If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram during European summer, you’ve seen it Positano. That pastel-perfect, cliff-hugging village on Italy’s Amalfi Coast with bougainvillea-covered balconies, Aperol spritzes in hand, and the kind of light that makes everyone look like a movie star.
But here’s the question travelers don’t ask out loud: Is Positano actually worth it, or is it just curated chaos in a €500 linen shirt?
Let’s talk about both sides of this coastal coin—with real traveler insights, hard truths, and tips to help you experience the magic without losing your mind (or your luggage).
The Dream
Let’s start with the obvious: Positano is drop-dead gorgeous. It’s like a vertical village of dreams. Colorful homes stacked like cake slices. Cafés with ceramic plates that could be in Vogue. And yes, that lemony breeze really does hit differently.
Whether you arrive by boat, private car, or the famously nauseating SITA bus, your first glimpse of Positano is breathtaking.
Why People Fall in Love With It:
- The view from Le Sirenuse is as good as it looks online
- Aperitivo hour feels like a movie scene
- Every corner is photogenic—even the laundry lines
- The beach clubs (hello, Arienzo!) are as extra as you want them to be
- The lemon sorbet, served inside actual lemons, is not a gimmick—it’s divine
The Real Talk
But for all its dolce vita sparkle, Positano is not for the faint of heart or budget. Here’s what seasoned travelers wish they knew sooner.
1. The Stairs Will Break You
There are no real roads. Just hundreds of steep stone steps. Getting to your Airbnb may involve a 15-minute vertical hike—with your suitcase. Going out for gelato? That’s a leg day. Every day.
2. It’s Incredibly Expensive
Want a beach chair at Spiaggia Grande? That’ll be €100+ for the day. A spritz? €18. A basic hotel? €500 a night in high season. A salad? You guessed it €20.
Luxury travelers? You’ll love it. Budget travelers? Maybe stay in Praiano.
3. It’s Packed in Summer
June to September means wall-to-wall influencers, cruise crowds, and wedding parties. Even “hidden” beaches are packed. Restaurants are booked weeks ahead. And that romantic boat ride? It might be someone else’s proposal spot… every 30 minutes.
Featured:
Is Positano worth visiting?
Positano is visually stunning but comes with steep stairs, high prices, and big summer crowds. It’s best enjoyed with good planning, a flexible budget, and realistic expectations.
Real Positano Travel Tips (From People Who’ve Been)
- Go in shoulder season: Late April to early June or mid-September for fewer crowds and better prices
- Book early: Accommodations, beach clubs, and restaurants fill up fast
- Pack light: You’ll be carrying your luggage up and down steps
- Wear real walking shoes: Forget the cute sandals—your calves will thank you
- Stay elsewhere if needed: Consider nearby towns like Ravello, Praiano, or even Sorrento and day trip in
- Use the water taxis: They’re scenic, less stressful, and worth the splurge
- Skip the tourist menus: Look for local spots in the upper alleys like Casa e Bottega or Da Vincenzo
Good to Know Before You Go
- There are no Ubers. Private drivers are expensive, and public transport is crowded.
- Most beaches are pebbles, not sand. Bring proper shoes or buy rubber ones there.
- Taxis charge flat (and high) rates. Confirm prices before getting in.
- WiFi is spotty. Some hotels and Airbnbs still don’t have strong connections.
- Positano is not wheelchair-friendly. Unfortunately, the terrain is difficult for anyone with mobility concerns.
- Tap water is drinkable. Save money by refilling bottles.
Final Takeaway: Heaven and Hell?
Yes. Positano is both.
It’s ridiculously romantic, but also seriously crowded. It’s aesthetic goals, but also logistical nightmares. Still, if you go in with your eyes open and your luggage light, you might just fall in love with it anyway.
Because sometimes, the most unforgettable places are the ones that challenge you a little.
Suggested Reads
More from Healthy Living Magazine
Additional Resources
- Italy’s Official Amalfi Coast Guide
- Positano Insider Tips – Positano.com
- Rick Steves: Amalfi Coast Travel Guide
Roz Mattei
Roz Mattei is Healthy Living Magazine’s Travel Correspondent, reporting from the crossroads of culture, wellness, and global living. With a deep love for slow travel, natural beauty, and the rituals that connect people to place, Roz explores how different cultures around the world nourish mind and body.
When she’s not discovering herbal hammams in Istanbul or learning olive oil tasting techniques in Crete, you’ll find her sipping espresso in a tucked-away piazza or journaling by the sea. Roz brings the soul of travel to every article she writes.
