Spiaggia Grande
Positano's iconic main beach, where colorful houses meet the azure sea. A vibrant hub for relaxation, dining, and exploring the Amalfi Coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Spiaggia Grande
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Positano's iconic main beach, where colorful houses meet the azure sea. A vibrant hub for relaxation, dining, and exploring the Amalfi Coast.
"The combination of charming architecture, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere makes it a truly unique destination."
Book Beach Clubs Ahead
Summer is peak season! Secure your sunbed at popular spots like La Scogliera or L'Incanto early.
Embrace Public Transport
Skip the car! Ferries and buses are your best bet for navigating the Amalfi Coast.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spiaggia Grande Beach
Positano's main beach
Iconic colorful houses meet the azure sea. Relax on a sunbed or take a dip in the Mediterranean.
Colorful Cliffside Houses
Overlooking Spiaggia Grande
A breathtaking cascade of vibrant homes tumbling down to the sea. Pure Amalfi Coast magic.
Sunset Views
From the beach or nearby viewpoints
Witness the sky ablaze with color over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Unforgettable romantic moments.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds on Spiaggia Grande
Navigating Positano's Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Beach Clubs Ahead
Summer is peak season! Secure your sunbed at popular spots like La Scogliera or L'Incanto early. 
Embrace Public Transport
Skip the car! Ferries and buses are your best bet for navigating the Amalfi Coast.
Prepare for Steps
Positano is vertical! Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the town and reaching the beach. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Magic
Early mornings offer the best light and fewer people for stunning photos of Spiaggia Grande.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Beach Clubs Ahead
Summer is peak season! Secure your sunbed at popular spots like La Scogliera or L'Incanto early.
Embrace Public Transport
Skip the car! Ferries and buses are your best bet for navigating the Amalfi Coast.
Prepare for Steps
Positano is vertical! Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the town and reaching the beach. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Magic
Early mornings offer the best light and fewer people for stunning photos of Spiaggia Grande.
Consider Fornillo Beach
A quieter alternative to Spiaggia Grande, just a short walk away.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Spiaggia Grande is celebrated for its iconic beauty, with colorful houses cascading down to the sea, creating a postcard-perfect scene. Visitors love the vibrant atmosphere, the convenience of beach clubs and restaurants, and its role as a hub for exploring the Amalfi Coast via ferry. However, many find it extremely crowded and expensive, with high costs for amenities and food, leading some to label Positano as overrated.
"Beautiful public beach area with many wonderful beach clubs, restaurants, and shops in the area. Nice place to walk around and also easy access to the ferries to bring you to other parts of the Amalfi Coast!"
Brian Hawkes
"Spiaggia di Positano Marina Grande is one of the most iconic and beautiful beaches on the Amalfi Coast. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted by the stunning sight of colorful houses cascading down the hillside, meeting the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. The combination of charming architecture, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere makes it a truly unique destination.
The beach itself is well maintained, with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. The water is clean and refreshing, perfect for a swim on a warm day. The view from the shore is just as incredible as the view from above you can watch boats coming and going, and the surrounding cliffs create a picturesque backdrop for your day at the beach.
There are numerous restaurants and cafés right along the waterfront, offering delicious Italian cuisine and refreshing drinks. It’s a wonderful place to spend the afternoon, either relaxing under the sun or exploring the little streets nearby.
While prices for food, drinks, and sunbeds can be higher compared to other areas, the beauty and charm of Marina Grande make it worth every penny. This beach captures the essence of Positano romantic, vibrant, and unforgettable. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Amalfi Coast."
Mohammed Aladdin
"I am not rating the beach but the town itself
Positano is the most overrated, overpriced & overcrowded places i’ve ever visited. You walk on the streets and you ask yourself is this really worth it? To pay over 2000-3000€ for a hotel to be in a town where you have to spend a fortune just to put (average)food in your belly, you walk on the streets and you feel rushed because there are 1200 people behind you and 3100 in front of you, where you see the prices for a pasta and you think if the pasta is actually made of pearls and if the seafood is actually getting selected by you and the waiters are going to the sea and catch it for you, then why a simple magnet cost 5€ and a postcard 4€ when everywhere in the world is 2€ max? And not to mention the prices of €100+ for very simple items in different stores. I can’t understand the reason of Positano being so popular & expensive. Amalfi, Atrani, Maiori, Minori are much much better and although still comparatively expensive much cheaper than Positano. You can go for a one day visit (don’t plan more than 2-3h) but do not plan to stay there unless you just want to throw your money away because you have too much."
Alex T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Spiaggia Grande is by taking a ferry to Positano's main port. If you're driving, parking is extremely limited and expensive, so public transport like buses or ferries is highly recommended.
Accessing Spiaggia Grande involves descending many steps from the main road into Positano. While the walk is beautiful, wear comfortable shoes.
Ferries are a popular and scenic option for traveling between towns on the Amalfi Coast, including Positano. Buses are also available but can be crowded and slow due to traffic.
Renting a car is generally not advised for visiting Positano and Spiaggia Grande due to extremely difficult parking and stressful driving conditions on the narrow, winding roads.
Taxis are available in Positano, but they can be quite expensive. For most visitors, ferries or buses are more practical and cost-effective ways to reach the beach area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Spiaggia Grande is a public beach, but a significant portion is occupied by private beach clubs that offer sunbeds and umbrellas for rent.
Access to the public areas of Spiaggia Grande is free. However, renting a sunbed and umbrella from a beach club typically incurs a fee, which can vary.
It is highly recommended to book beach clubs in advance, especially during peak season (summer), as they can get very busy and spots fill up quickly.
Spiaggia Grande is accessible throughout the day. Beach clubs typically operate from morning until early evening, with restaurants and bars having their own hours.
There are no entrance fees for the public areas of Spiaggia Grande. Fees apply only if you choose to rent amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas from private beach clubs.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best lighting and fewer crowds, aim for early mornings. Sunsets also offer beautiful, warm light for photography.
The classic postcard view of Spiaggia Grande is from the higher parts of Positano town, looking down. You can also get great shots from the water on a boat tour.
Drone regulations can be strict in Italy and particularly in popular tourist areas like Positano. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and cliffside town. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the colorful houses.
Generally, photography is allowed on the public beach. However, be mindful of privacy when photographing people and check if specific beach clubs have their own rules.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Spiaggia Grande is lined with numerous restaurants and cafes offering delicious Italian cuisine, from fresh seafood to pasta.
Dining near Spiaggia Grande can be on the pricier side due to its prime location. However, there are options for various budgets, and the views often justify the cost.
Yes, many restaurants have terraces directly on or overlooking Spiaggia Grande, allowing you to dine with a view of the sea.
Look for fresh seafood, lemon-infused dishes (a local specialty), and classic Italian pasta dishes. Don't forget to try a sfogliatella from a local pasticceria.
Besides sit-down restaurants, you can find casual cafes and snack bars offering quick bites, gelato, and refreshing drinks near Spiaggia Grande.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a slightly less crowded experience, the nearby Fornillo Beach is often recommended for families.
Packing plenty of snacks and drinks is a good idea, as prices on the beach can be high. Alternatively, exploring the town's charming streets and enjoying gelato can be a great activity for younger children. 💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when prices for accommodation and amenities might be lower. While beach clubs can be expensive, you can still enjoy the stunning views and atmosphere. Look for more casual trattorias away from the immediate beachfront for more affordable meal options.
💖 Couples & Romantics
Consider booking a table at a seaside restaurant for a memorable dinner with stunning views. Renting a private boat for a sunset cruise along the coast is an unforgettable way to experience the magic of Positano. For a more intimate experience, explore the quieter Fornillo Beach or find a secluded spot on the public section of Spiaggia Grande.
The charming, winding streets of Positano themselves are perfect for romantic strolls, discovering hidden corners and enjoying the breathtaking vistas. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiaggia Grande Experience
The atmosphere on Spiaggia Grande is buzzing, especially during peak season. You'll see a constant flow of people, from sunbathers and swimmers to those arriving or departing on ferries and private boats.
Despite its undeniable beauty, Spiaggia Grande can get overwhelmingly crowded, particularly in July and August.
Visitors often note the high prices for sunbeds, food, and drinks, which are a common characteristic of popular Amalfi Coast destinations. Navigating Positano: Transport & Accessibility
Instead, the most recommended modes of transport are ferries and local SITA buses. Ferries offer scenic journeys between coastal towns and provide a fantastic perspective of Positano from the water. Buses are a more budget-friendly option but can be subject to delays and significant crowds during peak times. Once you arrive in Positano, be prepared for a vertical town. Accessing Spiaggia Grande and exploring the charming streets involves navigating numerous steps.
For a truly unique perspective and a break from the crowds, consider renting a small boat or taking a boat tour. This allows you to see Positano from the sea and access more secluded coves, offering a different kind of beach experience away from the bustle of Spiaggia Grande.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit