Things to do in  Positano

The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is a top attraction on the island of Capri, located in Italy’s Bay of Naples (Golfo di Napoli). To enter this sea cave, named after the bright blue light filtering through the water via an opening in the rock below sea level, you must board a small rowboat and duck through a low opening. Once inside, you’ll have time to snap a few photos of the glowing turquoise water and—if you’re lucky—listen to a rower perform a quick Italian serenade.

Ancient and sprawling, the city of Pompeii offers glimpses of a distant past. Rather than viewing museum displays behind glass, you’ll stroll the cobbled streets, see ancient graffiti, and likely be struck by the similarities to a modern city. From restaurants to public bathrooms to amphitheaters, ancient Romans followed many of the habits we do today. Wandering this almost 2,000-year-old city is a way to remember that people from all ages share commonalities.

Shrouded in legend, the Li Galli (Sirenuse islets tower over the Mediterranean Sea. Once said to be inhabited by sirens, these tiny outcrops lure passing boats with their pristine waters and coastlines. Though the islands are private, you can still drop anchor on their outskirts to swim or snap photos.

The culprit behind Pompeii’s burial in AD 79, Mt. Vesuvius is one of Europe’s most infamous active volcanoes. While it’s currently enjoying a long dormant spell, scientists are constantly monitoring its seismic activity to avoid history repeating itself, and to reassure locals and visitors alike. Today, Mt. Vesuvius is a popular tourist attraction in southern Italy, and travelers often combine a trip to Pompeii with a visit to see the volcano that buried it.

Tiny Ravello, an idyllic village along the Amalfi Coast, has a long history and vibrant cultural life. Founded by the Romans in the sixth century, this picturesque clifftop town draws today’s travelers with its sea views, villas, and gardens. Home to Villa Rufolo—so beautiful that it inspired new music by German composer Richard Wagner—and Villa Cimbrone, known for its panoramic gardens, Ravello is an elegant respite from the crowds along the coast.

Tucked beneath the famous highway that skirts Italy's Amalfi Coast, the Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) is one of the most popular attractions on this iconic stretch of coastline. Named for the unique color of its water, which turns emerald when the sun shines just so, the marine cave also has stalagmites and stalactites more commonly associated with inland caves, plus an underwater nativity scene.

Tucked between Amalfi Coast superstars Positano and Amalfi, Praiano has managed to retain the feel of a quiet fishing village, with a slower pace and fewer crowds than its flashier neighbors. Rocky beaches and steep, winding lanes deliver views of colorful clifftop houses and the Li Galli rock formations in the distance. Admire local landmarks such as the beautifully tiled Piazza San Gennaro, then leave plenty of time to linger by the seaside.

There is no better stretch of beach in Positano to take a dip or work on your tan than Spiaggia Grande, next to the Marina Grande port. At this well-provisioned beach you can rent a sun lounger and umbrella, stroll the beach walk, grab a meal at a beachfront restaurant, or hop on a ferry to other coastal destinations or the islands.

Positano’s photogenic cascade of pastel-hued houses is striking, but one of the most remarkable details is the colorful tiled dome of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta). Lovely from the outside, the church is also an architectural delight within, and home to a 12th-century Byzantine-style icon of a Black Madonna and Child.

The Path of the Gods (Sentiero Degli Dei) hiking trail skirts the peaks above the Amalfi Coast, rewarding you with spectacular bird’s-eye views of the coastline and Mediterranean Sea far below. There are several different possible routes, but most travelers walk it as a 1-way downhill hike from Agerola to Nocelle, where you can follow a formidable array of steps down to Positano.

Despite being the second-largest beach in Positano, Fornillo Beach still manages to retain its status as a local, quasi-hidden gem. Tucked away between two cliffs—and accessible via many steps down from Positano’s main stretch—the pebble beach is beloved by locals for its crystal-clear waters, relaxed atmosphere, and traditional lidos.

The MAR Positano (Museo Archeologico Romano) shows a different side of the Amalfi Coast than most visitors get to see—less modern glitz, more ancient glory. The intimate archaeological museum, housed in the crypt of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, offers a glimpse into the ancient Roman Villa buried beneath Positano. Frescoes, mosaics, and fascinating artifacts all transport visitors back in time.