Ferry Tickets from Positano to Capri
Positano, on the Amalfi Coast, is one of the most fascinating and picturesque destinations in Italy.
This small village, situated vertically on steep cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean, offers a breathtaking view with its pastel-colored houses, narrow alleys, and endless stairways that wind through flowering bougainvillea and lemon trees.
Located in the Campania region, Positano is approximately 37 miles south of Naples and 12 miles from Sorrento. It’s connected to the Sorrento Peninsula and the other Amalfi coast towns by State Road 163, one of the most scenic roads in the world.
Despite its small size and a population of only 4,000 inhabitants, each year Positano attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world, fascinated by its romantic atmosphere and charming landscape.
Due to Positano’s unique structure, it’s also known as the "vertical city." Small houses climb along the side of the cliffs from the beach to the Lattari Mountains, creating a spectacular panorama that has inspired artists and writers for centuries.
The city is famous for its delightful beaches, such as Spiaggia Grande and Spiaggia di Fornillo, as well as for its historic churches, such as the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, with its iconic majolica ceramic dome.
Positano is also an ideal starting point for exploring other wonders of the coast, and it’s easy to do so given the frequent ferry and hydrofoil crossings to Capri, Amalfi, and Sorrento.
Here's what you'll find in this article
How to get to Positano: Discover the best ways to reach this splendid location, from ferries to buses.
Getting around Positano: Find the most practical options for getting around this picturesque village, including shuttles and walking routes.
Ticket reservations: Avoid surprises by booking transport tickets in advance.
Explore in style: Advice on how to explore Positano, including romantic walks and boat trips.
What to eat in Positano and where: Sample the local cuisine in the best restaurants and discover the traditional dishes of the Amalfi Coast.
What to buy in Positano: Find the perfect souvenirs and handcrafted items to take home.
Itineraries: Follow our recommended itineraries to experience Positano at its best, for relaxation as well as soaking up the local culture.
Main attractions and activities: Experience the natural beauty of Positano, from beaches to mountain excursions, for an unforgettable experience.
How to get to Positano
Naples Capodichino airport is the closest international airport to Positano, about 37 miles to the north.
A limited number of flights also reach the Salerno Pontecagnano airport along the Amalfi Coast.
Private transfer
From the airport the most convenient way to reach your hotel is undoubtedly a private transfer, since public transport doesn’t offer direct connections.
A private transfer will take you directly to your hotel in Positano, or to the nearest area reachable by car, as many hotels in Positano are located in pedestrian-only zones.
During the ride you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast.
Book a private transfer to Positano
You can also book a transfer with a stop at Pompeii. It's a great way to make the most of limited time.
Arrive by sea
Arriving by hydrofoil is undoubtedly the most picturesque way to reach the cliffside village of Positano.
Sea crossings are active during the tourist season and allow you to avoid the often congested traffic on the coast.
The crossings depart from Naples, Sorrento, and Salerno and arrive at Spiaggia Grande in Positano.
We don’t recommend a hydrofoil, however, if you fly into Naples. You’d need a taxi to reach the departure port from the airport, and the hydrofoil crossing times are limited. Crossings are sometimes suspended in the event of rough seas or inclement weather. Furthermore, if your hotel isn’t located close to the beach where the hydrofoil docks, you’ll have to use a porter service for your luggage, and then walk up the stairs to your hotel. If you’re coming from the Naples airport, a private transfer is the most convenient option.
Hydrofoils are very convenient when you’re already in the area and need to move between one city and another.
Buy hydrofoil tickets to Positano
Once you arrive in Naples, you might consider traveling to Positano by boat. This option allows you to combine the practical need for getting to your hotel with a charming start to your actual holiday. When you travel to this historic fishing village by sea, the holiday vibes begin immediately as you enjoy the sea breeze and stunning views of the coast.
Sailing towards Positano, you can admire Vesuvius on the horizon and the fascinating cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, making every moment of the journey an unforgettable experience.
Arrive by public transport
Reaching Positano with public transport from the airport is a challenge because you have to make several changes.
First you have to take an Alibus shuttle to reach the central Naples train station, Napoli Piazza Garibaldi. Then you have to change to a local Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento, and from there, change to a Sita bus to reach Positano.
All this requires a minimum of three hours, considering that both the Circumvesuviana and the Sita often accumulate delays.
Rent a car
Renting a car to get from Naples or Salerno to Positano is an option that we recommend only in the low season.
From April to the end of October you risk getting stuck in traffic for hours.
In addition, the only place to park your car in Positano is at a private paid parking lot, which can cost up to 100 euros per day.
How to get around Positano
The center of Positano is a pedestrian-only zone. Its narrow streets and stairways are famous throughout the world and offer enchanting views at every corner.
Walking around Positano means immersing yourself in a labyrinth of picturesque alleys, with pastel-colored houses, flowering bougainvillea, and local handicraft shops. A local bus service allows you to reach the highest points in the village. The particular way that Positano is built makes it challenging for people with reduced mobility or for those with small children.
From Positano you can explore the surrounding area both by sea and land.
By sea
Once you arrive in Positano, the easiest and most pleasant way to explore the other places on the Amalfi Coast is by sea. Hydrofoils and ferries are a quick and efficient way to reach nearby locations such as Amalfi, Capri, and Sorrento.
Hydrofoil tickets and timetables on the Amalfi Coast
For those who want a more exclusive experience, there are numerous boat rental services and private tours. These services allow you to explore the coast and its hidden coves in complete independence, stopping to swim in the blue waters directly from the boat or setting anchor at one of the small beaches reachable only by sea.
Many organized tours include stops in traditional restaurants along the coast, where you can try local dishes with a sea view. Both private tours and small group tours depart directly from Positano.
The port of Positano
Positano does not have an actual port, but rather a pier at Spiaggia Grande beach that’s used for docking and disembarking. Given this, the pier is exposed to wind and waves when the sea is rough or there’s inclement weather, making it more likely for boat crossings to be suspended.
After you disembark at the pier, you’ll have to climb a series of stairs to reach the upper part of town. There’s a porter service that can assist with luggage. It’s not possible to reach the port of Positano with a vehicle; for the return trip you’ll also have to go on foot.
By land
SITA bus services that run routes along state road 163 connect Positano with other coastal cities such as Praiano, Conca dei Marini, and Amalfi.
Buses are frequent and are an inexpensive option for getting around.
However, during the summer buses can be crowded. It can happen that the intermediate stops arrive with the buses already full, without any room for taking on more passengers. These routes also experience frequent delays due to heavy traffic in high season.
Renting a scooter is another popular option with tourists, but we recommend doing so only if you already have experience driving on two wheels.
What to see in Positano
Positano is at its best when you wander through its charming streets and enjoy its panoramic views. Here are the most iconic sights to visit.
The center of Positano
In the center of town you’ll find the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its majolica ceramic dome and unique Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna. This church is located in the heart of Positano and is one of the symbols of the city; it’s therefore definitely worth a visit. The inside is decorated with splendid frescoes and works of art. From the outside you can take in a spectacular view of the sea and the islets of Li Galli which are located right in front of Positano.
Below the church you can visit the Roman Archaeological Museum of Positano with the exquisitely preserved remains of a Roman villa. There you can see proof of how in ancient Roman times Positano was already a popular holiday destination.
From the church you can take stairs to go down to Spiaggia Grande, Positano’s main beach. It’s ideal for relaxing and enjoying the view of the sea and the colorful houses perched on the cliff.
Here you can rent a sun lounger and umbrella and spend the day in the sun, perhaps with a refreshing lemon granita.
The small path known as “Sentiero degli Innamorati” starts from the pier and leads to Fornillo Beach.
Along this route you can admire one of the many watchtowers that were built along the coast in the Middle Ages to warn the locals of the arrival of Saracen pirates.
The Path of the Gods
Another unmissable attraction is the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Innamorati), one of the most spectacular hiking trails in all of Italy.
This panoramic path connects the village of Nocelle, a hilly hamlet of Positano, to Bomerano, a hamlet of Agerola. It boasts breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Salerno.
The route is relatively challenging, but the views you enjoy along the way are certainly worth the effort. During the excursion you’ll enjoy pristine natural landscapes, ancient agricultural terraces, and small villages perched on the hills.
Taking the path from Agerola to Positano offers the best views.
What to see in one day
If you only have one day to visit Positano, it’s important to plan your itinerary well so you make sure not to miss the main attractions.
Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Caffè Positano or at Da Bruno, where you can enjoy a cappuccino and croissant while admiring the beauty of the landscape.
After breakfast, continue towards the center starting at Piazza dei Mulini and walking along the iconic Via Pasitea until you reach the square where the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is located.
Here you can visit the church as well as the Roman Archaeological Museum. After that, take a stroll through the alleys and stairways of the historic center, exploring the shops and art galleries.
Take time for shopping at the local boutiques, where you can find linen dresses, handmade sandals and hand-painted ceramics, all of which are perfect souvenirs of your trip.
Afternoon: Relax on the beach, or book a spot on a boat tour to discover hidden caves and coves along the coast. A boat tour is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to see Positano and the coast from a completely different perspective.
Some tours also include stops for swimming in the crystal-clear waters as well as visits to iconic places such as the Emerald Grotto.
Evening: End the day with a romantic dinner in one of the restaurants overlooking the sea.
Positano offers a wide choice of restaurants, from the most refined to the most casual, where you can enjoy local and international cuisine.
Four-day itinerary in Positano
With a four-day stay in Positano you can explore the town and its surroundings at a leisurely pace that lets you fully enjoy everything this splendid location has to offer.
Day 1: Morning arrival and getting settled at your hotel. Dedicate the afternoon to a walk in the historic center of Positano, visiting the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and exploring the picturesque alleys. In the evening, have a fish dinner in one of the restaurants overlooking the sea.
Day 2: Excursion to Capri. Take a hydrofoil or private boat to the island of Capri and spend the day exploring its beauty. Don't miss the Blue Grotto and the Gardens of Augustus. Return to Positano in the late afternoon and enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Trip to Amalfi and Ravello. Take a bus or ferry to Amalfi and visit the famous Amalfi Duomo cathedral. Then continue to Ravello, where you can visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, two of the most beautiful gardens on the coast. Return to Positano for dinner.
Day 4: Relaxing day in Positano. Dedicate this day to relaxing on the beach, perhaps renting a sunbed at Spiaggia Grande Beach or exploring the quieter Fornillo Beach.
In the afternoon, do some shopping in the local shops and end the day with dinner in one of the traditional restaurants.
The most beautiful beaches
Positano is famous for its enchanting beaches, which offer a perfect mix of natural beauty and comfortable amenities.
Spiaggia Grande Beach
Spiaggia Grande is the main beach, and therefore the busiest. Here you can find beach clubs with lots of amenities such as sunbeds and umbrellas you can rent for the day, as well as a selection of bars and restaurants. This is the ideal place for those who love convenience and want to have everything close at hand.
Fornillo Beach
If you prefer a quieter and less crowded atmosphere, head towards Fornillo Beach.
This beach can be reached with a short panoramic walk from Spiaggia Grande, along a path that offers breathtaking views of the coast and the Saracen towers. Fornillo is less crowded and more relaxed, so it’s ideal for those looking for a bit of tranquility. Beach club amenities are also available here.
Other beaches not to be missed are Arienzo Beach and Laurito Beach.
Arienzo Beach
Arienzo Beach can be reached via a long staircase that descends from the main road. It’s a less frequented beach and offers a pristine natural environment, with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. It also has a private beach club that offers a boat transfer service from the center of Positano.
Laurito Beach
Laurito Beach is a small inlet accessible only by sea or via the paths that start from the surrounding hotels. Here you’ll find an intimate environment with a small beach club and a restaurant serving excellent fish dishes.
What to buy in Positano
Shopping in Positano is a unique experience, with its wide variety of shops and artisan workshops that offer exquisite items typical of this region.
Positano beach fashion
Among the most popular purchases are linen dresses, which fresh and light, perfect for the summer climate.
Positano is famous for its "Positano-style" fashion, with colorful dresses made in natural fabrics that reflect the relaxed and chic atmosphere of the coast. The most traditional garments can be found at Brunella and Maria Lampo.
Complete the look with handmade sandals, another iconic staple of Positano fashion. Numerous local shoemakers make custom-made sandals using high-quality leather and special decorations. You can choose the model and details you prefer and have a pair of sandals made just for you.
Ceramics and art
If you're an art lover, visit local galleries to find local works of art and handmade souvenirs.
Hand-painted ceramics are another must.
These colorful pieces, often decorated with traditional coastal motifs, are perfect as a gift or as a memento of your trip.
If you’re passionate about modern art, make sure you visit Liquid Art Gallery in Via Pasitea.
Limoncello
Finally, make sure you bring home some limoncello, the famous locally produced lemon liqueur, which contains all the flavor and fragrance of the Amalfi Coast.
What and where to eat in Positano
Positano is a small village, but because of its popularity as a tourist destination it offers many interesting restaurants.
Michelin-starred restaurants
Michelin-starred restaurants: For an unforgettable culinary experience, visit La Sponda at Le Sirenuse, where every dish is a work of art.
With its panoramic views and impeccable service, La Sponda offers a refined menu that combines local ingredients with innovative culinary techniques.
Another option is Il San Pietro di Positano, a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers breathtaking sea views and a menu that celebrates Italian culinary tradition with a modern twist.
Traditional restaurants
If you want to taste the authentic flavors of Campania cuisine, choose Da Vincenzo or La Tagliata.
Da Vincenzo is famous for its fresh fish dishes and homemade pasta, while La Tagliata, on Montepertuso hill, specializes in grilled meat and fresh vegetables from their organic garden.
It offers a free transfer from the center of Positano.
Fish restaurants
On Spiaggia Grande Beach you’ll find restaurants that offer traditional fresh fish dishes; two of these restaurants are Chez Black and Tre Sorelle.
If you’re looking for an intimate and romantic experience, book a table at Rada, where you’ll dine on a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea.