Positano is one of the Amalfi Coasts most photographed and luxurious towns. One of the best ways to spend your time is basking in the sun with an aperitif in your hand at one of the many beaches in Positano.
There are several options, from public beaches to luxurious full-service beach clubs. And since this highly visited town stays busy through most of the year, I’ve included some less touristy, of-the-beaten-path locations as well.
This guide covers the best beaches in Positano, Italy and includes beach club options for each. Want to explore more of the Amalfi Coast? Scroll to the end of this post for additional boat tours and excursions.
A Quick Guide to Positano Beaches
Best Beaches in Positano
- Spiaggia Grande: Main beach, most accessible
- Fornillo Beach: Overall pick, within walking distance of Positano
- Arienzo Beach: All-inclusive amenities
- Laurito Beach: Least crowded beach with beach clubs
- La Gavitella Beach: Upbeat, party vibe
- Fiordo di Furore: Most unique, built in a fjord
- La Porta: Only accessed by boat, no facilities
- Marina di Praia Beach: Great for swimming and water sports
Beach Beach Clubs in Positano
- La Scogliera: High-end sunbed rentals, very private
- Lido L’Incanto: Cheapest rental prices
- Da Ferdinando: Best quality and value for money
- Arienzo Beach Club: Sunbed packages, great for all-day rentals
- Laurito Beach Club: High-end amenities, calm atmosphere
- Da Aldolfo: Popular seafood restaurant with sunbed rentals
Are Positano Beaches Free?
There aren’t any fully public beaches in Positano, but instead small free areas of coastline. Spiaggia Grande, the main beach, has a small free area near the boat dock. Otherwise, you can reserve a sunbed at one of the two beach clubs. Other beaches have a free strip of beach as well, but they are small compared to the paid areas.
The paid areas can be much steeper than you’re used to, but they come with additional amenities that you may not be aware of. The beach clubs come with a shower, bathroom, and changing room access that comes with your sunbed and umbrella rental.
Beach Bed Rentals
You can purchase a sunbed rental at the beach, but it is best to reserve them months in advance. The main beach has plenty of available beds, but beach clubs like Arienzo have limited availability, which books up quickly.
One of the biggest questions people have is how much beach beds in Positano cost. Unfortunately, there is no short answer as they vary greatly by location, time of year, and beach club.
The cheapest sunbed you can find will cost you about €30 per person, with prices skyrocketing up €500 or more. I’ve included the most recent rental costs and amenities for each beach club discussed in this post.
Tips for Visiting Beach in Positano, Italy
Beach Amenities
Public amenities in Europe usually come at a small cost. Add the prestige and popularity of Positano, and the cost increases just a bit! Surprisingly, it is still vastly cheaper than paying for beach club access.
And although the bathroom fee was not much of a shock, the shower area was. Just in front of the free section of the beach on Spiaggia Grande is an area where you can wash your feet free of sand before heading back into town. Again, the fee is only 0.50, but it’s an additional charge many, like me, had not expected.
Positano Beaches
Most beaches along the Amalfi Coast are pebble beaches. They can be tricky to walk on, so bring some comfortable shoes to protect your feet. And although spending a chunk of money on a sunbed may not sound ideal, it can be worth the comfort of lying down on the rocky shore.
Positano Beach Clubs
Due to its location, the temperature in Positano stays quite warm for a large portion of the year, which makes the Amalfi Coast a popular destination through the shoulder seasons. In general, beach season starts at the beginning of May to about October. The free sections of beaches like Spiaggia Grande remain open all year long.
Make Reservations
You would not believe how quickly everything books up in Positano. I remember booking my hotel eight months in advance and was shocked at how few places were left so far out. The same goes for Positano Beach Clubs. The demand is high, and many beach clubs have a select number of spots available, so book these ahead of time. July and August are peak season when reservations will go extremely quickly.
Get Up Early
I will repeat this tip several times throughout this post, but it is an important one to follow. If you are trying to save some money and grab a spot on the free beach sections, you will need to arrive early in the morning. The free sections are tint at all the beaches. With such a high volume of people, they don’t stay empty for long.
Best Beaches in Positano
Positano has four different beaches, each offering unique vibes and accommodations. In addition to these main areas, the Amalfi Coast has an extensive coastline with many more beach options. This list covers the central beaches in Positano, as well as several other beautiful locations that are accessible by car or boat.
Spiaggia Grande Positano (Marina Grande Beach)
Spaggia Grande is Positano’s main beach and the one you see in the famous photographs of the cliffside houses in the background. Spaggia Grande is probably the most popular stretch of coastline due partly to the fact that it is within minutes of the center of town. Most of the beach offers sunbeds and umbrellas that you can rent for the day.
The 300-meter-long pebble beach is lined with beach clubs and restaurants and spectacular views of the Postiano homes. Although there are hundreds of sunbeds available, you can also lay out on the free beach area.
The two beach club options for Spiaggia Grande are La Scogliera and Lido L’Incanto. Of the two, La Sogliera is the most expensive but most popular option. This high-end beach club is on the edge of the beach along the cliffside and has some of the most luxurious sun lounge rentals.
Lido L’Incanto, on the other hand, is more budget-friendly for those looking for a simple place to lay. The beach club rents out chairs in pairs, with rentals also including access to the bathroom, changing rooms, and a food and beverage menu.
In addition to the main restaurants within feet of the water, you also have access to public bathrooms and showers that anyone can use for a small fee. There are a handful of places to eat here, ranging from the high-end Rada Beach Bistrot to Chez Black, which sits just behind the free section of beach.
My recommendation is to avoid any of these restaurants. The quality of the food is not worth the price, and the service is not great. Like all touristy destinations, avoid eating near the main attractions.
Like most beaches in the area, Spaggia Grande does get quite packed, especially in the free beach area. Get there early in the morning for a spot close to the water, or reserve your sunbed in advance.
La Scogliera
If you want the convenience of walking to the beach but want some more privacy, then I would rent a spot at La Scogliera. This beach club is more upscale than others, but it offers a more secluded vibe than places like Lido L’Incanto.
La Scogliera is located on the far side of Spaggia Grande and is famous for its photo-perfect lounge areas. One thing that is great about this beach club is it offers several tiers of beds. The lowest tier starts at €200 per person, with the highest coming in at €500 per person.
Something that stood out to me about La Scogliera is that rentals are staggered from each other, giving you more privacy than most other beach clubs offer. All rentals come with a customized towel to keep, bottled water, access to showers, and wifi. Guests also have free access to the outdoor terrace and onsite restaurant.
Since the availability of rentals is not large, especially for the higher tier beds, bookings go quickly here. To learn more about the range of sun loungers and book yours, visit the beach club’s website.
- Hours: Every day from 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Price: Sunbed rentals range from €200 per person – €500 per person
- Amenities: Customized towel to keep, bottled water, access to showers, and wifi
- Reservations: Click here to book a sunbed
Lido L’Incanto
Lido L’Incanto is one of the two beach clubs on Spiaggia Grande Positano. Beds range from €80 for front row and €70 for further back. Between mid-September and mid-June, the price decreases by 10 euros.
Rentals come with private access to the club’s changing rooms. You can also upcharge to use the showers and private changing rooms. Your sunbed does come with catering from the beach bar, so you can relax with a refreshing drink in your hand without having to lift a finger.
- Hours: Every day from 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
- Price: Peak-season beds range from €70-€80 for a pair
- Amenities: Changing rooms, food and beverage service. Private changing rooms and showers are available for an additional fee
- Reservations: Click here to book a sunbed
Laurito Beach
Another great beach near Positano is Laurito Beach. If you’re staying in Positano, then you can access it by boat or car. If you visit one of the beach clubs here, they will offer free boat service from the Positano pier. Boat services take just 5 minutes from Positano and are generally the better of the two options.
The tiny beach is hidden in a cliffside and (used to) be a quiet oasis among the very tourist Positano. Although it remains less busy than other locations, there are few hidden places on the Amalfi Coast these days. However, Laurito Beach is a much more tranquil seaside spot than most and offers a much calmer vibe than other Positano beaches.
Laurito Beach Club
Laurito Beach Club is owned by the beautiful Villa Trevilla. Sunbeds are a bit pricier here, but they include free shuttle access, additional amenities, and a quiet upscale experience. The first-row beds cost €120 per person and go down slightly for the rest.
Your standard rental includes a sunbed, umbrella, and access to the club’s private facilities. You also receive free boat transportation and a welcome cocktail. Of course, you can also skip the beach and head straight to the restaurant. Villa Trevilla has a restaurant and bar, as well as eight rooms available for guests to rent.
- Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Price: Peak-season beds range from €100-€120
- Amenities: Free boat service, sunbed, towel, umbrella, and shower
- Reservations: Email [email protected] or call +39 089 811580
Da Aldolfo
A second option on Laurio Beach is Da Adolfo. For those of you looking to enjoy some seafood, you’ll want to reserve a spot here. This iconic spot also offers free shuttle services from Positano for guests. Boat services run every hour, starting from 10:00 am and are available with a reservation. You can choose to grab a leisurely lunch or spend the day at the beach.
Da Adolfo offers sunbeds and umbrella rentals and has all the necessary amenities. You will have to call them directly to make a reservation. Both the restaurant and the sun beds book up quickly here.
- Hours: Open from 10:00 am
- Price: Contact [email protected] for updated prices
- Amenities: Free boat service, sunbed, umbrella, and shower
- Reservations: Call +39 089875022 to make your reservations
Fornillo Beach
Fornillo Beach is also walkable from Postiano’s city center and offers equally beautiful views but with smaller crowds. The tranquil beach is located to the left of Spiaggia Grande, on the opposite side of the cliff.
Just like the main Spaggia Grande beach, Fornillo offers a variety of restaurants and beach clubs for the ultimate relaxing afternoon on the water. However, it is far less crowded and the recommended of the two.
It is also much smaller and more intimate than Spaggia Grande and, although still popular, has remained fairly calm. The water here is a clear blue, and you can appreciate the stunning megayachts from afar.
If you’re looking for an escape from the high volume of people without needing public transportation, Fornillo Beach is the perfect retreat.
Da Ferdinando Beach Club
Fornillo Beach has a small free section that fills up quickly. The best place to lay out is at Da Ferdinando Beach Club. The starting price for a sunbed here is €30, but prices go up to €40 for front-row spots. During the shoulder season, prices drop slightly. Rentals are for the day and can be booked in advance online.
Da Ferdinando runs as a restaurant and beach club, so you can sit down for a meal without purchasing a bed. Unlike many beachside restaurants, this family-owned establishment offers terrific service and quality food. Da Ferdinando gets my vote for the best Positano beach clubs in terms of experience, value for your money, and quality.
- Hours: Every day from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Price: Peak-season beds range from €30-€40
- Amenities: Bathroom, boat, and canoe rentals
- Reservations: Click here to book a sunbed or call +39 089 875365
Arienzo Beach
This popular beach is famous for its bright orange striped umbrellas and sunbeds. You can access Arienzo Beach by car or boat. The fastest and least strenuous way to get here will be with their free boat service. They run every 30 minutes from Positano Pier and start at 10:00 am.
If you want to arrive by car, you will have to park at the top of the cliff and walk about 300 steps down. If you don’t mind the walk back up, this offers more flexibility to come and go as you please than a shuttle.
Arienzo Beach Club
Arienzo Beach Club remains one of the most loved beach clubs in Positano. The iconic orange umbrellas and scenic views make it a popular destination for beach lovers looking to spend the day at the beach.
One of the reasons people love coming here, besides the views, is the full-service experience you get. The beach club offers several levels of packages that you can purchase. The lowest tier starts at €140 per person for the day and comes with a sunbed, umbrella, water, champagne, and complimentary towel. During peak season, packages can go as high as €650 or more.
All packages include a sunbed, umbrella, towel, and water. From there, you can get additional menu items, drinks, and desserts. So, although the price tag may shock you, you are getting a ton of additional items, all served to you by a member of their staff.
If you are looking to spend an entire day at the beach, then Arienzo Beach may be the perfect place for you. Make sure to reserve your spot several months in advance as they book up quickly.
- Hours: 10:00 am – 6:15 pm
- Price: Peak-season packages range from €140-€650+
- Amenities: Sunbed, umbrella, towel, bottled water, food and beverages
- Reservations: Click here to book a sunbed
La Gavitella Beach
If you are visiting the town of Praiano, stop by La Gavitella Beach. Praiano is next to Positano and can be reached by car in just 20 minutes. Both beach clubs offer free shuttle service from the Positano pier for those who have reservations.
This beach has more of a party vibe than the others and is terrific for those looking for a lively atmosphere. It is also one of the most unique. Unlike other beaches in the area, La Gavitella Beach is perched above the sea along the side of a cliff. Instead of sand or pebbles, the entire area is actually a concrete slab lined with sunbeds and umbrellas.
Gavitella Beach Club offers a full-service food and beverage menu. One of their favorite items is their lemon sorbet, which is quite popular along the Amalfi Coast. You can rent a beach chair for the day or enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar under the restaurant’s covered terrace.
Fiordo di Furore
One of the most unexpected beaches on the list is Fiordo di Furore. The beach is about a 30-minute drive from Positano, close to Amalfi. You will pass right by it as it sits under the main highway.
The small section of the beach sits between a Fjord that is spanned by a stone bridge. As a result, you are left with unique views while you take a dip in the cool water. To reach the water, you will climb down a series of steps carved into the cliffside from the main road. You can also access several hiking trails around the area.
Due to its location, the beach is not very big, which causes things to become a bit crowded during the warmer months. Like pretty much any beach on the Amalfi Coast, get here early!
La Porta
For a quiet beachside retreat, take a boat ride to La Porta Beach. Since this stretch of coast is only accessible by boat, it is one of the least crowded beaches along the Amalfi Coast. Like most beaches nearby Positano, you can grab a boat from the Spiaggia Grande port.
Since there are no amenities or beach clubs at La Porta, you will take a water taxi instead of a free shuttle service. Water taxis leave for La Porta from Positano as early as 9:00 am and include round trips back later that afternoon.
There are no restaurants or facilities here, so pack a lunch and bring all the beach accessories you may need. For the ultimate secluded beach experience, spend a day relaxing on this large strip of beach.
Marina di Praia Beach
If you plan on spending several days in Positano, you will have plenty of time to explore the other coastal towns. The Amalfi coast has a handful of other enchanting villages that offer a more laidback vibe than the bustling town of Positano.
As you explore the neighboring areas, stop for a dip in the water at one of these other terrific beaches. One amazing beach to try is Marina de Praia in Praino, just 20 minutes from Positano. Since there is a small paid parking lot here, it is a great stop during your drive along the coast.
Marina di Praia Beach is tucked away in a fjord, making it a great place for swimming and water sports. It is surrounded by cliffs with views of an old Saracen watch tower from the water. Better yet, climb up to the Torre a Mare for the best sea views .
In addition to the beach, there are several different restaurants and amenities here, as well as showers and changing rooms. Grab a bite at Trattoria da Armandino for some fresh seafood.
Positano Boat Tours
Want to explore more of the coast? Join a boat tour and experience more of the Amalfi Cost. Positano boat tours allow you to explore other nearby destinations with the help of an experienced driver and guide.
Take a Full-Day Boat Cruise along the coast to the island of Capri. Or, hire a private boat for the day with your own captain. Positano Boats is a popular company with dozens of tours and experiences. They have anything from grotto speed tours to sunset cruises available. Boat tours are a terrific way to explore the surrounding areas and enjoy the water free of the crowds.
When to Visit Positano
If you want a less crowded experience, visit Positano during the shoulder season. Even then, the Amalfi Coast town is still busy with tourists. For a chance to enjoy the warmer weather without the highest possible crowds late September to October is the best time to visit. Another good option would be between April and early May.
Over the last couple of years, the spike in tourism has made the shoulder season extremely crowded as well. We visited Positano at the end of September and did not expect the large number of tourists that were there. After talking to locals, they said that this was still nothing compared to the amount of people that come through Positano in the summer.
If you are less interested in beaches and would rather spend time hiking or exploring the nooks and crannies of the charming towns, then the low season may be an option for you. Try visiting during November or even early Spring for a much quieter experience.
The weather will be too cold to swim but nice enough to enjoy the outdoors. If you plan on visiting during this time, research the opening times of attractions you’re interested in seeing to ensure they are open.
Lastly is the high season, which primarily goes from June to August. Although, like I said earlier, as of now, it seems to be extending into May and September. My short and sweet recommendation is to avoid this time at all costs. From inflated prices to an insane amount of tourists, you will not be able to appreciate the area’s beauty.
Where to Stay in Positano
Le Sirenuse
Anyone who has been to Positano knows about Le Sirenuse. The 5-star hotel is one of the most talked about hotels in the area. And for good reason! From spacious rooms, picture-perfect views of the cliffside, and a central location, Le Sirenuse has it all. Throw in a world-class restaurant and pool (which are hard to come by in Positano), and you have it all.
Luxury Hotel | Check Rates
Alcione Residence
Want the same impeccable views as Le Sirenuse but for a fraction of the price? Alcione Residence is just across the street from Le Sirenuse and offers large private patios and terraces for guests. We stayed here and loved our experience.
The concierge was extremely hospitable and was more than happy to answer any questions we had and give some great recommendations. The hotel also has a daily suite that comes equipped with two bedrooms and a full kitchenette. For modern comforts, central location, and scenic views, book your stay here.
Mid-Range Hotel | Check Rates
Conclusion
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Italian destinations!
Florence
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- Visit Florence Italy: Best Places to See, Stay, and Eat
- Travel Guide: How to Spend 3 Days in Florence
- Florence vs. Rome – A Detailed City Comparison
Rome
- 125 Captivating Rome Quotes to Inspire You
- Rome Travel Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Trip
- Travel Guide: How to Spend 3 Days in Rome
- Visit Rome on a Budget: Tips and Free Attractions
Tuscany
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Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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