Planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast almost certainly means one thing: a splurge-worthy beach day. And in Positano, all signs (and Instagram feeds) point to the iconic orange umbrellas at the famous Arienzo Beach Club. But is Arienzo Beach Club really worth it?
I visited with my cousins and some friends to celebrate a big birthday, and this was our chosen “treat yourself” day. We were ready for luxury, bubbles, and stunning views.
But at €250 per person, the big question was: Is Arienzo Beach Club really worth the money? Here’s my honest review of Arienzo Beach Club, from the boat ride to the famous “Limoncello Time.”
How to Get to Arienzo Beach Club
First things first: you can’t just walk to Arienzo. The club is tucked away in a secluded cove, which is a huge part of its charm.
Arienzo Beach Club runs its own complimentary boat service from the main pier (Marina Grande) in Positano. We made sure to book the first boat of the day to maximize our time in the sun. The journey itself is a quick 10 minutes but feels like a private tour, offering the most breathtaking views of the pastel coastline from the water.
The Arienzo Experience and “Perfect Beach Day” Package
From the moment we stepped off the boat, an attendant greeted us and guided us to our reserved sunbeds. We were row two, and within minutes, we had popped our first bottle of bubbles – luxury.
We booked The Perfect Beach Day package, which is the club’s all-inclusive option.
The €250 per person package includes:
- A reserved sunbed, umbrella, and towel
- A bottle of Veuve Clicquot (shared between two people)
- A two-course Mediterranean lunch at the restaurant
- Chilled still water
While it’s a splurge, it bundles the essentials for a truly special day. You can, of course, order additional drinks (like our many afternoon espresso martinis) and food a la carte directly to your sunbed.
Lunch at the Arienzo Beach Club Restaurant
Around midday, we headed up to the restaurant for our included two-course Mediterranean lunch. It was a beautiful, shaded spot overlooking the sea – a nice change of scenery from the sunbeds. I highly recommend opting for lunch at the restaurant rather than in your sunbed.
The menu is described as traditional Positano cuisine. I ordered the zucchini flowers and the fresh fish of the day.
The verdict on the food? It was good. Everything was fresh and satisfying.. That said, it wasn’t a mind-blowing culinary event. My cousins who ordered the lobster rolls noted the portions were a bit small. You’re paying for the view and convenience as much as the food itself. But for lunch by the beach, definitely delicious.
Don’t Miss The Famous “Limoncello Time”
I had heard whispers of “Limoncello Time,” but I had no idea what a production it would be. This was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the day.
In the early afternoon, the beach club comes alive. The staff parades out with a boom box, signs, and massive bottles of limoncello, heading straight for the water. They set up lounge chairs in the surf, and everyone lines up for a turn to have ice-cold limoncello poured directly into their mouth (and all over themselves).
Is it sticky? Yes. Is it ridiculously fun? Absolutely. The entire beach erupted in laughter and dancing, and the party vibe kicked up about ten notches. Plus people started talking to each other, which was really fun.
I’ll have to track down our disposable camera photos!
Swimming, Tanning, and Cliff Jumping
The beach itself is pebbled (like most of the Amalfi Coast), and the water is crystal clear. We visited in the last week of May, and the water and air temperature were both perfect for swimming.
Tip: We brought our own float, which I highly recommend. After a long day of sun and drinks, it was amazing to just float in the water, especially since the waves can get a bit strong. We inflated it once we got there so it was super easy to transport.
For the adventurous: Towards the end of the beach, there’s a popular cliff-jumping spot. Julie and I dared each other to do it – it’s definitely higher than it looks! It is safe to jump (as long as you jump out), and it was such a fun rush. We even did it again. Not that scary.
We were the first to arrive and the last to leave at Arienzo. As we saw the final boat arriving, we scrambled from our last cliff jump, laughing, sun-kissed, and tipsy. It was a day we truly never wanted to end.
The Final Verdict: Is Arienzo Beach Club Worth €250?
This is the big question, and the answer honestly depends on your travel style.
No, it’s not worth it if: You’re on a tight budget, dislike a “party” atmosphere, or just want a quick, quiet swim. You absolutely do not need to visit a private beach club to enjoy the sea in Italy.
Yes, it is 100% worth it if: You are looking for a celebratory splurge, a fun “day party” vibe with friends, and a totally seamless luxury experience in Positano. It’s a day to remember.
While I wish the food was slightly more memorable and the bathroom lines were shorter (only one stall for men and one for women), the atmosphere, service, and sheer fun of the day were unforgettable.
If you’re looking for one “treat yourself” moment on the Amalfi Coast, Arienzo Beach Club doesn’t disappoint. You’ll likely pay the same amount for a dinner, so why not treat yourself to a full day of fun?
Pro-Tips for Your Visit to Arienzo Beach Club
Book in advance: Arienzo Beach Club is one of the most popular spots in Positano. Reservations open months ahead and sell out quickly. Definitely book ahead, especially if you want that first boat, the lunch service and the front row lounge chairs.
The Local Perspective: It’s important to note that many locals aren’t fans of clubs like Arienzo. Their high prices have made this public-beach-turned-private-club inaccessible to the people who live in Positano. There is still a small “public” section of the beach, but it has no facilities. So while you might enjoy it, don’t brag too much to the locals.
To read more about all my favorite things to do in the Amalfi Coast, head here next.
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