Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo and Positano's Other Beaches

A vertical town, four beaches

Positano climbs up the mountain and ends in the water. Its beaches follow the same logic: they are stretches of coast carved out between rocks and houses, not long expanses of sand.

The sand is dark and mixed with pebbles, and the landscape around you is part of the experience. The four main beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo, Arienzo and Laurito. They differ in access, size and the rhythm of the day.

Spiaggia Grande, in front of the center

It is the beach closest to town and the one you see on postcards: you get there in a few minutes from the center, with the church facade and its majolica-tiled dome behind you.

It is a place of constant comings and goings: boats pulled up on the shore, fishermen, people leaving on an excursion, others stopping to watch. There are equipped areas and free stretches, but the details vary from season to season.

It suits those who want a quick swim without having to travel, or who like to be in the middle of town life. If you're looking for quiet, you'll do better to go early or at the end of the day.

Fornillo, on foot along the coast

Fornillo is the quietest bay and is reached on foot. The path starts at the western edge of Spiaggia Grande and follows the coast, with lovely views of the sea and the town's profile.

The walk takes little time, but it includes steps and some ups and downs: you need comfortable shoes, not light flip-flops. At the end you'll find a more secluded beach with a less hectic atmosphere.

It's a good choice for families, for anyone who wants a slower break, and for those who want to combine a walk with a swim.

Arienzo and Laurito: stairs or boat

To the west lie Arienzo and Laurito, which are less immediate to reach. You get there by stairs that go down from the road or, in season, by shuttle boats that connect with the main beach.

Arienzo has a secluded character, with a sea that looks more open. Laurito is intimate and more tied to the rhythm of the sea than to that of the town.

If you choose the stairs, keep in mind the climb back up. If you choose the boat, find out about the service before you set out: availability depends on the season and sea conditions.

Which one to choose, in brief

A quick summary to help you decide:

• Spiaggia Grande: convenient, central, ideal for a swim without any planning.
• Fornillo: quieter, reached on foot via the scenic path.
• Arienzo: secluded, with access by stairs or shuttle boat in season.
• Laurito: intimate, also reached by stairs and shuttle.

For a full day you can combine them: the morning at Fornillo, the afternoon in town.

What to pack

The seabed is made of pebbles and dark sand that gets very hot during the middle hours of the day: water shoes or sandals that can get wet are useful for getting into the water.

Bringing water, a hat and sun protection is wise, especially if you're walking down. A light bag makes the stairs easier. Here you walk a lot, even to get to the sea.

If you're traveling by car, remember that parking spots are few and expensive: it's better to arrive by bus or ferry and leave the car elsewhere.

Before you go: what to check

Some information changes and should be checked with official sources: sea conditions, the shuttle boat service, ferries, buses and the accessibility of paths and stairs.

Consult the municipality (Comune), the shipping companies and local transport authorities before planning your day. After storms or works, some access points may be restricted.

For the rest, leave room for the unexpected: in Positano the best swim is often the one that comes after a slow descent among the houses.