Positano, especially the beaches of Positano, with their alluring celebrity-filled shores, breathtaking coastal views, and a historic center brimming with boutiques, stands as the ultimate destination on the Amalfi Coast.
Tucked away in a small square opposite Hotel San Pietro, Positano’s Laurito beach is accessible via a stairway. Named after the abundance of laurels in the area, Laurito boasts both a free beach and a private section affiliated with a small hotel, along with two laid-back beachside eateries.
From Positano’s Spiaggia Grande beach pier, small boats set sail approximately every half hour to the Da Adolfo beachfront restaurant, easily identifiable by the red fish flag fluttering from the mast. Keep in mind that reservations are highly recommended for both dining and securing a sun lounger.
Known as the “300 steps beach,” Arienzo beach requires a descent down a substantial staircase. As visitors descend towards the sea, glimpses of the gardens of some of the Amalfi Coast’s most luxurious villas, including one formerly owned by Franco Zeffirelli, come into view. Facing southwest, this beach enjoys prolonged sun exposure, with both private and free areas.
How to Reach Arienzo and Laurito Beaches: By car: After passing the center of Positano, head towards Amalfi. Roughly a kilometer later, you’ll reach Hotel San Pietro. Steps from here lead down to Laurito, and about eight hundred meters away, steps descend to Arienzo. Drivers can park along the road between the two sets of steps. By public transport: Sita buses stop at both Laurito and Arienzo. Buses from the Flavio Gioia Coach company depart from Positano’s center. Shuttle boat services are available from both Positano and Praiano.
Positano’s primary beach, a quintessential postcard scene, is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan on the Amalfi Coast. Stretching along a vast three hundred meters, almost directly opposite the Li Galli archipelago, it features an array of restaurants, bars, and the renowned Music On the Rocks discotheque. With two bathing establishments and a free area, this beach is the heartbeat of the town’s social life, drawing locals, celebrities, and tourists alike.
For a serene beach experience away from Marina Grande, embark on a romantic stroll from Positano harbor to Fornillo beach. Despite its tranquil reputation, Fornillo can get busy during summer weekends due to its proximity to Positano’s center.
How to Reach Marina Grande and Fornillo Beaches: By car: In Positano, either park along the state road and descend to the waterfront on foot or use one of the town’s parking lots just outside the center. By public transport: Sita buses and, in the summer, services from major boat companies in the region.
Beaches of Positano’s offer a diverse palette of coastal experiences. With celebrity-filled shores, breathtaking seascapes, and vibrant social hubs, Positano stands as the quintessential destination on the Amalfi Coast. Whether you seek the secluded charm of Laurito or the lively ambiance of the main beach, each shoreline possesses its unique charm. The journey from picturesque Spiaggia Grande to the serene Fornillo unveils a coastal paradise that caters to every taste. Positano’s beaches, with their distinct personalities and stunning landscapes, promise an unforgettable seaside escape, inviting travelers to bask in the beauty of this iconic coastal haven.
