Spiaggia Grande

The Glamour of the Coast

Spiaggia Grande in Positano, also known locally as Marina Grande, is the social centre of the coast. With the vertical town rising behind it - pastel-coloured houses climbing up to the church of Santa Maria Assunta - the setting is unlike anywhere else in the world. In 2026, beach clubs require reservations weeks in advance during peak season.

It is also the departure point for all taxi-boats heading to secluded coves along the coast. If you want the perfect combination of comfort, signature cocktails and an exclusive atmosphere, this is your beach. The free public section, further east, fills up quickly after 9 am.

From Roman Harbour to International Jet-Set

The name Positano probably evokes Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, or derives from the Benedictine abbey of San Vito that dominated the medieval coast. In Roman times the site was already a small active harbour; the Torre Trasita, still visible above the beach, was built in the 16th century to defend inhabitants from frequent raids by Saracen pirates.

The colourful houses that seem to cascade towards the sea were originally fishermen's dwellings. The turning point came in 1953, when John Steinbeck wrote an article about Positano for Harper's Bazaar with words that became legendary: "Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone." From that moment on, the influx of artists, writers and celebrities never stopped.

During the 1960s and 70s Positano became a compulsory destination for the international jet-set. Zeffirelli, Loren, the Kennedys and the Rolling Stones are just some of the names that left their mark on this small vertical town.

The Majolica Dome and the Sirens' Islands

Looking at the beach from the sea, the eye is inevitably drawn to the yellow, green and white majolica dome of the church of Santa Maria Assunta. Built in the 13th century, it houses the venerated icon of the Black Madonna - tradition holds that it was painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist. The dome is among the most photographed in Italy and the perfect visual counterpoint to the blue of the sea.

On the horizon, a few kilometres from shore, stand the Li Galli islands - also known as the Sirenuse. According to Homer, they were the islands of the Sirens who tried to seduce Ulysses with their song. In modern times they became famous for belonging to the legendary Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev, who bought them in 1988 and spent the last years of his life there. Today they can be admired from the water on boat trips organised from Positano harbour.

The Free Beach and the Historic Restaurants

Spiaggia Grande is divided into distinct zones. The free public beach lies in the eastern section (to the right when facing the sea): no sun-loungers, no services, but completely free. The central and western zones are managed by private beach clubs, some of which have raised terraces with privileged views.

The restaurant Da Adolfo is a chapter in itself: reachable only by boat from Spiaggia Grande (the launch leaves from the jetty and returns guests free of charge), it is tucked into a small cove to the north. With its waterside tables and perfectly simple, fresh fish menu, it is considered by many to be the most authentic seaside lunch on the entire Coast.

How to Get There

Frequently Asked Questions