Solo Travel Guide: Eat, Pray, Love Through Positano & Montepertuso, Amalfi Coast
Planning your dream solo trip to Italy? Discover the magic of Positano and Montepertuso on the Amalfi Coast — from breathtaking hikes like the Path of the Gods to iconic beaches, charming restaurants, and unforgettable Italian culture
When it comes to solo adventures dripping with charm, glamour, and a sprinkle of dolce vita magic, Positano on the Amalfi Coast is the place every traveler dreams about. Cliffside pastel homes, winding alleys, limoncello sunsets, and the siren call of the Tyrrhenian Sea make it an instant love affair.
But for those craving a deeper taste of Italian authenticity beyond the postcard, the neighboring hamlet of Montepertuso is a hidden gem worth wandering on top of the mountain into.
Why Positano & Montepertuso are Solo Traveler Heaven
This slice of the Amalfi Coast was practically designed for a solo traveler’s perfect balance of indulgence and self-discovery. From sunlit café mornings and boutique shopping on Via Cristoforo Colombo, to soul-stirring hikes and romantic solo dinners overlooking the sea, Positano is where stories (and daydreams) are written.
Path of the Gods Hike: Walk Among Legends
Known as Il Sentiero degli Dei (The Path of the Gods), this breathtaking hiking trail weaves through Montepertuso and connects Agerola to Nocelle. The name isn’t just poetic — legend says the ancient gods themselves once walked this path to rescue Ulysses from the sirens below.
Expect dramatic cliffs, sweeping vistas of the Amalfi coastline, and a strong dose of perspective as you lose yourself in nature's grandeur. Solo hikers often describe it as both a meditative and empowering journey — the kind of trail where you feel small in the best possible way. This was the first ‘spiritual hike’ I chose after losing my father… it was a healing I didn’t even realize nature can provide. While I completed this hike solo, they do offer private and group guides. Pro Tip: upon completion near the Montepertuso side, there is a nice limoncello stand (I nearly got lost trying to get back to the road as I went up a wrong set of stairs - LOL - so once I got to the main road and stumbled into this frazzled, hot and beyond thirsty, this gem appeared and the man working complemented my beverage. Italy is the best.
Okay, let’s start with the Positano highlights…
🌸 Things to Do in Positano
Stroll through Spiaggia Grande — the iconic pebbled beach with colorful umbrellas and those jaw-dropping vertical village views.
Take a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast (sunset cruises highly recommended!).
Shop for handmade sandals at historic boutiques like Artigianato Rallo.
Sip a spritz at Franco's Bar — a sunset ritual.
Explore the charming Church of Santa Maria Assunta and its iconic tiled dome.
Hike the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) — an unforgettable trek that links the mountains above Positano to Agerola, with dramatic views of the coastline.
Beach-hop to Fornillo Beach for a more relaxed, local vibe.
🍽️ Best Restaurants in Positano
La Sponda (Michelin-starred) — Romantic, candlelit dining inside Le Sirenuse Hotel.
Da Adolfo — Beach shack vibes + fresh grilled seafood (accessible only by boat!).
Chez Black — Seaside institution for people-watching and perfect pasta.
Ristorante Next2 — Chic modern Italian with killer wine pairings.
Zass at Il San Pietro — Fine dining with spectacular clifftop views.
While Positano is amazing, I ended up staying in the neighboring town called Montepertuso - the most stunning and quaint mountaintop village with holy roots (ancient legend of a hole in the mountain by the Virgin Mary - yes, really). You can easily take the bus from Positano right up to the center of Montepertuso OR you can do what I did and hike the stairs up from Positano. The hike up is a challenging one so definitely not for the lighthearted… you’re literally climbing up a mountain from sea level via steps but I love a good challenge. Plus, it helped justify all the bread and wine. ;)
The best treat post hike (besides a glass of wine)
🌿 Things to Do in Montepertuso
Hike the legendary Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) — Montepertuso is one of the starting or connecting points, and the views are beyond cinematic.
Visit The Hole of Montepertuso (Il Buco) — a natural arch formation with local legends about the Virgin Mary defeating the Devil.
Wander the peaceful streets, far from the tourist buzz — this is where authentic village life thrives.
Stop at Piazza Cappella for local vibes and simple pleasures: espresso, sun, and serenity.
🍽️ Best Restaurants in Montepertuso
La Tagliata — A family-run feast of farm-to-table Italian comfort food, where the courses seem endless and the views stretch over the entire Amalfi Coast.
Il Ritrovo — Known for handmade pastas, fresh local fish, and traditional southern flavors served with a side of sweeping vistas (loved the food and energy here so much that I ate here twice! amazing local staff and we bonded over the beauty of hiking the Path of the Gods - there were even fireworks one night)
Ristorante Donna Rosa — Hidden gem for elegant dining in a rustic setting.
Da Costantino — Homemade classics, perfect house wine, and the kind of atmosphere where you're treated like family.
Why You'll Fall In Love With Positano & Montepertuso
Because here, time slows down and your heart speeds up. Whether you're sipping espresso solo in a cliffside café, people watching over a glass of vino, hiking where gods once walked, or dining under lemon groves, Positano and Montepertuso remind you that traveling alone is never lonely — it's a luxury.
So pack light, hike high, dine well, and let Positano work its magic. After all, some destinations aren't just places... they're love stories waiting to happen.
