Fornillo Beach
The name goes back to the ovens — *fornillo* — that operated here during the Roman era, when the area supplied bread to the imperial table. That productive past is long gone, and what remains is a 300-metre stretch of grey-white pebbles framed by two medieval towers, quieter and less photographed than Positano's main beach just around the headland.
A natural grotto marks the entrance, sheltering a small votive aedicule with a miniature crib of the town. Beyond it, beach clubs rent sunbeds under umbrellas, a handful of bars stay open after dark, and the water runs to 26°C in August.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who come back tend to arrive before ten — the sunbeds at Da Ferdinando fill fast and the sea is glassier in the early light. The walk from Spiaggia Grande past Torre Trasita is worth doing slowly; the path cuts through rock formations and a shaded gully that most day-trippers rush straight through.
The story behind Fornillo Beach
The name is thought to derive from the bread ovens — *fornelli* — that operated here in the time of the emperor Tiberius, whose fondness for the local loaves reportedly made Positano a provisioning stop.
For much of the modern era, the beach drew artists and writers who found it calmer than the main shore. The Fusaro family — sisters Rosaria, Pina and Margherita, and their brother Gaspare — have run Il Fornillo restaurant here for some thirty years, anchoring the beach's identity as a place where the rhythm is slower and the tables stay full into the evening.
Good to know
Walk from the western end of Spiaggia Grande — past the ferry harbour, up the steps, past Torre Trasita — in about ten to fifteen minutes, or take a water taxi. Bring water shoes; the pebbles are large and uneven. The path is not wheelchair accessible. SITA buses stop at Chiesa Nuova, the closest stop for the Fornillo side.
Swimming is comfortable from June through October, when the sea holds above 19°C; August peaks at around 26°C. July brings the most sunshine — over ten hours a day — while May and late September offer warmth without the summer crowds. November and December see the most rain, and the beach clubs close for the winter.
Where is Fornillo Beach?
More tickets & tours for Fornillo Beach
Book directly at the provider
What travellers say about Fornillo Beach
Had our first swim at the Mediterranean sea yesterday at this beach. It's only a short distance away from Positano tourist trap. If you are coming here, bring your bathing suite. Well worth the extra few steps to avoid the crowd and enjoy the warm sun and sea.
Even though it is quite expensive to get a chair inside one of the clubs that have control of most of the beach, it makes sense why they charge. It has a lot of pebbles, and it is a nice service overall. The beach is fantastic and so gorgeous! The colors, the views, the temperature (a bit cold but very welcome in this heat) the black sand, and the fact that it is not as busy as the main Positano beach makes it an unique spot. Bear in mind, the prices in this brach from the beach clubs are for the well-off or rich tourists. I came prepared so it would not take me by surprise (35 euro per person), but, I promise, it is worth it.
So much better than the Arienzo tourist trap beach club! Here you will find locals and beautiful beach, public beach and also beach clubs that are half the price but still amazing vibes!!! Our favorite beach day was here. With a beautiful walk to the Beach from the town, worth it and not Too Long at all
A secluded beach away from the hustle and bustle of Positano but only 10mins or so walk away. Worth the visit as there is a public beach area and beach club option too. The water is lovely and has a designated swimming area. It is not as busy as the main beach in Positano so feels a bit more special. The views on the short walk are incredible too.
Also known to be the more locally preferred beach of Positano! Less crowded, quieter beach. No big boats coming in like the main Positano beach. Definitely more affordable beach chairs and some restaurant options are at this beach as well. A stunning walk from the main port of Positano- such a great area!
More of Positano
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Positano →More attractions in Positano
All of Positano →
Background adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · ratings & place photos via Google · other photos with per-image credit. Ticket links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.