Arienzo
Positano, · Campania

Arienzo

A scenic Positano beach known for its clear water, beach clubs and dramatic cliffside setting.

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Overview

Arienzo Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches near Positano, set in a small cove beneath steep Amalfi Coast cliffs. Known for its clear water, beach clubs and famous staircase down from the road, it feels more tucked away than Marina Grande while still being close to Positano.

Beach type
pebble
Water
Clear
Crowd level
Moderate to busy in summer
Best time to go
May, June or September

Good for

Public access

Free public access via the staircase from the main road

There is a free public section of Arienzo Beach, but most visitors come for the beach clubs.

How to get there

By train: Can't reach it by train. Some beach clubs offer seasonal boat shuttles from Positano, which is often the easiest and most scenic way to arrive.

By bus: Local buses and SITA buses run along the Amalfi Coast road. From the road, you will need to walk down the long staircase to the beach.

Parking: Parking nearby is very limited. Arienzo is not a beach where you should rely on finding easy parking, especially in high season.

On foot: You can walk from Positano, but the route involves the coastal road and the staircase down to the beach. It is scenic, but not the easiest option in hot weather.

Facilities

Practical tips

Book a beach club in advance if you are visiting in July, August or on a weekend. Bring water shoes, as Arienzo is a pebble beach, and pack lightly if you are using the stairs. The walk down is manageable, but the climb back up can feel hard in the heat, so avoid arriving or leaving at the hottest part of the day. For the easiest experience, check whether your beach club offers a boat shuttle from Positano.

More about Arienzo

Arienzo Beach is one of Positano’s most scenic beaches, tucked into a cove beneath the cliffs just outside the main town centre. It has the clear water, steep rock backdrop and small beach-club atmosphere that many people imagine when they picture the Amalfi Coast. The beach is often known as the “300 steps beach”, because access from the road involves a long staircase down to the shore. The steps help make the beach feel more hidden than Marina Grande, although Arienzo is still very popular in summer. The walk down is beautiful, with glimpses of the sea and coastline, but the climb back up can be tiring in the midday heat. Arienzo is a pebble beach, with small stones along the shore and clear blue water that is great for swimming. It is a good choice if you want a proper beach day near Positano but prefer a smaller cove to the busy main beach. The setting feels more dramatic and enclosed, with cliffs behind the beach and boats often anchored just offshore. Most people visit Arienzo for the beach clubs, where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas and spend the day swimming, eating and relaxing by the water. There is also usually a free section, but space is limited and the beach is not very large. In July and August, booking ahead is strongly recommended. Arienzo works especially well for couples, groups of friends and anyone looking for a more polished beach-club experience near Positano. It is less convenient than Marina Grande, but that is part of its appeal. If you want an easy central beach, stay at Marina Grande. If you want clear water, cliffs and a slightly more special beach day, Arienzo is worth the effort

Location

Other beaches on the Amalfi Coast are shown on the map — tap a pin to open its page.

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