Rome to Positano by Train and Ferry
I’ve been drawn to the stunning Amalfi Coast for many years. So when I had the opportunity to visit in 2022, I jumped at it. After staying in Rome for a few days, my mom, dad, brother and I chose to take a train and ferry route from Rome to Positano, which I found to be an affordable and scenic way to reach this picturesque town. In this blog post, I’ll share my experience traveling from Rome to Positano and back in a day, providing tips to help others plan their own day trip.
The journey from Rome to Salerno
The day trip to Positano started with an early morning train ride from Rome to Salerno. We had purchased our tickets online in advance from the Trenitalia website and arrived at the station early to ensure we didn’t miss the train.
The journey was smooth, and I enjoyed the views of the Italian countryside passing by my window. Once the train arrived we took a short walk from the station to the port for Travelmar, the ferry company. We selected Travelmar specifically because their port was the closest to the train station, they offered the most frequent departure times with multiple options, and their prices were the most affordable.
Taking the ferry to Positano
The ferry ride alone is what dreams are made of. I sat at the top of the ferry and gazed out at the stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters, taking in every moment as if it were the most important thing in the world. The journey took around two hours and included a stop at the town of Amalfi to drop off passengers. Finally, the ferry docked in Positano, and I eagerly disembarked, ready to start exploring the town.
Arriving in Positano
Nestled on the stunning Amalfi Coast of Italy, the charming town of Positano is a vision of beauty that takes your breath away from the moment you arrive. The easiest way for me to describe visiting Positano is like stepping into a dreamy world, a surreal paradise where everything is bathed in a warm, golden light.
The first thing we did was walk up a few hundred steps to get a better view of the city. It wasn’t the easiest climb, but it was worth every moment. The view from the top was breathtaking. We could see the clear blue sea stretching out in front of us, and the colorful houses lined up on the hills.
But, to be honest, the best view was from the city bus. We took it up even higher to get a panoramic view of the town. The ride was a little bumpy, maybe even a little adrenaline-inducing for some, but it was worth it. It was the perfect opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery of Positano.
We got a little hungry after all the walking, so we stopped by Latteria for some sub sandwiches. The bread was fresh and the ingredients were all high quality. It was a great way to recharge for the rest of the day.
After lunch, we headed to Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta. It’s a beautiful church with a unique dome. We took our time looking at the architecture. It was a serene and peaceful place.
Then, we walked through the alleys of Positano. It was fascinating to see how the houses were built on the hills and how the roads curved around the landscape. It was like we were transported to a different time altogether. The alleys were narrow, contributing to the charm of the town.
We started heading back to the port for our departure as the sun started to set.
More Fun Activities in Positano
The beauty of Positano is not only limited to its landscapes but also the abundance of activities available to visitors. One of the most popular things to do is to take a boat ride along the coastline. It’s a great way to admire the colorful houses from a different perspective and witness the stunning natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Check out deals on Booking.com.
If you’re an art lover, Positano has plenty of art galleries showcasing works by local artists. There are also a variety of ceramic shops selling handmade ceramic goods that make great souvenirs to take back home. One example is Ceramica Assunta, a family-owned ceramic shop that offers a wide selection of handmade ceramics.
For a unique experience, take a cooking class. “Marina in Cucina” is an excellent option, offering classes in her home located at the top of the Positano hillside. With a variety of classes available, you’ll learn how to cook traditional Italian dishes using locally-sourced ingredients. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and bring a piece of Italy back with you.
When it comes to beaches, Positano has several options to choose from. One of the most popular beaches is Spiaggia Grande, which is a long and spacious beach located in the center of the town. Fornillo Beach is another option that’s a little quieter and more secluded.
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, hiking in Positano is a great option. The Path of the Gods is a famous hiking trail that offers breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast. The trail is about 7.5 miles long, so it’s best to plan for a full day of hiking.
Before you leave Positano, stop by La Zagara for a slice of lemon cake or some gelato. It’s a small gelateria located in the heart of the town, and their gelato is considered some of the best in Italy.
Getting to Positano from other cities
Since Positano is a popular destination, there are several ways to get there from other cities in Italy. If you’re coming from Naples, you can take a ferry or a bus. If you’re coming from Sorrento, you can take a bus or a ferry. And of course you can do what I did, which was take the train from Rome to Salerno. Generally, the train and ferry route from Rome to Positano is one of the most scenic and affordable ways to get there.
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