Visiting Positano for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

As one of the most picturesque Italian towns, Positano offers sweeping views behind every corner. Stroll its narrow lanes to take in boutiques and galleries, the majolica-domed Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the MAR archaeological museum. Join a guided walking tour to pick up a bit of history about this colorful seaside village and cover the sights in just hours, leaving you plenty of time to add on a shopping tour or dining experience.

Insider tip: As you walk around, don’t be shy—local guides are prime sources of tips and recommendations, from where to stay in Positano to the best spots for a sunset cocktail.

The long strip of sand that lines the town’s waterfront is home to the best beaches in Positano. Break up your sightseeing and shopping at one of the beach clubs on Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, or Arienzo Beach—each offers sunbed and umbrella rentals, a beach bar and restaurant, amenities such as changing cabins and showers, plus kayak rentals and other sports gear.

Spiaggia Grande is the most accessible local beach, located at the foot of the old town; Fornillo and Arienzo are best reached by private boat transfer or via footpaths.

The scenic Path of the Gods headlines most Positano travel guides, and for good reason. This almost 5-mile (8-kilometer) trail stretches from the high-altitude hamlet of Agerola to Nocelle, just above Positano, and is famous for its views over the Amalfi Coast.

All that rugged beauty means that the trail covers some rough, steep terrain, and there is no cell phone service for much of its length. The safest way to take it on is with a guided hike. Once you reach the end of the trail, stop for lunch with a panoramic view in Nocelle or nearby Montepertuso.

Positano’s heat and crowds on land can be overwhelming, especially during the busy months between May and October. If you’re visiting during the high season, you can still escape the crowds by setting sail with a boat tour in Positano, which passes by Praiano, Amalfi, and the Emerald Grotto.

Keep your budget in check with a small-group boat tour or enjoy the flexibility of a private boat—both options generally include stops to swim and snorkel, plus perks such as drinks and snacks on board.

Insider tip: Boating isn’t your speed? Landlubbers can enjoy one of the most scenic drives in southern Italy with a driving tour that includes a stop in clifftop Ravello.

Take advantage of your time in Positano to visit Capri, one of the most romantic spots in Italy. Ferry services run directly to the island from spring through fall, or you can opt to book a Capri boat tour that combines a transfer from the mainland with a cruise past Li Galli islets, Faraglioni, and the Blue Grotto.

Some boat tours also include time on land to visit such highlights as the Piazzetta, Gardens of Augustus, Via Camerelle, and Monte Solaro on your own or as part of a bus tour.

There is no better way to connect with locals and their cuisine than by taking a hands-on cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional recipes from Positano and the surrounding coast. Master crowd-pleasing pastas from ravioli to tagliatelle, assemble luscious tiramisù, and even create fresh mozzarella under the watchful eye of your host in a home cooking class or a chef in a professional kitchen. Cap off your experience by sitting down to savor the fruits of your labors over a celebratory meal, paired (of course) with local Amalfi Coast wines.

Though Positano is known mostly for its spectacular views and well-to-do atmosphere, this resort town is also a hub for some of the best food and wine on the Amalfi Coast. While it has its fair share of excellent local spots, Positano is also the perfect jumping-off point for wine tours into the vineyard-covered slopes sitting just inland.

Hire a private driver and head toward the wine-producing areas of Tramonti and Furore for cellar visits and wine tastings at family-run boutique wineries overlooking the sea. Some wine and food tours also include stops at local farms to sample artisan cheese, olive oil, and other gourmet delights.

A major resort town and cruise ship destination, Sorrento sits just an hour from Positano and is an easy day trip by land or sea. Get your bearings with a walking tour of the old town to admire landmarks from Piazza Tasso to the Chiostro di San Francesco, then spend a few hours shopping for cheerful souvenirs that celebrate the town’s famed lemons, or sample them yourself on a food tour. End your day at the Villa Comunale overlook for views across the Bay of Naples to the sprawling city of Naples.

Insider tip: Sorrento is also a prime destination for day cruises through the bay to Capri or Ischia.

Pompeii and Herculaneum are two of Italy’s most important and fascinating ancient Roman cities, both destroyed and preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. You don’t have to be an ancient history buff to appreciate the grandeur of these sites, with intact streets, shops, temples, theaters, and baths decorated with colorful mosaics and frescoes from almost 2,000 years ago. Visit with a guide to better understand these massive, complex ruins; some guided tours focus on just one of the two sites, while others visit both in one day.

The volcanic peak of Mt. Vesuvius looms over the Bay of Naples, and is one of the most striking and panoramic spots in southern Italy. Join a hiking guide to follow the scenic trail up its slopes to the crater’s edge, where views stretch from the city of Naples across the water to Capri. Some tours combine an excursion to Vesuvius’ peak with a guided tour of Pompeii or a wine-tasting lunch at one of the wineries that sit on the volcanic slopes. You can even opt to explore the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius on horseback or by e-bike.