Travel Guide: The Best of Positano

October 13, 2016

Top Things to See and Do in PositanoIf I could sum up Positano in one word, I’d say romantic. A destination with beautiful views, delicious food, plenty of wine and perfect weather (at least in September) is all captured in this one little spot.  Positano is a place where you can walk the narrow lanes, grab a few desserts, and select a little spot to enjoy what the region has to offer.Booking a trip on an island with winding roads can seem confusing. Even upon research, I wish there were certain things that had been easily found when planning the trip so, I thought I’d share my tips on getting the best of your own visit to the Amalfi Coast.

Top Things to See and Do in PositanoFirst, Amalfi Coast mostly consists of only one main road and one lane of traffic going on both directions.  The main road will pass through all towns, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost until you actually reach the area you’re supposed to be in. Once we got on the road, we headed straight for Positano and the road took us right to the very front of our hotel.  In comparing size, Positano in Amalfi Coast is like Oia within Santorini – there isn’t a ton to see, but there are lots of places to get a view, wine and dine.

A Complete Traveller's Guide to PositanoA Complete Traveller's Guide to PositanoHotels & Accommodations

Positano is a vertical town.  If you’re not planning on staying near the bottom, be prepared to hike up stairs, or commute twice that time. Our B&B was located at the very top of Positano, and it took 10 minutes to climb up. We are both athletic and love to work out, so we didn’t mind that at all. Every morning and night, I could walk out on my deck and get an incredible view of all the homes and establishments jutting out from the cliffs, and see the ocean to the right. The wifi was almost non existent in our rooms, so it really felt like a get away. If you want to be right in the centre with perfect views, Le Sirenuse and the hotels surrounding that area are great options. Staying there can be quite pricey, so if you’re on a budget you can check the typical hotel sites, like Agoda, Booking.com.  From time to time, I prefer to search for B&Bs, so Bed and Breakfast is a great alternative option for finding those cute mom and pop run places that are affordable with equally spectacular views or locations.  AirBNB and HomeAway are great options, but there are very limited listings in the area.

Top Things to See and Do in Positano - Le Sirinuse Franco's BarTop Things to See and Do in Positano - Le Sirinuse Franco's BarDining

There are so many restaurants with a view, and few without one. If you want to score a seat closest to the cliff at an establishment, walk by and make a reservation for the evening. If you arrive without one, you may get seated, but unlikely at a table closest to the side of the balcony with an unobstructed view.  In high season, call or go a day early to book your reservation. Below are few of my favourite dining options in Positano:

  1. La Guaranccino – The restaurant has view of the water and some housing on the cliffs. It only seats about 15-20, and the food is really nice. Their specialities are seafood, so we both ended up with seafood dishes and they were delicious.
  2. La Zagara is a cute litte spot with a regular menu, but you’ll most likely notice the windows filled with dessert.  Inside, you’ll find seating and tables with these pretty tiles. You will not get a sweeping view of the cliffs or water, but the food and charm make up for that.
  3. Franco’s bar is a great place to have drinks before the sunsets. It has a very hip vibe, beautiful decor and best of all, an incredible view. It only opens in the evening, but because it’s nice and small and  it seats fill up really quickly. If you want a seat, get there as it opens so you can watch the sunset. You get a beautiful view of the homes lodged into the cliff and of the ocean. 
  4. Covo dei Saraceni is a Michelin Star mentioned restaurant with a 5 star rating.  You’ll get great food, an amazing view and excellent service.
  5. Da Viscento always has a line of people waiting. It’s a popular fine dining restaurant, and if you’re lucky enough to be seated outside, you’ll get a stellar view. Call ahead to make a reservation. 
  6. The Brasserie is a place I’d recommend for gelato. I mean, come on guys, it’s me. A list would not be complete if I did not include a form of ice cream here for you. It’s located right in front of the port where you’d take the boat to Capri or Amalfi. This is also where we got the lemon sorbet that this region is known for.

Limoncello is the regions most popular alcoholic beverage. If you’re looking at bringing some home, pick it up at the airport, as the prices are actually cheaper there.  I grabbed a premium bottle of Serrafini that’s run by a family business made with all natural ingredients at the airport. I paid a little extra for a pretty bottle. Tom said it was the best one he’s had, and was only about 12 Euros for 750ml. If you have a beautiful view and want to drink white overlooking the cliffs, I was told the more yellow they are, the more artificial ingredients there are, so ask a local for a nice smooth, homemade or natural one.

Travel Guide PositanoTop Things to See and Do in PositanoTravel Guide PositanoTravel Guide Positano

Transportation

Ferries

You absolutely cannot miss the ferry dock here because the stretch of beach for Positano isn’t actually very big and every road leading to the bottom actually goesgoes straight to the beach and dock where ferries take you to Capri (in high season), Amalfi and Sorrento, so don’t worry about that too much. My visit was in September, but in August, you may want to consider booking online, since all the Europeans are on vacation at this time. Otherwise, you can pick up tickets the day of, or a day in advanced at one of the 3 or 4 stands right there at the dock.  You can check OK Ferry for pricing in advanced here.

Getting to Positano

Car – Tom and I rented a car from Rome and drove all the way through the entire Amalfi Coast before leaving. If you drive, the toll route saves you 1.5 hours and is only about 18 to 25 Euros each way, depending on whether you make stops along the way. I read about how scary it is to drive in the Amalfi Coast, but we have driven around Europe before and thought this was pretty easy. The worst driving is within cities with more than one lane of traffic. There is no order, lanes practically don’t exist, there is little yielding – you need to be aggressive to force your way in – and locals don’t really obey the stop signs. It’s just the way they all drive. Highway straight to the Amalfi Coast is a breeze in comparison to city driving in Italy. If you drive, do not leave anything visible or valuable in the car. I was warned by locals of theft. For those of you who plan to drive, make sure you have parking available at your hotel, as there are very few spots to come by. Some places include it in the cost of the hotel and require advanced reservations for the parking spot. Others charge a small fee of 10-20 Euros per day.

Bus – The bus system is actually very good, but everything is walking distance within each town.  We climbed the stairs to the top of Positano where we were staying every day and worked up a sweat, but buses come every half hour if you need to take it. There’s a schedule at every stop. You can take the Sita bus to another city. The buses are colours for different routes and the bus schedules are also color coordinated, so it’s very straightforward if you decide to take it.

Motorbikes & Cabs – cabs can be seen driving around and you can rent bikes when you arrive. There are a few shops the cliff.  There’s only one main route so you’ll either walk or drive by one.

Day Trips & Activities

Pompeii – If you plan on heading to Pompeii, most people recommend car hires and this can cost upwards of 200 Euros for the day.  You can take public transit, but you will certainly be spending a few hours on the bus that day, so be prepared for that. Tom and I drove through and stopped into Pompeii before we went to Positano. Street parking is available at an hourly rate, but we parked in a lot that is monitored by a local for about 5 Euros for the day.  You may choose to get a guide, but we decided not to and found it easy to navigate. There’s only one tiny cafe far into Pompeii, I don’t recall there being bathrooms and large bags are not allowed at entry, so plan accordingly. More info on the link provided here.

Path of Gods Amalfi Coast is also known for have the most incredible views, and many of them you’ll find along the Path of Gods. It’s very scenic path that runs through a few towns and ends in Positano.  It can take hours to hike through, but is worth walking along for a short period of time if hiking isn’t really something you love.  Bring lunch, water and good shoes. Be prepared to climb up a bunch of steps along the way. A rough idea of of where it runs, available here.  Walking tours and further info available here.

I hope you enjoyed this post and it assist you with your planning. If you have been and have your own tips, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. I always love hearing from you.

For more inspiration on style and travel, follow me on Bloglovin♥, Twitter and Instagram.

Xo,

Miki

Photo credit to my one and only, Rise Again BJJ.

Romper available here in various colours. Dress available here.

 positano-travel-guide

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  • Chloe October 13, 2016 at 10:39 am

    This looks amazing! Definitely want to visit one day!

    XOXO
    Chloe

    http://www.funinthecloset.com

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:48 am

      I hope you do soon, too! Thanks so much!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Carmelatte October 13, 2016 at 11:35 am

    Dreamy place and a beautiful dress <3 I really want to visit Amalfi next year 🙂

    Carmelatte

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:48 am

      I hope you! Thanks so much!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Rosy October 13, 2016 at 12:44 pm

    I agree, it certainly looks very romantic and beautiful. I love the blue and white dress you wore too 🙂

    Rosy | Sparkles of Light Blog

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:49 am

      Very inspired by the region. 🙂 Thanks so much, Rosy!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Jennifer Laxmi October 13, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    I can’t even begin to describe how jealous I am – of both the backdrop and outfits. You look gorgeous, have a blast!

    Xo Jen | http://LaxmiLifestyle.com

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:49 am

      Thanks so much! I hope it inspires you to visit! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Jessi Malay October 13, 2016 at 2:00 pm

    Incredible photos girl!! Looks like you had an amazing time!! So jelous of this trip.. I need to visit Postiano asap!! <3

    Xo, Jessi
    http://www.mywhitet.com/ootd-recap/

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:49 am

      Thanks Jessi! I highly recommend visiting soon. 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Charlotte Luisa October 13, 2016 at 2:47 pm

    What a beautiful post! Would love to go Positano some time soon and I’ll definitely check out the restaurants you recommended 🙂
    Love from Berlin,
    Charlotte Luisa | bycharlotteluisa.com

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:50 am

      Oh, if you do go, I’d love to know which ones you go to. 🙂 I hope you find a great flight deal!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Adi October 13, 2016 at 4:28 pm

    Such a beautiful place!!

    Adi xx
    fancycorrectitude.com
    instagram.com/fancycorrectitude

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:50 am

      Definitely is. Thanks!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Samantha Mariko October 13, 2016 at 5:29 pm

    I’m already so drawn in by just the first few photos. I’m down for good views and good food!
    http://www.samanthamariko.com

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:51 am

      I know, right? I’m all about the food and the views. Give me a good beach and some world heritage sites and we’ve got a winner!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Diana October 13, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    hey, beauty! I have same dress! Haha we are twins!

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:51 am

      That’s so funny. Great minds think alike! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Sharon Wu October 13, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    Wow, Positano looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing this helpful travel guide since now I just want to book a flight over. So breathtaking, and I love your dress girl! xo, sharon

    http://www.stylelullaby.com/creative/elements-perfect-flat-lay-photo/

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:51 am

      Thanks so much Sharon! I hope you go for a visit sometime soon. 🙂
      xo,
      Miki

  • Gelleesh October 13, 2016 at 11:52 pm

    Great photos of your trip to Positano! I’ve always wanted to visit Pompeii. Definitely going there in the future. Thanks for sharing your trip with us. 🙂

    xoxo,
    Gelleesh.com

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:52 am

      Thanks Galleesh! Pompeii is an awesome place to visit. 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Carmen October 14, 2016 at 2:03 am

    Aaw I love this place! These photos make me wanna go there right now! Beautiful pictures Miki and thank you so much for sharing those tips 🙂
    xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:52 am

      Thanks Carmen! Glad you enjoyed the post.
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Amanda October 14, 2016 at 2:46 am

    Que pasada, me encanta como vistes. Eres genial. Un besito y te invito a visitar mis siete maravillas. Un besito.
    Las siete maravillas de Amanda.

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:52 am

      Thanks Amanda!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Elisa October 14, 2016 at 3:24 am

    Omg what fantastic trip babe!
    Marvellous pics
    http://www.theladycracy.it

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:53 am

      Thanks Elisa! It really was. 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Rach October 14, 2016 at 5:41 am

    Going there is on my bucket list! So pretty!! I am keeping your recommendations in mind!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:53 am

      Thanks Rach. You’d love it there!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Marie October 14, 2016 at 5:54 am

    Gorgeous photos ! Looks like a dream. Hope you had a great time.
    Many kisses
    Marie

    http://www.whatiwearinlondon.com

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:53 am

      I had a blast. Thanks Marie!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Siree October 14, 2016 at 6:03 am

    OMG I’m trying to imagine waking up to that incredible view every morning because it is absolutely breath taking!

    Your guide around Amalfi Coast is very cohesive and handy!

    Many thanks for the travel tips! 😀

    Xx
    Siree
    http://www.thehiddenthimble.com

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:54 am

      I know. How stunning would that be if we had that every day. 🙂 It really is amazing to see in the mornings. Truly breathtaking.
      Xo,
      Miki

  • NEHA October 14, 2016 at 7:10 am

    Positano looks very beautiful! You look gorgeous hun in that outfit and its a very great post!

    theinstylejournal.com

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:54 am

      Thanks Neha!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Jalisa October 14, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    This is such an insightful post, beauty! I’ve never been to Italy before, so I’m not at all familiar with the different towns (other than the most talked about), such as Postino, but it looks gorgeous! I’d definitely prefer staying up in the town, I mean that view is spectacular and I also enjoy working out and with all the good food and wine, you’ll have nearly no regrets, haha! Thanks so much for sharing, beauty, and I hope you have the most amazing weekend ahead!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:55 am

      Thanks Jalisa! I think you’d love all the food and you’d get to walk and explore so much. 🙂 Thanks so much babe. Have a great week!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Maryam October 14, 2016 at 1:09 pm

    What a beautiful place! I’ll have to put it on my list to visit soon.

    xo, Maryam
    http://www.glamandposh.com

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:55 am

      It is! Definitely a nice place to visit. 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Jo October 14, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    The Amalfi Coast is beautiful! I visited a few years back and found it so relaxing. Great list of places to see! I’m going to have to book another trip to visit there again 🙂

    xo, Jo
    http://www.cutandchic.com

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:56 am

      It’s definitely a pretty place to visit. 🙂 I hope you go for a second trip again soon too. 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Ed from My Dapper Self October 14, 2016 at 3:29 pm

    Epic post! I am afraid to admit I never heard of such place… this was a great surprise. I need Italy in my life!!

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:56 am

      Wow Ed. Yes, you need to go. 🙂 The view are spectacular.
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Thomas October 14, 2016 at 3:53 pm

    How I’ve thought about visiting the Amalfi Coast year after year and never done it because, well, I don’t know why. Now I have the perfect travel guide into it’s most beautiful sceneries and great tips about where to eat, sleep and what to see and do all thanks to you sweetie! 😀 This was true inspiration!
    xoxo
    Thomas

    http://www.thomasfalkenstedt.com/2016/10/13/that-brown-leather/

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:57 am

      Thanks so much Thomas. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Jenn Hanft October 14, 2016 at 4:47 pm

    OMG girl this place looks amazing! Seeing all your pictures and recommendations seriously want me to just pack a bag and head out there! I hope I get to visit this beautiful place sometime.

    XO Jenn
    http://www.jennsemble.com

    • miki October 18, 2016 at 1:57 am

      I hope you do too! Definitely a pretty spot to be. 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Annis October 14, 2016 at 5:01 pm

    I’m so jealous of your vacation! The sites are absolutely gorgeous!!! Definitely have to make a trip there soon!!

    • miki November 20, 2016 at 8:21 pm

      Thanks Annis. I hope you get to visit soon too. Beautiful place!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Jo October 14, 2016 at 5:34 pm

    This post is so well written! I definitely want to visit one day. The images are gorgeous. And that beautiful dress though. Again this is a great post!

    xo,
    Jo

  • molly October 14, 2016 at 8:06 pm

    This trip is on my bucket list! So jealous but so fun that you got to go! Looks like the best time 🙂
    Xx
    Molly
    http://www.trendychickadee.com

  • Gina Diaz October 14, 2016 at 10:06 pm

    Great post! I have been to the whole Amalfi coast and I love it! Positano is definitely my favorite :)))

    Xx, Gina

    http://www.artsyrunway.com

  • amely rose October 15, 2016 at 1:20 am

    what a lovely post my dear
    your style is so amazing and inspiring
    simply love it!

    with love your AMELY ROSE

  • Dominique October 15, 2016 at 1:43 am

    How gorgeous!! It’s now on my ever expanding to visit list! Haha xx

    http://www.thatnewdress.com

  • Katharine October 15, 2016 at 5:20 am

    Paradise!!! I plan to go there and thanks for your kind tips my dear 🙂 Kisses :-*
    Katharine-fashionisbeautiful

  • Zorica October 15, 2016 at 5:38 am

    You got me at Positano…
    If always wanted to visit this small piece of heaven
    Great photos btw
    xx
    https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/

  • Aria Di Bari October 15, 2016 at 8:45 am

    This place looks like heaven! Thank you for sharing your addresses! 🙂

    http://ariadibari.com

  • Siffat Haider October 15, 2016 at 11:36 am

    Oh my goodness, Positano looks like an absolute dream! Your pictures make me want to fly out there right now. I may be going over the summer so I’ve bookmarked your page 🙂
    xo
    Siffat
    http://icingandglitter.com

  • Emilia October 15, 2016 at 12:35 pm

    Amazing dress & place 🙂

  • Lana October 15, 2016 at 7:42 pm

    Nice, lovely and very beautiful. Thanks!

  • kyna gem October 15, 2016 at 8:56 pm

    oh wow!!!!!! Positano is absolutely gorgeous!!! and your outfit definitely fits the place!!! <3 <3 <3 i am so in love!!

    http://www.kynagem.com

  • Alyssa October 16, 2016 at 5:05 pm

    Love your photos! This makes me want to go back again after reading all your suggestions ❌⭕️

  • Carolyn October 16, 2016 at 6:57 pm

    such a helpful post! I loved Oia in Santorini but it was quite the climb, especially with suitcases. good to know when I visit Positano!

    http://heyprettything.com

  • Linh Dao October 16, 2016 at 11:14 pm

    Love this post! Thank you for sharing! So useful!

  • Rachael October 17, 2016 at 8:17 am

    Beautiful post! This makes me want to travel here so bad….

    xoxo, ︎ rachael
    RachaelBurgess.com | Instagram

  • jasna October 17, 2016 at 9:20 am

    What a beautiful place, wow and I love your dress 😉 xx

  • Zophia October 17, 2016 at 10:56 pm

    Wow… lovely dream destination, enjoyed going through your experience here, lovely photos and nice dress as well.

  • Andreea October 18, 2016 at 12:43 pm

    Positano is such a beautiful travel destination! Hoping to visit it the next year. x

    Have a lovely week,
    Andreea
    http://couturezilla.com/

  • Jan October 23, 2016 at 4:02 am

    Amaaazing!!!!! The place look so beautiful. ♥ I really won’t mind walking all day around the town. And thanks for sharing about having to walk vertically. Then I could get myself ready beforehand. 😀

  • Crissy October 28, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    Your photos from Positano are beautiful! I am going to have to revisit this blog post once I actually get a chance to go there myself and check out your recommendations! Thanks for sharing! I hope you have a good weekend!