Wife and I still planning the Positano portion of our trip. We're staying in Sorrento and planning a day trip in Positano. Looking for best method to get to Positano and suggestions of the best things to do while there. We're into and open to anything as it will all be a new experience. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
NYC
490 posts
When are you going? If in high season take the ferry, if not then it is a bus ride.
Positano is a lovely town, but you really only have one main pathway to stroll in the main area that branches off...and you won't miss anything...it can fill 2-3 hours just walking around, more if you are having lunch or heading to the beach. You can get to Amalfi town by ferry in high season or by bus. If you want to head off out of the main drag, ask a local where to go for your walk. There is enough to do right in town....a trip to Amalfi can be done too!
Positano is full of ceramic shops, and there are many artists showing their paintings, jewelry and other crafts all over town. If you go / or at least return by bus you may have more leeway with your return than the ferry.
The cost for 2 people back to Sorrento later in the night by taxi will be affordable if you want to stay and experience nighttime/dinner in Postiano...it is a magical time there...
The Fornillo beach may be cozier than the main beach...a 10 minute leafy walk back up the coast from the port...there are chair rentals snack bars and a FREE place to set down a blanket.. You must have water shoes for going into the sea.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
We'll be there early July. Thank you very much for the tips. In your opinion would you say skip Positano and do Almafi instead? Can't do both and they look similar so I'm assuming difference in name only.
Posted by
NYC
490 posts
I am sure you will get lot's of advice.... In my opinion, and I go to Capri/AC every year.
Positano is the jewel and offers the most to do and see from a first time typical tourist's perspective, especially ones who are day tripping from Sorrento with fixed times.
I suggest listing the things that you want to see in Amalfi this will guide your time there. It is pretty. Positano is on the water and I like that very much. Sorrento beach access is difficult rocky platforms so if you like life by the sea....
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
I like Positano, but I like Sorrento better (it's flat - Positano is on a steep hill, has more to do imo contrary to post above, is more interesting, more fun for me, easy to get to Naples, Ercolano, Pompeii, Mt Vesuvius). Best way to get to Positano is by boat imo. It's a beautiful ride.
Posted by
881 posts
For a day trip from Sorrento, I'd stick with Positano. Amalfi town is kind of a drag imho. Also, don't discount Capri. I went to Capri with minimal expectations, but loved it. It's absolutely stunning, and I recommend the 1hr boat ride around the island. Ferries offer the best experience, don't do this by bus if you can help it.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2026 posts
We took the boat and it was a lot of fun. We intended to spend the entire day in Positano, but left after a couple of hours. To us, it seemed no more than boutiques and jewelry stores and not much more. And steep climbs. We ended up returning to Sorrento and then on to Herculaneum for the remainder of the day. We may have given Positano short shrift, but that was our reaction. For me, it was something like MSM in France...the best part was viewing it from afar....my personal opinion. The boat ride, however, on a beautiful day was terrific.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
Denny, I agree with you about Positano. Boutiques, ceramic stores and a few places to eat on a very steep hill. We enjoyed it but after 2 hrs ready to move on.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
While Positano has breathtaking views, there is really nothing to DO there. More of a place to sit and enjoy the scenery, sip on wine and enjoy some good food.
You really should have time to visit Amalfi also.
Ferry to Amalfi 1 hr. See the Duomo and Cloisters of Paradise. Wander the town.
Head back to the ferry and take a beautiful 20 min ferry ride to Positano. Climb to the top of town,have lunch, then wander the "streets" to the bus
Bus stop and head back to Sorrento.
Bus & ferry schedules...
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15810 posts
I'm in the same camp regarding Positano: it's very pretty indeed but provides little to do, depending on what that means to the individual. I think it's a good spot for people who want to relax, wander the shops and enjoy the scenery or maybe go to the beach but not so good for travelers looking for different types of "do"?