Itineraries for Your Trip to Positano
1 Day in Positano for First Timers
Positano is the dreamiest village on the Amalfi Coast, an iconic destination known for its dazzling views, la dolce vita vibe, and chic boutiques and restaurants. It had topped my must-see list for Italy for years, but my first visit to this colorful coastal village was a disappointment. I had not considered the high-season crowds that fill Positano in summer and hadn’t planned for how to get around, dine, or bask on the beach.
Over many return visits, I’ve learned that achieving the effortless Positano cool takes some effort—or at least advance planning. Plot out your day and prebook transport, restaurants, and beach umbrellas. Here’s how to dodge the crowds and enjoy every minute in Positano on your first visit.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a plate of seafood pasta at a waterfront restaurant.
You’ll be under the Mediterranean sun in Positano, so protect yourself with sunblock and a movie-star hat.
Tour the town center first thing in the morning, with its winding maze of pedestrian lanes and staircases—expect lots of steps!—before the crowds overwhelm the area. Take in the boutiques, art galleries, and cafés along the lanes that wind up the hillside from Spiaggia Grande, admire the majolica-tiled dome of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and gather insider tips for shopping and dining from your local guide. Afterward, stake out a table at one of the beachfront restaurants for a seafood lunch with a front-row seat for people-watching.
Take your cue from the soaring temperatures and growing crowds and escape to the sea. Positano and the surrounding coastline are especially picturesque from the water, so join a small-group boat tour or book a private boat with a skipper for a scenic cruise this afternoon. Boat tours generally take in top coastal sights like the Emerald Grotto, Furore Fjord, and Conca dei Marini—and then drop anchor so you can take a refreshing dip. Recharge your phone before boarding to capture the dazzling Amalfi Coast and Positano views.
End your day in Positano with a deep dive into the local cuisine during a hands-on cooking class with a local host or chef. Meet your instructor in the town center or outlying coastal hamlets and prepare fresh pasta or gnocchi, pizza, classic fish or meat main dishes, and other local specialties from scratch. Learn how the cucina costiera (coastal cuisine) is based on fresh, seasonal ingredients and how to recreate some of the most beloved dishes at home. Cap off your experience with a family-style meal to sample your handiwork.
