My wife and myself will be arriving the Amalfi coast on April 16, 2025 on the Azamara Quest. This will be our first visit to the area. The boat arrives at 7:30am and departs at 6:00pm. We were considering a boat ride from the Amalfi port to Positano and then a guided tour in Positano. Any guidance or recommendations would be appreciated.
Posted by
Portland
3648 posts
There isn’t that much to see in Positano, except high-end shops. I can’t imagine why you would need a guide for it. Imo, the jewel of the Amalfi Coast is Ravello. There are jaw-droppingly gorgeous views of the coast, two villas with beautiful gardens, and a lovely, small cathedral. If you were to go there first, you could use any remaining time to explore Amalfi and be where you need to be for your departure.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8091 posts
One issue in Positano is whether you have any difficulty with many-stairs or sloping streets. I agree with the first reply, but seeing Positano once was a must for me. I was also, disappointed. (That was independent travel from Sorrento.) Note that the public busses typically run on half-hour intervals, and can be crowded. I would not rely on them for a ship that would leave if I don't get back. Some posters here observe that Positano looks especially nice from the incoming ferry.
I do think it is safe to take the public bus up the long hill to Ravello. But you can't count on there being enough taxis up there to accomodate even a 700-passenger ship. So take an earlier bus than you "need" to get back to Amalfi. There are also only so many restaurant seats in Ravello. It is a small gem, hundreds of feet above the Amalfi Gulf.
I found Positano more picturesque than Amalfi, but Ravello is quite nice.
Posted by
1080 posts
I’d vote for Ravello as well. It’s a simple bus ride right from Amalfi port. Head to Villa Cimbrone for stunning views of the coast. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the town, eat, and then still have some time to kick around Amalfi town before grabbing the tender. Ravello was a real highlight for me, and I feel I’m not alone in that regard.
There’s just not that huge a difference between Positano & Amalfi to justify the effort with the time you have. Certainly pretty from the water though.
Posted by
Gulf Coast, usa
1215 posts
Ravello. Positano is loads of climbing stairs and very expensive tourist shops. Spend your day in Ravello and enjoy the beautiful views.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4731 posts
In my opinion, Positano is highly overrated as a destination except for a 1 hour look for the view from the water. I'd much rather spend my day in Amalfi and Ravello. Another idea is taking a bus to Minori from Amalfi and walking the Path of the Lemons to Maiori and then a bus back to Amalfi. That will keep you busy for 3 hours.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4934 posts
Elizabeth at Bluestar ferries in Positano can give you good advice