Positano might not have beautiful Norman cathedrals with semi-Moorish architecture or restored medieval gardens, but it wholeheartedly embodies the Italian 'la dolce vita.' With its picturesque landscapes, spectacular beaches, and dreamy attractions, Positano is a beach town worthy of belonging to Italy's famed and iconic Amalfi Coast.

However, getting from Salerno to Positano isn't the easiest endeavor, considering there is only one main road in and out of the town, and this road is often hectic and challenging to navigate. That's where we come in. Daytrip lets you sit back and relax while our professional driver expertly navigates the road into Positano. You just enjoy the sights along the way while we focus on getting you where you need to be safely. So, get ready to buckle in, as it will be an enjoyable and unforgettable ride.

Its steeply stacked homes defy gravity, the terracotta cliffside cascades into turquoise waters, and the kaleidoscope of colors fills the horizon. But all this beauty comes at a cost—although one worth paying—you need to wander, climb, and descend hundreds of steps to get around town. Yet, even with all the walking, it's still clear to see why Positano is the jewel of Italy and the perfect example of Mediterranean beauty.

Its natural beauty is just as exemplary as its historic past. According to historical accounts, Positano belonged to the Republic of Amalfi from the 9th to 11th centuries, and it peaked in the 10th century, even rivaling Venice as one of the most important mercantile cities. With its importance, it's unsurprising that Positano played a role in writing the world's first maritime laws. But sadly, as is the norm with great cities, it entered a period of decline and faced economic ruin for centuries until as recently as the 1950s.

When the 1950s rolled around, Positano began to captivate and entice people from all over the world. With the resurgence of interest in this Italian town, it once more grew and became the city it is today. Nowadays, it is no longer simply a fishing village but a pedestrian town with fashionable resorts, enticing restaurants featuring delicious local cuisine, eye-grabbing attractions, and so much natural beauty it's hard to gaze upon it all the time without planning a life here or at the very least a return visit.

Book everything in advance

Those traveling from Salerno to Positano need to remember to book everything they want to see and do in advance. This includes everything from hotel accommodation and restaurant reservations to booking ferry tickets, boat tours, bus tickets, and attraction tickets.

If you risk leaving schedule checking and ticket booking to the last minute, you will miss out on so much. This is especially true if you plan to travel to Positano and surrounding attractions in nearby towns and cities during peak season.

Consider only doing a day trip to Positano

Positano is a lovely place to visit, but it's not the cheapest, so if you're on a budget and want to sightsee along the way, it might be best to visit Positano for just a day. This is especially true if you're traveling from Salerno.

Unlike Positano, Salerno is considerably cheaper for eating out. So, by taking a day trip to Positano, you can return to Salerno in the evening without paying a fortune for a hotel or dinner. And if you travel with Daytrip, booking a return trip with our door-to-door service is easy.

Don't rent a car and drive yourself

Exploring this region is best done by car if you plan a trip between June and September or May and October, but not if you need to drive. Unfortunately, the one main road from Salerno to Positano is difficult to navigate, and you'll be too focused on driving and not getting lost to take in the beauty.

Not to mention, driving yourself also means you must find your own parking when you stop and see places like Bosco de' Medici Winery, Villa di Poppea, the Stabia Archeological Site, and Ravello. This can be near impossible, and parking costs a small fortune, often topping 6 euros per hour. So, instead, why not travel with a private car service like Daytrip?

If you travel with Daytrip, you won't need to worry about navigating or driving. Instead, you can sit back and enjoy the passing scenery.

From Salerno to Positano by bus

Many budget travelers choose to take the bus from Salerno to Positano. Traveling by bus is one of the slowest ways to travel between these two towns, taking over two hours, and requiring a change in Amalfi. It's not the most comfortable, but it is dirt cheap, with a ticket costing about $3.

Sita Sud offers daily trips from Salerno to Positano. A bus leaves every hour from the Salerno bus station to Amalfi. Once in Amalfi, you need to change to another bus to Positano. If you’re traveling during peak season, booking a ticket well in advance is best, as they are often booked out. And even if you do have a ticket, that doesn’t guarantee a seat!

From Salerno to Positano by ferry

If you love the ocean and don't suffer from seasickness, the Salerno-Positano ferry route is a fun way to get around. The Positano ferry is relatively affordable, with tickets starting at $10. The ferry takes just over an hour to get to Positano, but you must take the bus first from the Salerno bus station to the pier. Popular companies include Grassi Junior Ferry and Positano Jet, and ferries can leave from Piazza della Concordia, Molo Masuccio, or Molo Manfredi ferry port.

Although affordable and time-efficient, the ferry can experience delays or even be canceled due to bad weather. It is also important to note that ferry companies don’t run to Positano year-round, so be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance.

From Salerno to Positano by private car service

If you're looking for a way to travel from Salerno to Positano that is uber-efficient, comfortable, reliable, safe, and time-productive, consider using Daytrip’s private car service. Unlike public transportation, Daytrip offers door-to-door rides in well-maintained vehicles with professional English-speaking drivers.

In addition, Daytrip is the fastest way to get to Positano from Salerno. The average car trip takes about an hour, considering the distance between the towns is only about 40 miles (63 km). Your driver can also accommodate sightseeing requests, and the trip is affordable, with prices starting at 28 euros per person.

Visit the beaches

It would be silly to travel to Positano and not visit a few of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Since this is a coastal town, you're almost spoilt for choice. But we recommend visiting either Spiaggia Grande, which is close to the ferry port, or Fornillo Spiaggia, a smaller, almost hidden beach less than a mile from the town's center.

The former is larger, so you can expect more amenities like restaurants, bars, and beach clubs, but the latter is perfect for a quiet and relaxing getaway.

Hike Le Tese

Positano isn't a town known for its hiking spots, but that doesn't mean that none exist. So, if you're planning a visit and want a family-friendly short hike for children or older kids, add hiking Le Tese to your list. This hike isn't too taxing, and the view overlooking Positano from the top makes it worth a bit of sweat and burning calf muscles.

Go shopping in Positano

Positano might not be as large as other Italian cities, but it's well-known for its boutiques and artisanal shops. So, when you visit, pop in at a few of them and see if there are any souvenirs worth buying.

We always recommend buying a few of the stunning ceramics on offer, as they make the perfect memento of your trip. In addition, many also offer ceramic-making classes, so you can make your own souvenir!

Tour the Church of Santa Maria

Positano's most notable landmark is the Church of Santa Maria. No matter when you visit, you can tour this church and enjoy its peaceful ambiance and quiet opulence. It's pretty easy to spot; just look for the golden-tiled domed roof! Best of all, the church is free to tour, so it's definitely worth visiting.

Then there is also winter, which works for budget travelers. The weather is cooler and rainier, and many restaurants, shops, and hotels close during this time. But if you want a quiet time to just enjoy the incomparable atmosphere with as few tourists around as possible, you might enjoy it.

Summer is the peak tourist season in Positano. The weather is hot and sunny, and everything is packed with people staying in the town, daytrippers, and even cruise ship excursions. If you visit in the summer make reservations in advance for everything you can.