Town in Amalfi Coast, Italy
Positano
The Amalfi Coast's pastel village of stairs and boutiques, beautiful but steep, crowded and expensive. Best for two or three nights of views and boats, using Amalfi or Sorrento to save money.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$5,060–7,310Comfortable, one person · €4,500–6,500Details
- Value for money2/100Better value than 1% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 26°CDetails
- Internet109 MbpsFixed broadband, Italy medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe, though it can taste of chlorine; public fountains provide free refills.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$68–135Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundSITA Sud busYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work at hotels and most restaurants; carry cash for buses, small shops and some beach clubs.Details
Where to stay in Positano
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Marina Grande | Beach, ferry pier and restaurants; central |
| Fornillo | Quieter beach on the west side, cheaper dining |
| Upper Positano (Via Pasitea) | Cheaper rooms and bus stops; lots of steps |
Apps that work in Positano
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Trenitalia: National rail tickets, delays and strike notices
- Italo: Private high-speed trains, often cheaper
- Taxis: No ride apps operate; book taxis or drivers through your hotel and agree prices before leaving.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Italy.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work at hotels and most restaurants; carry cash for buses, small shops and some beach clubs.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (Bancomat), not Euronet machines; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Bills often include coperto (€1–4 per person) or a service charge; round up or leave a few euros for great service.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted; tap a bank card at metro gates in Rome and Milan.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (fingerprints and photo) instead of passport stamps.
- ETIAS is not running yet; the EU will announce its start date months in advance.
- Hotels and rentals must register every guest with police, so expect to show your passport at check-in.
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 115 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F, L · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
TIM, Vodafone and WindTre sell prepaid tourist SIMs at airports and phone shops; passport needed. EU SIMs roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Italy
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.