Positano restaurants are buzzing with heavenly Italian dishes. Local specialties include a variety of fresh caught fish as well as shrimp, octopus, clams and mussels. Not only are the seafood specialties great, but the pasta, meat and vegetable dishes are also delicious. Certainly, dessert is amazing too. Positano Italy restaurants have a terrific vibe. Moreover, many have unrivaled views of the cliff and sea. There are so many delicious choices for you! Here are some of the best restaurants in Positano.

We all have priorities in restaurants – for some it’s strictly the food – for others it’s the ambiance and for yet another it’s the service. Some people like to go to a chic scene. My recipe is to mix all these ingredients and suggest the best to you. Bon Appetito!

Next2, Positano

Fine Dining – Next2 has delicious food made with fresh ingredients.  The presentation and quality is excellent. They also boast an extensive wine list. Beautiful ambiance with a gorgeous outdoor patio. They are located across the street from the cliff so you will not have an excellent view, but the food will wow you. Try the stuffed zucchini flowers!
Address: Via Pasitea 242, Positano

Ristorante Mediterraneo, Positano

Moderately Priced –
I was just in Positano this August (2022).  This little neighborhood restaurant was hands down the best food I had for the entire trip! Better that 2 Michelin star restaurants that I went to. If you’re in the mood for great food at a casual place this is definitely for you! Absolutely get the lobster over linguine – it’s amazing!!
Address: Via Pasitea 236, Positano

Positano Restaurants with a view

Il Capitano, Positano

Moderately priced – Il Capitano possesses one of the most stunning views for your dining pleasure. Try the delicious grilled octopus and the seafood risotto. They also have a very good wine selection.   Book in advance in order to reserve a cliffside table.
Address: Via Pasitea 119, Positano

Ristorante La Sponda, Positano

Fine Dining – You will have an unforgettable experience at La Sponda. As you would expect for a Michelin starred restaurant, the setting is incredibly beautiful. In addition, the ambiance created by candles and live string music is absolutely amazing. Service is out-of-this-world. Certainly, the food is the star here. I suggest the Tasting Menu.  Enjoy a wonderful evening!
Address: Via San Sebastiano 2, Positano (in the Sirenuse Hotel)

La Tagliata, Positano

Moderately Priced – The farm-to-table food in this family run restaurant is very good. Moreover, the views are spectacular, since it is high up on the mountain just a 15 minute drive from Positano. First of all, there is no menu, just an abundance of homemade dishes served to your table. You will not leave here hungry! Secondly, the wine is unlimited!  Sometimes they have music and singing which makes for a great night. Ask when making reservations. All this for 40 EUR, plus a complimentary shuttle. YIKES, the restaurant is up on the cliffs, if you are like me, don’t look out the shuttle window.  
Address: Via Monsignor Vito Talamo

Positano Restaurants on the Beach

Ristorante La Marinella, Positano

Casual, Moderately Priced – This will be one of your best meals in Positano. Start out with amazing homemade pastas, delicious seafood and great wine. This is a hidden gem with a view right over Fornillo Beach. It is a short walk from Spiaggia Grande and well worth going to for lunch or dinner.
Address: Via Positanesi d’America 22-24, Positano

Dress code is chic in Positano

Where to stay in Positano? It’s beneficial to understand the layout of the land, or should I say cliff, while choosing Positano hotels. To begin with, you will be in The Vertical City, with tons of steps from beginning of town down to the harbor. At the same time, this is what makes Positano so unique and spectacular. Therefore, there are some things to consider according to your mobility and preferences.  First, if your hotel is high up on the cliff, you will have stunning views but lots of steps to climb up and down to 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 to climb. 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. I will help you discover the best hotels in Positano.              JUMP TO HOTELS

It is important to know that which ever you choose, there are internal busses that can take you all around. Most upper Positano Italy hotels have bus stops right by their entrances. In addition, porter service is available that will collect your luggage at Piazza dei Mulini (Euro 6 per bag – cash only) and deliver them to your hotel. Piazza dei Mulini is the drop off point in town from which you have to continue on foot to reach many hotels. You can find the porters in front of the Pharmacy (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 walk back and forth 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, I feel it’s good to know where its location is in relationship with town center. This is especially true in Positano because of the vertical layout. The center of Positano is from Piazza dei Mulini to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. The church is set back from the main beach, Spiaggia Grande, which is within a minutes walk.

TOP POSITANO HOTELS

Le Sirenuse

Luxury 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

Luxury Hotel – Breakfast included – Bottom of hill – Practically on Beach
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, Positano

Covo dei Saraceni

Luxury Hotel – Pool – Breakfast included – Bottom of Hill – On Beach
An ideal location! This is an excellent hotel with a beautiful view right over the beach. They have a wonderful rooftop pool and bar. Rooms and common areas are beautiful.  A perfect choice!
Address: Via Regina Giovanna 5, Positano

Palazzo Murat

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. A gorgeous entryway that opens up into beautiful outdoor garden restaurant. It is a very short walk to the beach.
Address: 23 Via dei Mullini, Positano

Hotel Villa Franca

Luxury Hotel – Pool – Breakfast included – Top of Hill
Villa Franca is perched high on the hill with incredible views and impeccable service. The hotel and rooms are beautifully decorated. They offer complimentary shuttle to the beach area, which is basically town center.
Address: Via Pasitea 318, Positano

Hotel Miramare

Mid-range Hotel – Breakfast included – Middle of Hill
A wonderful hotel with beautiful vistas.  I suggest booking a room with a balcony. It is in a great location because it is close to the main beach area with many restaurants above and below. Address: Via Trara Genoino 29, Positano

Villa La Tartana

Mid-range Hotel – Breakfast included – Bottom of Hill
I happen to love Villa Tartana. It is very close to the beach and tucked away in a little corner. 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: Choose an upper room
Address: Via Vito Savino 6/8, Positano

Villa Rosa

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, Positano

When it comes to Amalfi Coast beaches, you will love the scene here. Positano beaches are fabulous, beautiful and everything, including boutiques and cafes, is within a short walk. Sun lovers will enjoy beautiful smooth pebble beaches and gorgeous blue water. There are 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. Not to mention ferries and excursion boats ready to whisk you off to other Amalfi Coast towns . This Positano Italy 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

Lido L’Incanto offers all the conveniences needed for a fun and relaxing day in the sun and sea. They rents out sun beds, deck chairs and umbrellas.  In addition it provides changing rooms showers and free wi-fi.
Prices: One bed & one umbrella (2017): 1st row is E20; 2nd row is E17.50; 3rd row and after is E15.  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 price option is available in person but not available online.  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 drinks 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.

Spiaggia Grande Harbor

Here you will find a small jetty that offers boat excursions, rental boats and a sea taxi service. You can boat to other areas of the Amalfi Coast and to small coves nearby, 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, as the sea taxi to take you to Da Adolfo Ristorante.  You can only arrive by boat and it has its 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!

Girls having fun!

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.

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