STAY > Hotel Pupetto, Positano - classic on the beach (15/20)

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Step off the ferry, leave the chaos of the main beach behind, and meander along the coastal path to discover Hotel Pupetto—a tranquil retreat nestled on the secluded sands of Fornillo Beach. Here, the Amalfi Coast reveals a quieter, more authentic side, where lemon trees sway in the breeze and the soundtrack is the gentle hush of waves rather than the buzz of tourist crowds.

Alternatively if you drive the Amalfi Coast (an experience you will never forget, and never want to repeat) you can park at a parking lot high at the top of town (book with the hotel concierge). Walk the stairs down all the way to the beach because Pupetto is one of the few absolute beach front hotels in Positano.

AMBIENCE >

Hotel Pupetto is the kind of place that feels like a well-kept Positano secret. The property, family-run for generations, sits amid lush gardens that once were a lemon grove, with terraced balconies offering panoramic sea views and a sense of privacy rare in this famed town. Interiors are bright and simple, with hand-painted Vietri ceramic floors, breezy linens, and a palette that lets the Mediterranean do the talking. The vibe is unfussy—think classic Amalfi charm with just enough modern touches to feel fresh, not flashy.

ROOMS >

All 34 rooms are designed for sea-gazing and relaxation. Standard rooms come with balconies overlooking either the shimmering blue or the lemon garden, while superior rooms boast panoramic terraces and sun-drenched sitting areas. They are freshly painted but distinctly daggy. Comfortable with lovely views but designer style they are not. Expect comforts like air conditioning, satellite TV, and private bathrooms—plus those signature ceramic tiles underfoot.

EAT & DRINK >

The in-house restaurant is a highlight, the food is delicious and not just they wood fired pizza; they serve up local seafood, delicious home made pastas and local produce.

Signature dishes include:

Catch of the Day: Served grilled, fried, or “acqua pazza” style, the daily fish is a staple, showcasing the kitchen’s respect for simplicity and quality.
Homemade Pastas: Dishes like Carnaroli risotto with octopus ragout and pappardelle with buffalo cheek and provola sauce highlight both tradition and creativity.
Vegetarian Options: The menu caters to diverse palates with plates such as fava beans and sautéed chicory with salted almonds, and fried potato and chickpea bites with chicory cream.

Breakfast is a generous affair, and the “Pizza Man” Pasquale has won cult status among guests for his mastery of dough and fire. As a guest, you’ll score discounts at the restaurant and priority on the beach club’s sun loungers—a true luxury in Positano.

SERVICE >

Service is warm, personal, and efficient—the kind you only get from a family-run hotel where staff remember your name and your coffee order. Porters will whisk your bags from the ferry, the front desk handles everything from car services to local recommendations, and the team goes above and beyond to make you feel at home.

BEACH >

The real magic of Pupetto is its direct access to Fornillo Beach—a quieter, more relaxed stretch than the main marina, with reserved loungers and a beach club that feels worlds away from the crowds. It’s the perfect spot for a morning swim, lazy afternoons, or sunset spritzes with your feet in the sand.

THE VERDICT >

Hotel Pupetto is a Positano address with soul, serenity, and a front-row seat to the sea. It’s not about glitz or grandeur, but about genuine hospitality, honest food, and the kind of slow, sun-dappled living that makes the Amalfi Coast unforgettable. For those seeking the quieter heart of Positano—without sacrificing comfort or style—this is the place to check in and tune out.

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