Positano and the islands of Li Galli located in the Sea of the Sirens is a legend that comes alive once you get there. As a coastal picturesque village, Positano creates a vertical colorful panorama. Set in the greenery of the Monti Lattari, decorated with typical Mediterranean houses, pebbled beaches, and wetted by the deep blue of the sea. The Ancient Romans built numerous buildings on the coast of Positano. The ruins can be seen in the vicinity of the Church dell’Assunta. When sailing along the Amalfi Coast, Positano is a small town that definitely worths visiting. And, if you have the time to stay there just relax and go with the flow. In this article, I’ll give you some information about Positano and suggest to you different sailing routes you can take from there. So, keep reading!

Sailing Routes from Positano

There are many sailing routes you can take that start from Positano. Positano has a small marina, Grassi Junior Positano, with buoys that can accommodate 30 boats with a maximum length of up to 30m. The marina is nearby the famous beach Spiaggia del Fornillo. The sailing route you’re going to choose will be mainly based upon your available time and budget. The most beautiful spots along the Amalfi Coast include Amalfi, Positano, Conca Dei Marini, Atrani, Praiano, Furore, Sorrento, and Massa Lubrense but also the islands of the Gulf of Naples: Capri, Ischia and Procida. Below there’s a detailed list of different sailing itineraries from Positano for you to choose from:

Positano to Palermo

• Positano – Sirenuses (10NM) – Amalfi (80NM) – Scario (150NM) – Aeolian Islands (55NM) – Cefalu (35NM) – Palermo

The sailing route from Positano to Palermo takes a minimum of 10 days and a maximum of… Well, you set it! It’s a lovely sailing route in which you’ll be able to explore the best part of Italy – the South. From Positano to Sirenuses, you’ll discover and trek the complex of these islets and just let the myth revive. From Sirenuses to Amalfi, take your time to relax on your boat and then stroll around the narrow streets and have your dinner at a restaurant of your choice; prefer one that overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea. From Amalfi, continue to Scario, a small fishing hamlet that truly represents the authentic and traditional Italian culture.

Then from Scario to the spectacular Aeolian Islands! The Aeolian Islands are protected by UNESCO and are a NATURA 2000 Site. The islands have active volcanic activity and as a result, you’re going to swim in thermal waters. Trek along the mountainous terrains of the islands and admire the stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea. And then continue to Cefalu the medieval gem rich in history that dates back from 396 B.C. Your last stop is of course the Sicilian capital of Palermo. You can moor at Marina Villa Igiea or find an anchorage and spend the rest of your time there to explore this historic city!

Positano to Antibes

• Positano – Capri (10NM) – Sorrento (65NM) – Ponza Islands (150NM) – Sardinia (30NM) – Bonifacio Straits (5NM) – Bonifaccio (45NM) – Ajaccio (35NM) – Gulf of Girolata (25NM) – Calvi (95NM) – Antibes

The sailing route from Positano to Antibes is much longer and it takes a minimum of 14 days in order to enjoy it. By doing this voyage you’ll explore both Italy and France as well as Corsica and Sardinia. From Positano, you set sail and head to the island of Capri in the Gulf of Naples. Drop anchor in marina Piccolo and do your shopping or have your dinner at a local taverna. But, be prepared as the prices are considerably high in Capri. Don’t omit to sail to the Blue Grotto and explore the dark cavern’s electric blue. After a few days in Capri continue sailing to Sorrento. This picturesque city is perched on top of a tall cliff and gives spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast.

From Sorrento continue to Ponza Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Spend some days there to discover not just Ponza but also the neighboring islands Gavi, Zannone, and Palmoarola. If you’re keen on trekking then these islands will certainly enchant you! From there set sail to wonderful Sardinia. Depending on your available time and budget you can sail along the northeast or southeast Sardinia. You can also sail around the island if you have the time. There are plenty of marinas and anchorages, some more expensive than others, but you’ll definitely find the one that suits you. Anchor to the Maddalena Islands or moor at the Marina di Porto Cervo. Or, if you’re looking for a tranquil place anchor at Cala Sisine or Cala Goloritze in Baunei Bay.

Sardinia to Bonifacio Straits Route

Then, from Sardinia sail towards the Bonifacio Straits. It might be the 10th or 20th day of your route! The Bonifacio Straits are situated across the border of Italy and France. A marvelous scenery as well as secluded beaches, and plenty of anchorages that let you unite yourself with nature. There you can relax at your sailboat, enjoy the scenery, and swim in the deep blue sea. From Bonifacio Straits, anchor to the port of Bonifacio and take some days to explore this medieval town built on steep cliffs. The whole city is like a natural museum!

After spending some days there continue sailing to Ajaccio, on the western side of Corsica. Even though it’s a highly touristic area it’s definitely worth visiting, dining, shopping, and walking around its alleys. From Ajaccio continue to the Gulf of Girolata. A natural site near Osani and near the Scandola Nature Reserve; a place of untouched natural beauty and a paradise for ecotourism. When suits you best continue to Calvi on the northwest side of Corsica. The 15th-century citadel and the vibrant atmosphere tell a lot about Calvi’s historical past. After spending some days in Calvi sail to the beautiful town of Antibes. Moor your boat at Marina Port Vauban and spend 3 or 4 days strolling around the streets, eat a croissant in a picturesque café, and plan your next sailing route!

>>Also Read: Sailing Along the Amalfi Coast: Info and Itinerary

Best Beaches in Positano

• Laurito Beach: This hidden gem is between the rocky cliffs along the Amalfi coast. When locals are looking for a beach to avoid big crowds, this is the beach they choose to go to. However, the beach attracts many tourists in the summer as it became quite popular. Even though it’s not that near to Positano, the beach can be quite busy during the summer.
• Furore di Fiordo Beach: This is the beach you should visit if you’re looking for a quiet and untouched spot. It also has one of the most stunning surroundings in Southern Italy. You can descend the cliffside stairs from the highway down into the beach to reach there.
• Torre di Clavel Beach: Torre Di Clavel is a picturesque tiny rocky beach. It is set beside the remains of a 16th-century watchtower. The tower is what gives a special character to the beach and is definitely worth the swim and relaxing while enjoying the scenery.

History of Positano

There is evidence that Positano has inhabited since 6000 years BC. The local legend states that Poseidon, the Greek God of The Sea, discovered this small town in honor of Pasitea. She was a Greek Nymph that he was in love with. Now, the main road of Positano, Via Pisitea, has taken her name. In 500 B.C., Greek ships began to sail to Positano and to other places along the Amalfi Coast. Due to Positano’s natural beauty, the Romans built sumptuous villas and began settling in Positano around 100 B.C. A severe natural disaster happened in 79 A.D. nearby Mount Vesuvius which erupted and destroyed all Roman Villas and other structures.

At some point around 800 A.D., the Benedictines arrived and built the Monastery of Santa Maria and San Vito. The Church of St Maria Assunta is a great example of Medieval art. Its history is connected with the Benedictine monastery of St Maria. From that time, Positano became an important trading harbor between the 15th and 17th A.D. As an important harbor of the Amalfi Republic, Positano was a prosperous and wealthy city amid the 16th and 17th centuries.

The buildings and constructions in Positano have been constantly risen and fallen. For instance, in 1343 the town was destroyed by a terrible tsunami. In addition, in the 15th century, Ottoman pirates often attacked the town. After that, the unification of Italy and the opening of other commercial routes made the town’s importance decline. And within a few decades, the town became just a small fishing village. For this reason, during the mid-1800s, Positano had a difficult time and more than half of its population moved to America. For the primary half of the 20th century, Positano was a small and poor town. However, it kept its authenticity.

Climate in Positano

Due to Positano’s strategic geographic position, its climate is favorable year-round. In other words, typical mild Mediterranean climate. Meaning that the winters are warm with temperatures that rarely fall below 6 °C degrees (42.8 °F). During the month of May and October, it’s more than likely to experience good weather. The pleasant average temperatures vary between 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) and 25 degrees Celsius (77°F). The summers are generally long, warm, and sunny but the salty sea breeze refreshes the days. Thanks to the mild temperature and the varied landscape, Positano is preferred by many sailors and tourists to enjoy their holidays year-round. The main beaches in Positano are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo, La Porta, Fiumicello, Arienzo, San Pietro, Laurito and Remmese. Many of the beaches and coves around Positano are only accessible by boat. So, you’ll explore far more places by boat rather than by car.

Bear in mind to check the weather forecast beforehand as the winds and currents vary in the Mediterranean, especially during the summer months. The tidal currents are normal and have a small range of 10 to 30 cm. Depending on the season in which you’re sailing the winds can change the water levels considerably. For instance, winds like the Tramontana, Mistral, Grecale, Levante, Scirocco, Libeccio and Ponente are more than likely to blow. The most challenging winds are the Mistral, which blows from the northwest, and the Libeccio from the southwest. In any case, for each sailing route you take don’t forget to check the wind direction and strength as well as the current and potential tides.

>>Also Read: Sailing Itinerary Around Italy: The Ultimate Guide

What to Do in Positano

• Museo Archeologico Romano: The recently inaugurated museum is where an ancient Roman villa and sites once stood. The ruins were found beneath the oratory of the Church Maria Assunta in Piazza Flavio Gioia. If you’re passionate about history then you ought to visit the museum. You’ll admire fragments of the original architecture and learn more about Positano’s Roman history. 
• Hiking on the Path of the Gods: If you’re a nature enthusiast then don’t omit hiking this trail and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Hiking the path Il Sentiero Degli Dei is one of the most remarkable things you can do while in Positano. Take the SITA bus from Positano to Amalfi and from there the bus to the Bomerano stop in Agerola. There’s a marked trailhead with red and white signs with ‘02’ on them. The trail is about 7 km long and takes about 2 hours to reach the end of the trail at Nocelle, the hamlet above Positano.
• The hamlet of Nocelle: Just beneath the summit of Montepertuso is the tiny hamlet of Nocelle. The village is located 440 meters above sea level. From there, you can choose to go down the 1500 steps. These separate Nocelle from the Amalfitana Sentiero Degli Dei – Costiera Amalfitana. Alternatively, you can trek up to Monte Pertuso, at 352 meters above sea level. The mountain owes its name to a hole in the cliff of the summit due to the natural phenomenon of erosion. Nocelle is basically at the end of the Sentiero Degli Dei, the mountain path which traverses the Monti Lattari from Agerola. Enjoy the magnificent view from up there that extends as far as the island of Capri and the Faraglioni rocks.
• Monteprtuso: If you decide to ascend Monteprtuso don’t omit to go to the Oasis of Vallone Porto. A natural gem with waterfalls that hosts many rare flora and fauna species. Some of them are salamanders, falcons, owls, wild orchids, and indigenous ferns. The carriageway which winds its way up the hill unites Positano with Montepertuso, in the Monti Lattari. According to the legend, the hole in the mountain was created by the Virgin’s index finger. On the 2nd of July, the most popular religious festival of the Amalfi Coast is taking place in the Church of the Madonna Delle Grazie.

Best Sailing Destinations from Positano – The Bottom Line

Positano, and the whole Amalfi Coast, is a must-sailing destination for every sailor. Gifted with the mild Mediterranean climate, history, Medieval and Roman architecture, Natural Parks, and Reserves, among others. It’s a place in the Med that covers the needs of the most demanding sailor. You can find both peace and crowded places if you want to; from luxurious cities to traditional small villages. Last but not least, before setting sail from Positano keep in mind to book the marinas you’re going to beforehand. Prices can be extremely high especially in the summer. I hope that this article was helpful and gave you some ideas about sailing routes from Positano. Wish you all a pleasant voyage!