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Planning a romantic getaway to Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy? From fine-dining to unforgettable sunset boat cruises, here are the most romantic things to do in Positano for couples.
When it comes to romance, Positano is made for lovers. Its picturesque location on the gorgeous Amalfi Coast of western Italy means it’s a popular Mediterranean destination for many travellers.
But its magical combination of beauty, delicious regional cuisine and intimate size, also makes Positano a perfect destination for couples. It’s a must-do on every Amalfi Coast itinerary.
Whether you’ve just started dating, are on a honeymoon or are celebrating 30 years together, there are lots of romantic things for lovers to do in Positano. Along with Ravello, it’s one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
In fact, it’s so picturesque the entire Amalfi Coast has been the atmospheric backdrop for many Italian movies.
But if you only have a week (or less!), it can be difficult to narrow down the options.
To help you choose, I’ve created a list of the most romantic things to do in Positano. It includes where to eat in Positano, the most romantic places to stay and tips on the best beaches in Positano.
I’ll even share insider tips on hidden gems and dreamy spots to visit.
Whether you decide to do all the activities on one memorable Date Night or choose one special activity, you’re sure to create an unforgettably romantic getaway for two.
1. Take a Romantic Sunset Boat Ride
The view of the Amalfi Coastline from the sea is truly epic, so one of the best things to do in Positano is take a romantic cruise on a private boat. Experiencing the beautiful seaside scenery with just the two of you is definitely one of the top things to do on a honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast.
From the water, you can soak up postcard-perfect views of the town’s iconic pastel buildings with tiled roofs climbing vertically up the hillside, the famous crescent of Spiaggia Grande beach, the Faraglioni rocks and Li Galli islands as well as the dramatic Monti Lattari mountain range.
To ramp up the romance factor, time your boat cruise for evening when the sun begins to set. At dusk, the lights of Positano turn on and give the village a warm glow.
Sharing the moment of watching Positano come alive in the fading light is a romantic memory that will last forever.
For the ultimate in romance, choose a boat tour company that offers tapas and drinks onboard. Getting cozy with a glass of Prosecco, a fantastic view and the company of your loved one is an ideal date night experience.
Check prices and availability for a Positano Romantic Dinner by Boat. It includes a cruise along the coast as well as dinner to a backdrop of music.
2. Enjoy a Gelato Treat for Two
Gelato was created in Italy, so it’s only fitting to indulge in this sweet treat for two while in Positano. There are various gelato shops throughout the Amalfi Coast offering delicious flavours to choose from.
But I highly recommend you check out the ice-cream shop within Ristorante La Pergola on Spiaggia Grande beach in Positano. Be sure to try the mint chocolate chip, Nutella, or any of the other delicious flavours they offer.
3. Indulge in Dinner with a Romantic Positano View
While there are other famously beautiful cities along the Amalfi coast — including Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi and Ravello — Positano is the most romantic of them all.
For thousands of years, ever since the early Greek vessels began visiting its harbour around 500 B.C., visitors have been wowed by Positano as it looms into view.
One of the best ways to enjoy the best of romantic Positano is with dinner at a fine restaurant with a terrace overlooking the city.
While there are several restaurants with stunning views, the best restaurant in Positano for excellent cuisine and a fantastic view is Ristorante Terrazza Cele. The décor of this restaurant is a sleek white and blue, echoing the spirit of the Mediterranean. It’s also located on a private terrace overlooking Positano which makes it an especially intimate venue.
The lights are low and the menu inspired here. During the evening it’s lit with candles, which makes it the ultimate for a romantic dinner date. The wine menu is extensive with over 150 different options, but your best bet is to choose one of the acclaimed regional white Greco and Fiano varietals or red Aglianico.
Couples will be sure to enjoy the locally-inspired cuisine featuring Italian classics with a modern twist. Menu highlights include delicious dishes such as pumpkin risotto with burrata cheese and prawns and handmade Scialatielli with totani (local squid) sauce.
This restaurant is a culinary dream with views sure to wow your significant other.
Got time for more than one dinner? Scroll down to get our complete list of the most romantic restaurants in Positano.
4. Watch the Sunset over Positano from a Hilltop
If you’re looking for a date night sunset view without dinner, Positano is built right into the mountains which means there’s a wealth of paths and seating areas on the steep hills.
Each offers stunning sunset views. Although the sun sets behind the hills, it is still lovely to watch the sky turn orange, and the city light up.
From a vantage point up the mountains, you’ll also get panoramic views of the boats on the water of the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll also see the lights of the village as they turn on – a view that’s so romantic it will feel as though you’re in a fairy tale.
5. Take a Stroll along Spiaggia Grande
One of the most romantic things to do in Positano is visit Positano’s main beach Spiaggia Grande. It’s bustling during the day with people on Amalfi Coast road trips or those on excursions.
But by evening, everyone has gone home. This makes it much quieter and more romantic for date night.
Walking hand in hand along the quiet shore, while the waves hit the rocks and the city sparkles behind you is a moment you will not soon forget.
It’s so magical at night, that Spiaggia Grande Beach is one of the top places to propose on the Amalfi Coast! If you’re planning a surprise marriage proposal, walk the shoreline during the day to scope out the perfect spot.
An evening walk along the beach also happens to be free, so if you’re on a budget in Positano, a notoriously expensive destination, this is a great date option. Be sure to pick up a bottle of wine from one of the wine shops and enjoy a glass of wine on the beach.
During the day you can rent a lounger and sun umbrella, but if you visit in the evening, bring a blanket so you can sit on the pebbly beach and enjoy the romantic vibe in comfort.
Related: Explore more beaches in Italy by heading further south to Puglia, where there are miles of white-sand beaches perfect for swimming.
Choose from the warm waters of the Ionian Sea on the west coast of the Salento Peninsula or the eastern coastline near Otranto a beautiful region dotted with the pristine hidden coves and beaches of the Adriatic Sea.
6. Choose a Romantic Hotel in Positano, Italy
When choosing where to stay in Positano, note that it’s a very popular and expensive city. So this means even the budget hotels in Positano are more expensive than in other cities such as Sorrento or Priano.
But if you book in advance and choose wisely, Positano can still be affordable. It’s truly worth the splurge if your budget permits.
Best Romantic Luxury Hotel
Villa Franca: Situated on a hill between the clifftops and sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Villa Franca is a breezy hilltop retreat made for couples. Each room in this boutique hotel features a balcony or a terrace offering spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast. Yet you’re just steps to Positano and the beaches.
Check for the lowest rates and availability for Hotel Villa Franca on Booking.com.
Best Romantic Budget Hotels
Villa Palumbo B&B: This family-run Bed & Breakfast is located in the heart of picturesque Positano. It features rooms with spacious balconies where you can even enjoy a romantic breakfast for two.
Check for the lowest rates and availability for Villa Palumbo B&B on Booking.com.
Hotel Casa Albertina: This family-run hotel offers sea views in a convenient setting.
Check for the lowest rates and availability for Hotel Casa Albertina on Booking.com.
Most Romantic Restaurants in Positano
1. Adamo ed Eva by Eden Roc
Said to be one of the best restaurants in Positano, Adamo ed Eva by Eden Roc is also one of the most
romantic places to enjoy a quiet, romantic dinner on a terrace overlooking one of the best views in
town.
Organic, creative and fresh are some of the words that could be used to describe the menu. And,
when I say fresh, I mean fresh, because the vegetables are cultivated in an on-site garden. While
most items on the menu are inspired by time-honoured Mediterranean dishes passed down through
the generations, you can expect a modern twist to familiar favourites.
Try the fried octopus and prawns, beef fillet with baked potatoes or spaghetti couscous for an
extraordinary culinary experience. Don’t forget to leave room for the mouth-watering fondant
chocolate sphere.
2. La Sponda at hotel le Sirenuse
I don’t think a date night dinner could get any more romantic than it does at La Sponda at hotel le Sirenuse, and that fabulous view from the dining room is just the start. Rumor has it that many spontaneous marriage proposals have been made here.
I’m sure the hundreds of candles that take several hours to light each evening and the sweet sounds of the guitar and mandolin ensemble that serenades diners might have a part to play!
Pasta al pomodoro, lemon risotto with capers and Neapolitan baba dessert are just a few of the items you’ll find on the menu. Everything is fresh and in season.
3. Il Tridente
Situated high above Positano, you can be assured that a spectacular view is just one of the great
things about a romantic dinner at Il Tridente. Although the rooftop terrace is a hot spot in town, the vibe is calm and elegant. You can enjoy a romantic dinner by candlelight while soft music plays in the background.
The menu’s main focus is traditional Neapolitan dishes. Ravioli filled with monkfish, broccoli gnocci and risotto with black olives and capers are worth a try. The restaurant also features an extensive wine list, and after dinner, you can enjoy a drink at the chic cocktail bar.
4. Zass Restaurant
While admittedly a bit of a splurge, Zass Restaurant is another great place to enjoy a romantic dinner with amazing views of the sea and coastline. This Michelin-starred restaurant doesn’t stray too far from traditional Italian cuisine, but you can expect some major modern enhancements to classic dishes.
A sizeable team of more than 30 cooks works enthusiastically to put together delicious Campania-
inspired creations using fresh produce sourced from its own organic garden.
Enjoy a range of dishes, such as sea bass carpaccio and red mullet and guacamole, under dim lights set to live background music. The head sommelier will help you choose from more than 600 fine wines to accompany your meal.
5. Ristorante Mirage
For a romantic dinner a little more on the budget by Positano’s standards, Ristorante Mirage, which
is located on the fourth floor of the Hotel Posa Posa, offers an exclusive dining experience.
Candlelit dinners are served on a peaceful rooftop terrace overlooking stunning views of the town and bay.The menu features a fusion of traditional local dishes and modern Italian cuisine. Some popular items include the tuna tartare, tonno scottato al sesamo and decadent desserts such as tortino al
cioccolato.
The restaurant’s wine cellar features an extensive collection of fine wines from every
region of the country.
How to Get to Positano from Naples or Rome
Private Transfer: Although it’s the most expensive option, a private transfer is the easiest and most comfortable way to get to Positano from Naples or Rome. If you’re travelling in high season, taking a private transfer means you’ll arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy a romantic getaway in Positano without having to worry about traffic.
Rainbow Limos and Viator both offer private transfer and tours from Naples airport and train station to Positano. Both can include a two hour stop in Pompeii along the way.
Check prices and availability of a Naples to Positano Transfer on Viator.com.
Shared Shuttle Service: It’s possible to take a shuttle bus from Naples Capodichino Airport or Naples central train station ( from € 28) to Positano. It’s also possible to take a shuttle from Rome Termini Station, Fiumicino or Ciampino Airports ( from € 75,00) to Positano. Check for rates at Positano Shuttle Bus.
If you’re staying in Rome, be sure to read our guide to the best things to do around Rome’s Termini Station.
Rent a Car: The beauty of renting a car to get to Positano is that you’ll be free to explore the other towns along the Amalfi Coast. However, with the narrow winding roads in this region of Italy, this option is not for the faint of heart, especially during the summer high season.
Train and Ferry or Bus: The ferry service operates between May – October but can be cancelled in rough seas. The bus service operates year-round but can be very busy in summer. Click here for Ferry and Bus Schedules. Timing is below:
- Salerno – Positano: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Positano – Capri: 50 minutes
- Amalfi – Positano: 20 minutes
In Positano, the ferry pier is located at Spiaggia Grande beach.
Author Biography
Samantha Karen is the founder of the travel blog Sam Sees World. She is a millennial traveler on a mission to seek the new and unknown so she can document her experiences and inspire others to explore this wondrous world. Her objective is to provide valuable information on the best things to do, see, eat, and experience while traveling. And get some good Instagram photos along the way.
You can follow her travels on Pinterest and Instagram
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Patti Morrow
I’ll be there next week, so I’m delighted to get these tips!
Michele Peterson
Fantastic! Enjoy your trip to Positano, Patti!
Jeff & Crystal Bryant
Thanks for sharing an insider’s peek at romantic Positano. Italy. It certainly looks like an amazing place to explore, with so many sights to behold. We felt like we were along for the ride.
MikesRoadTrip
Looks and sounds amazing. I was just in Cique Terre and was hoping to make it to this area, but ran out of time.