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Beach · Positano, Campânia
Spiaggia Grande
The main beach of Positano, made of grey pebbles, with colorful umbrellas and the village rising in terraces behind it. Beside it, via a seaside trail, lies the quieter Fornillo beach.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Spiaggia Grande
The Spiaggia Grande is the beach in front of Positano's center, at the foot of the church of Santa Maria Assunta. It is made of pebbles and coarse dark sand, with the boat pier at one end and the village houses climbing the slope just behind.
A large part of the shoreline is occupied by establishments with paid sunbeds and umbrellas, and there are stretches of free sand. The water gets deep quickly and the seabed is rocky, so rubber water shoes are helpful.
To the west, a path along the rocks, the Via Positanesi d'America, leads in about 10 minutes to the Fornillo beach. It is smaller, less crowded and flanked by old watchtowers, with a few simple bars and restaurants.
Boats to Amalfi, Capri and coastal tours also depart from the beach. In season, usually from April to October, boatmen offer trips to the Li Galli islets and the nearby grottoes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for swimming and relaxing; 1 hour is enough to walk along the beach and go to Fornillo.
Best time
Early in the morning, before the excursion boats arrive. June and September usually have good sea conditions and fewer people. In July and August, sunbeds tend to fill up early.
How to get there
On foot, descending from Positano's center along the alleyways and steps down to the sea. From the SITA bus stops on the road (Chiesa Nuova and Sponda), it's a 15–20 minute walk, almost all downhill. Boats arrive at the pier on the beach itself.
Tip
Bring water shoes because of the pebbles. To avoid the crowds, go to Fornillo via the seaside path. Remember the return to the road is all uphill; the village's local bus line can help.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Spiaggia Grande
Is Positano's beach sandy?
It is pebbly with coarse dark sand. Water shoes help when entering the water.
Do you have to pay to stay on the Spiaggia Grande?
Businesses charge for renting sunbeds and umbrellas, but there are stretches of free beach.
How do you get to Fornillo beach?
On foot, via the Via Positanesi d'America, a path along the rocks that departs from the west tip of the Spiaggia Grande. It takes about 10 minutes.
When is the water good for swimming?
Generally from June to September. In May and October the water is usually colder.