Positano Itinerary: How To Spend 5 Days In Positano

Spending 5 days in Positano? Lucky you! Get ready for a week full of unforgettable food, Instagram-worthy views and unmatchable experiences. Here is your perfect Positano itinerary for 5 days in Positano, Italy.

How To Get To Positano From Rome

Positano is certainly not the easiest city to get to, but it is certainly worth the travel. You will likely fly into the FCO airport in Rome. Then, from FCO, you have a few transportation options to Positano and the Amalfi Coast:

1. Hire 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.
2. Take 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, most popular alternative.
3. Rent 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 previous 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.

Where To Stay In Positano

It is true that Positano can be a pricey destination; however, it does not necessarily have to be pricey. 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. Somewhere in between: Hotel Casa Albertina.

Most recommended overall: Hotel Casa Albertina, shown here:

You can read my full hotel review of Hotel Casa Albertina here.

Or, if you’re honeymooning in Positano, you can check out this list of the best honeymoon hotels in Positano.

Day 1: Leisurely Explore Positano’s Street Views

Morning

Because you’re likely exhausted from your previous day of travels, take a slow, relaxing morning. Although I wouldn’t necessarily advise sleeping in until noon, especially if you’re fighting jet lag, give yourself permission to bask in la dolce vita (the sweet life).

Hit snooze once or twice, enjoy a delicious Italian breakfast, sit on your balcony with a cappuccino in hand and stare at the Positano view before you. You’re in Positano, Italy. Take it in!

Afternoon

For lunch, grab a panini from a local deli. A panini should cost you less that five euro in Positano, which is a fantastic budget option for a filling meal. I suggest eating lunch at the delis every day if you want to save money. You shouldn’t get too sick of the caprese panini, but if you do, opt for a deli meatball or two.

After lunch, leisurely walk through the beautiful winding streets of Positano. Here, you will find numerous restaurants, locally owned shops with an endless array of Positano styled clothing (think lots of dressy linens and lemon patterns), hand-painted ceramics, yummy lemon treats and, of course, souvenirs.

I suggest starting your Positano city walk at the Da Vincenzo restaurant on Viale Pasitea and working your way downhill. This is where you will find all the best views, restaurants and shops. And, while you’re at Da Vincenzo, make late-night dinner reservations there for day three.

Evening

As you arrive to Positano Beach at the bottom of the hill (also known as Spiaggia Grande), order some seafood pasta at Buca di Bacco, a highly rated beachside restaurant.

Apart from the great menu, this eatery is covered in stunning greenery, ivy and fresh ocean air.

Day 2: Spend The Afternoon In Amalfi Town

Morning

After a restful day one, venture out of Positano to Amalfi Town on day two.

To quickly explain the difference between Positano, the Amalfi Coast and Amalfi Town, the term “Amalfi Coast” refers to the particular region of Italy, and Positano and Amalfi are two separate towns within the region. You can learn more about the difference between Positano vs. Amalfi here.

With 5 days in Positano, you have more than enough time in your itinerary to visit Positano’s neighboring cities, such as Amalfi. It does take a while to arrive to Amalfi, so plan to depart from Positano around midmorning.

The five modes of transportation to go from Positano to Amalfi are rental car (but parking is a huge hassle), taxi (around 60-70 euro), bus, private boat tour or ferry.

Taking a ferry from Positano will be the cheapest option, but I highly suggest taking a private group boat tour. Boat tour tents are set up all around the main beach, so you have plenty of options.

At the same price as a taxi, you will arrive to Amalfi faster, get a tour guide for the route and get to swim off the boat in the crystal clear Mediterranean.

Afternoon

Once you dock in Amalfi, grab a quick panini at a nearby deli and head to the beach just on the other side of the dock. There are benches just up the stairs from the beach to sit, eat, people watch and take in the Amalfi views.

Then, head straight into the city center across from the dock. Similar to Positano, there are plenty of shops to peruse.

Keep walking down the street, and you’ll soon be met with the epic Duomo di Amalfi (Amalfi Cathedral) on your right-hand side.

(If you don’t pass the cathedral within five minutes of walking, plug it into your GPS. It shouldn’t be far from you.) Wander around the outside of the church or explore the inside of the church courtyard for a small fee.

Then, you have a couple of options. You can either continue leisurely walking through Amalfi, perhaps picking up a fresh lemon sorbet, served inside a lemon.

Or, you could tour the famous Amalfi paper mills located 15 minutes walking straight from the boat dock. You could also hitch a ride (via cab or bus) to the nearby town of Ravello if you would prefer.

Evening

If you chose to take the group boat tour, you will return to Positano just as the sun sets, which means you’ll get to watch the Positano sunset from the water.

Once docked back in Positano, eat a touristy dinner right on the beach at Chez Black. Chez Black, a restaurant decked out in ship decor (pun intended), is an iconic Positano itinerary item that you won’t want to miss.

Day 3: Take A Day Trip To Capri (Positano Itinerary 5 Days)

Morning

Day three will flow pretty similarly to day two except, this day, you’ll boat to Capri.

Your choices of transportation to the island of Capri are private boat tour or ferry. Again, I recommend taking a private group boat tour, fully equipped with a tour guide and swimming opportunities.

Afternoon

You’ll once again eat a quick lunch in Capri before adventuring for the next few hours.

Some awesome afternoon activities in Capri include taking the tram through lemon groves, shopping luxury stores, boating to the legendary Faraglioni Rocks or touring the epic Grotta Azzurra.

Evening (Positano Itinerary 5 Days)

Upon return to Positano, either by boat or ferry, clean up and head to Da Vincenzo for your dinner reservations.

It is important to reserve a table at this prestigious restaurant ahead of time, as it is both Michelin-star-rated and loved by the locals. Thus, it is quite popular!

Day 4: Indulge In A Beach Day And Vintage Car Photo Tour (Positano Itinerary 5 Days)

Morning (Positano Itinerary 5 Days)

Welcome to day four! Doesn’t it seem like your Positano 5 day trip itinerary is going by way too fast?

After two full days of tourism, you deserve a full-on beach day. Put on your swimsuit and head to Spiaggia Grande, the main and most iconic beach in Positano. Arrive by 10:30 a.m. in order to get the best spot.

Afternoon

Continue to lounge.

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 the marina.

If you’re looking to completely emerge in relaxation, spend the 25-30 euro that it costs to rent a beach 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 lunch and/or an afternoon snack.

Also note that you’ll find the most Instagrammable view of Positano’s buildings at Spiaggia Grande. Don’t forget to snap a couple photos here.

Evening (Positano Itinerary 5 Days)

Toward the late afternoon, head back to your hotel to shower and get ready for a super fun photoshoot.

The Positano aesthetic is full of pastel colored buildings, gorgeous ocean views and, naturally, vintage European cars. If you want to get priceless Amalfi Coast photos, book a photo tour with Positano Vintage Dream.

This brother-owned vintage car rental company will drive you to the most photogenic spots in Positano and the surrounding areas in a vintage car of your choice. Although it’s a more costly Positano itinerary activity at about 170 euro, this vintage car photoshoot will be a trip highlight.

Finally, after your photoshoot, walk to Franco’s Bar for extravagant, luxury drinks and an unbeatable sunset view.

Then, visit the underrated Covo dei Saraceni for dinner on a balcony overlooking the marina. I highly recommend the tenderloin for two for a delicious, romantic experience.

Day 5: Shop And Explore Other Positano Beaches.(Positano Itinerary 5 Days)

Morning (Positano Itinerary 5 Days)

Your very last full day in Positano… You have almost completed this 5 day Positano itinerary. Don’t you already miss it?

Today, you essentially have a free day to explore the areas of Positano that you haven’t yet hit. This morning, feel free to start the day slowly if you wish.

When you’re ready, head to the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta (the Church of Saint Mary Assunta). This beautiful church, located near Spiaggia Grande, will only take a quick walk-through, but it is worthwhile. Afterward, feel free to shop around again for last-minute souvenirs.

For tips and tricks to save on souvenirs, check out my FREE download here. Now you’ll be able to take home a piece of Italy without going over your vacation budget!

Afternoon

Pick up your last deli caprese panini (or meatball), and decide which Positano beach you would like to visit. Besides Spiaggia Grande, your options are:

1. Fornillo Beach, a boulder-ridden yet stunning beach with a watch-tower view — ideal for the budget explorer.
2. Arienzo Beach Club, a very well-known beach resort with bright orange and white umbrellas — ideal for the luxury vacationer. Arienzo does cost a pretty penny to visit (at least 74 euro per person) but comes with lunch, beverages, a boat shuttle to the club’s private beach and more.

Evening (Positano Itinerary 5 Days)

If you are not stuffed from the complimentary meal at Arienzo, I suggest eating at Ristorante Bruno for your last night in Positano.

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.

P.S. Ristorante Bruno was so good 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.

And there you have it! Five days in Positano complete. Is there anything else you would add to this Positano itinerary? Comment your own recommendations below!

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