Fornillo, Positano
The verdict
- Best for: Visitors who want the Positano setting without the full crush of the main beach, and who are happy to walk a scenic cliff path to reach it.
- Best spot: A lounger at one of the small beachfront lidos, or the free public sand toward the western end early in the day.
- Know this: You reach Fornillo on foot along the seaside cliff path, so leave the car above and wear sensible shoes for the walk.
Published 12 April 2026. Last reviewed 15 May 2026
Fornillo is the second beach of Positano, just west of the famous Spiaggia Grande and reached on foot along a seaside cliff path. It keeps the same backdrop of pastel houses climbing the hillside, but the mood is calmer, with the medieval watchtower of Torre Trasita framing one end and far fewer day visitors finding their way over.
The honest read is that Fornillo is smaller and quieter, not a secret. It is the coarse grey volcanic sand and pebbles of the coast, with small paid lido sections run by the beachfront restaurants and a free public stretch toward the western end. Prices are still Amalfi prices, but a touch gentler than the main beach, and the walk in keeps the crowds down. There is no road to the sand, so everything you want you carry in.
The water is the reward, clear and usually calm and away from the ferry bustle of the main beach, which makes for an easy swim. Come in May, June or September, arrive on the cliff path early or take a summer boat in, and treat the slower pace as the point. If you want the iconic view and the ferry buzz, the main beach at Spiaggia Grande is next door, while the cove at Laurito suits a long rustic lunch.
Clubs on this beach
Fornillo mixes a free public stretch with small lido sections run by the beachfront restaurants rather than a single nightclub style venue. For club style beds and bars, see our Amalfi Coast beach clubs directory.
Beachfront lido sections
The restaurants along Fornillo run small lido sections with sunbeds and umbrellas beside the water, the established setups on the beach. Space is limited, so reserve ahead in summer; operators and rates are to be confirmed.
Free public section
A free stretch of public sand sits toward the western end of Fornillo, away from the lidos, where you can lay a towel at no charge. It fills through the day in summer, so arrive in the morning for room.
Fornillo sits just west of the main Positano beach, reached on foot along the seaside cliff path that starts near the ferry jetty, a scenic five to ten minute walk past the old watchtowers. There is no road and no parking at the beach, so park or arrive in Positano above and walk down.
In summer small boats and the Positano beach shuttle can drop you here, sparing the walk. Bring sun protection and water, as the path and beach are exposed, and check seasonal boat timetables before you set off.
Reserve a day at Fornillo
Fornillo mixes free sand and small lidos, but tell us your date and party and we will point you to club style beds and bars along the Amalfi Coast. No charge to enquire.
Common questions
Is Fornillo beach free in Positano?
Partly. There is a free public stretch toward the western end where you can lay a towel at no charge, alongside paid lido sections run by the beachfront restaurants. The free zone fills early in summer, so arrive in the morning for space.
How do you get to Fornillo beach?
You walk west from the main Positano beach along the seaside cliff path, a scenic five to ten minute stroll past the old watchtowers. There is no road to the beach, so leave the car in Positano above. Small boats also call in summer.
Is Fornillo better than Spiaggia Grande?
It depends what you want. Fornillo is quieter, a little cheaper and away from the ferry bustle, while Spiaggia Grande has the iconic view and the buzz. Many regulars prefer Fornillo for a calmer day with the same Positano backdrop.
What is the sand like at Fornillo?
It is the coarse grey volcanic sand and pebbles typical of the Amalfi Coast rather than soft golden sand. Water shoes are useful for comfort on the beach and when entering the sea.
When is the best time to visit Fornillo?
May, June and September bring warm, settled sea with lighter crowds and lower lido prices than the July and August peak, when a lounger and a patch of free sand are far easier to find.
