One Day in Positano, Italy: The Perfect First-Time Itinerary
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Amalfi Coast, chances are you’ve already seen Positano. With its colourful houses built into the cliffs, charming streets filled with boutiques, and beautiful beaches, it’s easy to understand why it’s one of Italy’s most photographed destinations.
We visited Positano during our five-day trip along the Amalfi Coast in September, and despite it being late in the season, the weather still felt like summer. We arrived by ferry from Salerno and spent the day exploring the town before relaxing at the beach in the afternoon.
Looking back, I think Positano is small enough to explore in half a day, but adding a leisurely lunch and a few hours at the beach turns it into the perfect one-day escape.
If you’re planning your first visit, this one day in Positano itinerary follows exactly how we spent our day.
Quick Summary
- This one day in Positano itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors.
- Arrive early by ferry from Salerno to enjoy the town before it gets crowded.
- Visit the famous Ceramic Terrace for one of Positano’s most iconic photos.
- Wander through the colourful streets and stop for a coffee with a view.
- Enjoy lunch at Terrazza Celè overlooking the coastline.
- Spend the afternoon relaxing at Positano Beach.
- Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be climbing plenty of stairs throughout the day.
One Day in Positano Itinerary
Arrive in Positano by Ferry
Our day started with an early ferry from Salerno, one of my favourite ways to reach Positano.
As the ferry approached the coastline, we got our first glimpse of the colourful houses stacked dramatically on the cliffs. It was one of those views that instantly reminded me why Positano is considered one of the most beautiful towns on the Amalfi Coast.
After arriving at the harbor, we immediately started exploring instead of heading to the beach. I definitely recommend doing the same, especially during the warmer months. The streets become much busier later in the day, so visiting the main sights first makes the experience much more enjoyable.
One thing you’ll notice almost immediately is that Positano is built vertically. Expect to climb lots of stairs throughout the day, so comfortable shoes are definitely a better choice than sandals with little support.
Visit the Famous Ceramic Terrace
Our first stop was the famous Ceramic Terrace, one of Positano’s most popular photo spots, located on Via Cristoforo Colombo.
This was at the very top of my list before arriving, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations.
Luckily, we visited early enough that there was only a short wait. By the time we finished taking photos, however, a long queue had already formed outside.
The terrace is very well organised, with only a few groups allowed inside at the same time. During our visit, around three groups could comfortably take photos at once without getting in each other’s way, which meant everyone had enough space to enjoy the experience and capture beautiful pictures.
The entrance fee was €10 when we visited, although prices may change in the future.
If you’re planning to visit Positano mainly for photography, I honestly think this is one place you shouldn’t skip. The colourful ceramic decorations perfectly frame the view over the town and create one of the most iconic photos you can take on the Amalfi Coast.
My biggest tip would be to visit as early as possible. Not only will you avoid the longest queues, but you’ll also have much better lighting for photos before the stronger afternoon sun arrives.
Wander Through Positano’s Charming Streets
After leaving the Ceramic Terrace, we didn’t follow a strict route. Instead, we simply wandered through Positano’s beautiful streets, which was one of my favourite parts of the day.
Almost every corner looks like a postcard. Colourful buildings, flower-covered balconies, stylish boutiques, local ceramic shops, and hidden staircases make Positano incredibly photogenic. Even without a destination, walking around is an experience in itself.
Along the way, we stopped for a coffee at a small café overlooking the coastline. Sitting there for a while, watching the boats arrive and taking in the view, was one of those simple travel moments that I’ll always remember.
Sometimes the best part of visiting Positano isn’t checking attractions off a list, but simply getting lost among its narrow streets and discovering beautiful little corners along the way.
Lunch at Terrazza Celè
Before our trip, I knew there was one experience I didn’t want to miss: having lunch at a panoramic restaurant overlooking Positano.
We had booked a table at Terrazza Celè, and it was the highlights of our day.
The restaurant offers breathtaking views over the colourful houses, the beach, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Even before the food arrived, we spent quite a while simply enjoying the scenery and taking photos.
For me, this wasn’t just about having lunch—it was part of the whole Positano experience.
The food was excellent, the atmosphere was elegant, and the view made the entire meal unforgettable.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself while visiting Positano, I can honestly recommend booking a table here in advance.
Spend the Afternoon at Positano Beach
After lunch, we slowed the pace down and spent the rest of the afternoon at Positano Beach.
While Positano itself can easily be explored in half a day, adding a few relaxing hours at the beach makes spending a full day here completely worthwhile.
There is a public beach area where you can swim without renting a sunbed, which is exactly what we chose to do.
One thing to keep in mind is that the beach is covered with pebbles rather than soft sand, and the water becomes deep surprisingly quickly. If you’re travelling with children or you’re not a confident swimmer, it’s worth being a little extra careful when entering the sea.
By the time we were ready to leave, the afternoon sun was lighting up the colourful houses above the beach, creating one last beautiful view before heading back to Salerno.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change anything about how we spent our day in Positano. Sightseeing in the morning, a panoramic lunch, and a relaxing afternoon at the beach felt like the perfect balance between exploring and simply enjoying one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal towns.
One Day in Positano: Highlights & Tips
If you’re planning your first visit, here are the places I wouldn’t miss, along with a few practical tips that made our day much easier.
Must-See Places in Positano
- Ceramic Terrace – One of Positano’s most iconic photo spots and well worth the entrance fee.
- Positano’s Shopping Streets – Filled with boutiques, ceramic shops, cafés, and hidden staircases.
- Terrazza Celè – A beautiful panoramic restaurant that’s perfect for a special lunch.
- Positano Beach (Spiaggia Grande) – The ideal place to relax after exploring the town.
- Scenic Viewpoints – Simply wandering through Positano rewards you with incredible views around almost every corner.
Helpful Positano Travel Tips
- Arrive as early as possible to enjoy the quieter streets.
- Visit the Ceramic Terrace before the queues become too long.
- Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be climbing a lot of stairs.
- Book Terrazza Celè in advance if you want a table with a view.
- Bring swimwear if you’re visiting during the warmer months.
- The public beach is pebbly, and the water gets deep very quickly.
- Don’t rush your visit—some of the best moments come from simply wandering through the streets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Positano
Is one day enough for Positano?
Yes. If you mainly want to see Positano’s highlights, one day is more than enough. Looking back, I think the town itself can even be explored in half a day. We combined sightseeing with lunch and a relaxing afternoon at the beach, which made a full day feel just right. However, if you’re not planning to swim or spend time at the beach, you could easily combine Positano with Amalfi in one day.
Is Positano worth visiting?
Absolutely. Positano is one of the most beautiful towns on the Amalfi Coast, with colourful houses, charming streets, ceramic terraces, panoramic restaurants, and stunning sea views. Even though it’s small, it has a unique atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else.
How do you get to Positano?
We arrived by ferry from Salerno, which I highly recommend. Seeing Positano from the sea is an unforgettable experience, and ferries are one of the easiest ways to reach the town during the season.
Is Positano walkable?
Yes, but be prepared for lots of stairs. Most visitors explore Positano on foot, so comfortable shoes are one of the most important things to pack.
Can you swim at Positano Beach?
Yes. There is a public beach where you can swim without renting a sunbed. Just keep in mind that the beach is pebbly, and the sea becomes deep quite quickly.
What should you wear in Positano?
Comfortable shoes are essential because you’ll spend the day walking up and down steep streets and staircases. If you’re visiting in summer, light clothing and swimwear are perfect if you plan to spend time at the beach.
