Published: August 5, 2025
Planning a visit to Positano but only have a day (or just a few hours)? This cliffside village on Italy’s Amalfi Coast is postcard-perfect, with pastel houses stacked above the sea, lemon-scented lanes, and beach clubs begging for a swim. Whether you’re spending a full day or just stopping by on a boat or driving tour, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your time in Positano—including where to eat, swim, shop, and snap those Instagram-worthy photos.
I have crafted both full day itineraries and mini itineraries for those who are coming by tour and only have a few hours to spend.
This post may contain affiliate links that, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from. Thank you for supporting my blog!
Full-Day Positano Itinerary: What to Do in One Day
☀️ Morning: Arrive Early & Wander Downhill
💡 Tip if arriving by ferry: Even if you’re arriving by boat at the Spiaggia Grande dock, I highly recommend starting at the top of Positano and walking your way down. Take a quick taxi or bus to the upper part of town near Bar Internazionale for panoramic views and a more scenic, leisurely descent through the village. You’ll avoid climbing endless stairs in the heat and get the best photo spots along the way! Once you reach the top by taxi or bus, make your way down using this itinerary.
You can always do this itinerary in reverse, but it will be harder going uphill.
9:00 AM – Scenic Arrival & First Look
Arrive in Positano early to beat the crowds and heat. Start at the Bar Internazionale overlook (top of town) for your first jaw-dropping view of Positano spilling down to the sea. Type Bar Internazionale into Google Maps and it will take you there. It is located on Viale Pasitea.
9:30 AM – Photo Opp at Delicatessen Pottery
As you head downhill, make a quick stop outside the charming Delicatessen-Pottery Shop (located on Via Dei Mulini) known for its colorful lemon ceramic lined terrace overlooking the seaside cliff—it’s one of Positano’s most photogenic and iconic spots. It is free to take photos from the fence outside the terrace, but if you want to walk out onto the terrace, you will need to buy something from the shop. The photo below, as well as this video here, were both taken outside the terrace so you don’t need to go out onto it to get an amazing photo. *Note: There is also a Delicatessen restaurant. The pottery shop is up the street from the restaurant.
10:00 AM – Pastry & Espresso Break
Grab a cappuccino and flaky sfogliatella at Collina Bakery. It’s a perfect spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
10:30 AM – Boutique Shopping
Wander through Positano’s famous boutiques. Look for:
Artigianato Rallo for custom leather sandals
La Bottega di Brunella for handmade linen clothing
Local ceramic and lemon shops for souvenirs
🍽️ Midday: Beach + Lunch
12:00 PM – Lunch at Chez Black or La Pergola
Both restaurants sit right on Spiaggia Grande, Positano’s main beach.
Chez Black: Classic Amalfi seafood pasta and people-watching.
La Pergola: More casual, great pizzas, and a shady terrace.
- Looking for more restaurant options? Check out my post The Best Restaurants in Positano.
1:30 PM – Relax on the Beach at Spiaggia Grande
Rent a sunbed and umbrella or lay out on the free public section. The views of the colorful cliffside buildings are unforgettable from this angle. Don’t forget to take this famous photo below from Spiaggia Grande beach!
🌅 Afternoon: Explore Fornillo or Cool Off
4:00 PM – Stroll to Fornillo Beach
Quieter and less crowded, Fornillo Beach is a short scenic walk along the coast path. Bring your camera—it’s another beautiful photo opportunity with the famous blue and white striped beach umbrellas.
Or: Head back up through town and grab a refreshing gelato from Buca di Bacco or Lemon Sorbet in a frozen lemon from a street vendor.
🍹 Aperitivo & Dinner
6:00 PM – Sunset Cocktails at Franco’s Bar
For sweeping sunset views over the sea, there’s no better place than Franco’s Bar. They don’t take reservations—arrive early for the best spot!
7:30 PM – Dinner at La Sponda or Il Tridente
La Sponda: Super romantic with hundreds of candles, a Michelin star, and live mandolin music. Pricey, but perfect for honeymoons or celebrations. Located in the same hotel as Franco’s Bar.
Il Tridente: Elegant terrace with sunset views and delicious Mediterranean food. 5 minute uphill walk from Franco’s.
- La Tagliata: A third option is La Tagliata. It is not walkable, but the restaurant does provide a shuttle. This is one of the top restaurants in Positano, so if you are up for taking a ride, it is one to consider.
All three restaurants require reservations well in advance. If you came by ferry or bus, be sure to double check the last departure time so you don’t miss your way back!
2–3 Hour Mini Itinerary (By Boat or Driving Tour)
If you are arriving in Positano by a boat or driving tour and only have a few hours to explore, here’s how to enjoy the best of Positano in a short time:
🚗 Mini Itinerary by Car/Scooter
Scenic stop at Bar Internazionale for a quick cliffside photo.
Walk downhill, pausing at the ceramic Delicatessen Pottery for that iconic shot.
Explore the boutiques on the way to the beach.
Grab a quick bite or gelato on Spiaggia Grande.
Snap your beachside photo with Positano’s cliffs as the backdrop.
Walk (or taxi) back up if short on time.
⛵ Mini Itinerary by Boat Tour
Dock at Spiaggia Grande and head into town.
Walk 5–10 minutes up to Delicatessen Pottery for a photo.
Grab a limoncello spritz, coffee, or gelato on the way back or if you have time, lunch at Chez Black.
If you have time, stroll toward Fornillo Beach to get the iconic blue and white umbrella photo before returning to the dock.
📸 Best Photo Spots in Positano (with Exact Locations)
These are the top places to capture iconic shots in Positano—whether you’re after panoramic cliffside views, beach scenes, or charming village corners.
1. Bar Internazionale Overlook
Location: Viale Pasitea, 90, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
📍 At the top of town near the SITA bus stop.
Stand across the street from the bar to get a wide-angle view of Positano cascading down to the sea.
Best for: First arrival photo, golden hour lighting.
2. Delicatessen with Ceramics & Lemons
Location: Viale Pasitea, 72–76 (just downhill from Hotel Palazzo Murat)
📍 Along the walk from the upper town to the beach.
This spot is famous for its colorful ceramic lemon pottery against the backdrop of the postcard Positano cliffs–a real “La Dolce Vita” moment. Free photo from outside the terrace, purchase from the store required to walk out onto the terrace.
Best for: colorful shots
3. Staircase to Spiaggia Grande
Location: Near Via dei Mulini, descending from the main shopping street to the beach
📍 Right before you reach the beach, looking back uphill.
Turn around on the staircase to get a beautiful view of Positano’s pastel buildings stacked behind you.
Best for: Candid walking shots, outfit photos, and showing scale.
4. Fornillo Beach Overlook (Blue & White Umbrellas)
Location: Via Positanesi d’America (walking path between Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo)
📍 Midway along the pedestrian walkway—look for a stone wall with views down to Da Ferdinando Beach Club.
This is where you’ll get the famous overhead shot of blue and white umbrellas on the quieter Fornillo Beach.
Best for: Summery beach flat-lays, telephoto zoom shots, and tranquil vibes.
5. From a Boat Just Offshore
Location: Anywhere just offshore from Positano, about 200–300 meters out
📍 Reachable via boat tour, ferry, or private charter.
The best full view of Positano’s cliffs, church dome, and colorful homes is from the water.
Best for: Classic Positano postcard shot.
Final Thoughts
Did You Find This Information Helpful?
Creating detailed travel guides takes time and love-your support helps keep this blog going. Buy me a coffee if you’d like to say thanks!
@postcardsfromcarrie 🍋The best photo spot in Positano, Italy! ✨ Located at the Delicatessen Pottery Store ✨ These views are all from outside the roped off area ✨ If you purchase an item at the pottery store, they will let you inside the roped off area to take photos. ✨ ⬇️Follow for more! #amalficoast #positano #italy #italy🇮🇹 #delicatessen #italytravel #photos #views #makingmemories #travel #explore ♬ original sound - Postcards From Carrie | Travel
PIN IT!
Check Out My Other Amalfi Coast Posts:
