For the last Positano Diaries entry, I'm wrapping up the series with hotel and transportation tips. While getting to Positano isn't hard per se, it requires lots of planning and coordination.
Transportation to Positano:
When traveling to Positano, there are a few options of how to arrive. You can fly into Naples, which is what we did, or fly into Rome and take the train to Naples and take the shuttle bus or hire a driver to Positano. The Positano Shuttle is the public bus that goes from Naples to Positano, but for sake of time and ease, we hired Jack the Driver, although it was the more expensive option, costing 120 euro/each way. I will say while this option was more expensive, it was very easy- door to door service from airport to hotel and it was nice to have the privacy and space in the vehicle, over the shared shuttle. The trip is about an hour to an hour and a half based on traffic, but it goes by fast as there is lots to look at on the drive.
Our hotel balcony view
Where to stay:
I chose our hotel, the Positano Art Hotel Pasitea, based on TripAdvisor reviews and cost. The price of the room was very affordable and came with a full buffet breakfast each morning. The hotel, which is also an art gallery, is in a great location and was decorated beautifully inside. The hotel features artwork throughout the lobby and stairwell that is all for sale by local artists. The staff was SO friendly and treated us wonderfully, which really made a huge difference to us. The room was perfect- nothing too fancy but it was a great size with a large bathroom and balcony overlooking the cliffs and water- minus the provided hairdryer which could barely dry my hair (seriously- bring your own!). Each morning the breakfast buffet was set up with tons of food- fresh pastries, fruit, yogurt, meats and cheeses, hot dishes, and juice and coffee. There is also a bar area which sells a great selection of wine and beer that you can enjoy in the lobby or take to your room to sit on the balcony. The walk to the beach is doable, but I say that with forewarning that it is a strenuous walk down/up the Positano hills and steps (480 steps each way to be exact), however there is a bus stop right by the hotel that you can use as transportation to the beach and back. We opted for the walking since we were splurging on all the wine and pizza! There are shops and restaurants all within close proximity to the hotel, and it is also close to the Bar Internationale, where the bus picks up and drops off for Amalfi.
Day trips:
As you read in The Positano Diaries- Entry 4: Amalfi & Atrani, the bus is the best way to get from Positano to neighboring towns on the Amalfi Coast or cities north of Positano. Tickets for the bus are sold at the cafe called Bar Internationale and you have to buy both your departing and returning bus ticket at the same time. The bus picks up right outside the cafe and drops off in the same location. You can also plan for day trips through private drivers, such as Jack the Driver or check with your hotel for other driver services. We learned late in our stay that our hotel offered private excursions and drivers, so definitely ask if its offered since the hotel deal may be cheaper.
I hope the Positano Diaries has inspired you to travel to Italy, or whatever destination you have been dreaming of going to. If you have any questions or want to request additional recommendations/insight into Positano, feel free to contact me!
XOXO
Blonde in the District