Positano Ferries

The port of Positano plays a key role in the ferry network of Italy, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 9 ferry routes operated by 6 ferry companies, Positano serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Positano, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Amalfi - Positano, Salerno - Positano connecting Positano with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Travelmar, Positano Jet, Alicost run regular services from Positano, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Positano offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

The most common approach to Positano is via the coastal road from Naples (approximately 1.5 hours by car) or Salerno (about 1 hour drive). Regular SITA buses connect Positano to Sorrento (40 minutes) and other Amalfi Coast towns, offering stunning, if sometimes hair-raising, views along the way. Those arriving from Rome can take a high-speed train to Naples or Salerno, then continue by bus or private transfer. For those driving, limited parking is available in designated garages at the top of the village, though rates can be steep during high season. Many visitors find it more convenient to arrive by ferry, avoiding the winding coastal roads entirely.

Perched dramatically on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, Positano dazzles visitors with its pastel-colored houses cascading down to the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. This vertical town offers a maze of narrow streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries, creating an atmosphere of effortless Italian elegance. As a ferry destination, Positano serves as a gateway to exploring the stunning coastline while offering its own unique charm that has captivated artists, writers, and travelers for generations.

Positano shines brightest from late April through June when temperatures are pleasantly warm (70-80°F/21-27°C), the bougainvillea is in full bloom, and summer crowds haven't yet reached their peak. September and early October offer similarly ideal conditions with warm sea temperatures perfect for swimming. July and August bring hot weather and the height of tourism, with packed beaches and higher prices throughout town. Ferry services operate most frequently during the summer months but continue with reduced schedules into the shoulder seasons. Winter sees many businesses close as Positano becomes quieter from November through March, though the peaceful atmosphere has its own appeal for those seeking solitude.

Positano's ferry connections make it an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Naples and Amalfi Coast. The island of Capri lies just a 30-minute ferry ride away, offering the famous Blue Grotto, luxurious shopping, and dramatic coastal scenery. Amalfi town, with its imposing cathedral and maritime history, can be reached in about 25 minutes by ferry, while vibrant Sorrento is accessible in approximately 40 minutes, connecting travelers to trains for Pompeii and Naples. For a less crowded experience, consider taking a ferry to the charming fishing village of Nerano (15 minutes), known for its excellent seafood restaurants and relaxed beaches. The ferry routes along this coastline provide some of the most spectacular maritime views in Italy.

Spiaggia Grande, Positano's main beach with its distinctive dark sand, offers the perfect spot to relax while admiring the town's iconic skyline. Hike the ancient Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) for breathtaking coastal panoramas that have remained unchanged for centuries. Food enthusiasts should sample local specialties like scialatielli ai frutti di mare (fresh pasta with seafood) and delizia al limone (lemon dessert) at cliffside restaurants where the views rival the cuisine. The colorful Marina Grande neighborhood buzzes with activity, while the quieter Fornillo area provides a more relaxed atmosphere just a short walk away. Don't miss Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta with its majolica-tiled dome and Byzantine Black Madonna icon that carries centuries of local legends.

Positano was once a prosperous port during the medieval period before falling into poverty and becoming a simple fishing village until artists and writers rediscovered it in the 1950s. The town's unique vertical structure means there are almost no roads suitable for cars, most transportation happens via the town's 1,000+ stairs, making the ferry an especially practical way to arrive. Moda Positano, the distinctive fashion style featuring linen clothing and handmade sandals, originated here in the 1960s and continues to influence summer fashion worldwide. Legend claims the town was founded by Neptune, the god of the sea, who placed it on the coast as a gift for a nymph he loved.