Positano tumbles down a cliff on the Amalfi Coast, with pastel houses stacked above the beach. Most hotels are small, family-run and built into the slope, and almost every good room comes with a terrace or balcony facing the sea.
Our top pick: Amalfi Coast Boat Tour with Caves, Beaches and Snorkeling
Choose your part of town
| Area | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Near Spiaggia Grande (lower town) | Beach, ferries, restaurants on the doorstep | Busier, views from lower down |
| Mid-town (Via Cristoforo Colombo) | Classic view across the bay, walk to the beach | Steps every day |
| Upper town (Viale Pasitea, near the main road) | The famous panorama, quieter, road access | Long walk or bus down to the beach |
Mind the steps: Positano is a staircase village. If you have heavy luggage or limited mobility, pick a hotel with road access and ask about porter service.
What room to book
A sea-view room with a private terrace is the Positano experience. Junior suites often add a sitting area and a bigger terrace for a modest premium, and they usually have the best positions in the building. See suite vs room.
Check hotel prices in Positano
From the water
The view of Positano from a boat is the one on the postcards. These tours are among the best reviewed on the coast:
Amalfi Coast Boat Tour with Caves, Beaches and Snorkeling
Swim stops and grottoes along the coast. 4.8/5 from over 1,200 reviews.
Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour from Sorrento
A full day along the coast with stops in both towns. 4.7/5 from nearly 4,000 reviews.
Why book online
- Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
- Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
- Mobile ticket on your phone
- Reviews from verified travelers
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best area to stay in Positano?
Near the beach (Spiaggia Grande) and the lower town for restaurants and the ferry with few steps, or higher up for the classic panoramic view and more quiet, at the cost of many steps or a short bus ride.
How do I get to Positano?
By ferry from Amalfi, Salerno, Sorrento or Capri in the warm season, by the SITA bus along the coast road, or by private transfer from Naples.
Are Positano hotels open in winter?
Many close from about November to March. A few stay open all year; check dates before planning a winter trip.
Is Positano good for people with limited mobility?
It is challenging: the village is a maze of steps and steep lanes. Choose a hotel on the main road with direct access, or stay in Sorrento and visit by boat.
Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It funds the research behind this site.
