Since Positano is situated along Italy’s gorgeous Amalfi Coast, soaking up some beach time is one of the most popular things to do in Positano. Plus, this is also where you’ll discover some of the best views of this cliffside village, too!

While the village isn’t particularly large, there are a couple of beaches in Positano to match your preferred style. Whether you’re after the trendiest beaches near the best restaurants in Positano or you’re craving some downtime at a secluded seaside gem after making the tricky journey to Positano, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Come dive into the best beaches in Positano!

The large majority of beaches along the Amalfi Coast are rocky, not sandy. (Frankly, this is a pretty typical European beach thing in general.)

However, while you won’t find any full sand beaches in Positano, you can find small sections of sand, depending on where you are.

The main beach in Positano that most everyone is familiar with is Spiaggia Grande. You may also hear it referred to as Marina Grande Beach or even “Positano Beach,” as it’s the one most often associated with Positano. Spiaggia Grande is also the largest beach in the village.

Although Positano beaches are not fully free, you can usually find a free section on the majority of beaches in the village. You’ll notice that the free sections are the areas of sand without any loungers/umbrellas on them (as these require payment).

You most certainly can! Just be aware that the water here can get down as low as 57°F  (13.8°C) in February. However, most people aren’t traveling to Positano during this time anyway, since many shops and restaurants are closed.

Sea temperatures in the summer range from the mid to high seventies, with a peak temperature of 78.8°F (26°C) in August. For a full overview, you can also check out the sea temperature in Positano by month.

This depends on exactly where you are (and potentially the season as well), but you can expect to pay around 20EUR per person, on average.

While it may not be the first Italian destination that springs to mind when it comes to the best beaches in Southern Italy, Positano certainly has a few gems of its own.

And if there’s a pecking order of beaches in Positano, Spiaggia Grande is considered to be the cream of the crop. That’s because it’s the largest and most iconic beach in Positano. In fact, many people simply refer to it as “Positano Beach,” presuming that it’s the only one in the village.

While it’s actually not the only one in Positano (or else this guide would be exceptionally short), it’s in the heart of the action, just below the central town.

To rent a chair? Or not to rent a chair? That is the question!

I suggest making this decision before you arrive so that you’re not doing the awkward beach dance in between the two. If you’d prefer a more relaxed, luxurious experience, you’ll want to consider renting a lounger and umbrella. I’d recommend this for a longer visit, particularly if you’re looking to order food during your beach time.

To rent your own personal lounger/umbrella combo, you’ll need to do so through L’Incanto. Pricing is dependent on the proximity of your chair to the water, with front-row seats available at a premium.

Front Row Lounger & Umbrella: $27.82 (25EUR)
Non-Front Row Lounger & Umbrella: $25 (22.50EUR)

Once you’ve secured your chair at Spiaggia Grande Positano, you may also take advantage of the food and beverage service.

Alternatively, if you’re just doing a quick beach visit and/or you’d prefer not having to shell out the cash, there’s also a free section located in the middle (Spiaggia Libera). While there are no chairs for rent here, this could be a good option if you’re planning to just lay out on a towel for a bit.

That said, keep in mind that the free section can get crowded, especially in the peak summer months. Depending on when you’re here, you may not have as much room to stretch out as you’d like.

Spiaggia Grande is located just below the main town center.

GPS Coordinates: 40.627477, 14.488128

Still on the spectrum of the biggest beaches in Positano, Fornillo Beach Positano is the second largest after Spiaggia Grande.

However, it’s a quieter and less touristy alternative to Spiaggia Grande, located about a 10-minute walk from the town center.

But not to worry, you won’t be sacrificing the view at Fornillo Beach! It’s still quite beautiful, it’s just often overshadowed by Spiaggia Grande.

However, despite being quieter, it’s not what I’d refer to as a secluded beach, as is the case with some of the others in this guide. There’s still some action here, including several restaurants.

Fornillo is actually made up of three small private beaches (where you must purchase a lounger/umbrella) and a free beach at the end.

Front Row Lounger & Umbrella: $22.24 (20EUR)
Non-Front Row Lounger & Umbrella: $16.68 (15EUR)

However, I think the free area is nicer than the one at Spiaggia Grande, so if you’re not looking to purchase a lounger/umbrella, I’d recommend coming here.

In addition, there are also several eateries along the beach as well as bathing houses where you can wash off. For more details on the restaurant I’d recommend here, be sure to check out my food guide containing the best restaurants in Positano with a view.

There are a couple of different ways you can reach Fornillo Beach – on foot, by shuttle, or on a private boat rental. Walking here is obviously free, whereas you’d need to book a sunbed and umbrella to take advantage of the shuttle option.

To get here from Spiaggia Grande, make your way to the dock and then follow Via Positanesi D’America heading west.

GPS Coordinates: 40.6264, 14.4822

A beautiful half-free/half-private beach in Positano is Arienzo and its main draw, Arienzo Beach Club. This Positano beach club is one of the most famous in town.

While you’ll have to pay to play at Arienzo Beach Club, the prices are actually quite reasonable. First off, shuttle service is complimentary for those making use of the beach club, which is a nice perk.

Secondly, you can land two lounge chairs and an umbrella for only $27.81 (25 EUR).

Beach Club Hours:

Restaurant: 12PM – 3:30PM
Bar: 10AM – 6:15PM
Beach: 10AM – 6:15PM

Arienzo Beach is located at Via Arienzo, 16, 84017 Positano SA.

Arienzo Beach Club offers complimentary shuttle service departing from La Banchina pier every 30 minutes from 10AM – 1PM. Return service begins at 3:45PM.

Laurito just may be one of the best-kept “secret” beaches in Positano. Despite its small size, Laurito Beach is a little slice of paradise (providing you don’t mind a few pebbles).

This secluded and pebbly gem is perfect if you’re looking to rent a beach chair and prefer an intimate-sized beach without a lot of noise.

You can either rent a beach chair here or enjoy the free section of the beach.

Laurito Beach is closed from October to April.

Laurito Beach is located at Via Laurito, 84017, Positano SA.

This beach can be reached by hiking or by boat. If you’re hiking, you’ll need to descend a steep 450-step staircase at the Positano intersection off the state road.

Alternatively, if you’re a patron of Ristorante Da Adolfo, you can also take advantage of free shuttle service.

GPS Coordinates:  40.6238111, 14.50371389

If seclusion is your top priority, then you should consider a visit to La Porta Beach Positano. This beach is so exclusive, in fact, that it’s actually only accessible by boat!

Fortunately, however, the journey here is pretty brief, and you can catch a boat to this long, wide beach gem from Spiaggia Grande.

You’ll need to catch a boat to La Porta Beach from the Spiaggia Grande dock/port. You’ll see the platform on your right as you look out at the water on Spiaggia Grande.

If a luxurious and exclusive beach experience is more your speed, you should definitely consider a visit to Lido La Scogliera Beach Resort.

While removed from the crowds of Spiaggia Grande, this beach still manages to hold its own as a status symbol around town. Equipped with a solarium and a seaside VIP terrace outfitted with sun beds and coffee tables, La Scogliera is the place to be if top-notch service is your idea of la dolce vita.

This gorgeous beach overlooks the Li Galli islands and really is a refreshing change of pace as far as Positano beaches go.

Unfortunately, pets and children aren’t permitted at this adults-only seaside oasis.

La Scogliera Positano is located at Spiaggia, Via Marina Grande, 84017 Positano SA.

Marina di Praia Beach is located just over 20 minutes from Positano in Praiano.

More of an intimate, secluded beach cove than a full-on beach, Marina di Praia is actually a natural fjord. It’s nestled between two giant rock ridges, creating a uniquely cozy atmosphere.

That said, there are a surprising number of facilities here, considering! You’ll find everything from restaurants and clubs to bathing facilities. Ristorante Alfonso a Mare is a popular choice here.

If you’re looking to explore beyond the beach here, you can take a stroll to the Torre a Mare, located on the right-hand side. This Saracen tower dates back to the Middle Ages.

There are no waves to catch here, but the beach can be ideal for snorkeling.

Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent.

Marina di Praia Beach is located at Via Praia, 84010 Praiano SA. It’s a 24-minute drive from Positano.

You can reach the beach by car, by bus, or by private boat rental.

If you’re driving here, you can park along the road leading to the marina. In the summer, a private car park is also available.

Bus Options: 

• Sita bus (from Sorrento and Amalfi)
• Tasso bus (from Praiano)
• Mobility Amalfi Coast bus (from Praiano and Positano)

Located just over half an hour from Positano is the picturesque Fiordo di Crapolla.

Another enchanting and secluded fjord, Fiordo di Crapolla is perfect for the off-the-beaten-path traveler.

Between a 45-minute hike and a steep descent down to the water, this natural cove is one of the trickiest beaches in Positano to reach.

That said, if you can make the journey, the views are well worth the effort!

This is a natural beach without facilities/restaurants, so it’s best to come prepared with any items you may need.

Fiordo di Crapolla is located at Penisola Sorrentina, Italy. 

GPS Coordinates: 40.5932, 14.3809

If you plan on spending a few days in Positano, you may want to venture beyond the town to Fiumicello Beach.

One part free beach and one part beach club, this special spot has a little of everything. However, at a little over three hours away from Positano in Maratea, it’s definitely not ideal for a quick outing.

That said, if you’re looking to enjoy a full beach day and you’re craving a change of scenery – particularly hills and small caves – this might just be the spot for you.

Fiumicello Beach is located at Via Santavenere, 85046 Maratea PZ.

GPS Coordinates: 39.9975, 15.6999

You can travel here by car or by boat, but a seaside journey is the most efficient means of travel.

I hope this Positano beach guide has given you plenty of inspiration for a fun beach day! There are definitely more beaches in Positano than meet the eye, so I suggest setting aside time for a few of them on your Italy itinerary.

Have you visited Positano yet? If so, what was your favorite beach? If not, wish seaside spot is calling your name? Let me know in the comments below!

Planning a trip to Positano? Check out my other guides:

• How to Get to Positano: An Essential Guide for a Seamless Journey
• 25 Things to Do in Positano on Your First Visit
• Best Views in Positano (& Exactly Where to Find Them)
• 10 Best Restaurants in Positano with Killer Views
• 20 Dreamy Boutique Hotels in Positano with Amazing Views
• Taormina or Positano: Which Italian Hot Spot Is Right for You?