Positano: The Weekend That Almost Was (and Why I’m Going Back)

If Positano has ever lived rent-free in your mind (girl, same), let me confirm: there’s a reason! Vertical pastel houses clinging to cliffs, dramatic staircases that double as a leg day (🫠), and enough lemon everything to convince you limoncello is a whole personality trait.

I spent a weekend in Positano with my family…and while the universe had other plans for our stomachs (more on that later 😅), I still have thoughts, tips, and a very ambitious list for my return. All the pictures in the post are from the days I actually was able to venture to the balacony (it was rough, yall).

How to Get to Positano (Without Losing Your Mind)

The easiest way? Naples → Positano.

• Fly into Naples (NAP airport) / or train to Naples depending where you’re coming from!

• Private car transfer (fastest, least stressful, most glam)

• Train to Sorrento + ferry or car

• Ferry from Naples or Sorrento (super scenic)

Tip - For my motion sickness girlies, ferries > winding cliff roads. Or if you like control and AC, book the car.

Where to Eat in Positano 🍝🍷🐟

Let me start with…

👉 YOU. NEED. RESERVATIONS. 👈

Like, days ahead. Sometimes weeks. This is not the place to “wing it.”

These are my absolute favorites (aka the places I dreamed about while surviving on crackers):

• Ristorante Da Vincenzo – Classic, cozy, very local

• Saraceno d’Oro – Casual, comforting, & perfect pasta

• Il Tridente – Views + food 😍

Nightlife Moment: Music On The Rocks

A literal cave club by the sea. Dancing. DJs. Even if you’re “not a club person”…trust me, you’ll want to experience this!

Where to Stay (1–3 Chic Options)

Positano hotels are an investment, but wow do they deliver.

• Le Sirenuse – Iconic, luxurious, bucket-list level

• Hotel Poseidon – Central, stunning views, & an amazing restaurant.

• Hotel Marincanto – Romantic, cliffside, & infinity pool vibes.

If you choose an AirBnB outside of the main town, just be prepared for an unpredictable bus schedule to get you into town. My whole family agreed we’d stay in town next time.

A Very Real (and Slightly Traumatizing) Family Story

So here’s the plot twist: somewhere between travel days, excitement, and maybe one questionable bite in Rome…my family and I got hit with a stomach bug from hell.

Instead of living my Italian dolce vita fantasy, I saw Positano in…glimpses. A staircase here. A view from my balcony. One restaurant before the unwell-ness settled in. BUT even in survival mode, Positano still felt magical. Which tells me everything I need to know. I’m 100% going back, and every single place listed above is officially on my redemption trip itinerary.

This was the picture I took when the whole crew was down bad. Posted up in the Airbnb living room watching “Nobody Wants This” on an tiny iPad. Emojis for everyone’s face because I know they’d kill me if I didn’t 🫶🏼

When to Go (Unless You Love Crowds…🙃)

• Best months: May, early June, September

• Peak chaos: July + August (beautiful, but BUSY busy)

• Sweet spot: Warm water, fewer crowds, happier you = late May or September

Tip - If you hate lines, packed ferries, and fighting for dinner reservations, avoid high summer.

Adding Positano to a Bigger Italy Trip

Positano can definitely fit into a multi-week Italy itinerary. Easiest pairings:

• Before or after Rome – Train + transfer = easy

• Pair with Florence for culture + coast balance

• Add Capri for glam island hopping

• Start in Sorrento for smoother logistics

Final Thoughts

Even with a stomach bug trying to take me and the whole family out, Positano still stole my heart. It’s dramatic, delicious, crowded, chaotic, and completely worth it.

Next time: healthy stomach, reservations secured, and copious amounts of seafood pasta consumed.

Until then…Positano, I’ll be back. 💛🍋 TYWIL!