Amalfi or Positano: which one should you visit?
Choose Positano for the postcard view, the beach and the boutiques; choose Amalfi for history, the cathedral and an easier town to walk. If you have one day and want both, go by boat: from the sea you pass Positano on the way to Amalfi, with no traffic on the coast road.
Positano and Amalfi at a glance
| Positano | Amalfi | |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Colourful houses stacked on the cliff, elegant and lively | Historic town around a central square, busier with day visitors |
| Best known for | The view of the village from the sea, Spiaggia Grande, boutiques | The Cathedral of Sant'Andrea and its staircase, the old maritime republic |
| Walking | Many steps and steep lanes | Flatter centre, easy to explore |
| Nearby | The Li Galli islands, Nerano and the Sorrento peninsula | Ravello, the Furore fjord, the Emerald Grotto |
| Best for | Couples, photos, beach time, shopping | History lovers, families, a longer stroll |
Is Positano on the Amalfi Coast?
Yes. Positano and Amalfi are both towns of the Amalfi Coast, the stretch of coastline on the southern side of the Sorrento peninsula that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Positano is closer to Sorrento; Amalfi is further east and gives the coast its name.
Why go by sea
The coast road between the towns is narrow, winding and often congested in summer. From the sea you see both towns as they were meant to be seen, you can stop for a swim in coves that cannot be reached by land, and you arrive without searching for parking.
Can you see both in one day?
Yes, by private boat. A typical day leaves in the morning, stops for a swim, passes Positano and the Li Galli islands from the sea and gives you about two hours ashore in one of the two towns. Our Positano tour stops in Positano; our Amalfi tour stops in Amalfi and passes Positano along the way.
When to go
The boat season runs from April to October. May, June and September are warm and less crowded; July and August are the hottest and busiest months, when booking a few weeks ahead is wise.
See Positano and Amalfi from your own boat
Private boat, local skipper, hotel pickup from Pompeii, Sorrento and Naples.
Frequently asked questions
Which is prettier, Amalfi or Positano?
Positano is usually considered the more photogenic, especially seen from the sea. Amalfi is more historic and has the famous cathedral.
Which is better for families?
Amalfi is easier with children and strollers because the centre is flatter. Positano has many steps.
Is there a beach in Positano and Amalfi?
Yes. Positano has Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo; Amalfi has a beach next to the harbour. From a private boat you can also swim in quieter coves.
How do you get from Naples to Positano or Amalfi?
By car or bus along the coast road, by seasonal ferries, or by private boat with pickup from your hotel. The boat is the only way to see both towns from the sea in a single day.
Written by the Horizon Dream crew, who sail between Sorrento, Capri and the Amalfi Coast every day of the season.