Positano Beaches

Overview

Positano is a world-famous destination where the glamour of a vertical village meets the unique charm of the Amalfi Coast's shoreline. Instead of fine sand, you will find beaches composed of dark pebbles, a characteristic feature of the region. These shores are nestled at the base of dramatic cliffs, offering spectacular views and a memorable seaside experience different from a typical beach holiday.

The main hub of activity is the iconic Spiaggia Grande, a bustling beach that captures the vibrant energy of the town. For a quieter day, a scenic path leads to Fornillo Beach, a more relaxed cove favored by locals for its tranquil atmosphere. If you're seeking a full day of sunshine, Arienzo Beach is renowned for being the last to see the sun set. For those desiring a true escape, the wild and pristine shoreline of Spiaggia di Tordigliano offers stunning views of the Li Galli islands, away from the crowds.

When visiting, you'll discover that most beaches have a mix of options. There are small, free public areas known as 'spiaggia libera' where you can lay your own towel, though these can get crowded. The larger sections are typically managed by private beach clubs where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for the day. Beyond the most well-known spots, numerous smaller coves and shores await discovery, and our guide offers a longer list to help you explore all the beaches Positano has to offer.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Are the beaches in Positano sandy or pebbly?

The majority of beaches in and around Positano are not sandy but are made up of dark pebbles and rocks. This is typical for the Amalfi Coast. Because the pebbles can be uncomfortable to walk on and get very hot in the sun, it's a good idea to bring water shoes.

Do you have to pay for beaches in Positano?

Each main beach in Positano, like Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo, has a free public area (called 'spiaggia libera') where you can lay down your own towel. However, these free sections are small and get crowded quickly, especially in summer. The larger, more prominent areas are managed by private beach clubs where you must pay to rent a sunbed and umbrella for the day.

Fornillo Beach

Which is better, Spiaggia Grande or Fornillo beach?

It depends on what you're looking for. Spiaggia Grande is the main, iconic beach with the famous view of the colorful village, bustling with energy, restaurants, and ferry traffic. Fornillo Beach, a 10-minute walk away via a scenic path, is smaller, generally quieter, and more relaxed, offering a more local vibe and slightly lower prices for sunbeds.

Fornillo Beach

How much does a beach club in Positano cost?

Prices vary significantly by beach club, row, and season. At the main Spiaggia Grande, expect to pay around €60-€80 for two sunbeds and an umbrella. At the more relaxed Fornillo beach, prices are slightly lower, around €30-€40 per person. More exclusive clubs like La Scogliera can cost upwards of €250 for a pair of sunbeds.

Fornillo Beach

Are there any hotels in Positano with a private beach?

Yes, a few luxury hotels in Positano offer the exclusive amenity of a private beach for their guests. Il San Pietro di Positano and Hotel Le Agavi are notable examples, providing direct access to a secluded beach area, often via a private elevator carved into the cliffside. This is a rare luxury in Positano.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Is Positano a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Positano can be a good family destination, but it has its challenges. The main beaches are pebbly, which can be tough on little feet, so water shoes are recommended. While beach clubs offer amenities, the town itself is very steep with many stairs, making strollers impractical. For families with very young children, flatter towns on the coast like Maiori might be easier to navigate.

When is the best time to swim in Positano?

The best time for swimming in Positano is from June to early October. The sea is warmest during the peak summer months of July and August. September is also ideal, with warm water temperatures and fewer crowds than the summer peak. You can still swim in May and late October, but the water will be noticeably cooler.

How do you get to the other beaches like Arienzo and Laurito?

Arienzo and Laurito beaches are not easily reached by foot from the center of Positano. Arienzo is known as the '300-step beach' because it's accessed via a long staircase from the main road. The most popular way to reach both Arienzo and Laurito is by a small shuttle boat service that departs from the pier at Spiaggia Grande. Many beach clubs on these smaller beaches, like Da Adolfo at Laurito, include the boat shuttle with your reservation.

Arienzo Beach

People Also Ask

Is it better to stay in Positano or Amalfi for beaches?

Positano is generally considered more of a picturesque, vertical village with a glamorous beach scene, focused on its iconic Spiaggia Grande and quieter Fornillo cove. Amalfi town has a larger main beach, Marina Grande, that is also centrally located and serves as a major transport hub. While both have pebbly beaches and beach clubs, Positano's are arguably more famous for their views, whereas Amalfi's can feel more like a classic, bustling Italian seaside town.

Spiaggia Marina Grande

Fornillo Beach

Can you visit beaches near Positano without a car?

Absolutely. The best way to explore beaches along the coast is by water. From the main pier in Positano, you can take regular ferries to other towns like Amalfi or Praiano to visit their beaches. Additionally, you can hire a private boat (gozzo) with a skipper for the day to explore hidden coves and secluded beaches that are only accessible from the sea.

Which Positano beach gets the sun the longest?

Arienzo Beach is known for getting the most late-afternoon sun. Due to its south-west exposure and the surrounding cliffs, it stays sunny later in the day compared to other beaches like Fornillo, which can become shaded in the late afternoon.

Arienzo Beach

Fornillo Beach

What is the vibe at a Positano beach club? What should I wear?

The vibe is generally 'casual chic.' During the day, people wear stylish swimwear, cover-ups, linen shirts, and sandals. It's a place to relax but also to see and be seen. While you don't need to be overly formal, it's common to dress up slightly for lunch at the beach club's restaurant – a nice sundress or a shirt over swim trunks is appropriate. It's not a party scene during the day, but rather a stylish and relaxed atmosphere.