Plan a CruisePositano is a picturesque town on Italy's Amalfi Coast, renowned for its steeply stacked pastel-colored houses clinging to the hillsides. As cruise ships cannot dock, you will be tendered ashore directly to the town center. This photogenic and somewhat expensive destination offers a relaxing day for independent cruise passengers, though be prepared for vertical streets, many of which are staircases. With 8-10 hours in port, you have ample time to explore Positano's unique charm.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon tendering ashore, you will be in the heart of Positano, making the immediate town center highly walkable. Given the town's steep and vertical layout, an "orange bus" service operates within Positano, providing an easy way to navigate its inclines. A ride on this bus costs 1 Euro. For exploring the town's main attractions, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended due to the numerous staircases that serve as streets.
Attractions and Activities
Your time in Positano is best spent exploring the town itself.
- Explore Positano Town: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town's charming streets. This allows for learning about local history, discovering local wines, hearing local stories, and sampling local produce.
- Visit Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta: This is one of Positano's most famous attractions. Built in the 1920s, the old church features a majestic dome and houses the renowned 13th-century Byzantine icon, the "Madonna di Positano." For those interested in organized tours, it's advisable to compare options offered by your cruise line with those from independent providers like GetYourGuide and Viator.
Dining & Shopping
Positano is well-known for its specialized shopping. You'll find many delightful boutiques selling clothing, as well as hand-made shoes and sandals, often displayed flamboyantly. Numerous beautiful jewelry stalls are also present. When planning your shopping, note that most shops in Italy typically open Monday to Saturday from around 8 am to 1 pm, and again from about 4 pm to 7 pm. Be aware that many shops close on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings, and in southern Italy, these hours might shift an hour later. While traditionally everything except bars and restaurants closes on Sunday, tourist areas like Positano are increasingly seeing Sunday openings. Local produce is available for tasting throughout the town.
Safety
Positano's unique geography features many "vertical streets" that are, in fact, staircases. This can be physically demanding, so wearing comfortable walking shoes is highly recommended to navigate the town effectively.