This is the perfect 3 day Positano itinerary, designed to give you the ideal blend of splurge experiences, active adventures and quintessentially Positanese eats.

So, you’ve booked your trip to Positano. You’ve got the hotel, you’ve figured out how to get there, and now you’re staring at a 3, 4, or 5-day blank paper (or in my case, Google Sheet).

After visiting Positano for both a quick day trip and a longer stay, I can tell you this: the magic happens in the mornings and evenings, long after the day-trippers have gone. That’s when the real “pausa” vibe Positano is named after really comes to life.

This plan gives you 3 days in Positano – one day for the sea, one day for the mountains, and one day to get lost in the village itself. I recommend staying centrally, we loved our stay at Casa Lou.

Day 1 in Positano: Arrive, Explore and Indulge

Early afternoon: Arrive and settle in. Check into your hotel or apartment, and take a moment to enjoy the staggering view from your balcony, hopefully with a complementary welcome drink.

Tip: If you’re traveling with hefty luggage, be sure to arrange a porter service for your bags. Though my preference is to pack a carry-on and travel light.

Late afternoon: Start to get your bearings. Hopefully your host has introduced you to Positano via a map. Start wandering your way down the narrow alleys and stairwells and eventually find yourself at Spiaggia Grande, the main beach. From here, you can admire the center piece of Positano, the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, and perhaps dip into a bar for an early cocktail or dip your toes into the sea instead.

Evening: As the sun begins to set, the village glows in the golden hour. This is a really great time to pop into the many boutiques. You can even consider getting some custom-made leather sandals or shoes made.

Pre-dinner drinks: Head to the famous Franco’s Bar at Le Sirenuse for the best view and the best vibe in all of Positano. Yes, it’s expensive but this is your first true “pausa” in Positano moment.

Dinner: In Italy we eat dinner after 8, never before. Try Ristorante Saraceno d’Oro for a simple family-run pizza and pasta restaurant on the west side of town. It is a bit of an uphill battle, I mean walk, but it’s worth the journey. Request a table outside if possible.

Day 2: Hike the Path of the Gods & a Family Style Dinner

Morning: Time to work off that pasta! Today is all about seeing the coast from a new perspective, high up in the mountains. Follow my Path of the Gods hiking guide for the smart way to hike the Path of the Gods from Positano.

I recommend taking a bus around 8 am to Nocelle and hiking the best part of the trail and back. Depending on your pace, this hike can take the full day, but likely it will take a half day.

Afternoon: Your legs will be shaking, and you’ve certainly earned another meal. I recommend enjoying an early lunch at Il Chiosco del sentiero degli dei or picking up some snacks for an aperitivo during your stay.

Late afternoon: Spend some time relaxing at Fornillo Beach. This beach is just a 10 minute walk from the main beach and is much more desirable.

Dinner: Dinner will not disappoint at Il Ritrovo (book in advance). This restaurant is not in Positano, instead it’s up in the hills in the village of Montepertuso overlooking the sea. The restaurant offers a free shuttle service and the food and welcoming atmosphere are 10/10.

Day 3: The Ultimate Splurge: A Day at Arienzo Beach Club

This is your “treat yourself” day. We’re spending the entire day at the iconic Arienzo Beach Club, a perfect day 3 in Positano.

Take the first boat in the morning from Marina Grande, settle in with your “Perfect Beach Day Package”, enjoy your two-course lunch, go for a dip, jump off a cliff (or don’t), and by early afternoon get ready for Limoncello Time. Then catch the last boat back around 5pm, sun-kissed, tipsy and totally happy.

Dinner: If you can bear it, enjoy dinner at Da Vincenzo. After a long day in the sun, continue your splurge on a classic meal. It’s best to book this restaurant in advance as it tends to be popular. You can choose to sit outside, in the main dining room, or even in the small cave inside.

Have More Than 3 Days in Positano? (Days 4 & 5 Ideas)

If you’re lucky enough to have more than 3 days in Positano, here’s how I’d spend them:

Day 4: A Day Trip to Capri

You can’t come all this way and not see the famous island of Capri.

• The Splurge Way: Charter a private or semi-private boat for the day. This is the more luxurious experience, of course. You’ll circle the island, swim in private coves, and be dropped off for lunch and shopping for a few hours before hopping back on board.
• The Practical Way: Take the public ferry from the main port. Once in Capri, you can take a boat tour to the Blue Grotto (something I actually haven’t had a chance to do yet) and then take the funicular up to Capri town for shopping and lunch.
• The Active Way: Take the ferry over and once in Capri, head out for a walk around the island. This is my preferred way to enjoy Capri so far. Here’s a how-to-guide. Note, to go this way, you’ll need to take the ferry to allow enough time.

Note: The funicular line is quite chaotic and can take a long time. Honestly, the whole experience can ruin the day. If you have time, walk down instead.

Day 5: Relax or Explore Sorrento

• Option 1 (Relax): You’ve earned a “do nothing” day. Sleep in, grab a pastry, read a book on your balcony, and just enjoy Positano without a schedule.
• Option 2 (Explore): Take a day trip to the charming town of Sorrento. Sorrento is so different from Positano, perched high on the cliffs with the sea below. You can shop the many streets, go for lunch or even enjoy one of the beach clubs below. It’s easy to catch a ferry, just inquire at Marina Grande.

I hope you enjoy your 3 days in Positano. Here’s more of my favorite things to do in the Amalfi Coast and Positano.