If you’re looking for relaxed, sunny European vibes and access to endless edible focaccia art, a trip to a Positano beach is just what you need.
Positano is a beachy village on the Amalfi Coast (Province of Salerno), in Campania, Italy. It’s a classic cliffside enclave known for stunning views, warm Mediterranean waters, delicious food and incredible hospitality.
The ancient Romans built several impressive villas on the coast of Positano. The ruins of these properties can still be seen today around dell’Assunta Church in town. While nobody is entirely positive of the exact year Positano was founded, local historians say it was built in the ninth century along the beach for Benedictine monks.
Eventually the village grew as people fled other villages from ongoing battles throughout the Middle Ages.
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In the 1200s, Pisa sacked Positano Beach and the entire enclave. Shortly after, the town bolstered its defenses by building fortified walls, several watch towers and incredibly steep roads.
All of these can still be seen today.
Over the next several centuries, Positano was victim to natural disasters including a massive tsunami and human incursions. Ottoman pirates and militia attacked the Amalfi coast almost monthly for decades.
Just look at the views! The tablescapes! The freshly-squeezed juices.
We can’t get enough of the hand-crafted tile from the generations before us, the lush landscaping and indoor planting in every corner and the timeless rounded doorway arches and windows. You couldn’t ask for better photo opportunities if you tried.
By the 20th century, a practical road was built from Sorrento (a short drive) to many of the villages along Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Almost overnight, Positano became a hub for beach-seeking businessmen and well-off families from larger cities.
Naples, or Napoli in Italian, is only about an hour and a half away. Positano Beach is considered the preferred weekend and holiday destination of well-heeled Naples residents.
And while Positano may be a well-known Italian destination, it’s still one of Italy’s best-kept secrets for foreigners. It’s one of the few beach destinations in Italy that tourists from other lands don’t overrun.
In other words, you get the real-deal authentic Italian beach vacation experience.
Which beaches in Positano are best to visit?
Spiaggia Grande is right in the middle of Positano’s waterfront, and likely the most photogenic beach of all. Stretching 300 meters, this beach is one of the largest and most beloved on the Amalfi Coast.
It’s also incredibly convenient because it’s flanked by loads of top-rated eateries, bars and shops. And if you like people-watching, it’s a major celebrity hotspot with A-listers and billionaires as far as the eyes can see.
If you’re into understated, quiet beaches, check out nearby Fornillo Beach. It’s just a three to four-minute walk from Spiaggia and the center of town by a gorgeous footpath that seems bathed in flowers and perfect lighting. It’s the beach the locals choose and the perfect place to relax.
Where to stay by the Positano Beach
Some of our favorite top-rated Positano hotels include:
- Hotel Eden Roc: This plush hotel offers gorgeous vistas, a breathtaking pool and some of the most memorable food you could ever ask for.
- Villa Mary Suites: This bed-and-breakfast is a boutique property ideal for honeymooners and romantic getaways. Stay for a weekend or a month—it’s up to you.
- Il San Pietro di Positano: This hotel’s bright, enchanting decor is worth a thousand shortform videos for your feed. It’s the perfect blend of classic, old-school Italian hospitality with fresh, modern design touches.
If you loved learning about Positano beach history, you’ll love checking out this renovated Woodstock, NY retreat and this Hudson Valley yurt house.
