Positano's Instagram pictures hide a brutal reality: the village is essentially a staircase. But the Amalfi Coast is bigger than Positano, and several towns along it are surprisingly workable for wheelchair users — if you know which ones.
Amalfi town — the accessible base
Amalfi town itself is largely flat along the seafront, with a ramped main piazza, an accessible cathedral entrance (via the side door), and step-free access to the harbour. Stay here rather than Positano.
Maiori and Minori
These two adjacent towns have long flat promenades, accessible beaches with sea-access ramps in summer, and several step-free restaurants. Maiori is the most accessible village on the entire coast.
Positano — the honest answer
Positano's village core is built on a vertical cliff. The main shopping street is steep but rollable downhill; getting back up is brutal without a powered chair. The Spiaggia Grande beach is reachable via a long ramped road. Most boutiques and restaurants involve steps.
Accessible boat trips
Several Salerno- and Sorrento-based operators run wheelchair-accessible boats with hydraulic ramps for coast tours and Capri day trips. Book ahead and confirm the boat (not all in their fleet are equipped).
Driving the SS163
The famous coast road is rideable in any car. Hire a driver with a comfortable vehicle and stop at panoramic pull-offs — many viewpoints are step-free from the parking. Doing the coast as a scenic drive is often the most accessible way to experience it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a wheelchair user enjoy Positano?
Partially — from a boat trip, from the Spiaggia Grande beach, and from selected hotels. The village stairs themselves are not navigable. Many wheelchair users prefer to base themselves in Amalfi and visit Positano by boat.
Are there accessible beaches on the Amalfi Coast?
Yes — Maiori, Minori, and Cetara have summer Job (lifeguard) services with beach wheelchairs and ramps. Always call ahead to reserve.
What about Ravello?
Ravello is on top of the cliff (~350m up). Reach it by accessible taxi. The Villa Rufolo gardens are partially accessible via ramps; Villa Cimbrone is not.
Is the SITA bus accessible?
Some SITA Sud buses have wheelchair lifts but reliability is poor. For confident travel, use a private WAV transfer.