Best Beaches near Positano: 6 Beautiful Beaches to Visit

A practical guide to the best beaches near Positano, from the iconic Marina Grande to quieter Fornillo, beach-club favourite Arienzo and scenic coves nearby.

Positano is one of the most famous places on the Amalfi Coast, but choosing the right beach can make a big difference to your day. Some beaches are perfect for the classic Positano view, while others are better for swimming, beach clubs, long lunches or a quieter afternoon away from the busiest part of town. Most beaches near Positano are pebbly rather than sandy, and many involve steps, boat shuttles or narrow coastal paths. That is part of the charm, but it also means it is worth knowing what each beach is best for before you go. This guide covers 6 of the best beaches near Positano, using beaches currently featured on Feriae Italia. It includes the main beach in Positano, quieter nearby options, scenic coves and beaches that are better for beach clubs, sunset views or restaurants by the sea.

Marina Grande, Positano

Marina Grande, also known as Spiaggia Grande, is Positano’s main beach and the most iconic beach in town. This is the classic Positano view: colourful houses rising above the shoreline, boats on the water, rows of umbrellas and the Amalfi Coast cliffs all around you. The beach is a mix of dark sand and pebbles, with beach clubs, restaurants, boat departures and a free public section. It is the easiest beach to reach if you are staying in central Positano or arriving by ferry, which also makes it one of the busiest. Marina Grande is not the quietest beach near Positano, especially in July and August, but it is the best place to start if you want the full Positano experience. Come for the view, the atmosphere, a swim, lunch by the sea or a boat trip along the coast. - Best for: iconic Positano views, beach clubs, restaurants and boat trips. - Good to know: Marina Grande gets very busy in summer, and sunbeds can be expensive in high season.

Fornillo Beach

Fornillo Beach is one of the best beaches in Positano if you want something calmer than Marina Grande but still close to town. It sits just around the corner from the main beach and can be reached by a scenic coastal path in around 10 to 15 minutes. The beach is pebbly, with clear water, beach clubs and restaurants along the shore. It still gets busy in peak season, but the atmosphere is usually more relaxed and less hectic than Positano’s main beach. Fornillo works well for a proper beach day in Positano. You can swim, rent sunbeds, have lunch by the water and stay for a slower afternoon without feeling quite as central as you would on Marina Grande. - Best for: a quieter Positano beach, swimming, beach clubs and relaxed lunches. - Good to know: access involves walking and some steps, so pack lightly if you are carrying beach bags.

Arienzo Beach

Arienzo Beach is one of the most scenic beaches near Positano, known for its clear water, beach clubs and dramatic cliffside setting. It is often called the “300 steps beach” because of the long staircase that leads down from the coastal road. The beach is small and pebbly, with bright blue water and steep cliffs behind it. It feels more tucked away than Marina Grande, although it is still very popular in summer, especially with visitors booking beach clubs. Arienzo is a good choice if you want a more polished Amalfi Coast beach day with sunbeds, lunch and swimming. There is usually a free public section, but space is limited, so booking ahead is a good idea in high season. Some beach clubs may also offer boat shuttles from Positano, which makes the visit much easier. - Best for: beach clubs, clear water, couples and scenic views. - Good to know: the walk back up the steps can feel hard in the heat, especially after a full beach day.

Laurito Beach

Laurito Beach is a small cove just outside Positano, between Positano and Praiano. It is much smaller than Marina Grande and Fornillo, with a more tucked-away feel, clear water, a pebbly shoreline and a few restaurants and beach club areas by the sea. This is not the beach to choose if you want lots of space. Laurito is compact, and in summer much of the shoreline is taken up by organised areas. But if you want a smaller cove near Positano for a swim and lunch, it is a lovely option. Laurito works especially well for a relaxed half-day rather than a full beach day. Come for the clear water, stay for lunch, and check whether your chosen restaurant or beach club offers a boat shuttle from Positano. - Best for: small-cove atmosphere, swimming, lunch by the sea and a quieter beach near Positano. - Good to know: free space is limited, and access usually involves steps or boat access.

Gavitella Beach, Praiano

Gavitella Beach is in Praiano, not Positano, but it is one of the best nearby beaches if you want views, clear water and afternoon sun. Because it faces west, Gavitella gets sunlight later in the day than many other beaches on the Amalfi Coast, making it a great choice for a late swim or aperitivo. The beach is small and rocky, with clear water, bathing platforms, beach clubs and views towards Positano, Capri and the Li Galli islands. It feels more dramatic and less central than the beaches in Positano itself. To reach Gavitella on foot, you need to walk down a long staircase from Praiano. Some beach clubs may offer boat transfers in season, which can make the visit easier. It is worth the effort if you want one of the most scenic beach settings near Positano. - Best for: sunset views, beach clubs, clear water and couples. - Good to know: the steps back up to Praiano are steep, so avoid climbing back during the hottest part of the day.

Marina di Praia, Praiano

Marina di Praia is a tiny beach in Praiano, set in a narrow cove between steep cliffs. It is one of the most atmospheric beaches near Positano, with fishing boats, deep blue water and restaurants built into the rocks around the marina. This is more of a scenic cove than a classic beach-club beach. The beach itself is very small, so it can feel crowded quickly, but the setting is beautiful and full of character. It is a great place to come for a swim, a seafood lunch or an early evening drink by the water. Marina di Praia is also a useful starting point for boat trips and water taxis around Praiano and along the Amalfi Coast. It is a good choice if you want something different from Positano’s more polished beach clubs. - Best for: restaurants, seafood, boat trips and dramatic cliffs. - Good to know: the beach is tiny, so arrive early if you want space by the water.

Tips for visiting beaches near Positano

Most beaches near Positano are pebbly, so bring water shoes if you plan to swim. Book beach clubs in advance during July and August, especially at Arienzo, Marina Grande and Gavitella. Arrive early if you want space on the free public beach. The free areas are usually smaller than the paid sections and can fill quickly in summer. Do not rely on parking. Positano is not an easy place to drive or park, especially in high season. Walking, ferries, buses, scooters and boat shuttles are usually more practical. Check access before you go. Some beaches involve long staircases, boat transfers or seasonal services, so it is worth planning your route before setting off.