We visited Positano in the summer. It’s a beautiful town on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. My wife and I were excited to see it. The colorful houses, blue sea, and steep hills all made it feel like a postcard.
Arrival in Positano
We arrived in Positano by bus from Sorrento. The drive was a bit scary. The road is narrow, and the cliffs are steep. But the view is amazing. You can see the sea, the cliffs, and small villages along the way.
The bus ride cost around 2 euros per person. It’s cheaper than a taxi or private car. But, if you get motion sickness, be careful. The road has many sharp turns. My wife felt a little dizzy, so she took some deep breaths and drank water. If you get car sick, I suggest sitting by the window and bringing motion sickness medicine.
Finding a Place to Stay
We stayed in a small hotel up the hill. The walk from the bus stop to our hotel was tiring. Positano has many stairs. If you have heavy luggage, it can be hard to carry it up. My advice: pack light and wear comfortable shoes.
Our hotel had a beautiful view of the sea. We paid about 150 euros per night, which is average for Positano. Hotels here are not cheap. But waking up to that view was worth every euro. My wife loved sitting on the balcony and watching the boats.
Exploring the Town
Positano is small, but there’s a lot to explore. We walked down to the beach, which took about 20 minutes from our hotel. The streets are narrow, and some parts are steep. Again, wear comfortable shoes. There are many small shops along the way. My wife bought a handmade leather bag from one of the local shops. It cost 60 euros, but it’s high-quality and will last for years.
We visited the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. It’s a lovely little church near the beach. Inside, there’s a beautiful painting of the Virgin Mary. We lit a candle and spent a few minutes enjoying the peace and quiet.
The Beach at Positano
The main beach in Positano is called Spiaggia Grande. The beach is rocky, not sandy. So, if you want to lie down, I recommend renting a beach chair. We rented two chairs and an umbrella for 25 euros for the whole day. The water was cool and clear. My wife isn’t a strong swimmer, so she stayed near the shore, while I swam farther out.
The sun can be strong, so don’t forget sunscreen. I made the mistake of not reapplying, and my back got burned. My tip: use sunscreen with high SPF and reapply it every two hours. Also, bring a hat and sunglasses.
Where We Ate
We tried several restaurants during our stay. One of our favorites was “Chez Black.” It’s a popular spot right by the beach. We had a seafood platter with fresh fish, shrimp, and clams. The seafood was fresh and delicious. The meal cost us 70 euros, including drinks. It was a little pricey, but the taste and view made it worth it. My wife really enjoyed the grilled fish.
Another good place was “La Tagliata.” It’s a family-run restaurant up the hill. You need to make a reservation because it’s very popular. They offer a fixed menu, so you don’t choose your dishes. They bring out different courses, including pasta, vegetables, and meat. The food is fresh and homemade. We paid 40 euros each for the meal, which included wine. The view from the restaurant is stunning, especially at sunset.
For a quick snack, we grabbed gelato from “Collina Positano Bakery.” I had lemon gelato, and my wife had chocolate. Each cone was 3 euros. The gelato was creamy and refreshing, perfect for a hot day.
Costs and Tips
Positano is expensive, but you can find ways to save money. For example, instead of eating at a restaurant for lunch, we bought sandwiches from a small grocery store. The sandwiches cost 5 euros each, much cheaper than a meal at a café. We took them to the beach and ate while enjoying the view.
If you’re on a budget, I recommend staying in nearby towns like Praiano or Sorrento. You can take a bus to Positano for a day trip. Hotels in those towns are cheaper, and the bus fare is low.
Another tip: bring a reusable water bottle. You can fill it up at public fountains. Water at restaurants can be expensive. In one restaurant, we paid 5 euros for a small bottle of water.
Shopping in Positano
Besides the leather bag, we also bought some local ceramics. Positano is known for its colorful pottery. We found a small shop called “Ceramica Assunta.” My wife picked out a beautiful hand-painted plate for 30 euros. It’s a nice souvenir and a reminder of our trip.
The shops in Positano sell high-quality items, but they can be pricey. If you’re looking for cheaper souvenirs, try the markets in Sorrento or Amalfi. You’ll find similar items at lower prices.
Day Trip to Capri
From Positano, we took a boat trip to the island of Capri. The boat ride took about 30 minutes and cost 20 euros per person. Capri is famous for its blue waters and luxury shops. We visited the Blue Grotto, a sea cave with bright blue water. The entrance fee to the grotto was 14 euros per person.
Capri is beautiful, but it’s even more expensive than Positano. We didn’t buy anything from the shops. Instead, we spent our time walking around and enjoying the views. If you want to visit Capri but stay on a budget, pack your own lunch and avoid the high-end restaurants.
Final Thoughts and Safety Tips
Positano is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited. The views, the food, and the charm of the town make it special. However, it’s not a place for everyone. If you have trouble walking or climbing stairs, you might find it challenging. The town is very hilly, and there are many steps.
My advice: take your time. Don’t rush. Enjoy the beauty of the town. If you feel tired, sit at a café and have a drink. There’s no need to do everything in one day.
Another safety tip: stay hydrated. The summer sun can be strong, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Bring water with you and take breaks in the shade.
Lastly, always be careful with your belongings. Like many tourist spots, Positano can have pickpockets. We didn’t have any issues, but it’s always smart to be cautious.
In the end, we spent about 800 euros for three days in Positano, including hotel, food, and transportation. It wasn’t cheap, but it was a trip we’ll never forget. My wife and I still talk about the beautiful sunsets and delicious food.
If you love stunning views, good food, and a relaxed pace, Positano is a place you should visit. Just be ready for the stairs and the prices. Enjoy every moment and take lots of photos. You won’t regret it.