Buca di Bacco
First opened in 1916, the Buco di Bacco is considered by many to be a historic landmark of Positano. It sits right on the beach, just a moment’s walk to the water or to the middle of town. From the road, you will need to wind down several steps to access the hotel, such is the nature of Positano’s hillside structure. But, as soon as you reach the property, everything is within close walking distance. Many rooms have balconies or terraces with outdoor seating, while others open onto the communal gardens and the sea beyond, which makes up for the lack of a swimming pool.
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Rooms
Rooms at the Buca di Bacco are calming, with local, historical touches. The vast majority of the rooms and suites have views of the sea. The balconies are a lovely touch and the rooms are a good size with air-conditioning and bright marble bathrooms. As the property is built over different levels, all the rooms have their distinct shape and character; some offer views of the Church’s golden dome, and others look out on to the quaint communal gardens, dotted with banana plants and bougainvillea.
Location
Steps from the beach and under five minutes’ walk to the central church of Santa Maria Assunta, Hotel Buca di Bacco hits the mark in terms of location. On arrival, car access stops half way up the hill. So, you’ll need to meander down steps to the hotel but you’ll soon get used to these pleasant winding routes that lead you to the best restaurants and shops.
Food and Drink
The Buca di Bacco restaurant is almost as well known as the hotel, and is one of only a few restaurants right on the beach. It serves fresh, delicious seafood as well as meat dishes and local specialities and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also a second restaurant beneath called The Veranda, run by the same chef.
Facilities and Activities
Although this hotel does not have a swimming pool, it is very close to the water if you want to cool off in the sea. Cooking classes are offered in the afternoons for adults and children aged ten and upwards. They last two hours.
Our opinion
Full of character and history, the Hotel Buca di Bacco is a great option for those who value views and location above all else. The rooms can be a little simple, so we recommend opting for a higher category with a balcony or terrace. You need to be comfortable climbing steps to access your room.
Amalfi Coast itinerary suggestions
Nearby accommodation
Nearby places
Places & hotels on the map
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
Belmond Hotel Caruso
Belmond Hotel Caruso, sitting proudly atop the hill top town of Ravello on the Amalfi coast, was once a large palazzo (palace) dating back to the 11th century and much of its grandeur still remains today.
Casa Angelina
Casa Angelina is a serene, boutique property. Minimalist in style and exceptionally chic, every inch within its signature white walls and multi-level terraces is a work of art in itself.
Covo Dei Saraceni
The Covo dei Saraceni dates back to the 19th century and balances elegance, an unrivaled seafront location, and first rate service. It is the result of one family’s dedication to maintaining the beauty of their town and home.
Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi
Once a large convent built into the rock just above Amalfi town, this 13th-century structure still has an intact cloister and church which, along with its spectacular infinity pool, are its most impressive features.
Hotel Luna Convento
Dating back to the 12th century, the Hotel Luna Convento’s most beautiful feature is the sunlit cloister around which the hotel is built. Although simple, the property is steeped in history and charm, with an idyllic swimming pool overlooking the sea.
Il San Pietro Positano
A landmark hotel on the Amalfi coast and just a short drive from Positano, Il San Pietro has everything from a private beach to tennis courts and a Michelin star restaurant, not to mention excellent service and impressive views.
Le Sirenuse
This ancient palazzo (palace) is known throughout Positano for its heritage and elegance. Once a grand private villa, Le Sirenuse was transformed into a first rate hotel in 1951 and has been the town’s premier historic hotel ever since.
Monastero Santa Rosa
Once a 17th-century monastery, perched high up on the Amalfi coast, the Monastero Santa Rosa has been expertly renovated to five star standards without losing any of its original features. It’s an exceptional property with sea views, a spa, and an infinity pool.
Palazzo Murat
Ancient Palazzo Murat, in central Positano, radiates a classic Mediterranean romanticism. Steeped in history, it tastefully flaunts its original antique doors, artwork, heavy stone balconies, and its peaceful swimming pool with sea views.
Punta Regina
The Punta Regina is a charming hotel with an authentic family atmosphere. Located near the top of the hill, but still within the heart of Positano, it has the height for those spectacular sea views and a convenient location for exploring.
Villa Cimbrone
Villa Cimbrone is a 12th-century masterpiece, once owned by Lord Beckett who painstakingly restored it and its famous gardens to their current magnificence. It has since played host to an array of historic icons, most notably Virginia Wolf, Winston Churchill and Greta Garbo.
Villa Franca
Villa Franca is definitively boutique. Using the whites and blues of the region, this hotel is a refreshing and tranquil refuge that overlooks the town below and the sea beyond. It’s artistic, fun and exceptionally chic.
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
A private guided tour of Pompeii
Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient Roman town of Pompeii, preserved by six meters of volcanic ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius back in 79 AD.
Experience a cooking class with a local family
Experience a half day cooking class at a local family home. You will learn the secret recipes of the D’Antonio family, from making homemade pasta to fileting the catch of the day.
When life gives you lemons tour
Discover the role that lemons play in traditional life on the Amalfi Coast with this half-day tour. You’ll take a guided walk through the lemon groves and tour a local limoncello distillery, as well as sitting down to a seaside lunch.