Should You Visit Positano?

Are you thinking about visiting Positano, Italy? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Positano worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this Mediterranean village for two to seven days because of the many great activities. Positano is a famous Italian village along the beautiful Amalfi Coast. It is an iconic destination with its colorful buildings and dramatic waterfront setting. The town is tucked into the cliffside, giving it a charming and picturesque setting. There's also a pebbly beach and narrow streets that are filled with cafes and shops.

Positano Positano

Reasons to Visit Positano

Food
Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Resorts
The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Historical Sights
Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Hiking
The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Shopping
The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Beaches
Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.




Is Positano worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Positano, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (74°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 30°C (85°F).

The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable Mediterranean village, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, soak up the small town charm, and take a hike. Also, you can experience the luxurious resorts and the historic old town.


Summer Weather in Positano
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
August 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
September 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)

Is Positano worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Positano. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.

Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 17°C (63°F).

Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery, the historic old town, and the quaint atmosphere. Also, you can go hiking and take in the local charm.


Autumn Weather in Positano
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
November 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
December 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)

Is Positano worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather in Positano can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 8°C (47°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

The low season for travel in Positano is during the winter. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.

This is a great time of year to taste delicious cuisine and admire the historic sights.


Winter Weather in Positano
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
February 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
March 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)

Is Positano worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Positano. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F).

The scenery of the town this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, admire the quaint atmosphere, and take in the beautiful scenery. Also, you'll be able to explore the small town and browse around the old town.


Spring Weather in Positano
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
June 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)

Things to Consider Before Visiting Positano

Nightlife: Most people don't associate Positano with a lively nightlife scene. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Lots of Tourists
Positano sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Positano might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Positano here or see if Positano is expensive here.

Related

What is Positano most famous for?

Positano is most famous for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. People visit this impressive Mediterranean village for its great food, resorts, and historical sights. Also, it's known for hiking and shopping. Many people love the beaches, too. It is often described as picturesque, colorful, stunning, luxurious, and charming.

What is the most famous sight in Positano?

The most popular sight in Positano is The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Positano on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta and other attractions here.

How touristy is Positano? Is it a popular Mediterranean village to visit?

Positano is a very touristy Mediterranean village that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Capri All Inclusive Small Group Tour from Positano: $271
  • Sunset Group Boat Tour from Positano or Praiano: $103
  • Guided tour of the history and tradition of the Sorrento lemon: $54
  • Positano Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $65
  • Half Day Guided Tour to Pompeii Ruins from Amalfi Coast: $239
  • Amalfi coast day tour from Positano: $299
  • Path of the Gods Private Guided Hiking Experience: $185
  • Path of the Gods Private Hiking Tour from Agerola: $162

How long should I spend in Positano?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Positano is two to seven days. Since Positano has a variety of activities such as dining, resorts, and historical sights, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Positano?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Positano?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Positano?.