If you are planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast, you have probably already seen photos of picturesque Positano. The city seems sculpted among the cliffs, with pastel-colored buildings that climb among citrus trees and olive groves.
Staying in Positano can be extremely expensive. In this article we will analyze the best places to stay in Positano and I will provide you with a list of hotels suitable for all needs and all types of budgets. With the help of this guide, you will be able to identify the Positano neighborhood that’s right for you.
Where to stay in Positano: the best places

Positano is undoubtedly the most famous town on the Amalfi Coast. A small charming and picturesque village, characterized by pastel-colored houses wedged between the cliffs.
On the one hand you will have olive groves and lush landscapes as well as the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Positano covers an area of about 9 km² and has less than 5,000 residents. However, every year it welcomes thousands of tourists from all over the world ready to treat themselves to a few fabulous days.
To help you plan your stay in Positano, this guide will analyze the main districts of the city. The center of Positano is where you will find a wide selection of restaurants and cafes, as well as shops where you can discover garments that reflect the standards of Positano Beachwear.
To the north-west of the city is the neighborhood of Chiesa Nuova, a delightful hamlet that boasts a good selection of affordable accommodation. To the south, you will arrive in the Fornillo area, a fantastic option for families visiting Positano as it is super close to the town’s beach.
Finally, moving north-east, you will find the splendid and secluded district of Montepertuso, from where you can enjoy fantastic views. Not yet decided where to stay in Positano? Do not worry, later we will analyze the districts of Positano in more detail, in the meantime here is a brief overview:
- Where to stay in Positano for the first time: Positano Center
- Where to stay in Positano on a budget: Chiesa Nuova
- The nightlife district: Positano Center
- The most beautiful place to stay in Positano: Montepertuso
- The best area in Positano for families: Fornillo
Positano Center
The center is the best place to stay in Positano. This neighborhood is located in the lower part of the city, near the beach. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants and tourist attractions and will save you from having to deal with steep climbs or descents.
It is also an excellent choice if you want to explore the other cities of the Amalfi Coast and beyond. In fact, ferries and shuttles depart from here that connect Positano to Sorrento and Amalfi, the islands of Capri and Ischia and the historic sites of Pompeii and Naples.
Furthermore, the center is also the hub of Positano’s nightlife. Those who love to dance all night will not want to miss the evenings of Music on the Rocks. This nightclub is located right on the Spiaggia Grande and for decades has welcomed international celebrities and show business personalities.
Chiesa Nuova
Chiesa Nuova is a charming neighborhood located north of the center of Positano. It develops around the splendid Chiesa Nuova di Positano and offers a spectacular view of the city and its bay. You will find an excellent selection of shops and restaurants, as well as boutique hotels and relaxing wine bars.
It is an area that I recommend if you want to sleep in Positano on a budget and it is here that you will find one of the few hostels in the city. For a fish-based dinner, stop at the Next 2 Restaurant and Wine Bar or, if you prefer a pizza or a plate of pasta, at La Cantina delle Tre Sorelle.
On the other hand, if you are not in optimal shape, avoid this area because to reach the beach (and to return to the hotel) you will have to face many stairs.
Fornillo
Fornillo beach is a small beach located west of the larger and better known Spiaggia Grande di Positano. It is only a 15-minute walk from the busy and lively port pier and offers a break from the tourist crowds.
If you are traveling with your family, you should consider booking a hotel in this area. From here you can enjoy a quiet and relaxing day at the beach without the swarms of people. Here you can rent a kayak and reach the interesting Fornillo Cave.
Montepertuso
Montepertuso is a small neighborhood located north of Positano. Surrounded by lush landscapes and rolling hills, Montepertuso is a scenic paradise perfect for hiking, trekking and for those who love getting lost in nature.
Here you will find a large selection of trails and paths that wind their way through the countryside and offer spectacular sea views, such as the one that leads to the top of Monte San Michele. That’s why it’s one of my favorite areas to stay in Positano.
Here you will also find many typical trattorias serving local dishes with homemade pasta, such as the Donna Rosa Restaurant and La Tagliata.
Suggested hotels in Positano

To conclude, I will give you a list of the best hotels in Positano based on reviews, location, services and value for money. Remember to book well in advance, especially if you plan to visit Positano in high season (July and August).
- The best luxury hotel in Positano: Il San Pietro di Positano
- The best boutique hotel in Positano: Casa Buonocore
- The best budget hotel in Positano: Villa Bellavista
- The best family hotel in Positano: Hotel Miramare
- The best hostel in Positano: Brikette Hostel
Luxury hotels in Positano
Le Sirenuse
Hotel Villa Franca
Hotel Palazzo Murat
Covo Dei Saraceni
Budget hotels in Positano
Casa Fortunata
Casa Vela
La Mammola
La Taverna del Leone
Family hotels in Positano
Villa La Tartana
Hotel Marincanto
Hotel Ancora
Covo Dei Saraceni
This article was translated by CrowdsourcedExplorer.com