“Italy and romance go hand in hand – but in Positano, their fingers are intertwined in the most loving of ways.”
Join Marco Pillini as he takes us on a romantic journey through his personal honeymoon in the picturesque town of Positano, Italy. Get lost in the enchanting atmosphere and romantic allure of this picturesque destination as Marco shares his unforgettable moments and experiences. Whether you’re planning your own dream honeymoon or a holiday in Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Marco’s travel story is filled with valuable tips and insights to make your trip truly incredible.
Last year, while knee-deep in what was, at times, wearisome preparation for our late summer wedding, my fiancée and I turned our attention away from the bridal showers and the gift registry to a much more important endeavour – choosing our honeymoon destination. After all, in 50 years I probably won’t remember what the centrepieces looked like or what side dishes were served, but I’m sure I’ll remember where we honeymooned.
After some quick Internet research, I discovered a place that seemed perfect – Positano, Italy. Positano is a small Italian town on the Mediterranean, just south of Naples and in a region known as the Amalfi Coast. Covered with hundreds of pastel colored houses cascading down steep cliffs, Positano offers gorgeous scenery, rich culture, good food and beautiful beaches.
Honeymoon Accommodation, Positano
I highly recommend booking your stay at a four-star hotel. By European standards, this basically means the hotel has a few extra amenities such as a pool and breakfast buffet and will usually have a better view as well.
The hotel I decided upon for our honeymoon was called Hotel Poseidon. Located near the top of Positano, the views of the surrounding town and beach are absolutely stunning. Our room came equipped with a large outdoor terrace which was nearly as big as the room itself. Each evening, just before dinner, we opened up a good bottle of Prosecco and toasted the good life!
One thing unique about Hotel Poseidon is that it owns a boat and gives its guests the opportunity to enjoy the open waters of the Mediterranean. The boat’s capacity is small (four to five max) meaning the utmost attention and romantic experience for you and your partner. Fortunately for us, we were the only ones with a reservation on the day we went so we ended up having a private boat tour along the Amalfi Coast.
A Day in Paradise
The Mediterranean is Positano’s primary attraction during the day and a place where many newlyweds and locals enjoy their mornings. Although the beaches consist of small pebbles and not your typical white sand, the crystal clear water and pastel colored houses above create a picturesque scene like no other in the world. When we weren’t enjoying our days on the beach, the Hotel Poseidon’s pool became our oasis. Less noisy than the beaches, plus the endless supply of tropical drinks made for a very agreeable alternative.
The Amalfi Coast region is known for its cultivation of lemon trees and the region has perfected a refreshing lemon liqueur called Limoncello. Just as the Vatican is to Rome, Limoncello is to the Amalfi Coast. Each day seemed to begin and end with a few sips of the drink and we found the best came from a restaurant near our hotel called Caffe Positano. The sweetness was just right and the flavour was invigorating.
To briefly step away from Positano, day excursions to nearby Capri, Pompeii, and the neighbouring Amalfi Coast towns are very easy to do. The convenience of the train and boat make transportation to the cities readily accessible. Due to the relative ease of travel, we jumped on a boat and headed to Capri, a small island located to the southwest of Positano. An hour later and we were on the island snapping hundreds of photos and delving into Capri’s splendid shopping scene. Although our visit to Capri was short, there is much to see here and many people spend considerably more time exploring the island.
Related: The Ultimate Honeymoon Guide to Italy
Where to eat and drink in Postiano
Positano does not have a sprawling nightlife but there are a few noteworthy places worth popping on your itinerary, including:
La Tagliata
La Tagliata is a family-run restaurant that offers a set menu of traditional Italian dishes. The food is fresh and delicious, and the portions are generous. The restaurant is located on a hilltop overlooking Positano and the Amalfi Coast, providing stunning views while you dine. Be sure to make a reservation in advance as the restaurant is very popular.
Bar Buca di Bacco
Looking for a great place to enjoy pre-dinner drinks and snacks? Look no further than Bar Buca di Bacco! Located on the main beach in Positano, this popular spot offers a variety of cocktails and small bites in a lively atmosphere. And with unbeatable views of the beach and sea, it’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
Il Ritrovo
Il Ritrovo is a pizzeria located in the hills above Positano. The restaurant offers a variety of pizzas, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. The dough is made fresh daily and the toppings are locally sourced. The restaurant also has a great selection of wines and a terrace with panoramic views.
Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar
The Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar is situated in the luxurious Le Sirenuse hotel. The refined and elegant atmosphere offers breathtaking views of Positano and the sea. The bar provides an extensive range of cocktails and champagne alongside small bites.
Next2
Next2 is a trendy restaurant and bar located in the heart of Positano. The menu offers Italian and international cuisine, and the cocktails are creative and delicious. The atmosphere is lively and the outdoor terrace is a great spot for people-watching.
Casa e Bottega
Casa e Bottega is a café and restaurant that offers healthy and organic food options. The menu includes salads, smoothie bowls, and avocado toast, as well as traditional Italian dishes. The café also has a small shop selling home decor and accessories. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with a bohemian vibe.
One key thing to remember is to make your reservations just before dusk. As you watch the sun’s slow descent into the Mediterranean, the lights of the town turn on one by one and Positano quickly transforms into a magical place – a place unlike anything I have ever seen. Each evening I had to pinch myself and be reminded it was not a dream.
So what are you waiting for? Positano is a treasure and the jewel of Italy. It offers a little bit of everything and will certainly leave you with a thousand fond memories that will last a lifetime!
FACT FILE
Language: In Positano, you will find that most people speak both Italian and English. Some restaurants may even use English as their default language.
Currency: The Euro (€)
Credit Cards and Banks: When travelling to Positano, there are ATMs available,but it’s important to note that using an ATM not affiliated with your bank may result in additional fees. To avoid this, carrying cash with you is recommended, especially when visiting markets or remote areas, although credit cards are accepted in most places.
Climate: Positano experiences warm summers and mild winters due to its Mediterranean climate. The autumn season is particularly stunning, and visitors can still bask in the sun on the beach until November. Positano enters its winter season from December to February, which is characterised by a higher chance of rainfall.
Tip: If you’re planning a trip to Positano, remember to pack comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket. Even if you’re visiting during the summer months, the evenings can get chilly. Having a jacket or sweater on hand will ensure you stay warm and comfortable throughout your trip.
GETTING AROUND POSITANO
For those looking to explore Positano on a budget, renting a car may not be the most cost-effective option. Instead, consider these alternative ways to get around the stunning, hilly coastal town. Walking is a great way to take in the sights, but keep in mind that there are inclines and steps to navigate. If you need to travel further out, public buses run along the main roads and even to other towns for day trips. For a more exciting adventure, rent a Vespa and cruise along the scenic Amalfi Coast, but be cautious on the roads that run along the cliffs. And for a truly picturesque experience, hop on a ferry and take a ride along the coastline to visit other major stops on the Amalfi Coast.
The nearest airport to Positano and the Amalfi Coast is the Naples Capodichino Airport, located about an hour away. Positano Car Service is the car service that transported us from Naples to Positano.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Poseidon (the hotel we stayed in).
Related: 37 Famous Italian Landmarks – The Ultimate Bucket-list
