Last Updated on June 8, 2025 by Tori Pines
If you’re heading to the Amalfi Coast, Positano is likely the dazzling gem at the top of your list. Built vertically into cliffs that tumble into the Tyrrhenian Sea, Positano looks like it was plucked from a dream—and it feels just as surreal in person.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing coastal escape or an action-packed itinerary like I did, here are 15 unforgettable things to do in Positano, Italy, based on real travel experience.
1. Hike the Path of the Gods (Il Sentiero degli Dei)
This is hands-down one of the best things you can do during your Amalfi Coast stay. Starting in Bomerano, the hike winds its way along the cliffs and offers jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean below. It’s about 5.8 miles long and takes around 2.5–4 hours depending on your pace. You’ll pass lemon groves, mountain goats, and vistas so beautiful they barely feel real.
Pro Tip: Pack a light picnic (bread, cheese, prosciutto) and enjoy lunch with a view.
2. Shop for Local Goods
Positano’s shops are full of artisan treasures—from hand-painted ceramics to linen clothing. These make great souvenirs and are far more unique than anything you’ll find in Rome or Florence. The gorgeous painted plates are especially famous and often feature the town itself on them, or lemons, of course! This was the main thing I wanted during our time here and it sits on display in my kitchen where I can look at it every day. I love it so much!
My husband, on the other hand, was excited to pick out a beautiful pair of leather shoes. And we are still kicking ourselves to this day for not buying the hand painted artwork made by the local who paints on the beach each day. That will be the first thing we get when we return!
And if you head to Capri during your time on the coast, get a pair of custom-made leather sandals fitted to your feet right on the spot!
3. Take a Cooking Class
You can take cooking classes all over Italy, (we absolutely loved the one we did in Florence!!), but there’s something so cool and unique about taking a class in Positano. Especially so if you book one open air on a farm overlooking the Mediterranean like this cooking class! The absolute perfect way to spend a few hours in town.
Buying souvenirs is great, but let’s be honest, we don’t always need more “things” in our life. Taking home new cooking skills is one of the best souvenirs you can buy yourself! Plus, the food is going to taste outstanding, so you’ll get a full meal out of it as well.
4. Have Aperitivo at Franco’s Bar
You have to stop at Franco’s Bar for aperitivo while you’re in Positano, it’s iconic for a reason! This stylish open-air bar has front-row views of the pastel cliffside and sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, and it’s the perfect place to soak in the golden hour glow. Which is why it’s sitting on the list of the best things to do in Positano!
The vibe is effortlessly chic, the music is always on point, and the cocktails? Art. Their signature Franco’s Cup is refreshing and just the right amount of fancy. It gets busy, so show up early if you want a good seat—but honestly, there’s no such thing as a bad view here. This is the place to start your Positano evening in style!
5. Enjoy a Long, Leisurely Dinner at La Tagliata
This family-run restaurant sits high above Positano and serves one of the most memorable meals on the Amalfi Coast. There’s no menu, just wave after wave of authentic Italian food: fresh antipasti, handmade pastas, grilled meats, and dessert. It’s whatever Nonna wants to cook that night! Does it get any more authentic??
Bonus: They offer free transportation from town. Just be sure to book in advance and request a pickup.
6. Spend a Lazy Afternoon on Positano’s Marina Grande Beach
After a day of hiking or sightseeing, nothing beats kicking back on Marina Grande, Positano’s main beach. Rent a sunbed and umbrella, grab a spritz, and soak up the sun as boats bob in the harbor.
Pro Tip: Bring water shoes if you plan to swim, many beaches are pebbly, not sandy.
7. Take a Day Trip to Capri by Boat
Our day trip to Capri was a trip favorite, my husband even said it was the best day of our entire two-week Italy adventure! A small-group boat tour took us around the island, past the Faraglioni rocks, and even gave us time to swim in the sea.
Bring: Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and motion sickness bands if you’re prone to nausea.
Once on Capri, take the funicular (or hike up if you’re feeling brave) to the charming town center. Stroll past designer boutiques, grab a gelato, and browse high-end linen shops. It’s upscale yet relaxed—and full of charm.
9. Take a Day Tour of the Amalfi Coast
A tour of the Amalfi Coast is an absolute must while you’re in Positano! Whether you’re cruising by boat or winding along the cliffside roads in a vintage Fiat, the views are jaw-dropping around every curve. You’ll pass through charming towns like Amalfi, Ravello, and Praiano—each with its own personality and photo-worthy corners. I loved stopping for a quick limoncello tasting and grabbing lunch with a view in Ravello. If you can, book a private boat tour so you can swim in hidden coves and explore sea grottoes at your own pace along the way. It’s one of those magical days that feels straight out of a dream!
10. Take the Ferry for a Scenic Ride Along the Coast
Want to see Positano from the water? The ferry is an affordable and scenic way to hop between Amalfi Coast towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Capri. Even if you’re not going anywhere far, just taking the ride is a treat in itself.
11. Grab a Pizza at Chez Black
Located right on the beachfront, Chez Black might look like a tourist trap—but it’s anything but. We ordered the famous heart-shaped pizza, seafood pasta and arugula salad, and all were delicious. Great for a romantic evening or sunset dinner.
12. At Night Visit Music on the Rocks
Spending a night at Music on the Rocks is an absolute highlight in Positano—this legendary cliffside club is carved right into the rocks and feels like a secret hidden oasis! With the Mediterranean waves crashing below and live DJs spinning upbeat tunes, it’s Italian summer magic. Whether you’re dancing under the stars or sipping a limoncello spritz at the edge of the terrace, it’s the kind of night that stays with you. The crowd is a mix of locals, travelers, and stylish Italians, so it’s the perfect spot to people-watch and soak in the glamorous coastal atmosphere. Just be sure to reserve a table early—this place fills up fast once the sun sets!
13. Spend the Day at a Beach Club
Spending a day at a beach club in Positano is the ultimate way to relax in style! Whether you snag a lounger at Arienzo Beach Club or the iconic La Scogliera, you’ll be treated to turquoise water, beachside cocktails, and incredible views of Positano’s colorful cliffside. The beach clubs here are all about that luxe Mediterranean vibe—think striped umbrellas, fresh seafood, and chilled rosé delivered right to your chair.
I loved taking a dip between courses and lounging the afternoon away with a good book and a better Aperol spritz. Most clubs offer boat shuttles from Spiaggia Grande, so getting there feels like part of the adventure. It’s glam, it’s relaxing, and it’s so Positano.
14. Have a Famous Lemon Granita
You can’t leave Positano without having a lemon granita, it’s basically a rite of passage! This icy, tangy treat is the perfect way to cool off after climbing all those famous staircases. Made with fresh Amalfi Coast lemons, it’s sweet, tart, and totally refreshing. You’ll find stands all over town, but my favorite way to enjoy it is served inside a hollowed-out lemon for extra flair (and Instagram points). It’s simple, delicious, and pure Positano in a cup!
15. Ship Local Goods Back Home
I love souvenirs that are consumable, and in Positano, you’ll be dying to bring home some limoncello and freshly made olive oil. So head to one of the shops in town and ask them to ship a box home! We sent a few bottles back for ourselves, plus tons of mini bottles to use as gifts for our friends and family.
Positano is more than just a scenic destination—it’s a full-body experience. From cliff hikes to seafood feasts, from vibrant lemon groves to lazy beach afternoons, this coastal town will wrap you up in its rhythm and leave you longing to return.
My best advice? Don’t rush it. Let the beauty of Positano unfold slowly. Trust me, it’s the kind of place that gets under your skin in the very best way.
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