Positano is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited- even with all the hype. If it isn’t on your bucket list- add it! Trust me! We visited the first week in June and it was perfect. I wish the water was a tad warmer, but the crowds weren’t too bad yet since we were on the front end of the busy season. Having said that, we didn’t spend much time in the water since Cayson was too young to wear sunscreen. So we would also be willing to go later in the summer and deal with the crowds. Here are my tips on what to do in Positano!
Itinerary
We didn’t have a proper itinerary. However we did have a list of things we wanted to do, places we wanted to see and restaurants we wanted to try. If we didn’t have a baby I probably would have planned everything out a little bit more {i.e. restaurant reservations, private boat reservation, day trip}, but even without planning it was the perfect trip. Use my tips below and plan your itinerary accordingly!
Airport/Train Stations
It is a flat rate taxi ride from the Naples train station to Positano.
We hired a taxi from the Naples train station who took us straight to our hotel. We did not prearrange it and there were tons of options. We traveled with our car seat, if you have kids and are not traveling with a car seat, then set up the car in advance and reserve car seats!
- Naples NAP (airport)
- Naples Central Train Station (train)
Hotel
- HomeAway
- Airbnb
- Hotel Savoia
Restaurants
- Breakfast
- We had breakfast everyday at our hotel {the Hotel Savoia} each morning and it was perfect!
- Li Galli Bar Bistro :: delicious coffee & croissants {skip their gelato, it wasn’t good}. We always got a second cup of coffee here and sat by the ledge to enjoy the view.
- Lunch/Dinner
- Casa e Bottega :: casual & decently healthy
- Chez Black :: cliché but so good. It’s located right on the beach. We went for lunch and ordered what they suggested!
- Da Adolfo :: Take the little red fish boat from the Positano Pier and go to this restaurant. If you like seafood, you will be in heaven!
- L’Ancora Hotel Restaurant :: Gorgeous views & delicious food! We went back a couple times because the food was amazing, the views were great and it was casual enough to not stress with Cayson!
- La Sponda :: We didn’t make it here since we weren’t sure how our 3 month old would do on the trip and therefore, we didn’t make reservations in advance. But it looks stunning and the reviews are all 5 stars. It’s located in an adult only hotel, so maybe when we go back in a few years we can try eating here.
- Lo Guarracino :: It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but the food is incredible and the views are breathtaking. It’s worth the trek.
- Ristorante Bruno :: Super casual & located literally on the side of the street along the cliff. The food, service and dessert were AMAZING!!! We went back more than once! Ask the pastry chef for her dessert recommendation, her suggestions were always out of this world!
- We also picked up food and brought it home for dinner multiple times and ate on our balcony.
- Dessert
- Ristorante Bruno :: Best desserts ever! Ask the dessert chef for her suggestions. They were all divine!
- Gelato :: just about anywhere!
Transportation
- Walk :: Positano is built into a hill, but it is still very walkable
- Boat :: The best way to see the coast in my opinion
- Taxi :: An alternative way to explore the coast
- Vespa :: Another way to explore more of the coast
Recommendations
- Enjoy the beach :: The pebble beach is gorgeous and the views are amazing!
- Try limonchello :: Explore the local lemon trees!
- Enjoy lemon gelato!
- Eat all the food :: Literally everything is amazing!
- Explore the grottos :: If we didn’t have Cayson, I would have loved to kayak through the grottos! They are gorgeous!
- Enjoy the beach :: Note, it is a rocky beach- not a sandy beach like I’m used to. But once I got past that, it really is absolutely stunning!! Go for a swim and enjoy the sun!
- Walk or hike :: There are so many beautiful areas to hike and explore. Simply enjoy exploring Positano by foot.
- Enjoy a day trip around Amalfi and Capri
- Visit Santa Maria Church :: This church is beautiful.
- Enjoy a drink & enjoy the views!
- Shopping
- Have custom leather sandals and shoes made! They make them so fast and they are beautiful!
- Buy all the local linen! We bought dresses and button downs, but I wish I had purchased more!
- All things lemon. We bought table clothes, table runners, place mats and more! If we had space, I would have loved to buy lemon painted bowls and kitchen items too.
- Take a boat ride :: There are so many gorgeous destinations a short boat ride away. Looking back, I would have loved to spend more time exploring areas nearby as well!
- You can take the public ferry to a few nearby locations!
- Hire a private boat. We hired a private boat and loved it! They rent them right along the beach. If you want a nicer boat, you have to rent it in advance. We weren’t sure what traveling with a 3 month old was going to look like so we didn’t book the boat far enough in advance for a luxury boat. We ended up renting the only boat available {it was small and simple}, but it was definitely worth it! You can choose wether you want to just tour the coast, visit Capri, make multiple stops at various cities or all of the above! And you can visit the lagoons while on the boat. This was definitely a highlight of our trip!
With a Baby
- We carried Cayson in our Wildbird sling or MiaMily most of the time. Positano has way too many stairs for a stroller, although we did see a couple strollers.
- Italians LOVE babies. I can’t tell you how many times they would come up to Cayson and play with him and speak to him in Italian. In multiple restaurants they would even pick him up and walk him around the restaurant while we ate- ha. Embrace it & enjoy the little date time with your spouse! After befriending so many Italians, I like to think my baby now mumbles in Italian ;)
Tips
- When planning your trip, I recommend making your restaurant reservations first then booking the rest around when you can get reservations. Lot’s of restaurants book up fast!
- If you plan on booking a private boat, you may want to book that in advance- especially if you travel during peak season!
- Be prepared to walk up and down a lot of hills!
Did I miss anything?
What would you add to the list or what would you like to know more about?
Positano is on my bucket list! Bookmarking this for when we go! How were hotel prices?
Oh how I long to return to the Amalfi Coast. It was one of the plans that got cancelled for this year. So great to take a virtual re-visit through Positano. We loved just walking the streets on the hills looking at the colourful buildings. And of course, stopping for some great food. Or gelato! That blue water is a big draw. And a great reason to rent a chair at the beach. It is a good suggestion to hire a private boat. We had so much fun exploring the Amalfi coast by boat. Thanks for taking me back!
What a gorgeous place – the whole dwelling by the sea. You seem to have got the best of both – beach and heritage. The cobbled stone pathways seem to be full of interesting things – from the houses to the little cafes. Cayson seems happy enough as do both of you. Guess it did give you guys a good break from the regular parenting chores. Loved all your pics.
Positano looks Gorgeous- so colorful with beautiful beach ! You could explore both of it and Glad to know that. The walk in the town seems perfect to experience local culture. The town is famous for its big lemons and you enjoyed cute cafes, restaurants by sea and pretty alleys. This seems perfect holiday. Even I am so amazed seeing you baby enjoying the Place, he is so beautiful. Positano seems perfect place to enjoy for newbie Parents. Love reading your detailed guide.
You are a beautiful, joyful family, and it is a pleasure to look at your photos. You should sell them to magazines. Significantly, you show your child the world. Positano has been on my list for a long time. We would like to travel by car to this coast. We would like to enjoy the views and great food. SO I appreciate your recommendations for restaurants. It is great.
Your baby is beautiful! As the mom of an 11 month old, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed all of your tips. I would have LOVED if somebody took our son and walked around with him so that we could eat in peace LOL (although he’s a fairly good traveler.) Good call on using a baby carrier due to all of the steps. I love Limoncello, would love to have some while looking at those views, wow!
I don’t think anything would have prepared me for all the hills in Positano! I loved it when we visited and it’s awesome to see you sharing this beautiful coastline with your family! Definite agree with your recommendation of reservations, didn’t realize that until it was too late!
I had never heard of Positano before, but it sure looks like a gorgeous place. The blue sea, the beaches and the buildings all look simply beautiful. It was good to know that your trip went perfect even when you had not planned properly. Sometimes unplanned ones turn out the best. And I must say that you three look gorgeous together. Thanks for the shopping tips. I would love to spend my money on linens.
Positano is really famous and with your beautiful photos, it makes me tempt to book tickets now. When everything gets well, I would surely go for Positano. I have been to northern Italy but missed southern part and now I have to go. I would love to enjoy the pebble beach as it is really gorgeous and the views are amazing. Also trying out limonchello would be great and also exploring local lemon trees. lemon Gelato sound unique.