Amalfi Coast Beaches by Scooter: A Guide from Positano
The Amalfi Coast is famous for its beaches, but getting to them is part of the adventure. Some are at the foot of a village, while others sit below a long staircase or a narrow road with very little parking. Renting a scooter in Positano lets skilled riders explore more than one part of the coast in a day. You still need to leave the scooter in a legal parking space and make the final approach on foot. Where should you go? Start with the kind of beach day you want. Here are six stops you can reach by road from Positano, with the practical details that make all the difference once you arrive.
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Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo: two sides of Positano
If this is your first visit, begin at Spiaggia Grande. The beach sits below Positano’s colorful hillside and puts you close to restaurants, the harbor, and the heart of town. There are beach clubs as well as a public section. It is lively, especially in summer. For a quieter setting, continue on foot to Fornillo along the coastal path from Spiaggia Grande. You do not need to ride to a second beach. Park your scooter in an authorized space or garage in Positano. Then explore both beaches on foot. Allow time for the walk downhill and the return uphill through town.
Best for: a first swim in Positano and a choice between a lively beach and a more relaxed one. -
Arienzo: a swim below the coastal road
Ride east from Positano toward Praiano and you will come to Arienzo, a small beach framed by cliffs. Reaching it from the road involves a long staircase, so pack light and remember that you will need to climb back up after your swim. The beach has a public area and a beach club; its limited space makes an early start a good idea in high season.A scooter gets you to the area, but roadside parking is limited. Stop only where current signs permit it, and keep the road clear. If you would rather skip the steps, check the seasonal boat connections from Positano when planning your visit.
Best for: clear water and a beach day away from the center of Positano.
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Marina di Praia: a beach stop in Praiano
Continue toward Praiano for Marina di Praia, a compact pebble beach tucked between high cliffs. Fishing boats, restaurants, and a walkway along the water give this cove a character of its own. It works especially well if you want to turn a swim into a leisurely lunch. Follow the turnoff from the coastal road toward the beach and use an authorized parking space nearby. Summer offers limited spaces, even for scooters, so arrive early and check the signs before you leave your vehicle. The beach is a short walk from the parking area.
Best for: swimming followed by lunch by the water.
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Amalfi’s Marina Grande: beach and town in one stop
Marina Grande is right beside Amalfi’s center. You can swim, walk to the cathedral, and stop for something to eat without planning a separate transfer. The central beach has public and equipped sections and becomes busy during peak season. Amalfi has designated paid parking for motorcycles and scooters at Marinella and Piazzale dei Protontini along Lungomare dei Cavalieri. Park there if spaces are available, then walk to the beach and historic center. Follow the current payment instructions at the parking meter.
Best for: combining a beach break with sightseeing in Amalfi. -
Minori: an easygoing waterfront
Past Amalfi and Atrani, Minori offers a smaller beach beside a pleasant seafront. It is a good place to slow down, take a swim, and stay for a meal or a pastry in town. The
beach has both public and managed areas. Ride into town, choose a legal parking space, and continue to the waterfront on foot. Parking availability and local rules can change with the season, so follow the signs you find on arrival.
Best for: a relaxed stop with the beach and town close together. -
Maiori: more room for a full beach day
If you want room to spread out, continue to Maiori. Its long beach and level promenade feel different from the tiny coves around Positano. You will find beach clubs and public stretches, with cafés and restaurants nearby. This is an appealing choice if swimming and sunbathing are the main plan for your day. You can find paid parking options in town. Leave your scooter in an authorized space
and walk to the promenade; in July and August, arriving early gives you more choice.
Best for: a longer beach day with fewer stairs. -
What about Fiordo di Furore?
You will see the Fiordo di Furore between Praiano and Amalfi, and its beach below the bridge is unforgettable. It is not, however, a reliable scooter parking stop. Parking immediately around the bridge is extremely limited and local guidance on roadside parking differs. Never leave your scooter on the bridge, on a bend, or where it obstructs traffic. If the fjord is your main goal, plan your visit with legal parking and the walk to the stairs. Or use public transport.
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Before you set off from Positano
- Ride only if you already have scooter experience. The SS163 coastal road is narrow, winding, and busy in summer. Allow extra time and never assume you can stop at a viewpoint or beach entrance.
- Check your license before booking. Travelers from the United States should carry their valid US license and an International Driving Permit.
- An IDP does not give you motorcycle rights you do not already have.
- Respect parking and restricted zones. A scooter makes many stops more practical, but it does not guarantee a space. Use signed motorcycle parking or an authorized garage and check local ZTL signs.
- Pack for the last stretch on foot. Bring water, sunscreen, and shoes suitable for steps and pebbles. Some beaches have limited shade and facilities.
If you would rather enjoy the coastal road without driving it yourself, take a Vespa tour with a local driver. You ride as a passenger while your driver handles the curves and traffic. The tour from Positano includes stops in Praiano and free time in Amalfi; ask about the itinerary in advance if you want to make time for a beach.
Ready to plan your ride? Explore scooter and Vespa rentals in Positano and choose the option that fits your experience and itinerary.
