Positano, located on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, is an iconic Mediterranean destination, filled with epic mountain views, clear turquoise water, fresh Italian seafood, lemon-flavored everything and, of course, Positano Beach.
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Positano Beach, also known as Spiaggia Grande, is by far the best beach in Positano for views of the city. However, there are a few factors to take into consideration before visiting. (Don’t worry, Positano Beach is still very worthwhile!)
Here’s everything you need to know about Positano Beach.
Does Positano Have Good Beaches?
Positano has some of the best beaches in all of Italy. Between Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, Arienzo Beach Club and more, you’re sure to find the perfect beach for you. However, note that due to the Amalfi Coast’s volcanic history, the beaches are rocky, not sandy.
So, if you define good beaches as sandy beaches, you might disagree.
What Is The Main Beach In Positano?
The main beach in Positano is Positano Beach, or Spiaggia Grande.
At Positano Beach, you will see the most iconic views of Positano. There are also various relaxing beach clubs with sunbed rentals, boat tours and boat rentals, bars, a dance club and fantastic restaurants like Chez Black and Buca Di Bacco right on the beach.
How Do You Get To Positano Beach?
To get to Positano Beach from anywhere in Positano, take any cobblestone staircase downward toward the water. On every main street in Positano, you can find these staircases. Make your way down and eventually you’ll reach the Positano Beach area.
Basically every street in Positano zig-zags down toward the water. Some of the staircases will even say “Spiaggia Grande” for you to follow.
Because Positano Spiaggia is surrounded by the city and is the primary view from all hotels and restaurants, it will be hard to miss.
Positano Spiaggia Grande address:
Piazza A. Vespucci
5 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Is There A Sandy Beach In Positano?
Unfortunately, there is no sandy beach in Positano. Because of the volcanic nature of Positano and the Amalfi Coast, the beaches are made up of small black rocks instead of sand.
I highly recommend bringing some type of water shoe or waterproof sandals for the beaches in Positano. Otherwise, the walk from your beach chair to the water is going to be a long, hot and painful one. (Trust me, we learned the hard way.)
The next time I’m in Positano, I will definitely be packing my trusty waterproof Teva sandals for the beach. I bring these sandals on nearly every trip where either a beach, hike or long walk is involved.
Despite the fact that there is no sand, the beaches here are still incredible and, as we’ll discuss next, very swimmable.
Can You Swim In Positano Beach?
Yes! You can absolutely swim in Positano Beach. This beach has astonishingly refreshing clear turquoise water, which makes swimming all the more enticing.
In addition, if you take a group boat tour or private boat out while on the Amalfi Coast, I highly recommend taking a dip in the water off the boat.
Plus, you don’t need to worry about the water being too shallow. Remember that the water is extremely clear, so the water appears much more shallow than it is.
Are Beaches Free In Amalfi?
There are certain areas on the beaches in Amalfi that are free to enjoy. However, most of the beaches are partly privately owned by beach clubs and require a fee.
The free section of the beach in Amalfi Town is the section closest to the water without chairs. The free section of the beach in Positano is the section closest to the marina (right side of the beach when looking out to sea), also without chairs.
To claim a good spot, arrive to the free beach areas no later than 10:00 a.m., especially in the summer. Otherwise, you may be stuck in the back with a longer barefoot walk to the water.
How Much Is A Sunbed In Positano?
A sunbed in Positano on Spiaggia Grande costs 25 euro for a non-front-row seat and 30 euro for a front-row seat, on average. These beach club fees include beach chair/sunbed rental as well as umbrella rental for the entire day. You can pay right at the beach club entrance tent.
Of course, the price ultimately depends on the specific beach club and seasonal demand.
And, if you’re looking to spend an entire day at the beach in either Positano or Amalfi, the chair rentals are definitely worth the price. The rental ensures you’ll have the most comfortable, relaxing and luxurious Amalfi Coast beach experience possible.
(We’re budget travelers who are typically hesitant to splurge, and the 50 euros we spent on our beach day chairs were the best 50 euros we spent on the trip.)
Have any more questions about Positano Spiaggia Grande? Let me know by leaving a reply below or sending me a message on Instagram. I’m here to help!
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With a chair rental on Spiaggia Grande do they provide towels, changing rooms, and showers?
Hi, Kara! There are definitely changing rooms and restrooms. I don’t remember for certain if they have towels or showers available though.
What beach club on Positano Spiaggia had chairs for 30 euros? Can you book online in advance? Everywhere I’m looking they are 60 euros and up. Your recommendations are appreciated. I’m travelling with a senior and someone else with a heart condition so 250 stairs to get to Fornillo Beach is a no-go.
Hi, Lindsay! The beach clubs you are looking at are probably the beach clubs located on the private beaches apart from Spiaggia Grande (such as the popular Arienzo). You can book the 30-euro chairs right at the main beach. You will see a tent/booth where you can purchase the day-of! I hope this helps!
Hi! Thanks for your insight! I know you mentioned tents set up to pay for chair rentals…do you know if you can book chairs online in advance?
Brittaney,
I get asked this all the time, and I wish I had a better answer, but unfortunately I don’t think so! There are a ton of chairs, so you shouldn’t have a problem renting unless you want the front row. If you want the front row (more expensive), I suggest getting to the beach in the morning. I hope this helps!
Can one enter the private beach club without paying as long as we don’t sit on the chair? we just wanted few pics!
Hey Gita! We did the same thing one morning! We went before the beach club opened at 9:00 a.m., and the staff didn’t seem to mind. There’s a great view on the end of the beach too where you can take some great pics. 🙂
Hi! Thanks for the helpful tips 🙂 if we purchase 30-euros chairs at Spiaggia Grande for the day, is it possible to go outside the beach to visit Positano and come back later to our spot? In other words, can we re-enter the beach without paying again and will our chairs remain reserved?
Hey, Ellie! We left the beach for food and returned to our same chairs without any problems. We just made sure to leave our towels on our chairs to save our spots!