Positano's Most Photographed Views: Where to Shoot

The classic view from the Statale 163

The image everyone recognizes is of the town fanning out across the valley, with houses stacked one above the other down to the shore. You get it along the Statale 163, in the stretches where the road looks out over the town.

The road is narrow and the traffic constant. Stopping in unauthorized spots is dangerous as well as forbidden. If you are not driving, the SITA bus lets you take in the landscape at your leisure and choose where to get off. If you come by car, it is best to leave it in a car park, of which Positano has few, and continue on foot.

Spiaggia Grande: the town seen from below

From Spiaggia Grande the framing is reversed: instead of looking down, you look up. The pastel facades, terraces and hanging gardens climb the slope and create an almost theatrical composition.

Try including boats pulled up on the shore or the waterline in the foreground, which add depth. If you want a wider view, move toward the ends of the beach and look for the angle where the coast acts as a backdrop.

The majolica dome of Santa Maria Assunta

The most recognizable point of the skyline is the majolica dome of the church of Santa Maria Assunta. It stands out among the houses and frames well both from the beach and from the stairways that climb through the town center.

A telephoto lens, or your smartphone's zoom, lets you isolate it from the rest of the town and bring out the patterns of the roof. Inside, where the Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna is kept, the rules of a place of worship apply: find out about the photography rules and keep quiet.

The path to Fornillo: a window on the coast

The footpath leading to Fornillo beach runs along the coast and offers different views at every bend. From here you can frame Positano in profile, with the sea opening out below and the houses climbing up behind you.

It is the right place to photograph on the move, without hurry. Wear comfortable shoes and always check the condition of the path before setting out, because trails can be subject to closures or works.

From above: Montepertuso and Nocelle

The upper hamlets offer a quieter perspective. At Montepertuso, the perforated rock makes an unusual subject: the landscape is seen through the opening, as in a natural frame.

At Nocelle, where the Sentiero degli Dei arrives from Agerola, the view widens over the sea and the coast. Here the town seems far away and the photograph can breathe: terraces, vegetation and horizon all fit into the same scene.

From the sea: Li Galli and the town receding

Another view, perhaps the most complete, is from the sea. The shuttle boats and seasonal ferries to Amalfi, Capri and Sorrento let you watch Positano recede and come together as a single silhouette.

Offshore, the Li Galli islands become a subject in their own right, their dark profile against the water. Always check schedules and services on the shipping companies' official channels, because they change with the season and weather conditions.

A few tips for better shots

The town faces south, but the differences in elevation create strong shadows: the low light of morning and late afternoon softens contrasts and makes the colors of the facades stand out.

• Look for natural foreground elements, such as branches, railings, curtains and steps, to add depth.
• Respect private property: many terraces and gardens are people's homes.
• Do not block narrow passages with tripods and equipment.
• If you use a drone, check ENAC rules and local bans before taking off.