Where to stay in Positano? It’s beneficial to understand the layout of the land, or should I say, mountainside, while choosing Positano hotels. To begin with, you will be in The Vertical City, with tons of steps connecting town center, beach, hotels and restaurants. At the same time, this is what makes Positano so unique and spectacular. JUMP to HOTELS

Therefore, there are some things to consider according to your mobility and preferences.  First, if your hotel is sky high, you will have gorgeous soaring views but a substantial amount of steps from town center and the beach. Secondly, there are hotels mid-way on the hill which are closer to the center of town with fewer steps. Lastly, there are also hotels down by the beach and just seconds from town center. These are reached by a sloped walkway and have the fewest steps. Nonetheless, you will always find a restaurant nearby, as there are loads scattered throughout. Let’s discover the best hotels in Positano.   JUMP to HOTELS        

It is important to know that whichever you choose, there are internal buses that can take you all around. Most upper Positano Italy hotels have bus stops by their entrances. In addition, porter service is available that will collect your luggage from Piazza dei Mulini, or from the ferry boat for delivery to your hotel. Piazza dei Mulini is the vehicle drop off point in town from which you continue on foot to reach your hotel. You can find the porters in front of the Pharmacy (a few steps before Piazza Mulini) or just ask the parking attendant or your driver.

First, those charming steps…..

In my opinion, steps are a perfect way to burn off all that delicious Italian food! It’s like an Italian StairMaster – no need to hit the gym! Get a leg workout and your heart pumping while you see the sights. Although steps are the fastest route (shortcut), there are a few inclined winding roads that you can use to walk to your destinations. Take your time and enjoy the charm of discovering all the nooks and crannies this beautiful town has to offer. You will find boutiques, cafes, restaurants and of course, the best hotels in Positano.

Second, where is the center of town?

When picking a hotel, it’s good to know where the location is in relation to the town center. This is especially true in Positano because of the vertical layout. The center of Positano is from the high point of Piazza dei Mulini to the low point of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. The church is set back from the main beach, Spiaggia Grande, which is directly below the church.

BEST HOTELS IN POSITANO

Hotel Marincanto

Luxury 4* Pool, Breakfast Included, Mid-Level of Town
Hotel Marincanto is my favorite place to stay in Positano. I just love the lobby, the beautiful terrace, the staff and of course the rooms. Moreover, the views are spectacular! Steps going to the beach and shopping area are a minute away. In addition, you can walk down from the beach directly from the hotel. They serve a terrific breakfast on the gorgeous terrace and serve a great cocktail also. I highly recommend it!
Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo 50

Hotel Savoia

Luxury 4* Breakfast Included, Mid-Level of Town
Hotel Savoia is in a perfect location right in the middle of Positano. It is convenient for shopping, restaurants and a short walk to the beach area. Our room was sparkling clean and tastefully decorated. In addition, there was plenty of room for luggage, a huge armoire for clothing and a very big bathroom. Furthermore, we had a balcony with both a city and sea view. A very good breakfast is served on their terrace between 7-10am with excellent cappuccino. I highly recommend and enjoyed our stay at Hotel Savoia.
Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo 73

Palazzo Murat

4* Luxury Hotel Pool, Breakfast included – Bottom of Hill
This hotel is on the prettiest via in all of Positano. It is basically a glamorous oasis in the center of everything! Moreover, this is one of the most beautiful hotels you will find. The pool, grounds, and outdoor garden restaurant are gorgeous. It is in the middle of everything as well as minutes away from the beach.
Address: 23 Via dei Mullini, Positano

Le Sirenuse

Luxury 5* Hotel – Pool – Breakfast included – Bottom of hill
You will be in the Lap of Luxury!  Here you will find impeccable service, gorgeous surroundings and spectacular views of the sea and beach. Expect to be pampered and let your eyes feast on the beauty of your surroundings. Enjoy!
Address: Via C. Colombo 30, Positano

Hotel Buca di Bacco

4* Luxury Hotel – Breakfast included – Bottom of hill – Beachfront
Buca di Bacco’s location is basically on the beach. It is extremely easy to get to the beachfront restaurants, the ferries and excursion boats as well as all the shops and galleries. Service is excellent. The rooms are spacious and decorated with old world charm. You will love it!
Address: Via Rampa della Teglia 4

Hotel Miramare Positano Hotel

4* Mid-range Hotel – Breakfast included – Middle of Hill
Not only is the staff amazing, but the location is in the heart of Positano. It is close to the main beach area with many restaurants above and below. Not to mention the amazing views from here!  I suggest booking a room with a balcony.
Address: Via Trara Genoino 29, Positano

Villa La Tartana

3* Mid-range Hotel – Breakfast included – Bottom of Hill
I happen to love Villa Tartana. It is a charming hotel in the center of town, tucked away in a little corner. Moreover, it is only a minute walk to the beach. Rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated. Their breakfast and cappuccino – molto bene! The staff is excellent and will even help you learn Italian! A great mid-range choice right near the beach and town center.
Note: Book early to get a great price and choose an upper room with a sea view
Address: Via Vito Savino 6/8

Villa Rosa Positano Hotel

Mid-range Hotel, Breakfast included – Mid to lower Hill
Excellent staff, tastefully decorated, excellent views of the sea and Positano. Wonderful breakfast served in your room – sit on your terrace and enjoy the view!
Address: Via C. Colombo 121

When it comes to Amalfi Coast beaches, you will love the scene here. Positano beaches are fabulous, beautiful and everything, including boutiques and cafes, are at your fingertips. Sun lovers will enjoy beautiful smooth pebble beaches and gorgeous blue water.

You will find full service beach clubs, all with delicious seaside restaurants. Furthermore, there is a public area (Spiaggia Libera) where you are free to bring your own towels and enjoy the day. Spiaggia Grande is the center and main Positano beach.

In addition, there is a small harbor on Spiaggia Grande. Of course, ferries and excursion boats are waiting to whisk you off to other Amalfi Coast towns such at Capri and Amalfi. This Positano beach is one of the largest and glamorous on the Amalfi Coast. It attracts a fashionable crowd from all over the world.

POSITANO BEACH CLUBS

Lido L’Incanto – Positano Beach

Lido L’Incanto offers all the conveniences needed for a fun and relaxing day in the sun and sea. They rent sunbeds, deck chairs and umbrellas. In addition it provides changing rooms, showers and free wi-fi.
Prices: Two sunbeds & one umbrella (Summer 2023): 1st row is E80; 2nd row-back is E70.  If you want 1st row, which is sea-front, I would suggest to advance reserve online or ask your hotel to reserve for you. The 3rd row and after is available on the same day and in person.  To book online click here.

Not only does Lido L’Incanto have a delicious restaurant, but they also have the Blu Bar. You should stop and soak up the atmosphere. Order a delightful drink and enjoy the music.

There is a pretty walkway between the beach and the restaurants.  It is busy with people and even an artist or two painting works of art.

Lido La Scogliera

As you walk down toward the end of the beach, you will find a small corner of paradise, La Scogliera. Partially set on a rocky terrace, you can indulge in excellent service, attention and relaxation in a stunning setting. This lido is owned by L’Incanto, and pampers their guests. At sunset, it turns into a romantic lounge/bar from 7:30-10:30pm.  They also have have live music and DJ sets till 11:30 on Sundays and Wednesdays.  In addition, you will find the hottest club on the Amalfi coast located here, Music On the Rocks. Positano nightlife is the best on the Amalfi Coast.

Lunch on the Beach

There are many places to eat on the beach, but don’t miss out on this one for a great lunch. Not only is there exceptional food and service. Enjoy fresh fish and pastas here including excellent, friendly service. The pasta with clams was amazing, as well as the lobster linguine and seared tuna salad – actually we ate here twice and every dish we had was phenomenal! My favorite!
Address: 51 Spiagge Grande

Spiaggia Grande Harbor – on Positano Beach

Here you will find a small jetty that offers boat excursions, rental boats and a sea taxi service from Positano Beach. You can boat to other areas of the Amalfi Coast such as Capri and Amalfi, as well as small coves, which can only be accessed by sea. Likewise, there is also a dock for ferries and larger boats. (A great option for transportation to and from Naples) For a unique and delicious lunch, try Da Adolfo Ristorante. They have complimentary boat service and their own little beach.

Fornillo Beach

If you’re looking for a quieter beach which is only a 10 minute scenic walk away, you will enjoy Fornillo Beach. From the Spiaggia Grande harbor, bear right and walk along the costal path. There are a few fully equipped Lidos and the rentals are much less expensive than Spiaggia Grande.

Positano Beaches make you Jump for Joy!

How to get from Naples to Positano

Closest Airport to Positano is Naples Capodichino (NAP)

Getting from Naples to Positano by car can be more than a thrill (terrifying for some) since most of the road zigzags on the edge of a cliff! Even so, if you elect to drive, you will be rewarded with spectacular views. Moreover, you will have the freedom to stop and visit various Amalfi Coast towns. Thankfully, there is now a tunnel between Sorrento and Positano that cuts out some of the cliff-edge driving. In addition, it is important to realize that when you reach Positano, there is limited parking above the town. Check to see if your hotel offers parking.  I’ve found that the least expensive choice (train and bus) takes the longest time. Furthermore, it could be the most crowded and inconvenient with luggage. I find that the moderately priced option (ferry) is an easy way to go. The fastest and most comfortable (private driver) is the most expensive. In my opinion, there are things worth splurging on, and things worth skimping. Safety, time, and convenience may be worth the splurge for you.

Naples Airport to Positano Options:

Train & Bus from Naples to Positano                              

The least expensive way is to take the train to Sorrento and then bus to Positano. First, from the Naples airport, take the free shuttle to Napoli Centrale Garibaldi Train Station. Go to the lower level and take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento which is the last stop. Trains depart every 30/60 minutes and the journey can be up to an hour and a half. Be aware that in the summer months the train from Naples to Sorrento is jammed, with standing room only, and not air conditioned! It can be a very unpleasant ride. You can buy your tickets from an automated ticket machine or the ticket office. Secondly, take the Sita bus to Positano. The bus journey is an additional 35 minutes.
Train Tickets: Naples to Sorrento 4.50e each.
Bus Tickets: Sorrento to Positano 2e each.
Important Note: Remember to validate your train ticket before you get on the train! If you don’t, you can be subject to a fine and must purchase another ticket. Also, be aware of pickpockets on the train.

Naples to Positano Ferry

This is a beautiful way to arrive in Positano. You will enjoy the wonderful cascade of colorful homes clinging to the cliff. Positano’s view from the bay offers you a priceless landscape. First take the airport shuttle to Naples Beverello Harbor. Shuttles depart every 10 minutes. Secondly, when arriving at the harbor, find the Alilauro ticket office to purchase your tickets. The Hydrofoil is about a 40 minute journey to Sorrento and then onward to Positano. Be aware that the ferry pier is on beach level near Spiaggia Grande. There is quite an uphill climb to the hotels. You can always hire a porter service when you arrive. It is a good idea to check your hotel location in relation to the pier. Check out my Positano Hotel Guide for my favorite hotels and their position on the mountain.
Note: CASH ONLY! Many people waited on line only to be turned away to find an ATM.
Ferry times: Go to Alilauro for ferry schedule since it varies according to season.
Tickets: First – One way from Naples to Sorrento is 14.10e. Second – One way from Sorrento to Positano is 20.10e. Total is 34.90 euros per person. Also, luggage is 2.10e per piece, per trip.

Private Transfer to Positano

Most of the scenic towns that dot the Amalfi coast, including popular Positano, are not accessible by train. In my opinion, the most hassle-free way is via private car transfer from Naples. If you decide on door to door transport, I highly recommend Renato Como Transfers. They will pick you up at the airport arrivals point, and take you directly to your hotel in Positano. In addition, if you want to sightsee for a few hours, you can stop in Pompeii, Herculaneum or Sorrento. Your luggage will be safely stored in the vehicle. Furthermore, you can also stop for delightful lunch at a cliffside restaurant.  Anything you desire they will accommodate.

Whatever option you choose, enjoy getting from Naples to Positano. Relish the breathtaking views and appreciate the locals! Of course, when you are on the Amalfi Coast, make your way to Capri, Sorrento, Ravello and Amalfi.

.