Positano is a must-see stop if you're taking a boat cruise along the Amalfi Coast. You absolutely have to see it, even if you are literally running out of time. Even just three hours in Positano will be worth your while!
Although it's preferable to have at least a full day, even just a half day can still be enough to experience Positano's unforgettable atmosphere and charm. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets, visit the shops, and admire the spectacular views from this gem of a village along the Amalfi Coast.
Unlike other places on the Amalfi Coast, Positano isn't home to many famous monuments or important museums. A visit here is more to just soak up the local atmosphere. Here in Positano you can wander through the quaint narrow lanes, take in breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast, and savor the Mediterranean scents and flavors of lemons, flowering plants, and the crystal-clear sea. We recommend you explore without a rigid itinerary, and let yourself be led by your natural instincts and curiosity.
The vertical city
Keep in mind that the village of Positano is literally built into the side of a rocky cliff, so its streets require continuously going up and down. Wear comfortable shoes, charge up your energy, and set off to discover this gorgeous gem along the Amalfi Coast. Just remember that during your three hours in Positano you may need a break to rest. It's the perfect excuse to stop and take in the sweeping views or grab an aperitif or a drink with a bite to eat made with traditional local ingredients. And if you have a sweet tooth, be sure to stop in at the renowned La Zagara coffee bar and pastry shop—one of the most popular on the entire Amalfi Coast.
1. The church with the colored dome
Although Positano isn't particularly famous for museums and monuments, the village's most important church is worth a visit upon your arrival in the city. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta has a dome covered in colored majolica ceramic and is visible from practically every part of the village. It's one of the iconic symbols of Positano.
The legend of the talking icon
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta was built in the 10th century and is home to a Byzantine icon of the Madonna with Child. This icon is the focus of a legend linked to the origin of the name of Positano. The legend goes that the icon was aboard a ship coming from the east, when a sudden calm prevented the ship from sailing any further. The sailors then heard a voice coming directly from the painting, saying: "Posa! Posa!" (Put down! Put down!), telling them to drop anchor. They followed the voice's command and went ashore, leaving the icon as a gift to the people of the village, which from that day took its name as Positano.
There are other legends linked to the origin of the name of Positano that say the town is named after Poseidon, the god of the sea.
2. Shopping in the alleys
After visiting the most beautiful church in Positano (which won't take much time), keep going with a long relaxing walk in the alleys of the historic center. The steep and narrow streets of Positano are the very essence of the city, and here you can soak up the authentic atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast as you wander the lanes and browse the traditional items in the shop windows, stalls, and artisan shops.
What to buy in Positano
The undisputed stars of shopping in Positano are the famous "pezze." These are dresses, skirts, tunics, and caftans in light fabrics with colorful prints. They're also available in a wide variety of other versions, ranging from pure white to marine and Mediterranean motifs. You'll also find hats, necklaces, and many other accessories to complete your outfit, starting with the other focus of Positano shopping: handmade leather sandals. As you stroll through the alleys, you'll also see (and perhaps buy) colorful majolica ceramics, coral jewelry, and culinary specialties of the Amalfi Coast such as limoncello and colatura di alici (anchovy sauce) from Cetara.
3. Relax on Spiaggia Grande beach
Once you finish your walk in the historic center, you can end your three hours in Positano with a relaxing stop on the beach, and perhaps a quick dip in the blue sea of ​​the coast. For those who have limited time, Spiaggia Grande beach is ideal because it's located right in the center of Positano. Depending on the time and energy you have left, you could go for a walk, sip a drink with your feet in the sand, or enjoy a delicious gelato prepared with local ingredients.
We advise against venturing towards Fornillo beach. Although it's very pretty and usually less crowded, it requires a short walk, and you may not have enough time.
Boat tours in Positano
An impressive alternative to spending three hours in Positano is to book a boat tour, an experience that allows you to admire the city and its surroundings from the unusual perspective of the sea, and escape the crowds and traffic. You can opt for a group boat tour, or for a private excursion, perhaps to enjoy the sunset on the Li Galli islets, which if you are traveling with family or friends could be the perfect solution also in terms of cost. Or again, if you want to feel like a captain for a day, you could rent a boat without a skipper (and without the need for a boating license).