Positano Beach

The easiest approach is on foot from Positano town centre — a roughly 10-minute walk along pedestrian-only paths that are the only way in by land. Seasonally, you can also arrive by boat from Amalfi port in about 10 minutes, which is a genuinely enjoyable way to make an entrance. If you're driving to Positano, paid parking garages are available at around €8–10 per hour; spots are genuinely difficult to find in peak season, so booking in advance is strongly recommended. There is no entry fee for the beach itself.

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, just 200 metres from the shore, is worth every step — its majolica-tiled dome is one of the most photographed sights on the Amalfi Coast, and inside you'll find a revered Byzantine icon. Beneath the church, the Roman Archaeological Museum (MAR) reveals the remains of a Roman villa, adding an unexpected layer of history to your beach day. For a longer adventure, the Path of the Gods — Sentiero degli Dei — begins about 4.3 kilometres away and rewards hikers with panoramic views across the entire coastline. Spiaggia di Positano Marina Grande is also right next door at 0.1 kilometres, worth a look if you want to compare the two.

You're spoilt for choice within a few steps of the waterline — Chez Black, La Cambusa, Rada Beach Ristorante, and Restaurant L'Incanto are all within 100 metres of the beach, making a post-swim lunch effortless. La Pergola is right on the doorstep at 0 kilometres if you want to eat without wandering far at all. For something with serious local credentials a short drive away, La Cantinaccia del Popolo carries a 4.7-star rating across nearly 6,000 reviews at 8.8 kilometres, and Porta Marina Seafood scores an impressive 4.8 stars at 10.2 kilometres.

Il San Pietro di Positano, rated 4.9 stars across more than 2,000 reviews and just 1.4 kilometres from the beach, is the standout choice for those who want to stay close and stay well. La Tagliata at 0.9 kilometres offers a more accessible option with a solid 4.3-star rating. If you're happy to base yourself further afield near Sorrento, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria (4.7 stars) and Hotel Bellevue Syrene (4.8 stars) are both under 10 kilometres away and deliver classic Campanian luxury.

Shoot from the waterline looking back toward the village in the early morning — the pastel facades catch the soft light beautifully before the beach fills up, and the majolica dome of Santa Maria Assunta frames the upper left of the shot perfectly. For a wider composition, the boat approach from Amalfi port gives you the full panorama of beach, village, and hillside in one frame that no land-based angle can replicate.

Between May and September, westerly winds can generate a strong undertow — if conditions look rough, stay out of the water and check with local beach staff before swimming. Petty theft does occur on this beach, so never leave valuables unattended on your towel, even briefly. The access paths involve steep stairs and narrow lanes, making this beach unsuitable for wheelchair users. Skip August if you can — the beach becomes extremely packed and the experience suffers for it.