While one day in Positano is never enough, this one day in Positano itinerary will guarantee you a marvelous day trip. In just one day, you will get to dive into the true lifestyle and culture of the Amalfi Coast — from the irresistible restaurants and friendly locals to the unmatched beaches and Amalfi views.
Here is the best way to spend one day in Positano, Italy.
How To Get To Positano
Coming from Rome
Positano is certainly not the easiest city to get to, but it is certainly worth the travel. If you wish to head to Positano as soon as you land in Italy, you have a few options. You will likely fly into the FCO airport in Rome. Then, from FCO, you could get to Positano by:
- Renting a car. Honestly, I would not recommend this option. Between the car rental, expensive tolls, high gas prices and hassle of parking, I would avoid renting a car. It may seem like the least stressful option, but trust me when I say that is is not any less stressful than the following options. We rented a car for our trip, and we will not be doing it again next time. Trust me, you’ll save money and headaches!
- Hiring a private driver. Hiring a private driver from FCO to Positano has many perks. First, you will save time (direct drive, no stops, no searching for parking). Second, you won’t have to carry heavy suitcases around because you will be dropped off right outside your hotel. And third, you won’t have to think twice about driving stick-shift in a tiny car alongside Italian drivers. The only downside to hiring a private driver, then, is that it is the most costly option — most likely a couple hundred euro per person.
- Taking a train from FCO to Naples (Napoli), and then take a bus to Positano. This is by far the best option for transportation from FCO to Positano. Even though you will have to carry your luggage through train stations and bus stops, and even though it will take longer than a direct drive, it is by-far the most cost-effective and, therefore, popular alternative. We will be taking this route next time!
These three options are also viable for those of you driving from another region of Italy.
Coming from another town on the Amalfi Coast
However, if you are coming to Positano from another town on the Amalfi Coast, such as Amalfi town or the island of Capri, your best mode of transportation will be a ferry. Ferry tickets are available to purchase online or at the ticket stands at the marinas of each city. (If you are coming from Capri, you likely took a ferry or other boat from Positano when you arrived to the island, so you will be very familiar with the process.)
In addition, ferries are, by far, your cheapest and most time-efficient way to travel to Positano from a neighboring town. Ferry tickets range from around 20 euro to 40 euro, depending on the seasonal demand of the ferry. (Travelmar is a very affordable and popular ferry option.) Otherwise, taxis and private water taxis are available for a higher price.
Where To Stay In Positano
If you choose to spend the night in the cliffside town after your one day in Positano, which I highly recommend, there are accommodations available at every budget level. Some top picks include:
- Luxury hotels: Le Sirenuse or Hotel Poseidon.
- Budget accommodations: AirBnb.
- Somewhere in between: Hotel Casa Albertina.
My most recommended accommodation overall is Hotel Casa Albertina, shown below (they have a noteworthy complimentary balcony breakfast buffet). You can read a full review of Hotel Casa Albertina here.
One Day In Positano Itinerary: Morning
Walk through the beautiful streets
While you’re walking through the city, explore all of the locally owned clothing and souvenir shops. Nothing screams “a trip to the Amalfi Coast” like a new lemon-patterned sundress or polo.
Or, maybe lemon patterns and light beach linens aren’t your style? You can also find delicious lemon flavored candies (my favorite being the lemon white chocolate bars), t-shirts, fresh fruits, magnets and trendy Italian fedoras.
Try a lemon treat!
As you can probably tell already, the lemons of Positano and the Amalfi Coast are legendary. The city’s warm coastal climate makes for perfect lemon groves and an endless array of lemon treats.
Limoncello is one such well-known treat — a dessert drink (alcoholic) that is typically enjoyed either before or after a meal. It is usually served as a shot, but, trust me, it is much more enjoyable than a shot of anything you’ll find elsewhere.
Beware of the mini souvenir limoncello bottles that are sold in the shops, though. They may be cute, but they taste like hand sanitizer. Spend the couple euro extra for a real limoncello from a quality bar or restaurant instead.
Lunch
Because you are on a one-day time-crunch, grab a quick authentic panini (basically a sub-sandwhich, not pressed like in the United States) from a local deli for lunch. You’ll pass several delis on your walk, but if you don’t see one, walk to the back of any market. You’ll find the market’s deli there!
A panini should cost you less that 5 euro in Positano, which is a fantastic budget option for a filling meal. If you like tomatoes and mozzarella, try a caprese panini. If you don’t, taste a deli meatball or two.
One Day In Positano Itinerary: Afternoon
Hit the Beach
Now, put on your swimsuit and head to Spiaggia Grande, the main and most iconic beach in Positano. Arrive as early as possible to ensure the good spot.
Pro tip: if you’re looking for a budget-friendly beach day, lay out on your towel in the small public beach area next to to the marina. If you’re looking to completely emerge in relaxation, spend the 25-30 euro that it costs to rent a beach resort chair and umbrella (25 euro for second row, 30 euro for first row). If you choose to splurge, which I recommend, be sure to take advantage of the beach food service served right to your chair from Blu Bar for an afternoon snack.
Also, note that you’ll find the most Instagrammable view of Positano’s buildings by the paid beach chairs at Spiaggia Grande. Don’t forget to snap a couple photos here!
SEE ALSO: What Camera Do I Use? Best Budget Camera Gear For Travel
Aperitivo (Happy Hour) At Franco’s Bar
Franco’s Bar is the most envied seasonal luxury bar on the Amalfi Coast. Attached to Le Sirenuse, one of Positano’s most upscale hotels, Franco’s boasts an immaculate sunset view of Positano. Furthermore, as you watch the sunset from arguably the most iconic viewpoint of the town, your taste buds will be praising the scrumptious drinks Franco’s has to offer. I personally recommend the non-alcoholic “Positano Tropicana.”
I suggest arriving to the bar front between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. (17:30-18:00) because the sun sets early on the Amalfi Coast, and there will be a line to enter. This is how all of the Positano visitors that can’t afford to stay at Le Sirenuse experience the wealthy dolce vita.
Similarly, I must warn you about the hefty prices here. There is a 20 euro per person spending minimum, and all of the cocktails (and mocktails) cost at least 20 euro each. I’m certainly glad we went once for the experience, but I would probably not go back on my own budget-friendly dime.
One Day In Positano Itinerary: Evening
Dinner
After indulging at Franco’s, I suggest eating right up the street at Ristorante Bruno for dinner. Loved by the locals, Ristorante Bruno boasts an amazing menu of pasta, steak, fresh seafood from the same morning’s catch, as well as an unforgettable view of Positano.
FYI, Ristorante Bruno was so delicious that we went back twice during our stay. Our favorite dishes were the shrimp in lemon sauce, spaghetti with clams and mozzarella wrapped in meat.
Take in the view one last time!
Once you have finished your inevitably beautiful dinner, stroll down the beautiful winding streets of Positano once more. You’re in Positano, take it in!
As you walk, purchase any last minute souvenirs (and more lemon chocolates) that you may desire. Walk your way down the streets back toward the beach, Spiaggia Grande. Because the view from Spiaggia Grande is so awe-inspiring, this itinerary includes a walk along the shoreline at dusk, too. Watching the lights flicker on all of the stacked buildings is truly remarkable — the perfect way to end your day in Positano.
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