros and newbies. It's a window into Positano's scenery, and people love the variety and quality of the art.
6) Experience an Evening Stroll with Gelato
Strolling Positano at night with a gelato? That's mixing town beauty with sweet Italian ice cream. Positano's loaded with gelaterias, all about unique flavors and top ingredients.
Gelateria Buca di Bacco? It's been a hit for ages. They use fresh, local stuff for authentic taste. Then there's Gelateria del Porto by the beach. They've got everything from chocolate to lemon with basil. If you need vegan or gluten-free, try Cremeria Pasticceria Savoia. They've got options for all diets.
Gelato's big in Positano, a real social thing. Most places are family-run, about freedom and simple joys. The trick to great gelato? Look for good ingredients, solid making methods, and businesses that care about quality. Must-tries? Classic stracciatella, pistachio, lemon sorbet, hazelnut, espresso. They show off the quality and tradition.
An evening walk in Positano, especially during the passagiata, is magic. The buildings glow in the dim light, and the air's got a hint of jasmine. Dress up, hit the cobbled streets and beachfront. Shops stay open late, especially in summer.
7) Immerse in a Cliffside Yoga Session
Doing cliffside yoga in Positano? That's serene and refreshing, with killer Amalfi Coast views. You've got a few choices here.
Sunset Yoga at Fornillo Beach: Toonado runs this. It's a chill sunset class on quiet Fornillo Beach. Good for all levels, from newbies to yoga pros. They focus on Hatha Yoga, mixing static and dynamic moves with breathing. It's about 1.5 hours, by the sea, with pros and all the gear, like yoga mats.
Yoga Retreat at La Selva: Ciao Amalfi talks about this one. It's up in the mountains over Positano, with views to Capri. They do morning and evening classes, in a glass studio or on a wooden platform. You're right in nature. Plus, they serve tasty vegetarian meals, made with their own produce. Adds to the whole vibe.
8) Engage in Custom Sandal Making
Getting custom sandals in Positano? It's a mix of craft and style. Here's the lowdown:
Shops and Styles: Positano's got skilled cobblers. Places like Nana Positano and Artigianato Rallo rock at this. Styles range from simple to fancy, some with Swarovski crystals.
Customization: You pick the sole, straps' design and color. Cobblers fit them to your feet. Straps are usually leather, soles vary in heel height. The fit's all about comfort and your foot shape.
Craftsmanship: These sandals are artisan-made. At Capri Positano, they're all hand-built, from sole up. It's a traditional, non-factory process, handed down through generations.
Price: Depends on your picks. Like, Artigianato Rallo's yellow leather straps with a small heel are about 65€. Some say they're the comfiest shoes ever, others need a break-in period.
Durability: They last, but take care, especially with water. You don't want the soles to swell or nails to rust.
9) Pursue a "Heroic" Vineyard Visit in the Mountains
Heading to the mountains from Positano for a vineyard visit? It's an eye-opener into local winemaking and wine tasting. Amalfi Coast's "heroic" winemaking is about tough yet rewarding vineyard work on steep terraces.
Swirl the Glass offers a cool tour. You'll try Campania's unique wines with a pro sommelier. They cover the winemaking process and how the sea, sun, and hills shape the wines. They offer vineyard tours, lunches, tastings, and pre-dinner tastings in Positano places.
Cellar Tours goes luxe. Think private Mercedes rides, fancy hotels in Positano, boat tours, fancy meals, and wine tours in Campania. You'll hit Vesuvio vineyards, have gourmet lunches with wine, and visit top spots like Marisa Cuomo in Furore and Tenuta San Francesco in Tramonti. It's about great wines, killer views, and top-notch food.
Then there's Amalfi's intense winemaking on terraced cliffs. Marisa Cuomo in Furore ages wines in stainless steel for freshness. Tenuta San Francesco in Tramonti's known for old vines and wines like È Iss. These places are all about quality and local roots.
10) Make a Pilgrimage to Positano's Historical Churches
Checking out Positano's old churches? You're diving into its rich history and cool architecture. The big deal here is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta: It's famous for its 12th-century Byzantine Madonna di Positano icon. Started as part of the 10th-century Benedictine Monastery of Santa Maria. It was big news until the 15th century. Rebuilt in the early 17th century and restored in 1777. Inside, there's one nave, two aisles, and side chapels. The Madonna of Positano icon's above the main altar. It's got a bell tower from 1707, a medieval sea monster on the door, and a nod to Flavio Gioia, the supposed compass inventor.
Legend says they built the monastery after a Byzantine Virgin Mary icon came to Positano. A miracle happened: a stuck ship sailed again once the icon was offloaded. The locals then built the church for her.
11) Experience Mediterranean Cooking and Foraging:
Joining cooking and foraging tours in Positano? It's a mix of kitchen thrills and nature. You go foraging with a local guide, learning about Amalfi Coast herbs and plants. It's about connecting with nature and understanding how these ingredients fit into local dishes.
After foraging, you hit a cooking class. You'll cook with what you've gathered. These classes are led by pro chefs who know their local food. You'll make everything from pasta and seafood to Delizia al Limone or Torta Caprese.
Classes often have great views, like gardens or sea-view kitchens. It's all about fresh, quality stuff, often from local farms or the chef's garden. Think ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, Amalfi lemons, and fine olive oil.
Got dietary needs? No sweat. They cover vegetarian and vegan, since Mediterranean food's got plenty of meat-free options.
12) Hike Il Sentiero Degli Dei
Il Sentiero Degli Dei, the Path of the Gods, is a famous Amalfi Coast hike.
Starting Points: Start from Agerola or Praiano. Praiano has many steps up to Colle Serra Pass.
Scenery: The trail goes through hills, shrubs, animals, and a Mediterranean environment with oaks, arbutus, heather, and rosemary.
End Points: It ends in Nocelle, part of Positano. From there, take a bus or walk down 1500 steps to Arienzo, and maybe 300 more to Arienzo beach.
Return or Extension: After Nocelle, head back to Positano or extend to Montepertuso il Buco for coastal views.
Hiking Experience: Terrain: It's dirt, gravel, stone steps, and some rocky parts.
Difficulty: Moderate, with tough spots.
Distance and Duration: Bomerano to Nocelle loop is 11 KM, 4-5 hours. Bomerano-Nocelle-Montepertuso-Positano is 10 KM, about 3.5-4.5 hours.
Elevation: Max 650 meters above sea level.
Tips and Info: Safety: Be careful near cliff edges, especially with kids.
Seasons: Best in April/May and September/October. Open all year, but summer heat and winter rain can impact hiking.
Accessibility: Well-marked, no guide needed. Guides add insight and safety.
Essentials: Bring 2 liters of water. There are refill stations. Dog-friendly.
Getting There: Public Transport: Sita bus to Agerola, ferry to Amalfi, then shuttle to Bomerano.
Parking: Some free street parking in Bomerano.
Guided Tours: Different group sizes, include transport arrangements.
13) Make a Pilgrimage to Chiesa di Santa Croce
The Chiesa di Santa Croce in Positano is architecturally and culturally significant. It has a marble altar with a Statue of St. Margaret. Other altars are for Our Lady of Sorrows and St. Michael the Archangel. Features include a choir loft with an old organ, ceramic flooring, and statues of St. Margaret and Our Lady of Sorrows. St. Margaret's Feast is on July 20th annually.
14) Go Shopping!
Via Cristoforo Colombo: It's where you go for stylish boutiques and jewelers. You'll find crystals, handbags, accessories, and scarves.
Via Pasitea: This street is all about shoes. Stores everywhere, selling the latest in shoes and sandals. Prices are decent. You'll also find clothing.
Piazza dei Mulini: This place is a mix. Shops selling paintings, artwork, clothes, accessories, and quality leather jackets.
Handmade Sandals: Positano's famous for these. Leather sandals, low flip-flops, crystals, lively details. They're for everyone and make great souvenirs.
Positano Clothing Line: Global recognition for elegance. Dresses, swimwear, accessories, all with floral designs, bright colors. Made from quality linen, cotton, hemp.
Ceramics: Amalfi Coast, including Positano, loves its ceramics. You'll find pieces in all shapes and colors, showing off Positano's life and landscapes.
Limoncello: Can't miss this in Positano. It's a lemon-based drink. Plus, there are lemon sweets, jellies, jams, honey in local shops.
Casa e Bottega: On Viale Pasitea. They have great home goods – table linens, glassware, modern ceramics, decorative stuff.
Boutique Luisa: Also on Via Pasitea. Known for helpful staff and a variety of handmade clothes in classic Positano style.
Nadir Positano: Via Pasitea. Moderately priced women's clothing, Positano style.
Antica Sartoria: At Piazza dei Mulini. Beautiful, if less practical, Positano-style clothing.
Artigianato Rallo Moda Positano: Go here for handmade sandals on Viale Pasitea. You can even customize your own.
Shopping Tips: Budgeting: Remember, Positano's expensive because of its high-end appeal. You can find similar stuff for less in Amalfi.
Exploring: Shopping here isn't just about buying. You'll love the streets and views of Positano. It adds to the experience.
15) Dine in Style
La Sponda: It's in Le Sirenuse Hotel. Think romance, elegance, and 450 candles. The place glows. Their food? It's a Naples and Amalfi Coast tour on a plate. Chef Gennaro Russo swears by fresh, local, seasonal stuff. His dishes? Simple, yet fancy. The view? Killer. Positano's houses, the church dome, right there. Summer? Hit the terrace. It's all about the view, candlelight, and music. Perfect for popping the question.
Il Tridente: This one's central in Positano. The view from up here? Unreal. Overlooks the town, close to the beach. Their menu? Italian, Mediterranean, healthy. Got dietary needs? They've got you. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, all there. The vibe? Laid-back, friendly. It's a top spot to eat and gaze at Positano and the coast.
16) Explore the Amalfi Coast Towns
Ravello? You've got to see it. Hilltop views are stunning. Check out Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. Coastline and gardens? Gorgeous. Want to shop? Go for artwork, ceramics. It's quieter than Amalfi or Positano. More peace, less crowd.
Atrani's another gem. Small town, big charm. The beach is absolutely beautiful, with amazing architecture all around. It's one of those must-photograph spots. Feels more personal than other coastal towns.
Amalfi is totally the core of, well, the Amalfi Coast. History, culture, it's all there. The big draw is Piazza del Duomo and the Amalfi Cathedral. Don't miss the old arsenals and the Paper Museum. Good spot for exploring around, with plenty of food and places to stay.
Nerano's your go-to for quiet. It's tucked in the Punta Campanella Natural Marine Reserve. Hiking, nice beaches, like Recommone. The seafood is deliciously top-notch. Hit Marina del Cantone for spaghetti alla Nerano.
Day trip idea: Ravello and Amalfi. Start with coffee in Ravello's calm square, then hit the villas and gardens. Amalfi's more bustling. Waterfront, shops, cafes, and that cathedral. Driving? Take it easy, especially if you're not used to roads that are narrow and twisty. Maybe hire a driver.
17) Cruise the Coast on a Vespa
Vespa tours on the Amalfi Coast? Plenty of them.
Top pick? The full-day private tour. You get your own guide, speaking English, for 7 to 8 hours. You're riding along scenic roads, flexible schedule, great experience.
Want something more personal? Go for a private Vespa tour. Lasts 6 to 7 hours. These tours dive deep into the coast. Guides are top-notch. You'll stop for coffee, snap unique photos.
Another one? The Vespa Tour of Amalfi Coast, Positano, and Ravello. It's a 6 to 8-hour romantic trip. You're zipping around on an automatic Vespa. Stops at key spots, local insights, and skipping city traffic.
18) Go on a Walking Tour with an Real Archaeologist
Check out this Positano: Old Town Walking Tour with an Archaeologist Guide, a killer deep dive into Positano's history with a local archaeologist who walks you around for 2 hours. You're hitting the old town and downtown, uncovering Positano's secrets. Big moment is the underground Roman villa with its fresh frescoes. You'll weave through narrow paths, check out Fornillo Beach. You get into the Roman villa and hear all the insights. It's a must for history buffs into Positano's archaeological scene. Want in? Then hit up GetYourGuide to book.
19) Go Dancing!
Have you heard of Music on the Rocks in Positano? Well, it's not your regular "nightclub." Been there. Done it. Overall, it's a magical spot, amazing vibe. Get this, it's a cave carved right out of a cliff by the sea. And, it's been the heart of clubbing, local and international, for over 40 years. Opens at 7 PM, shuts at 4 AM. Think DJ sets, cocktails, non-stop energy till sunrise. They've got a disco dinner club, lounge bar, and tons of events. It's at Località Grotte Dell'incanto, 51, Positano SA. A standout in Amalfi Coast's nightlife.
Where to Stay in Positano
Below are a few hotels we stayed in or looked at in Positano and would definitely recommended. Check them out! Also, be sure to look on Booking.com for special deals, real reviews, and photos of each place!
Palazzo Talamo: It's a cozy 19th-century spot, family-run for three generations. Pure elegance.
Hotel Casa Albertina: Just 10 minutes from the beach. Has a terrace with sea views, plus a bar.
Hotel Dimora Fornillo: It's in an old building. Offers a garden terrace and rooms with air-con and mini-bars.
Hotel Villa Gabrisa: Upper Positano, private balconies, panoramic views. Friendly atmosphere.
CASA DAMA: Recently redone guest house. Right in Positano's heart. Rooms have balconies and sea views.
Casa Roberta Positano: Eco-friendly apartment. Garden, mountain views, near beaches. WiFi, private parking included.
La Borragine Rooms Nocelle, Positano: Garden views, close to beaches. Air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms.
Casa La Bionda Positano: Got air-con, kitchenette, bathroom. Non-smoking.
BlueVista Dreamscape Home: Big holiday home. Two bedrooms, full kitchen, terrace with a hot tub.
Where to Eat in Positano
The following are a few places that we've had the pleasure of eating at in Positano. If you want to dig in and do some research of places to eat with real reviews, then click here.
La Scalinatella: It's about Italian, seafood, Mediterranean. They've got healthy stuff too.
Casa Mele: They mix Italian, seafood, Mediterranean, European.
Adamo ed Eva by Eden Roc: Italian and Mediterranean, with a European twist.
Il Tridente: Think Italian, Mediterranean. Healthy options available.
Ohima' Restaurant: It's contemporary Italian and Mediterranean.
Ristorante Mirage: A blend of Italian, seafood, Mediterranean, European.
Il Ritrovo: They combine Italian, seafood, international, Mediterranean.
Ristorante Max: They serve Italian, seafood, Mediterranean, European.
Zass Restaurant: Offers Italian, seafood, international, Mediterranean choices.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions About Positano)
Positano is picture-perfect, vibrant. Pastel houses stack up the cliffside. Views of the Tyrrhenian Sea? Stunning. The food, especially seafood, is top-notch. Shopping, nightlife are both buzzing. The main beach is sandy, big, great for beach stuff. Heads up, though: Positano's pricey. The steep streets could be a workout.
Amalfi's different. More relaxed, culturally rich. It's flatter, easier to walk around. Great for families or if you're not into climbing. History and architecture everywhere. Think Duomo, old paper mills. The beach is nice but pebbly. More wallet-friendly than Positano. Accommodation has more budget options. Plus, lots of history and art to see.
Positano is a stunner. Colorful buildings tumble down cliffs to the sea. Looks like a natural pyramid. Views from the sea are unbelievable. The beaches are top-notch. Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo Beach. Spiaggia Grande's known for clear water, lively beach scene, and that classic Positano backdrop. Positano's got loads of history. Goes back to Roman luxury villas. Was big in the medieval Amalfi Republic. Its past still shows.
Food is all about fresh seafood and Italian classics here. Try the limoncello and seafood scialatielli. And for shopping, Positano's your spot. Leather sandals, colorful womenswear. It's been a fashion hub for ages, especially for summer dresses. Nightlife and culture is lively. Clubs like Music on the Rocks, bars, and art galleries. There's always something happening.
Three days in Positano? Here's the deal. Day one: roam the historic center, hit the beaches, taste the local food. Next two days? Check out Praiano, Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello. It's about soaking in the culture, eating out, nightlife, beach hopping.
Got four days? Add more to your plate. Think a Capri day trip, more Amalfi Coast, maybe kayaking or paddleboarding. Four days let you take it easy, hit both the hotspots and hidden gems.
A week? Now you're talking. Perfect for day trips and beach tours along the Amalfi Coast. You'll have time to explore lesser-known places like Vietri sul Mare and Maiori. Maybe even swing by Naples or Pompeii. It's for the deep divers.
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