Positano

You can’t go to the Amalfi Coast without relaxing on the beach! Positano has some beautiful sparkling sand beaches where you can sunbathe or swim.

Be prepared to pay anywhere from seven to 20 euros for a beach chair…but it’s so worth it! Forget sandy stretches near the sea—the majority of the beaches are rocky and bringing along a towel just isn’t going to cut it. Be aware that most of the beaches operate on a first-come, first-serve basis so you’ll have to plan on getting there early to have enough space.

When it comes to things to do in Positano and along the Amalfi Coast as a whole, you’ll want to put the Path of the Gods (or Sentiero Degli Dei in Italian) at the very top of your list. The views are truly unforgettable so bring your camera, along with a good pair of walking shoes. You’ll get to experience truly remarkable views of the Amalfi Coast.

The route takes roughly three hours and it’s a pretty mild hike so you don’t have to worry about extreme inclines, for example. I’d recommend bringing a picnic and eating during your hike, while taking in the views.

Pompeii is a simple day trip on the Amalfi Coast because it’s only about an hour away from Positano. Herculaneum is around 11 miles away from Pompeii, making the two sites a perfect pair.

While Pompeii frequently gets all the attention (it’s the larger of the two ruins), Herculaneum is a fantastic place for art history enthusiasts as more of the mosaics are preserved.

When traveling alone, it’s simple to overlook poorly marked locations and lose out on some of the experience’s best parts. I highly recommend hiring a tour guide who can provide some background knowledge and provide some important depth to the experience.

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again – there is no better souvenir than an authentic recipe! Bringing age-old traditions home with you will give you a deeper connection to the culture and will keep the memories.

Italy has some of the best food in Europe, and the Amalfi Coast is no exception. And, like much of Italy, cooking classes abound here—from antipasto to tiramisu, fill up your recipe box here. Check out some of the best food tours and cooking classes here.

Capri is only a short ferry ride away…so you might as well explore all its magnificence!

Famed for its rugged landscape and gorgeous hotels, you’ve definitely got to check out the Blue Grotto while you’re here. It’s a beautiful sea cave where the sunlight reflects in a way that makes the water look like it’s glowing. You have to take a guided boat tour to see inside, but the guides for these tours are worth the money as they can provide information and insight along the way.

The Amalfi is famous for its handmade ceramics, and you’ll see plenty of examples of exquisite pottery in Positano.  The ceramic shops in the area are a riot of gorgeous colors—bright blues, vivid turquoise, and striking lemon yellow hues are frequently used. You may even see actual lemons painted on some of the ceramics, which is a nod to the limoncello production in the region.

Each shop you enter may feel like a little museum, and your jaw will drop at all the handcrafted beauty. Browse the endless varieties of coffee mugs, pitchers, plates, and bowls then snag the perfect one to bring home.

A lot of local shops offer international shipping so check in on the options if you’re nervous to pack up your new treasure.

The Arienzo Beach Club is truly a gem of Positano –  this gorgeous beach shouldn’t be missed! You’ll feel like you’re stepping straight into an Aperol ad as soon as you set foot into this Mediterranean paradise.

Enjoy a quintessential Amalfi Coast experience with traditional Positanese cuisine, crystal clear waters, waiters, signature cocktails, music, and cliff jumping action.

A complimentary boat service is available to and from the main pier “La Banchina” in Positano every day.

Fiordo di Furore is a magnificent hidden beach with stunning views – and that’s not even including the amazing bridge that allows you to look out above the ocean and down at the beach below.

This cozy little fjord along the Mediterranean Sea is a renowned geological feature of the region.

The beach is stunning but plan ahead before you go. Due to the risk of falling rocks, the beach does sometimes close. Bring good shoes to explore the rocky area and see how close you can get (it’s worth visiting even if you don’t do a beach day).

Due to a maritime history rivaling that of Venice, Pisa, and Genoa, Amalfi is one of the most historic towns in the region. Along the water’s edge, there’s a pretty promenade and then a marina docked full of colorful boats.

Plan a morning stroll around the town, see the cathedral, then have brunch in the picturesque square overlooking the church.

You can’t miss the Piazza del Duomo, with the cathedral looming overhead. The picturesque square is dotted with sidewalk cafes and boutiques, so you can enjoy an afternoon eating while soaking in the sun and the atmosphere.

For a unique look at the history, culture, architecture, and art of Positano, head to the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta e Cripta Medievale. It’s a 12th century cathedral that is filled with exquisite art so you can learn a lot about Italian history and culture when you visit.

Note that it’s located slightly above the beach, so be prepared to climb at least a few stairs on your way to or from the cathedral.

One of the highlights of this Italian landmark is the crypt, which was carefully restored in 1984. You can see two frescoes inside and a wooden bust of Saint John. This historic space at the heart of the church includes a museum and a chance to see what the structure may have looked like when it was first built.