For most of the years between the 15th and 17th centuries, Positano was an affluent coastal city that thrived on regional maritime trade.
Though its fortunes slowly faded as more powerful cities like Naples and Sorrento’s rose, Positano’s economy is now largely based on travel and tourism.
Just a stone’s throw from Vesuvius National Park and the buried city of Pompeii, it’s location on the Tyrrhenian Sea makes it a wonder for lovers of iconic Mediterranean beauty.
Below are 15 of the best tours of Positano and other nearby attractions that warrant a closer look when in the area.
1. Full-Day Private Positano and Amalfi Coast Vespa Tour
Source: leoks / shutterstockFor those who’d rather not spend hours in a cramped tour bus, experiencing Positano and the amazing Amalfi Coast by Vespa is an exhilarating alternative.
After meeting their guide and getting their scooters, guests will set off along the Amalfi Coast to discover the area’s natural beauty and abundant historical and cultural attractions.
Featuring idyllic villages, elevated terraces overlooking the sea, and rugged inland landscapes, it may just be one of Italy’s most awe-inspiring areas.
Tours begin at 9:00 in a central Positano location, last about 6 ½ hours, and include stops for coffee and a traditional Mediterranean-style lunch.
2. Private Boat Tour to Capri or Amalfi from Positano
Source: Neirfy / shutterstockDeparting from Positano and setting out across the Tyrrhenian Sea toward the iconic Blue Grotto, this private boat tour to Capri or Amalfi is a great value for those with six hours of free time on their itineraries.
Tours are limited in size, and participants have the option of choosing which of the aforementioned attractions they’d like to visit.
Regardless of which destination is chosen, guests will appreciate personalized service from their captain-guide, and will have ample time to spend soaking up the sun and enjoying the majestic scenery.
Tours generally include narrated sightseeing portions and time to relax on a secluded beach.
3. Positano Sunset Cruise and Fireworks Show
Source: www.getyourguide.comApparently, the sunsets off the coast of Positano are second to none, because each evening hordes of travelers depart from Sorrento to experience them in all their glory.
In addition to enjoying the setting sun, participants of this six-hour boat tour will see one of the most impressive fireworks shows in the area.
Tours depart from Sorrento’s port mid-afternoon and offer guests unforgettable views of the coastline, as well as a few hours of exploration time in Positano before the main events begin.
Many guests enjoy a relaxed dinner onshore before making their way back to the boat to watch the sunset and fireworks.
4. Full-Day Pompeii and Herculaneum Tour from Positano
Source: BAHDANOVICH ALENA / shutterstockTours that offer lots of options are excellent choices for travelers who prefer to fly by the seat of their pants when on vacation.
This full-day Pompeii and Herculaneum Tour offers starting points in four places along the Amalfi Coast, and one of them is Positano.
At Pompeii, guests will spend a few hours touring the archaeological ruins. They can choose between a local English-speaking guide or an audio device available in multiple languages.
Tours require significant amounts of walking and include free time for lunch, an additional two hours in Herculaneum, and round-trip transportation from your specified point of departure.
5. Amalfi and Ravello Tour from Positano
Source: Leonid Andronov / shutterstockThe drive along the coast between Positano and Amalfi is nothing short of spectacular, and this six-hour tour offers guests the chance to see an impressive mix of both natural and humanmade attractions.
The tour’s first stop is Amalfi, where guests will have a few hours to explore the town, meet some of its inhabitants, and appreciate its scenic location and impressive architecture.
Tours are restricted to 21 guests and include the services of a multilingual guide, as well as structured sightseeing and free time to relax, dine, or explore.
Round-trip transportation is also included, but entrance fees to optional attractions aren’t.
6. Sorrento Coast and Capri Boat Tour from Positano
Source: Alex Tihonovs / shutterstockCapri is one of the Amalfi Coast’s premier attractions, and the boat ride from Piano di Sorrento across the Tyrrhenian Sea is characterized by multicolored grottos, natural arches, and impressive humanmade structures like the lighthouse at Carena.
Of course, the waters are amazingly blue as well, and it’s common to see a variety of marine life and birds before docking in Capri.
Once on the island, guests will have between three and five hours of time to explore on their own using free maps that make it easy to see numerous attractions in a relatively short time.
Tours begin and end in Positano.
7. Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello Day-Trip by Sea and Land from Sorrento
Source: leoks / shutterstockAfter meeting their guide at a central Sorrento location, guests of this three-stop tour will travel by air-conditioned bus up the Amalfi coast toward Ravello.
Along the way, participants will benefit from their local guide’s historical and cultural insights, and see some of the Tyrrhenian coast’s most incredible scenery as well.
Tours also include stops at Amalfi and Positano, both of which feature impressive attractions like beautiful piazzas, abundant historic sites, traditional architecture, and a variety of shops and cafes.
Guests will have both guided and free time and may enjoy snorkeling and sunbathing by a secluded beach if the weather cooperates.
8. Pompeii and Vesuvius Boat Tour from Positano
Source: Peeradontax / shutterstockFor those who prefer to be on the move while most tourists are still tucked in their beds sleeping off their pasta dinners from the night before, this early departure Pompeii and Vesuvius boat tour from Positano would be a great option.
When the boat trip to the port of Castellammare di Stabia ends, guests will travel via bus to Pompei and enjoy 2 ½ hours of sightseeing with their licensed local guide.
Tours also include a visit to Mount Vesuvius and free time to swim, sunbathe, or relax with a drink before returning to the port – and from there, to Positano.
9. Amalfi Coast Small-Group Tour
Source: canadastock / shutterstockFeaturing a maximum of eight guests and departing from a central location near Naples’ train station at 9:00 AM, this full-day tour of Positano and the Amalfi Coast is a great option for those looking for an immersive and personalized experience.
Tours include stops at the quaint and historic village of Ravello, where guests will take a short tour with their guide before heading off to Positano—often referred to as the pearl of the Amalfi Coast.
While in Positano, participants will explore narrow streets, learn about the area’s history and culture, and sample traditional fare like pasta, fresh seafood, and limoncello.
10. Private Day Tour along the Amalfi Coast
Source: proslgn / shutterstockLovers of value-packed tours may ask themselves if it’s possible to visit four of the Amalfi Coast’s most amazing towns and have six language options in a reasonably priced tour.
Thankfully, the answer is a resounding yes. This day tour is appropriate for those using wheelchairs as well.
Guests may opt for a driver only, or for a full-service tour with a local guide who’ll show them around at each location.
Tours include stops in Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello, and pick-up and drop off from your hotel in either Naples, Sorrento, or in a number of other locations along the coast.
11. The Path of the Gods
Source: Pfeiffer / shutterstockThe Amalfi Coast’s Path of the Gods is a must-experience attraction for fit and outdoorsy vacationers looking to get up close and personal with some of the area’s most impressive natural sites.
Hiking or walking the Path of Gods trail generally takes less than an hour. It includes portions of forest, cliffs overlooking the sea, and unobstructed views of the area’s many caves and sea grottos.
Guided tours pass the Bomerano, Nocelle, and Colle Serra and are big hits with photographers and those who are tired of overcrowded historical sites.
Tours last about 2 ½ hours and include the services of a local guide and transportation to and from a central Sorrento location.
12. Skip-the-Line Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Tour from Positano
Source: Boerescu / shutterstockIt’s just a short hop across the peninsula from Positano to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii.
Nearly 2,000 years ago, the former erupted unexpectedly and covered the latter in tons of volcanic ash that killed most residents and preserved much of the town like a macabre time capsule.
This tour begins and ends in Positano and includes a two-hour excursion to the excavation site, where guests will learn the details of the deadly event and see items like art and housewares that are much as they were on that fateful day.
Guests will also enjoy a trip to Mount Vesuvius before returning to Positano in the afternoon.
13. Amalfi and Positano Coast Tour
Source: lauradibi / shutterstockWith a morning departure from the Port of Sorrento, this tour of Positano and the Amalfi Coast features both guided portions as well as time to take in the area’s natural beauty, relax, and swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea’s blue waters.
Tour highlights include the remnants of a villa that was once the residence of a Roman senator, the historic fishing village of Marina di Puolo, and the cape of Punta Campanella, which sits where the Gulf of Salerno meets the sea.
Tours often end just as the sun is setting, and guests are usually back in Sorrento between 5:00 and 6:00.
14. Amalfi Coast Farm to Table Food Tour
Source: www.getyourguide.comThere’s no better way to get the most value for your vacation time than to sign up for tours that explore multiple aspects of the Amalfi Coast’s history and culture.
This tour is limited to just eight participants, includes transportation from several nearby cities like Naples and Salerno, and features stops along the coast at places like Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano.
Tours include guided portions that delve into history, art, and architecture. But for many visitors with empty stomachs, the highlight is the traditional lunch that features tasty local fare like ham, buffalo mozzarella, ravioli, and eggplant parmesan.
15. Driving Tour of Positano and Praiano from Sorrento
Source: artem evdokimov / shutterstockAccording to previous tour guests, there’s something romantic and memorable about touring the stunning Amalfi Coast from the comfort of a vintage Fiat 500.
They’re not the roomiest cars in the world, but on this four-hour tour, guests will have access to some of the area’s most amazing views and benefit from their driver-guide’s narration along the way.
Between Positano and Praiano, there will be ample opportunity to exit the car, stretch your legs, and take breathtaking photos. Depending on time, it’s likely you will be able to fit in a brief coffee break at a local café as well.
Tours include round-trip transportation to and from Sorrento.