Marina Grande
Positano’s iconic main beach, backed by pastel houses and Amalfi Coast views.
Overview
Marina Grande, also known as Spiaggia Grande, is Positano’s main beach and one of the most photographed beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Set directly below the town, it has dark sand and pebbles, beach clubs, restaurants, ferry departures and the classic view of Positano rising above the sea.
Good for
Public access
Free public access via Positano town centre
Beach clubs available: Yes — sunbeds and umbrellas can usually be rented in season.
There is a free public section of the beach, but much of Marina Grande is organised with private beach clubs. The free area can fill quickly in July and August, so arriving early is strongly recommended.
How to get there
By train: Can't reach Positano by train, however, seasonal ferries and boats arrive close to Marina Grande from towns such as Amalfi, Capri, Sorrento and Salerno
By bus: SITA buses connect Positano with other Amalfi Coast towns, but buses can be very busy in high season. From the bus stop, you will need to walk downhill through town to reach the beach.
Parking: Parking in Positano is limited and expensive. If you are driving, use one of the paid car parks in town and expect to walk down to the beach.
On foot: Easy walk downhill from central Positano, but the return journey involves steps and steep lanes.
Facilities
Practical tips
More about Marina Grande
Marina Grande is the heart of beach life in Positano. Also known as Spiaggia Grande, it sits at the bottom of the town, where the narrow streets and steps open out onto the sea. From the beach, you get the classic Positano view: colourful houses climbing up the cliff, the dome of Santa Maria Assunta behind you, and the Amalfi Coast stretching along the water. The beach itself is a mix of dark sand, pebbles and small stones, typical of this part of the Amalfi Coast. It is not the softest or quietest beach in Italy, but that is not really the point of Marina Grande. People come here for the atmosphere, the view, the beach clubs, the restaurants and the feeling of being right in the centre of Positano. Marina Grande is especially convenient if you are staying in Positano or arriving by boat. The beach is close to the ferry pier, with seasonal connections to places such as Amalfi, Capri, Sorrento and Salerno. It is also a popular starting point for boat trips along the coast and to nearby coves. In summer, Marina Grande gets very busy. Much of the beach is taken up by paid sunbeds and umbrellas, with a smaller free public area. If you want a proper beach day, book a beach club in advance or arrive early to find a spot on the free beach. If you just want to experience the view, come for a swim in the morning or stop by in the late afternoon for a walk, aperitivo or dinner by the sea. For a quieter beach near Positano, Fornillo is usually a better choice. But for the full postcard version of Positano - the beach, the boats, the restaurants and the town rising behind the shoreline - Marina Grande is the place to start.
Location
Other beaches on the Amalfi Coast are shown on the map — tap a pin to open its page.
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