We are contemplating a vacation in Positano in late May. We have a number of potential accomodations to consider, however some of the guidebook readings with regards to parking and access suggest that there may be alot of stair climbing required. One of the members of our travel party has no difficulty with a large amount of walking or with going downstairs; they do however have some difficulty with climbing up a large number of stairs. How difficult a problem is this in general in Positano, and are there any hotels that are more friendly than others to a person with this type of situation? A prompt response would be appreciated as we are trying to close out our plans shortly.

You can't escape stairs in Positano. There are two hotels that come to mind that are on the beach level--Cove di Saraceni (sp?) and Buca di Baco. That's O.K. if you want to stay at the beach and there are some good restaurants right there (la Cambusa and Chez Black)but most of the shops are uphill as well as the Duomo and some other restaurants. Positano spills down the mountainside and rather than streets (there's only one road) there are stairs. Some hotels are better than others. The Murat and the Sirenuse are located at a midpoint along the mountain so while there is some stair climbing it's not too bad. There are some great restaurants in Montepertusso, the little town far above Positano. They usually have a service to pick you up and deliver you to and from your hotel, or you can take the scenic walk downhill.

Best way to describe Positano is that it's built on the vertical. If you can't manage stairs, you'll have a problem. And if you stay in a hotel that's on "ground level", then once you leave to go to a restaurant, you'll likely have to deal with stairs. Even when you're not climbing stairs, then you're walking on an incline.

We stayed at the Villa Rosa, which we liked very much but which definitely has stairs to contend with to get to the hotel entrance. However, right across the street are Le Sirenuse, L'Ancora, and the Marincanto. Their entrances are right at street level. I didn't go into any of them, but my guess is that they have elevators to take you to your room if it's not on street level. If that's the case, then there should be no stair climbing to speak of with those hotels. I believe that once you exit any of these hotels (or the Villa Rosa, for that matter), you just walk on the sidewalk to get to the lower part of town. As I recall, there are no steps (just a downhill sidewalk) until you get down almost to the cathedral, and then you can choose whether you want to go all the way to the beach and lower shops/restaurants or just be content with the shops/restaurants where you are. The walk back up will be more tiring, but I believe you can avoid steps completely if you stay at one of these hotels and don't feel obliged to go all the way to the beach area. I think Buca di Bacco and Palazzo Murat will also be without stairs because they're in the lower part of town; you would just reach them by walking downhill from the road. (I think, though, that their views may not be as wonderful as the hotels higher up on the hill.) I hope someone will correct me if my memory of the stair situation is faulty.

When out and about, what about taking the bus back up, going a bit past your stop, and then walking down?

Yes, there is a ramp from the Duomo up to the street but at times it is a rather steep incline, not much better than stairs. There is a rather steep set of stairs from the ramp leading down to the piazza in front of the Duomo and then another set of steep stairs leading down to some shops and restaurants and finally a set of stairs leading to the beach. So even if you stay at the Murat, you can't avoid those stairs if you want to see the church or beach.

We stayed at Villa Rosa - smaller hotel. But we had this tiny room, very plain with its own rose garden. They served us juice, coffee and rolls the next morning and we sat and enjoyed the absolutely breathtaking view of Capri. By the way we found the hotel by stopping in a few small shops and asking if anyone knew of a place where they had rooms.<BR><BR>Thanks, Barb

Thank you all for replying to my question. Your responses were all very helpful. We have decided to stay elsewhere in the area and do Positano as a one day visit. It seemed like the best compromise

As I recently mentioned on another post, we stayed at the Palazzo Murat, which is a very lovely hotel and gardens right in the heart of town. There were virtually no stairs, but of course you give up a great view from the hotel.

Have you considered Sorrento? YOu would still have great views from many of the hotels, and easy accessibility to the Amalfi Coast and all that it has to offer. We stayed in Positano two years ago, and while it is spectacular, there is simply no way to avoid all the stairs unless you stay at the two hotels other posters have mentioned. Good luck with your plans!