The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in central Positano is the village's defining architectural landmark, its majolica-tiled dome in green, yellow, and white serving as the focal point of every photograph of the village from the sea. The church houses a Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna, said to have been brought here by a pirate ship that was miraculously stopped in Positano's harbour in the 13th century. Hotels near the church are in Positano's central village, close to the steps leading down to the beach and the boutiques that line the main stairway.
Our Picks — Positano
Centro
The uncontested jewel of the Amalfi Coast, Le Sirenuse has occupied its clifftop position above the main beach since 1951, when the Sersale family first opened their ancestral home to guests. The pink palazzo, Champagne bar, and La Sponda restaurant — where every table is lit by hundreds of candles — deliver a version of Italian luxury that sets the global standard.
Centro
A family-owned clifftop hotel offering spectacular sea views, a pool terrace that has featured in a hundred magazine shoots, and genuine Amalfi Coast hospitality at a price somewhat below Positano's stratospheric top end. The Poseidon's terraced gardens and personal service make it one of the village's most beloved addresses.
Arienzo
Carved into the cliff face between Positano and Praiano, Il San Pietro is one of the world's great hotel achievements — a family-owned property that descends 12 floors through the cliff to a private beach, with each room individually designed and every terrace offering unobstructed sea views. A masterpiece of Italian hospitality.
Arienzo
Once the private compound of Franco Zeffirelli, Villa Treville is now an exclusive nine-villa retreat that operates more like a private estate than a hotel. The theatrical interiors, clifftop position, and ultra-private atmosphere make it the Amalfi Coast's most distinctive luxury experience for those who prioritise seclusion above all.
Fornillo
A smaller, more intimate alternative to Positano's grande dame hotels, Eden Roc sits on the quieter Fornillo beach with direct sea access and excellent value for the Amalfi Coast. The family-run character, pool terrace, and laid-back atmosphere make it a popular return destination for guests who appreciate quality without ostentation.
Centro
Occupying the 18th-century summer palace of King Joachim Murat at the heart of Positano's central piazza, this elegant property delivers maximum character in the most central location. The bougainvillea-draped garden courtyard and proximity to the church beach make it one of the most romantic settings on the coast.
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