Fornillo Beach
A calmer Positano beach with clear water, beach clubs and a scenic walk from town.
Overview
Fornillo Beach is one of the best beaches in Positano if you want to stay close to town but avoid the busiest part of Marina Grande. Set in a sheltered bay just west of the main beach, Fornillo has clear water, a pebbly shoreline, beach clubs, restaurants and a more relaxed atmosphere than Positano’s postcard beach.
Good for
Public access
Free public access via the coastal path from Positano
Beach clubs available: Yes — sunbeds and umbrellas can usually be rented in season.
There is a free public section of Fornillo Beach, but much of the shoreline is organised with private beach clubs
How to get there
By train: Can't reach Positano by train, however, ferries arrive at Marina Grande in Positano. From there, you can walk to Fornillo Beach along the coastal path in around 10 to 15 minutes
By bus: SITA buses stop in Positano, but you will still need to walk down through town and then continue towards Fornillo. In summer, buses can be crowded, so allow extra time.
Parking: Parking in Positano is limited and expensive. If you drive, use a paid car park in town and continue on foot. Fornillo is not a beach where you can easily park right beside the water.
On foot: Around 10 to 15 minutes from Marina Grande via the scenic coastal path. The walk is beautiful, but expect steps and some uneven ground.
Facilities
Practical tips
More about Fornillo Beach
Fornillo Beach is the quieter side of Positano. It sits just around the corner from Marina Grande, close enough to reach on foot but far enough away to feel like a different scene. Instead of the full postcard drama of Positano’s main beach, Fornillo has a more relaxed, tucked-away feel, with beach clubs, restaurants and clear water framed by cliffs and old watchtowers. The beach is mostly pebbles and small stones, so it is worth bringing water shoes if you plan to swim. The water is usually clear and inviting, and the bay feels more sheltered than the main beach. It is still very much a Positano beach, so do not expect it to be empty in summer, but it tends to feel calmer and less crowded than Marina Grande. Fornillo works well if you want a proper beach day rather than just a quick photo stop. There are several beach clubs along the shoreline, plus places to eat and drink without needing to walk back into the centre of town. It is a good choice for couples, relaxed lunches, afternoon swims and anyone who wants to stay close to Positano without being right in the middle of the busiest beach. The walk to Fornillo is part of the appeal. From Marina Grande, follow the coastal path around the rocks, with sea views along the way. It is short and scenic, but there are some steps and uneven sections, so it is not ideal if you have mobility issues or lots of luggage-style beach bags. For the best experience, arrive early in peak season or book a beach club in advance. Fornillo is quieter than Marina Grande, but it is not a secret beach - in July and August, the free section can still fill quickly.
Location
Other beaches on the Amalfi Coast are shown on the map — tap a pin to open its page.
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