The entranceway to Positano Hideaways is hiding in plain sight. Look for the picture-snapping tourists (it’s here you get that iconic shot of Positano from above), before a discreet staircase takes you down to a secret door. Through it, you’ll find yourself in four acres of peaceful terraced gardens encased by hot pink bougainvillea and clematis, surrounded by the scent of orange trees. A sliver of turquoise blue pool hangs unfeasibly over the sparkling sea. It's chlorine-free, unheated and deliciously refreshing, and has two padded loungers at either end. Above are four spacious and stylishly furnished apartments (owned and decorated by the chic Gaetani sisters) that offer stop-you-in-your-tracks views from enormous private terraces, watchtower rooftops and window seats, all arranged to facilitate gazing.
Because gaze you will. The panorama is intoxicating, whether it's looking at boats pootling from mega-yachts to the Spiaggia Grande, the morning light moving over forested hills, or the view onto pinky Positano. And when you want to get closer to the action, a 10-minute walk leads you to classy restaurants, boutiques and gelaterias. Once a sleepy fishing village, Positano is now a magnet for style-seeking tourists, but you can pop in and experience its pleasures at leisure, before disappearing to your enclave of calm – and the best views on the Amalfi Coast.
Highs
- The property clings to the cliff edge, with a breathtaking panorama of the cobalt-blue Med and fabulous Positano
- Various sizes of apartment to choose from, including the atmospheric Torre, an authentic 13th-century watchtower
- So peaceful, yet Positano is just a 10-minute stroll, an enchanting maze of family restaurants and artisan shops
- The apartments share a pool, and have access to a beach – havens in busier months
- Easy day trips to Capri, Amalfi and Sorrento; boats leave from the town beach
Lows
- A 7-night minimum stay, Saturday-Saturday only
- Pricey, but the hidden location on this exclusive stretch is arguably priceless
- Boat traffic on the Tyrrhenian Sea causes a low, rumbling noise for some of the day, but it’s great for yacht-spotting
- You'll need to pay a security deposit in cash on arrival
- There are no facilities on the little beach, and it's a steep 200 steps back up to the complex. Don't forget anything!
Best time to go
The best months to visit Positano are definitely April-June and September-October. High summer can be stiflingly hot, and the town and beaches are overrun by tourists. That said, the apartments are a haven of peace and privacy whenever you come. Hotels and restaurants close between November and March.
Our top tips
House manager Dana can help you secure those tricky reservations - we highly recommend a trip to restaurant Da Adolfo, accessible only by boat, which serves some of Positano’s best seafood, washed down with their signature wine with peaches.
- Boutique Apartments
- 4 apartments for 2-8
- Self-catering; walk to restaurants
- All ages welcome
- Closed: November-March
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- English-speaking caretaker
- Maid service
Rooms
The apartments are decorated with characterful antiques and traditional tiled floors. Dazzling sea views are showed off by enormous windows and private terraces.
La Cisterna (sleeping 4) features a large terrace that gazes over Positano and the Galli islands, with a kingsize and twin bedroom, a lounge, and a mosaic-tiled kitchen. Casa Angelica also sleeps 4, with two queensize double bedrooms. We love its terrace, shaded by lemon and olive trees.
Large families can spread out in smart, cliffside Casa Grande with its four ensuite bedrooms, various terraces, a cool indoor pool grotto, and a large kitchen. Housekeeper Anna will make breakfast and dinner on request.
Torre is the show-stopper. This stunning 13th-century watchtower has a wrought iron four-poster bed, clematis-wreathed terraces and a romantic rooftop, which is as good for sunrise as it is for stargazing. It also has a separate annexe with a living space and sofabed.
Features include:
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
Kitchenettes are fairly basic, best suited for preparing light meals (apart from Casa Grande’s which is large and well-equipped). There are hobs but no ovens; all come with dishwashers and Nespresso machines. Every apartment has at least one fabulous alfresco dining area, which you’ll want to make the most of. So, stock up on groceries (or request that house manager Dana does it before you arrive for a small fee) in Piazza dei Mulini. There's an Italian takeaway here too if you don't fancy cooking, plus you can have breakfast at adjoining hotel, Marincanto.
Ten minutes' walk away, Positano is lined with wonderful restaurants - everything from pizzerias to fine dining. There's a welcome book in each apartment with recommendations, and Dana will help with reservations. We loved Da Adolfo for long beachside lunches, Le Sirenuse for upmarket cocktails, sushi at the Champagne and Seafood Bar, or Buca di Bacco for a family-run Italian that overlooks Spiaggia Grande.
Features include:
- Coffee maker
- Dinner by arrangement
- Fridge
- Hob or stove
- Kitchenette
- Restaurants nearby
- Shopping service
- Toaster
Activities
- Soak up the seclusion. Admire the impossibly beautiful seascape from your terrace, read by the pool, nap in the shade of olive trees and climb down to the secret beach below, lapped by crystal-clear waters
- Wind through Positano's bougainvillea-lined streets and alleys, to visit tiny artisan shops and high-end boutiques
- Visit the glamourous main beach, Spiaggia Grande, lined with chic beach clubs and amazing restaurants; and great for people watching
- Walk along Sentiero Degli Innamorati (Lovers' Path) to Fornillo, a sparkling, peaceful little bay
- The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta is full of history, and has a beautiful mosaiced dome
- On a cooler day, climb flower-strewn mountain paths up to the secret hamlet of Nocelle, with its 'Panorama of the Gods'
- Day trip to beautiful Capri, with its elegant villas and ethereal Blue Grotto. Or visit the fabled towns of Sorrento and Amalfi by boat taxi
- Treat yourself to a holistic facial or deep tissue massage at Positano Wellness
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Well being
Kids
Families are very welcome at Positano Hideaways. Due to the many steps throughout the property, we would recommend that it's not suitable for toddlers or babies in buggies. That said, there are a number of gates in place which mean children don't have a free run. We would suggest vigilance from parents of children under 7. The beach is lovely for children to potter and family-run restaurants welcome kids with open arms.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
You can request a baby cot and high chair for all apartments (free of charge). Casa Grande, with its five bedrooms and numerous terraces, would be a fabulous villa for an extended family gathering. The large kitchen is ideal for meal preparation and housekeeper Anna is on-hand to make breakfast, or dinner on request. Although Torre is best suited to a couple, a pull-out bed is available in the kitchen/living area (although this is in a separate habitation to the Torre and not adjoined).
Kids Activities on site:
- Swimming pool
Families Should Know:
The property is on a cliff and there are lots of steep steps - young children will need to be supervised. The cliffside pool is unfenced and unheated and open 0900-1800 1 May-10 October.
Distances:
- Airport: 2 hours (Naples)
- Shops: 5 minutes
- Hospital: 40 minutes (Sorrento)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Positano Hideaways overlook Positano on the central Amalfi Coast. They are 55k from Naples.
By Air:
Fly into Naples. From here, most guests hire a car or book a transfer. There's no parking at the apartments but there is a public car park 5 minutes away.
By Train:
You can also reach Naples by train, and book a transfer from the station. Click here for current train schedules.
By Hydro Jet Ferry:
These only run to Positano during the summer months, from Sorrento, Capri and Amalfi.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Read our guide to getting to Italy and getting around
Airports:
- Naples (Capodichino International) 55.0 km NAP
Other:
- Beach 0.5 km
- Shops 0.3 km
- Restaurant 0.3 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 9 independent reviews from i-escape guests
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