Positano is a stunning, picturesque hillside town on the Amalfi Coast and easily one of the most beautiful places in Italy. With colorful buildings cascading down to the sea, dramatic cliffs, and sparkling blue water, the views alone make Positano an unforgettable destination.

I spent 4 nights in Positano, and below are the best things to do in Positano and the best places to eat, based on my personal experience.

Top Things to Do in Positano

Boat Day

A boat day was hands down our favorite thing we did on the Amalfi Coast. We chose to do our boat day in Capri (which was incredible), but even if you don’t visit Capri, cruising along the Amalfi Coast is still absolutely worth it.

Being out on the water is one of the best ways to see the coastline. The water is a gorgeous Gatorade-blue color, some of the clearest, most beautiful water I’ve ever seen.

For a boat day, you really only need half a day, especially if you’re joining a guided tour. I’ve also seen many people rent boats themselves, which is a great option if you’re comfortable driving. There are tons of beaches and coves that are only accessible by boat, so if you rent one yourself, plan for a full day.

Beach Club

Beach clubs are extremely common along the Amalfi Coast and such a fun, luxurious way to spend a day. Think: lounging on a sunbed, sipping a cocktail, snacking on fresh Italian food, and soaking up the Mediterranean sun. A beach club day is truly a must-do in Italy.

Beach clubs in Positano are expensive, so definitely budget for this. Other popular options include:

Pupetto Beach Club
Da Ferdinando
La Scogliera (the most luxurious option)

Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)

This hike was on our list but unfortunately didn’t happen due to weather, but it still deserves a spot on this list because it’s one of the best things to do near Positano.

The Path of the Gods is a 2–4 hour point-to-point hike with breathtaking views of the sea and dramatic cliffs. You’ll even pass ancient ruins along the way. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly activities in Positano (you may just want to take a bus or taxi back if you’re tired).

A perfect day would be hiking the Path of the Gods in the morning and then heading to a beach club in the afternoon to relax.

Vintage Car Photoshoot

This was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a bit of a splurge, but so worth it. Cruising along the Amalfi Coast in a tiny, vintage yellow Fiat was incredibly fun and such a unique way to experience the area.

Ours was a 2-hour photoshoot, where we drove along the coast and stopped at multiple scenic viewpoints. The driver took all of the photos on my phone and absolutely nailed every shot, he definitely knew what he was doing.

The tour started at 6:30am, which was early, but there’s a reason for that. The roads on the Amalfi Coast get extremely crowded later in the day, and they’re very narrow and winding. Starting early made the experience much more enjoyable. We also stopped for a quick coffee and bite to eat.

Despite the early start, this was one of the most fun and unique things we did in Positano. I highly recommend it, especially if you’re visiting for a honeymoon, anniversary, or special occasion.

Best Places to Dine in Positano

Da Vincenzo

Da Vincenzo is a wonderful restaurant set inside a cave, giving it a cozy and romantic atmosphere. The menu features traditional Italian dishes, and the rustic interior with exposed stone makes dining here feel very special.

Unless you dine outside, you won’t get a sea view, but eating inside a cave is part of the experience. Reservations are a must, and you’ll want to book well in advance. If you book right when they open, you’ll have more flexibility choosing your seat.

Il Tridente

Il Tridente is one of the best restaurants in Positano for views. The ambiance is romantic, and the panoramic views over Positano and the sea are absolutely stunning.

We were only able to snag cocktail reservations, but the drinks and snacks were excellent. I highly recommend coming here at night, when Positano lights up, it’s truly magical.

Reservations open two weeks in advance at a specific time, and they book extremely fast. Be online right when they open.

Bruno

Bruno is a great casual lunch spot with no reservations required. It’s a small spot where you’ll pretty much dine right along the road, but the seafood pasta is incredible. Simple, delicious, and perfect for a relaxed lunch.

D'Aiello Restaurant

D’Aiello is highly rated and known for its authentic Amalfi Coast cuisine and stunning views. While we didn’t personally dine here, it’s a popular option and a great place to go around sunset.

Ristorante Miramare

Ristorante Miramare is another iconic Positano restaurant, famous for its unbeatable sea views. It’s easily one of the most beautiful places to dine in Positano.

We didn’t make it here, but it’s at the top of my list for next time. The menu features Italian and Mediterranean cuisine and even includes gluten-free options.

Final Tips for Dining in Positano

It’s honestly hard to go wrong dining in Positano, or anywhere in Italy. Since Positano is right on the coast, it’s especially known for fresh seafood and pasta dishes. Be sure to order:

Seafood linguine
Spaghetti alle vongole
Limoncello
And lots of gelato

Keep in mind that most restaurants book far in advance, especially during summer. Many popular spots require reservations weeks or even months ahead. Look up sunset times during your visit so you can book dinner right as the sun goes down, it’s one of the best experiences in Positano.

Positano is all about the views, so this is the place to splurge on iconic dining spots and spend your days soaking up the sun on a boat or at a beach club.

The Ultimate Positano Travel Guide: What to Do & Where to Eat