The Almafi Coast was an important stop for us on our honeymoon as I had to see if all the Instagram photos I had been stalking of this southern Italian region were as beautiful and breathtaking as they seemed. We chose to stay in Positano, and the beauty of this town proved itself before we even made it off our boat. Positano beat out Almafi, Sorrento, and Ravello on our search for a short two night stay on the coast due to its classy reputation and recent popularity. We ran into many travelers that stayed in Sorrento and did day trips to Positano and they enjoyed that option as well, which gave them the chance to see more than one town on the coast.

Getting to Positano

We stayed in Capri for two nights before we went to Positano, so we took the Positano Jet from the island to the coast, which was no longer than 40 minutes or so. There are also boat and bus transfers from Naples, which we took advantage of on our way back.

Where to Stay in Positano

We chose to stay at an AirBnB in Positano, however, I do want to flag that Positano is quite expensive, so there aren’t a lot of options for budget-friendly travelers. As I mentioned, many travelers stayed on other parts of the coast and took the bus in to see this beautiful town for the day. If you do stay right in Positano, note that this town is vertical! This means lots of stairs and hills that you will be marching up and down throughout the day.  There is a bus service in town, but it gets crowded very quickly due to the need for most travelers to utilize transportation rather than walking. With that said, I’d suggest staying close to the port, or at a hotel with a driving service.

What to do in Positano

• Private Boat Rental: Positano is known for its picturesque views from the water, so the number one thing I’d suggest is to get a private boat and just lounge for the day and enjoy the beautiful water and views.
• Beaches: The beaches in Positano are very rocky, but still give you wonderful views and a chance to relax and hang out at nearby outdoor restaurants to enjoy the fresh air. We went to Fornillo Beach which was a beautiful beach you have to get through via a short hike, or by a boat transfer. There are different beach clubs to get drinks and food, and rent chairs. While I wouldn’t recommend Positano for those who aren’t strong on foot, if you need a break from all the walking, Marina Grande Beach at the port can be just as fun, with better, more reputable restaurants as well.

• Shop: There are unending shops that wind up the hill from the port into town that people could spend hours on end navigating.
• Hike: While walking around Positano in general was quite a hike, there are many hiking trails if that is something you fancy.

Where to Eat and Drink in Positano

• Ristorante Max: This art gallery, wine bar, and restaurant was by far the best meal of our honeymoon and perhaps the best restaurant I’ve been to in my life. My husband and I wish we went back for our second night. We got a pasta sampler and fish. The food is melt in your mouth delicious, and don’t skimp on the raviolis, we ordered more! The wine list is also extensive, with options for all types of travelers. Make sure to make a reservation in advance.

• Franco’s Bar: This bar has some amazing views of the coastal line and super fun cocktails. To get a perfect seat, and avoid an unknown wait time, make sure to get in line about 20 minutes before the 5 pm bar opening.

• Champagne Bar at Le Sirenuse: While I didn’t get a chance to check out this fun spot, it is located right next to Franco’s Bar if you have trouble getting a seat, and is a bit more relaxed with great views as well.
• Chez Black: This restaurant is located right in Marina Grande and looks right over the beach into the ocean, as well as a great place to people watch since its right near the port. We sat right down to eat lunch, but if you are looking to go at night, make sure to make a reservation.

If I went back to the Almafi Coast, I would definitely stay and check out a different area, as Positano was quite exhausting getting around. However, I would not miss out on a day trip to go back to Ristorante Max and enjoy another amazing meal!

Have you been to Positano or Almafi Coast? What are some of your favorite spots?