Where to Stay in Positano: Find Your Perfect Stay

Are you looking for a magical place on the coast of Italy to spend a dream vacation? We have the ideal place for you, so keep reading to learn where to stay in Positano.

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Italy has a lot of enchanting places, like the Venice Lagoon, Rome and the Vatican City, or even Cinque Terre with its picturesque villages, but this time we have a different proposition for you. Positano is a small town on the Amalfi Coast, in the region of Campania, just to the south of Naples. It might be small, but it’s incredibly beautiful and unique. The whole town is set on the cliffs near the Tyrrhenian Sea, and it does look like it’s about to fall down; that’s how vertical it is.

The town has everything you might wish for in a vacation area, with stunning beaches, cliff views, beautiful streets for shopping, and excellent food options! It’s an incredible place to explore, perfect for honeymoons and romantic getaways, but also a peaceful retreat for families and solo travelers, with plenty of hotels and hostels so you can stay in Positano!

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Where to Stay in Positano

Saying that Positano is a vertical town is not an exaggeration. And you have to keep that in mind if you don’t want to book “the perfect hotel” and later discover that you have to go down 300+ steps every time you go to the beach. And worse, go up 300+ steps to get back to your hotel. So let’s talk a bit about each of the zones and what options you have there.

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Beachfront Stay in Positano

Let’s start at the very bottom of the town, the place where the buildings are right next to the beach. You can be swimming in the turquoise waters of Spiaggia Beach and be lulled to sleep by the gentle waves at night. Sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, the good news is that it’s even better in real life! You can enjoy the most romantic honeymoon, surrounded by peaceful Mediterranean mornings and sweeping sea views. The bad news is that dreams are not particularly cheap, and the area can get quite crowded in summer. Also, the water might be perfect, but it is a pebble beach, not a sandy one.

Recommended Beachfront Hotels:

• Palazzo Murat: A very luxurious option, with a great spa, gourmet restaurant, and tropical gardens, nestled in the heart of Positano. It has a very historic charm, being a noble residence in the past.

• Hotel Poseidon: It’s really close to Spiaggia Grande, just right above the beach. Being on a hill and not directly on the beach means two things: first of all, the views are incredible, and second, it’s more peaceful than other hotels.

• Hotel Royal Prisco: A great budget-friendly option near the beach, and it has great amenities and a rooftop terrace overlooking the sea.

Photo by Elle Hughes

Mid-Slope Stay in Positano

Going a bit up, we arrive at the mid-slope. This area is nestled into the famous vertical layout of Positano, so it’s surrounded by vibrant houses, winding staircases, and blooming bougainvillea. Charming, isn’t it? If you prefer this area, with its picturesque views and quiet vibe, you’ll be in the minority. But that’s a good thing, actually. It means you’ll get a more authentic experience, further from the tourist front on the beaches. But going down will take some time and some physical effort. As beautiful as it is, the mid-slope is not great if you have trouble walking or going up and down narrow stairs.

Recommended hotels in the mid-slope:

• Hotel Villa Franca: It has spectacular views of Positano and the sea, as it has a great position in the middle of the hill. It also has a rooftop infinity pool, perfect for that Instagram photo.

• Casa Guadagno: Another hotel with panoramic views over the sea, this one in a boutique style with more personal service. It’s better for couples, as it’s more intimate and cozy.

Hilltop Zone Stay in Positano

And now we’re on the top of the hill, the place with the most spectacular views over the town below and the sea. It’s more peaceful and exclusive, being as it is further from the beach, and with less nightlife and restaurants, so perfect for travelers who seek peace.

It’s also closer to the hiking trails, like the Path of the Gods, and if you like hiking, you won’t have as much problem going down the never-ending steps to the beach. And if you are not there for the hiking, you can take a taxi or a shuttle down there. On the negative side, finding affordable accommodations can be hard, as the area is pretty exclusive.

Recommended hilltop hotels:

• Le Sirenuse: It’s a very elegant hotel, with a luxurious spa, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and elegant rooms with terraces. Many celebrities have stayed there, so you know it’s not exactly a cheap experience.

• Il San Pietro di Positano: Even higher on the cliff, being above the town itself. It’s another luxury option with a private beach that you access through an elevator, and a very exclusive ambiance.

• Hostel Brikette: It’s probably the best option in the area for budget travelers, having both dormitory beds and private rooms. It has a terrace with panoramic views, like almost every building in the city, and a communal kitchen.

Photo by Josh Withers

Personalized Recommendations

Let’s divide the recommendations now among the people who might be interested in staying in Positano. As with many coastal cities in Italy, the area is open for all kinds of tourists, but not all of them are looking for the same kind of accommodation.

The Luxe Lazy Honeymooners

If you’re looking for a place where you can just relax and focus on the most important person in your life, there are plenty of excellent options for you in Positano. After all, it’s a very romantic city with a lot of luxury stays. You can choose a hotel like Le Sirenuse, which is incredibly iconic and fancy, or Il San Pietro di Positano. Both are on the secluded hilltop, far away from the usual noisy tourists, and with incredible options for intimate dinners.

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The Family on a Budget

Now we have a bit more of a challenge looking for options, not that there are none. Because you can indeed travel to Positano on a budget. Since you’ll be traveling with kids, you also need options that are not too far from the beach and offer a level of comfort so you can also relax for a bit. The Hotel Savoia is perfect for that, with cozy and spacious rooms, personalized service, and beach gear rental. Another good option is Villa Rosa, a bit higher but with easy access to Positano’s highlights. You can rent a full apartment there, and even make your own food if you’re staying for longer.

The Solo Explorer

Now, for the solo travelers, we’ll be looking for comfortable places that let the imagination flow, but are also safe and social. Like Buca di Bacco, a charming and central hotel just a few steps away from the best beach in all of Positano. You can make a lot of friends during the communal breakfast, and then explore the town solo if you want to. Hotel Pupetto, more affordable but also on the beachfront, is also very welcoming to solo travelers. And many people prefer it for being more relaxed and informal than the luxury hotels in the area.

The Authenticity Seeker

What if you want to stay in Positano and have a more authentic experience? It’s a fair request, as the area does have a bit of an over-touristic side. You can achieve that by staying in a family-owned hotel, like Hotel Villa delle Palme, with enthusiastic owners who are all about sharing their culture and traditional food. Another great option is staying in La Tavolozza, a small guesthouse with very personalized hospitality and a relaxed, homely feel. You have to try their breakfast, and try some of the best produce that the Amalfi Coast has to offer, homemade jams, bread, eggs, and other delicious specialties.

The Creative Mind on Sabbatical

Let’s say you’re a creative person looking for a bit of a reset. A place that helps you relax and gives you the inspiration that you need to kickstart your next project. Be it a novel, be it a painting, a comic, whatever you choose. You can stay in a place like Casa Buonocore, nestled in the midslope but slightly off the beaten path. You’ll get endless visual inspiration, desks in the rooms, and enough time to think and rest.

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Booking Tips

• Book Early Positano is a pretty popular place to stay, so if you already have a hotel you’re strongly considering, check their website now and do your registration.

• Check for Accessibility: As we already stated, Positano is not exactly an accessible town if you have mobility issues. So, if you, or someone traveling with you, has any, look for hotels on the beachfront or with elevator access.

• Look for included breakfast: Especially important if your hotel offers a homemade breakfast, like many of the family-owned hotels. But even a buffet breakfast can help you to start your day just right.