Positano · The quiet beach
Fornillo Beach
Positano's second beach, reachable from Spiaggia Grande along a path carved into the rock.
The Beach Locals Love
Fornillo Beach is the second beach of Positano, tucked into a separate bay just west of the famous Spiaggia Grande. Smaller, less glamorous, and with clearer waters thanks to its distance from the ferry port, it's the beach favored by locals and travelers who want to experience Positano away from the crowds.
The pedestrian path connecting the two beaches — Via Positanesi d'America — is a 5-minute walk carved into the cliff, with sweeping sea views and the historic Torre Trasita standing halfway. The walk alone is worth the visit.
Fornillo vs Spiaggia Grande
Positano's two beaches are complementary, not rivals. Spiaggia Grande is the social heart: ferry port, exclusive beach clubs, premium prices, lively atmosphere. Fornillo is the intimate version: about 30% less crowded, 20-30% lower prices, cleaner water, and a stunning view of the vertical town.
If you come to Positano for the glamour, choose Spiaggia Grande. If you want a real beach day — with the locals — come to Fornillo.
Via Positanesi d'America: A Path of Memory
The path linking Spiaggia Grande to Fornillo isn't just a walkway: it's a monument to Positano locals who emigrated to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Thousands sought their fortune in New York and New Jersey, founding communities that maintain close ties with Positano today. The path's name — "Via Positanesi d'America" — celebrates these journeys.
Along the way you'll encounter Positano's three coastal towers. Torre Trasita (16th century) is the largest and best-preserved: now a private luxury residence, its tower silhouette dominates every Fornillo photo. Torre Sponda and Torre Clavel, slightly east, complete the defensive system built to protect locals from Saracen pirate raids that menaced the southern Tyrrhenian until the 18th century.
Hotel Pupetto: The Historic Beach Club
For over 60 years, Hotel Pupetto has dominated Fornillo Beach — a beach club and restaurant that's become part of the bay's identity. Lounger service is included with restaurant lunch, where seafood dishes are simple, fresh and of excellent quality. In the afternoon, their cocktails with dome view are the perfect way to close the day.
Da Ferdinando, the second beachfront restaurant, is equally historic and offers a more informal atmosphere, perfect for lunch with "spaghetti alle vongole" served without fuss.
300m
from Spiaggia Grande
5 min
walk along the path
16th
cent. – Torre Trasita
€25
lounger (from)
Local Tips
- Arrive at Fornillo by 10 AM: the light is perfect, the water is calmer, and free spots are easy to find.
- Stay for sunset: the west-facing exposure and Torre Trasita silhouette make Fornillo's sunset one of the best on the coast. Peak around 6:30 PM in summer.
- For lunch: book Pupetto the night before (sea-view tables sell out). Da Ferdinando is more casual, walk-ins possible outside weekends.
- Best snorkeling is along the rocks below Torre Trasita: mask + fins + a morning hour = great fish sightings.
- Via Positanesi d'America is rarely closed for weather. Accessible with children, but wear closed shoes: stone floor can be slippery in spots.
How to Get There
On foot ⭐
From Spiaggia Grande
5 minutes along Via Positanesi d'America. Scenic path carved into rock. Closed shoes recommended.
Taxi Boat
From Positano port
€5–10 per person, 3-minute boat ride. Convenient on very hot days.
From Sponda (SITA)
SITA bus + steps
From Sponda stop walk down to Marina Grande (10 min), then continue along Via Positanesi d'America.
By car
Fornillo parking
Private parking near the Fornillo path (high traffic in summer, premium prices). Not recommended.