Positano on the Amalfi Coast

Few other Italian towns seem to be as popular a destination for Instagrammers and bloggers as Positano. This former fishing village on the Amalfi Coast looks like a painting and truly fulfills all our vacation dreams.

Colorful houses built directly into the rugged cliffs, narrow streets lined with small boutiques and cozy cafés, steep stairs leading to small squares and vibrantly decorated house entrances, and a beach that boasts the most beautiful view on the entire Amalfi Coast near Naples. No wonder that the Italian fishing village of Positano enchants not only us but numerous Instagrammers and bloggers who pilgrimage to the Amalfi Coast for photoshoots. But rest assured: Positano is not just a feast for the eyes!

Welcome to Positano! Where about 80 years ago only a few fishermen sorted their daily catch while their small, shabby fishing boats rocked in the harbor, today you'll find one of Italy's top destinations.

Bloggers, Instagrammers, photographers, vacationers, and hopeless romantics flock to the famous bay in the heart of the Amalfi Coast to catch a glimpse of the village that clings spectacularly to the hillside. This former fishing village on Italy's West Coast was long regarded as a place of refuge and inspiration for writers and artists. One of them, John Steinbeck, described Positano as a dreamlike place that truly touches the soul. Statements like these soon led to a tourist influx. The days of fishing and leisure are gone, and tourism now determines the formerly tranquil life in Positano.

The town, which already sparked enthusiasm among Italian fans in the 1950s, has lost none of its captivating beauty and uniqueness over 70 years later. Vacationers come to relax on the beaches of the bay, dine in typical Italian restaurants, and enjoy the sweet life, la Dolce Vita, just like everywhere in Italy.

Vacationers particularly love the beaches of Fornillo and the famous Spiaggia Grande, where the spectacular photos were taken that may have made their way into your Instagram feed more than once. So if you're wondering where to go to take photos like these, the answer is definitely Positano! However, don't harbor the illusion that you'll have this dreamlike backdrop all to yourselves during your Italy vacation because in the summer months, Positano can get quite crowded.

During peak season, the population of this village, which has barely 4,000 inhabitants, can sometimes multiply tenfold. While it may no longer be peaceful, a dip in the Mediterranean with a view of the city compensates for the crowded beaches and streets.

Things are a bit quieter on the so-called Path of the Gods, the Sentiero degli dei, which is among the most beautiful and spectacular hiking trails in Italy.

Sentiero degli dei:

Start your hike on the Path of the Gods in the town of Agerola-Bomerano. From there, you can hike all the way to Positano.

Whether you're a passionate hiker or a beginner, this approximately eight-kilometer-long path is a must, as nowhere else will you have such a beautiful view of the spectacular bay of Positano and the wonderfully green surroundings. On a clear day, you might even see the island of Capri. For such a hike, you should plan two to four hours, depending on your fitness. Pack plenty of drinking water and snacks, and you'll be able to enjoy a picnic with the most beautiful view in Italy, Instagram-worthy photos included.

If you want to enjoy a great view and especially a unique sunset even after your hike, you should definitely treat yourself to accommodations with a private balcony. Sitting on a balcony overlooking the rooftops of the city with a glass of Italian wine in hand, watching the sun set into the Mediterranean - a vacation dream that can become a reality in these Airbnb rentals starting at $100 per night:

Are you as in love with this charming little town as we are and wondering how to get to the Amalfi Coast as quickly as possible? You can reach Positano through two airports, the international Naples-Capodichino Airport and Salerno-Pontecagnano Airport.

The wonderful Amalfi Coast is always worth a visit! It's best to rent a car on-site and drive along the coast, as there are many other picturesque fishing villages worth visiting besides Positano. Trips to the nearby large city Naples, the ancient city of Pompeii with the towering Vesuvius, and the islands of Ischia and Procida located in the Gulf of Naples are also worth a visit. With us, you will find suitable offers and can soon plan your trip to Positano.