Positano is one of the most beautiful cities of the Amalfi Coast, offering breathtaking views of colorful houses built on a steep hillside and the Tyrrhenian Sea. In this blog post I’ll share where to stay in Positano to help you plan an incredible trip here. This blog post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.
Are you looking for help with planning your trip? Check out these helpful resources:
- Flights
- Accommodation for all budgets
- Amalfi Coast sailing trip I’ve been on (take $50 off any Tryps trip with code IOANA)
- Europe train tickets
- Europe bus tickets
- Rental cars
- Activities, tours, and day trips
- eSIM for international data
Joining a sailing trip
When I visited the Positano, I didn’t stay in an actual hotel. This is because I took a sailing trip around the Amalfi Coast and Positano was one of our stops.
I always wanted to experience going on a sailing trip and deep down I wasn´t sure if I was going to like it. But you know what? I loved it so much!
Sailing every day and spending the nights on a boat creates a strong bond with everyone else on that trip.
We still talk on our WhatsApp group regularly because we became friends on this trip. If you want to experience solo travel but are not ready to go fully by yourself yet, a group trip is the best option.
I joined this group trip and it was fabulous. You can read about my experience here. And you can take $50 off with code IOANA if you decide to join any group trip organized by Tryps.
Why visiting the Amalfi Coast on a sailing trip is the best
That’s because you can visit multiple towns and explore their main attractions in a short amount of time.
At the same time, you can admire the spectacular views of the picturesque villages from the water. This is something you can’t easily do if you just visit the towns by land.
And, most importantly, you don’t have to drag your luggage up hundreds of stairs every time you go to a new town.
Best areas in Positano
Positano is a really small city. Thus, it spares you the trouble of choosing which area to stay in. So you can just focus on selecting the appropriate hotel.
Central Positano
The main area of the town is Central Positano, where all the shops and most of the restaurants are located. It is actually the town center.
Μost of the city’s attractions are also here. Spiaggia Grande Beach, the main beach of the town, and the church of Santa Maria Assunta are within a short walking distance.
This is, in my opinion, the best area to stay, especially for first-time visitors. In this way you can enjoy the experience of discovering the city without having the anxiety of commuting.
Fornillo
There is also the Fornillo neighborhood, located about 10 to 15-minute walk from the center. This is a more elegant and peaceful area, but still within easy reach of all the city life.
Arienzo
A little farther out is the Arienzo area, named after the famous beach located there. You can reach it either by a free boat shuttle from Spiaggia Grande or by walking down about 300 scenic steps from the main road above.
I would recommend this option only if you desire to live the Positano experience in a more relaxed and exclusive setting. This way you would be surrounded by nature, with stunning views of the sea and fewer crowds.
If you’re looking for even more privacy and a closer connection with nature, there is also an area just outside Positano, heading towards Praiano.
This part of the coast is quieter and more secluded, offering stunning Mediterranean Sea views and a peaceful atmosphere.
It is a great choice for a more relaxing stay away from the crowds. The main city of Positano is a few minutes drive away.
Hotel Poseidon
Hotel Poseidon is a 4-star hotel in Positano that truly captures the charm of the Amalfi Coast. It is located just a short walk from the main beach and the historic center. And it offers incredible views from its beautiful sun terrace.
Outside, a vintage Volkswagen Beetle adds a touch of personality and has become a bit of a local landmark.
The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a small beauty center, and a lovely terrace where dinner is served in the summer.
The restaurant specializes in traditional Neapolitan dishes, and breakfast is a generous buffet with both sweet and savory options, including scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.
The rooms are bright and full of character, decorated in classic Mediterranean style. Many feature colorful hand-painted tiles, a signature touch in this part of Italy.
The bathrooms are elegant, with tasteful Italian décor. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and porter service is also offered 24/7 at no extra cost.
Le Sirenuse
Le Sirenuse is one of the most famous and loved hotels in Positano. It’s located just above the center of the village, only 200 meters from the sea.
It offers amazing views over both the town and the Mediterranean Sea. From the terrace, it feels like you could almost touch the beautiful dome of Santa Maria Assunta.
The hotel is full of flowers and vibrant colors. The rooms are spacious and bright, decorated with traditional hand-painted tiles, white linens, and elegant Italian touches.
Many have private balconies with sea views, and the bathrooms are stylish, with whirlpool tubs, soft robes, and everything you need to relax.
There’s an outdoor pool and a wellness area with a hammam and sauna.
From May to September, guests can also rent a private boat for a day on the water.
The hotel hosts a Michelin-starred restaurant, so you can expect excellent food in a beautiful setting.
Right next door is Franco’s Bar, one of the most famous cocktail bars in Positano. It’s the perfect place for sunset drinks with an unforgettable view.
Hotel Palazzo Murat
Hotel Palazzo Murat has a central location, just 250 meters from the beach. It’s an elegant building from the 18th century, with a beautiful and quiet garden.
It’s surprisingly peaceful even though it’s next to the busy street. It is a 5-star hotel and it has amazing views of the village all around.
Most of the rooms are big and bright, looking out to the sea, the garden, or the town. All rooms are non-smoking and have air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and a balcony. Free Wi-Fi is available in the shared areas.
Every morning, guests can enjoy a tasty breakfast buffet in the lovely courtyard garden.
The Al Palazzo restaurant serves local dishes on a sunny terrace surrounded by old citrus trees. Many say it is one of the best restaurants in Positano.
I love the colorful tiles you see around the hotel since they really show the charm of Positano. Staying here feels like being in the courtyard of the famous Santa Maria Assunta church.
In summer, the hotel offers boat trips along the Amalfi Coast. At the same time, the friendly 24-hour staff provide free beach towels.
Hotel Marincanto
Hotel Marincanto is a 4-star hotel. It is located in the heart of Positano, offering stunning panoramic views of the town and the Mediterranean Sea from its many terraces.
What makes this hotel special are its rooms. They are very bright and mostly decorated in white tones, creating a beautiful contrast with the colorful houses of the town outside.
You’ve probably seen photos of the bathroom, where the jacuzzi or bathtub is right next to a window with views of the sea and Positano. This is an image that makes this hotel even more unique.
Marincanto also features a small wellness area, an infinity pool, and a private beach. It offers a rich breakfast buffet and a 24-hour bar service for maximum comfort and relaxation.
The hotel also has a restaurant serving local and Mediterranean dishes, where guests can enjoy their meals while admiring the views.
Buca di Bacco
Buca di Bacco is a 4-star hotel located just above Marina Grande in Positano. You can only get there by walking a short way from the main road because no cars are allowed nearby. The name “Buca di Bacco” means “The Hole of Bacchus.” Bacchus was the god of wine and happiness in old myths.
The hotel is built on rocky hills and has a nice view of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Spiaggia Grande beach. The rooms are decorated in a classic way with dark wooden furniture. All rooms have air conditioning and satellite TV, and most rooms have a sea or beach view.
Every morning, there is a big breakfast buffet with both sweet and salty food options.
The hotel’s restaurant has a beautiful terrace with a sea view. They serve fresh seafood and fish from the Amalfi Coast. Some popular dishes are spaghetti with mussels, lemon mousse, and a wild fennel drink.
A special place at the hotel is the American Bar Bacco’s. It is a in a terrace hanging over the sea where guests can enjoy cocktails, wine, and other drinks. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the “dolce vita” feeling of Positano with an amazing view. The bar is open to hotel guests and visitors.
Buca di Bacco is 16 km from Sorrento and about 1 hour by car from Pompeii. It is a great place to stay while exploring the area.
Villa La Tartana
Villa La Tartana is a small hotel by the sea, close to the famous Spiaggia Grande beach in Positano. It is located in a quiet, pedestrian area near shops, restaurants, and just 5 minutes from the Santa Maria Assunta church.
The hotel has air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. Most rooms have views of the sea or the narrow village streets.
The style is traditional, with local ceramic tiles in blue and turquoise colors. The rooms are not very modern, but they have the charm of the Amalfi Coast.
The hotel does not have its own restaurant, but there are many places to eat nearby.
To reach the hotel, guests need to walk either up or down stairs. That’s because the hotel is about 5 minutes from the taxi stop or 10 minutes from the ferry terminal.
Guests say the location is excellent, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Hotel Savoia
Hotel Savoia is a family-run hotel in Positano, owned by the same family for three generations. I think this is so cool! It has a great location next to Piazza Mulini and is only 200 meters from the beach.
The hotel offers modern comfort like Wi-Fi, and also has old-style features like high curved ceilings and colorful tiles. Each room has air conditioning, satellite TV, and a French balcony or a terrace.
It takes less than 5 minutes to walk to the beach along the main path. The hotel reception can help you book boat trips and other tours along the Amalfi Coast.
Room prices vary depending both on the season and on the room type.
Guests love the location and the helpful staff, and many say the hotel offers good value for money in busy Positano.
Hotel Le Agavi
Hotel Le Agavi is located in the quiet Fornillo area, near the beautiful Amalfi Coast. It is an amazing place with a gorgeous view of the sea.
The hotel has a heated outdoor pool, a Turkish bath, and a private beach that you can reach by elevator. You can also rent a boat or use the hotel’s private dock.
There is a small spa with a sauna, hot tub, and relaxing treatments such as massages and facials.
The hotel has two restaurants: one on the beach (Remmese Beach Club) and one in the main building (La Serra), both led by a Michelin-starred chef. There are also three bars.
Rooms are spacious, with air conditioning, satellite TV, and a private balcony or terrace. Some rooms have a hot tub, while others have a special shower.
The decor style includes both antique furniture and colorful tiles. Some rooms feel like a bedroom apartment since they have a lot of extra space.
The hotel is 15 minutes by car from Positano center. There’s a free shuttle and buses also stop outside.
This is one of the best options for a peaceful, stylish stay near Fornillo Beach and shops.
Villa Treville
Villa Treville is in the Arienzo area, near Positano. It is not very close to the center, but it is a beautiful, quiet place with wild rocks and sea views.
This makes it a perfect choice if you want to relax in nature. The hotel is a luxury villa built on a big rock by the sea. It has spacious rooms and private terraces with incredible panoramic sea views.
Villa Treville is a boutique hotel with a calm and peaceful atmosphere. It has direct access to a private beach by a lift or a nice walking path.
The location of the hotel is great because you can take a boat ride or walk to Positano’s main beach in about 15 minutes. There is also a bus stop near the hotel for easy access to the center of town and other places like Sorrento.
The hotel has a great restaurant that serves Italian cuisine. The staff are friendly and helpful. Villa Treville is a good place for a quiet holiday in one of the top hotels on the Amalfi Coast.
Many guests say it is perfect for a relaxing stay in the high season. It is a top choice for those who want a luxurious villa feel near the narrow streets and local shops of Positano.
Il San Pietro di Positano
Il San Pietro di Positano is a luxury hotel located just outside the center of Positano, on the beautiful Amalfi Coast.
The hotel offers amazing panoramic sea views and it even has a private beach that guests can reach by elevator. It also has a tennis court, perfect for guests who want to play sports during their stay.
The hotel has spacious rooms and private terraces where you can relax and enjoy the gorgeous view. Guests can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine at the gourmet restaurant, which is very famous. There is also a spa where visitors can relax and feel refreshed.
Il San Pietro di Positano provides shuttle service to the center of town, making it easy to visit local shops and attractions.
It is a perfect hotel for people who want both luxury and beautiful nature. The location, views, and services make it one of the top hotels on the Amalfi Coast.
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Ioana was born and raised in Romania, lived in NYC for 14 years, and is now back in Romania. She fell in love with traveling when she was little and used to visit her aunt in Vienna. Then in high school she was able to visit Siberia, Turkmenistan, Istanbul, and Tokyo through chemistry competitions. As an adult she started to travel solo once she turned 30 and visited 20+ countries so far. Ioana is a full time travel blogger and content creator with an audience of 80K+ people on Instagram. She loves to share travel recommendations and tips.