Day 2: Positano

Tips:

• I recommend public transport as the best way to travel and enjoy the views from Sorrento to Positano. Driving can be a challenge as the roads are very narrow lanes.
• The cheapest travel option is by SITA public bus service – you must purchase tickets before boarding, as you can’t purchase tickets from the driver.
• The bus schedules can be delayed during high season, so allow extra time.
• Positano is mostly a beachside village with two main pebbled beaches, the pebbles can get very hot so bring water shoes!

Day 2: Exploring Positano

Positano is the most photographed fishing village in the world, attracting visitors daily. It is the first and most fashionable stop along the coastline, so like me you’ll probably be itching to visit here on your first full day of exploring the Amalfi coast.

It certainly lives up to being a photographer and travel blogger’s dream, every corner offers a new picturesque setting waiting to be snapped!

There are extremely good transport connections between Positano and Sorrento, meaning you can make the most out of your visit. SITA buses depart back as late as 11pm so there’s definitely enough time to experience everything in a day trip. If it’s your first time here, I recommend travelling by ferry to enjoy the views from the water, and catching the bus back as a cheaper and more flexible option. The buses can get busy in high season, so if you have the time, I recommend hanging around to enjoy the sunset.

How to arrive: ferry

Ferries depart daily from the Marina Piccola in Sorrento, arriving at Positano within 40 mins. One reliable company is called Alicost, or Gescab offers a slightly faster hydrofoil service. You must purchase tickets before boarding and allow enough time to board. I recommend catching the ferry as early as you can, to arrive before it gets overcrowded.

Arriving by boat is the nicest way to appreciate the views of the dramatic landscapes.

You’ll be able to wave hello to the fellow boat travellers whilst en-route…

Beaches: Spiaggia di Fornillo

To make the most out of a ‘beach day’, head to Spiaggia di Fornillo, a hidden gem of a beach. It’s worth the ten minute walk along Via Positanesi d’America, positioned to the right of the Marina Grande. The walk itself is breathtaking, along a narrow pathway that gradually descends down the cliff face.

Most visitors tend to hit the main beach (Spiagga Grande), so Fornillo is mainly full of the locals soaking up the sun. It is a pebbled beach, so you’ll need shoes to walk into the water. You’ll see the location if hemmed in by impressive cliffs, and the beach enjoys sun in the summer until around 4/5pm. You’ll spot the array of brightly coloured umbrellas as soon as you approach from the clifftop. You can rent sunbeds / umbrellas from here.

Positano isn’t a destination where you come to see loads of attractions, so don’t feel guilty if you spend the bulk of your time enjoying the beach. Enjoy your day on the beach watching the little boats bobbing up and down on the glistening water, and once the sun rotates make your way into the town centre to wander at your leisure. You’ll find an array of gelato cafés to indulge sweet tooth cravings and speciality lemon desserts.

Exploring on foot is the best way, as it you will spot something new at every turn…

Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta

“Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta” is an enchanting Catholic Church located in the heart of Positano, a stones throw from the Spiagga Grande. The intricate dome shines brightly as one of the town’s most prominent iconic symbols. It is free to enter and worth visiting.

Travelling back: SITA bus

There are two main bus stops in Positano. Here is a good website to check schedules. The Chiesa Nuova bus stop is more convenient to reach from the old town. Located at the top of a hill, wait on the left hand side to catch the bus. You must buy a ticket beforehand, either from a bus representative (who is normally at the stop) or a local news shop. The bus driver will refuse to carry non-ticket holders.

Evening meal: Café Latino, Sorrento

Set in a garden courtyard, this is a lovely setting to spend the evening back in Sorrento. Tucked away, the restaurant feels like an exclusive garden party. I recommend to book a table online in advance, as it can get busy, although there is an impressive cocktail menu if you have to wait. I had the white “fish of the day”. If you feel indulgent whilst strolling back from dinner, treat yourself to a gelato at “Il Duomo” to round off the evening!