One Day In Positano: The Perfect Day-Trip Itinerary

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 Amalfitan views.

Here is the best way to spend one day in Positano, Italy.

How To Get To Positano

Positano is certainly not the easiest city to get to, but it is 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:

1. Renting a car. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

These three options are also viable for those of you driving from another region of Italy. Here are the driving route maps from the three most popular Positano day trip embarkation cities.

Day Trip To Positano From Rome

Here’s how to get to Positano from Rome city center.

Day Trip To Positano From Naples

Here’s how to get to Positano from Naples.

Day Trip To Positano From Sorrento

Here’s how to get to Positano from Sorrento.

Positano From Another Amalfi Coast Town

On the other hand, 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.

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 per person, 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 town at the end of your one day in Positano, which I highly recommend, there are accommodations available at every budget level. Some top picks include:

1. Luxury hotels: Le Sirenuse or Hotel Poseidon.
2. Budget accommodations: AirBnb.
3. Mid-range price: Hotel Casa Albertina.

My most recommended accommodation overall is Hotel Casa Albertina. You can read my full review of Hotel Casa Albertina here.

Now that the logistics are out of the way, let’s discuss exactly how to spend one day in Positano.

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 Amalfitan fruits, magnets and trendy Italian fedoras.

Try A Lemon Treat

The lemons of Positano and the Amalfi Coast are legendary. The city’s warm coastal climate is perfect for lemon groves and, therefore, an endless array of lemon treats.

Limoncello is one such well-known treat — an alcoholic dessert drink 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.

Have Lunch At A Local Deli

Because you are on a one-day timeline, grab a quick authentic panini (basically a sub-sandwich, 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 markets’ 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 At Spiaggia Grande

Now, put on your swimsuit and head to Spiaggia Grande, the main and most iconic beach in Positano. You can learn all about this Positano beach in my ultimate guide to Spiaggia Grande.

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.

On the contrary, if you want 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, 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 Instagram-worthy view of Positano’s buildings by the paid beach chairs at Spiaggia Grande. Don’t forget to snap a couple photos here! (Looking for more Positano Instagram spots? Check out my Amalfi Coast Instagram spots blog post here.)

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.

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.

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 At Ristorante Bruno

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 (or lemon chocolates) that you wish. 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.

How will you spend your day in Positano? Be sure to check out this guide on what to wear in Positano so you can fit in with the locals on your day trip!

More Positano Travel Guides

Positano: Everything You Need To Know About Positano, Italy
Positano Beach: What To Know About Positano Spiaggia
Best Honeymoon Hotels Positano Has To Offer
Positano Vs Amalfi: Which Is Better?

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