Your Positano Itinerary: 2 Days on the Amalfi Coast
Need help planning your overnight trip to Positano? We've got you covered with an ideal two-day itinerary that you can customize to fit your vacation goals and length.
Selecting a home base for your trip to the Amalfi Coast can be tough. With such beautiful towns to choose from, how do you pick the right one? Well, I’m happy to soothe your worries that Positano is an excellent choice. Being relatively central on the coast, it’s easy to travel to other towns, and while still a small village, it’s large enough to offer you the amenities you want for a romantic getaway.  In this post, we’ll share with you our ideal two-day Positano itinerary, including where to stay, the top sites, and the best places to eat. From there, you can easily extend this itinerary to add on additional towns on the Amalfi Coast, or pare it back to a day trip if you decide to base yourself elsewhere. Look out for bolded items as the can’t miss priorities!
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Activities At A Glance
(Click each Day to jump down for more information)
Itinerary
- Arrival, taxi to hotel
- Lunch at Da Vincenzo
- Stroll and shop along Viale Positae
- Drinks at Franco’s Bar
- Dinner at Il Capitano
- Breakfast at Saraceno d’Oro
- Beach day at L’Incanto Beach Club
- Delizia Limone at La Zagara
- Departure
- Boat tour of Amalfi coast
- Day trip to Amalfi town
Why Visit Positano?
Simply put, Positano is picture-perfect. It’s an idyllic postcard location that seems to exist in the world purely as a template for beauty, romance, and relaxation. Seeing its azure waters against the steep cliffs of the Amalfi Coast for the first time, dotted with pastel-colored homes and charming narrow streets, feels like a dream. But Positano isn’t just a pretty face. It also offers great beaches, excellent shopping, and gourmet restaurants – all of which have incredible views, by the way. Compared to nearby hotspot Capri (grab your 2-day Capri itinerary here), Positano offers a more approachable luxury, with at least a couple of opportunities to save a few bucks.  The number one reason to pick Positano though, in my opinion, is its location. It’s the perfect balance – far enough into the Coast to be stunning, but not so far as to be inaccessible.
All that being said, it is worth noting that, despite what you may think based on all of the (deserved) hype, Positano is actually quite small, really more of a village. With a population of less than 4,000 people and a surface area of only 3.3 square miles (8.7 km²), this may not be the right choice for you if you’re looking for a lot of adventure or if you get bored quickly. Two days was plenty for us. Also, nearly all of that 3.3 sq mi is practically vertical, so this is not the spot for you if you can’t accommodate (or just plain hate) a lot of stairs.
Where To Stay?
Luxurious villa in Positano with pool
2 Guests - 1 Bedroom - 1 Beds - 1 Bath - Pet Friendly
After an expensive trip to Capri, Colby and I looked to save a little money by booking this pet-friendly Airbnb in upper Positano. It was an excellent deal for Positano, and offered incredible views from both the room as well as the large shared yard and kitchen. The room was tastefully decorated, the bed was nice and comfy, and the host was super responsive and accommodating. There is a pool open during the summer, and the host was in the process of installing a jacuzzi for the low season. Honestly, for the price, I really don’t think you can beat it.
The only downside to this unit is that it is quite high up in town. Generally, the higher you get, the more affordable the room, but also the more stairs to climb. Colby and I learned the hard way that you should not hesitate to take a taxi on arrival, or better yet learn how to use the small bus system that runs through town (more on that below). What Google Maps might tell you will take 15 minutes to walk is more likely to take you 30 or even 45 minutes, depending on your physical fitness. Make sure to build extra time into your Positano itinerary for travel between activities.
How to Get There?
Positano can be accessed in a variety of ways, depending on from where you’re coming. I’ll go through these options, and then provide some important information about traveling within Positano.
From Naples Airport
From Naples-Capodichino International Airport, you can reach Positano by shuttle, ferry, or private transfer.
Daytrip is a shuttle service offering direct transportation from Naples airport to Positano on a fixed schedule. Prices for a one-way ticket in one of their 7-seat vans range from $17-$20 per person, depending on the departure time, and the ride takes one and a half hours. Each ticket includes an allowance for one checked bag and one carry-on bag, with options to add more baggage if needed. All shuttle drivers speak English, and this route also allows you the opportunity to add on a sightseeing stop in Pompeii. Unfortunately for us, there are no dogs allowed.
To travel by ferry, you’ll first catch the Alibus shuttle transfer from the airport to the Molo Beverello port. Tickets cost 5.50 EUR and leave every 15 minutes. The transfer takes 15 minutes and you’re allowed one checked bag and two carry on pieces for free.  Once you’ve reached the port (or in advance via Ferry Hopper), you can buy tickets on one of several lines, but we recommend Positano Jet.  Routes on this line cost around 20 EUR and are direct, so they’re the fastest at one hour and ten minutes. While traveling by ferry is a bit slower and more expensive than by shuttle, we still recommend it. The ferry ride is quite scenic, allowing you to see the Sorrentine peninsula and a good chunk of the Amalfi Coast for a fraction of the cost of a private boat tour.
If this all sounds like too much hassle for you, there are always private transfers, like this one from Get Your Guide:
From Naples Central Train Station
From Napoli Centrale Train Station, you can reach Positano by a combination of train and bus/ferry, shuttle, or by private transfer.
By train, you’ll first take the Circumvesuvania train route directly from Napoli Centrale/Piazza Garibaldi to Sorrento station. This route costs 4.90 EUR and takes one hour and ten minutes. Once arriving in Sorrento, you can either take a bus or ferry to Positano. The SITA bus departs from Sorrento’s main bus station (a one minute walk) every 10 to 20 minutes and takes one hour. Tickets for the SITA bus cost 2.40 EUR and can be purchased onsite. Meanwhile, ferries depart from Sorrento’s port (a 15 minute walk) regularly as well, and take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the line. Here, we recommend just checking the routes, as each line has slow and fast ones. Tickets cost around 20 EUR and can be bought at the port or in advance via Ferry Hopper. Again, we recommend the ferry as it’s more scenic.
To travel by shuttle, follow the steps discussed above for Daytrip shuttles. When booking Naples to Positano transit on Daytrip, both the airport and the train station are available as pick-up points for the same cost.
As always, private transfer is available as well. But don’t forget there are shuttle options as well, like this one, which are great if you’ve got a large group and want to ensure you can travel together.
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From Capri
From Capri, the only way to reach Positano is via ferry. Tickets cost around 23 EUR and can be purchased at the port or in advance via Ferry Hopper. The route takes 25 minutes to an hour, depending on the ship. Take note that the port of Capri can get pretty hectic, so make sure to arrive a little early, bring your patience, and definitely avoid booking the last ferry of the day.
From Sorrento
From Sorrento, you can reach Positano by bus or by ferry. See the second half of the “From Naples Central Train Station” section for more details.
Within Positano
Once you’ve arrived in Positano, there are a few things you should be aware of. Positano is a small town, and predominantly pedestrian, but the town is built into a steep hill and there are a LOT of stairs. If stairs are an issue for you, honestly, you might have a tough time here. However, if they’re only an inconvenience that you would like to minimize, there are a couple of options.
First, there are taxis. We highly regretted not taking one when we arrived with our bags, as my Apple Watch told me we climbed 85 stories that day (that’s taller than the Chrysler Building!). Not sure I believe it, but still – it was a lot.
Additionally, there is a bus system operated by Flavio Gioia. This bus runs a circular route through the town called the Orange Line, connecting key locations like Chiesa Nuova in upper Positano, the main bus terminal, and the central area near Spiaggia Grande beach. It stops at major points of interest along the way, so it’s easy to hop on at a convenient spot for you. The bus runs frequently, especially during peak season, with pick-ups every 30 minutes or so in the summer. Tickets cost less than 2 EUR but must be bought in advance. You can find them at tabacchi (tobacco stands) or anywhere displaying the Flavio Gioia logo.
Day 1 - Stroll Viale Pasitae
- 10:00 – After arriving to Positano, take a taxi or the bus to your hotel and settle in, then begin winding your way down Viale Pasitae, the main street of town.
- 12:30-2:00 – Enjoy some deeply authentic Italian cuisine at Da Vincenzo, like regional staple gnocchi alla Sorentina.  Learn more about the classic dishes of Campania at our post here.
- 2:00-5:00 – Continue down Viale Pasitae toward the beach, stopping in the cute boutiques along the way. For a unique (and practical) souvenir, buy a pair of custom-made leather sandals at one of the several stores specializing in this popular Positano service, like Nana Positano.
- 6:00-7:30 – Get cleaned up at your hotel and then head over to Franco’s Bar for aperitivo (Italian happy hour). Franco’s is popular, so we recommend reservations or arriving right at opening.
- 8:00-10:00 – Cap off your night with sweeping views and fine dining at Il Capitano. Definitely get a reservation (or practice your bluffing skills) to score a table at the edge.
The Details
Strolling Viale Pasitae is the best way to get a feel for all that Positano has to offer. Along the way you’ll enjoy glimpses of the ocean between beautiful fine dining establishments and tons of cute little shops. These boutiques sell everything from clothes and shoes to souvenirs to local food and drink, some even offering free samples! Expect to see plenty of lemon-themed items, as well as lots of bright colors like vibrant red and capri blue, perfect for your summer wardrobe.
One of the more unique things you can do in Positano is get a pair of custom-made sandals. In these shops, you’ll see a wide variety of styles to choose from, including options for both men and women. If you’re like me, it might take you a while to choose between all of the cute choices! Once you’ve decided on a style, the cobbler will fit a sole to your foot and then send you on your way for an hour or two. When it’s time for pick-up, you’ll stand in your shoes and the cobbler will measure the straps across your foot and around your ankle to ensure everything is the right tightness and any holes are in the right spot.Â
Pro-tip: Make sure to stand up straight to get the most accurate measurement. Once those holes are punched, there’s no going back!
As a finishing touch, our cobbler offered to emboss my initials at the toe – they turned out so cute!
Today’s real highlight though is dinner. Il Capitano offers incredible views of Positano and the ocean. The restaurant’s setting is appropriately bougie and in no time you’ll be feeling like someone rich or famous. From the place settings to the sharply-dressed waiters to the amuse-bouche before the meal, it’s a glamorous and luxurious experience. We timed dinner for just before sunset, and over the course of our meal we got to enjoy the view of Positano in daylight, sunset, and nighttime – it was truly magical. We recommend ordering anything with seafood, in particular the tuna tataki, which somehow managed to look even better than it tasted.
Day 2 - Soak in the Sun
- 09:00-10:00 – Get your fill at the breakfast buffet at Saraceno d’Oro, available from 8:00 to 10:00 for only 18 EUR, including coffee.
- 10:30-4:30 – Settle in for a relaxing beach day at Spiaggia Grande. Lay on the rocks for free or get chairs from L’Incanto Beach Club.
- 5:00 – Finish strong with one last taste of scrumptious Amalfi lemons at La Zagara, serving the local specialty sweet treat, delizia limone (lemon delight).
- 6:00 – Grab your bags and head back down to the port to catch your return ferry or shuttle to Naples, Positano, or Sorrento.
The Details
This sunny spot on the coast is a destination meant for rest and relaxation, and no Positano itinerary is complete without spending some time on the beach. There are two beaches that are easily accessible – the main beach at the port, Positano Spiaggia or “Spiaggia Grande”, and Fornillo Spiaggia, about a ten minute walk west. Both beaches are rocky in nature and offer serviced beach club areas as well as public space. We chose Spiaggia Grande purely for convenience, but both are lovely and offer great views and amenities.
Once arriving at Spiaggia Grande, we headed to L’Incanto Beach Club, which offered two chairs and an umbrella for 25 EUR. The beach chairs were comfortable and serviced by a waiter, allowing us to order drinks as well as food from the restaurant. I don’t know about you, but fresh Italian pizza while lounging on a sunbed on the Amalfi Coast was pretty idyllic. As the beach is rocky, we recommend you bring sandals that can get wet, as the little rocks can be painful on bare feet. On the plus side, no sand stuck in areas you don’t want it!
Pro-tip: Make sure to pack water shoes or sandals for the beach, as the rocks are tough on the feet! Don’t forget that this is salt water, not fresh, so avoid metal clasps or buttons that will tarnish.
Before you leave, make sure to grab a delizia limone at La Zagara, a local treat featuring delicious Amalfi lemons. This dessert is made by filling a sponge cake with a creamy lemon filling, and then dunking the whole thing in a lemon custard topping. Light, refreshing, and the perfect cherry – or should I say lemon – on top of your Positano vacation.
Honorable Mentions
While we thoroughly enjoyed this Positano itinerary for two days, there are several other popular activities available during your visit. Most notably, these include boat tours of the Amalfi Coast and day trips to other towns on the Coast, including the town of Amalfi itself.
Boat Tours
First and foremost is a boat tour of the Amalfi Coast. The best way to see the coast is from the water, and if you did not arrive by ferry, then I highly recommend you fit this into your Positano itinerary. There are a variety of tour options you can purchase, from fully private and luxurious boat charters to semi-private small-group tours. You can even really do it cheap and just riding the ferry town-to-town – we’ll cover this one in the day trip section.
Private Boat Charter
Boat charters are a great option if you’re traveling with a group (glamorous bachelorette party anyone?) or looking to add some special romance on a vacation with your partner (a perfect proposal location, perhaps…). This option offers you privacy and customization, and allows for things like swimming and snorkeling, which you may not have time for on the small-group tours. Prices for private charters can vary widely, so make sure to do your research across a few companies before booking.
Semi-Private Boat Tour
Small-group tours are a great option for most people. You can book a boat tour through apps like Get Your Guide or Trip Advisor. These will be more expensive than just riding the ferry, but also come with some serious perks, like a longer tour, a nicer boat and sometimes added luxuries like champagne and snacks. Some tours even include Capri for a longer and more comprehensive journey. Make sure to pay attention to the departure city, as many of these actually leave from Sorrento, not Positano or Amalfi.
Day Trip to Amalfi
Second is to make a day trip to other towns along the Amalfi Coast, like its namesake town, Amalfi itself. While Positano is the most popular village along the coast to stay in, Amalfi is actually the largest and most central. Amalfi is a super cute town and a great option for those who want the luxury and beauty of Positano without the VIP price tag. It’s also got a bit more to interest history lovers, as it served as an influential maritime power since as far back as the 6th century. You can access Amalfi from Positano by ferry for only 10 EUR. Ferries leave at least twice an hour from 8:00am to 7:00pm, so it’s easy to catch a ride on a whim. And even if you don’t plan to get off the boat, it’s a great activity to just enjoy the scenery of the Coast.
Pro-tip: Looking to see the Amalfi Coast on the cheap? Take a ferry from Positano to Amalfi, Capri, or Salerno! Make sure to book one of the open-top ships so you can take in the view with the wind in your hair.
We hope this Positano itinerary sets you up for an amazing two days in on the Amalfi Coast. Though beautiful, Positano is but one of many incredible locations that the Campania region has to offer! If you’re also visiting Naples, be sure to check out our posts Your 2-5 Day Naples Itinerary and Hiking Mount Vesuvius: Your Detailed Guide. Heading to Capri or Sorrento? Check out Two Days in Capri: Your Ideal Itinerary and The Best Sorrento Lemon Tours. Comment below what you loved most about Positano!
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