gregmlt

planning a first time trip to amalfi coast in sept october have been reading forums and all of the great suggestions realy would like to nail down my base location and if i should stay at one location or move around every few days the length of trip would probably be 8-10 days.....id appreciate your feedback
thank you

yorkshire

It depends on what you want to see and do. Also important is how you arrive and depart -- like if you need to be in Naples the night before a flight, etc.
In the most general sense, to me a good trip would include Naples, one of the islands, and one of the Amalfi Coast towns, but there are many variables and knowing your wishes will help people advise.
Is the trip in late September and into October?

Blueeyedcod

Gosh, a full stop or two wouldn't hurt.

No one can answer you without knowing your budget and your day to day plans. Some people go there to lie on the beach and some go to tour around, some go to do hiking. You haven't articulated your motives for visiting this area. More information would be helpful.

denisea

It's so beautiful you can't go wrong. We wanted a very laid back, relaxing trip, so we based in Positano for 6 nights. We moved up the coast for 3 more nights at a very small, relaxed hotel in Conca dei Marini, where the main activities were gawking at the view from the infinity pool and enjoying their terrific spa.

We could have done lots more...we were just too happy to be poolside or on a terrace with some wine and enjoying the view.

I personally don't like to change hotels too much, but you might consider two locations. I would consider Ravello next time for a few days. Amalfi is probably the most central location. We loved Positano.

You will want to give more info on budget and what you are interested in to get the best advice.

gregmlt

planning to go after labor day mid september our budget is flexible dont need top notch hotels but good ones would like to spend a few nights in positano,amalfi,ravello and travel around by foot bus and train.would like suggestuons on hotels and restaurants in these areas and any tours you have taken that you think were great.
i doing research on my own but first hand experience is alaways the best to include airlines and any other suggestion you think would be valuable.
thanks for you responses

Blueeyedcod

Mid September is still very much high season.

A flexible budget still gives no idea. You need to specify how much you wish to pay per night in euro. If I said the Il San Pietro one person's budget would be 'flexible' enough to pay what they charge but some wouldn't.

Positano's popular hotels are often booked out a year in advance. I would suggest the Marincanto if there are rooms. Other mid range hotels are the Eden Roc, Villa Rosa, Poseidon or Palazzo Murat.

Recommend that you stay in one place and day trip out. Amalfi and Positano are the most convenient as they have water transport as well as road.

You may have to take what you can get, given September is so popular.

denisea

We stayed in Positano at Le Sirenuse I don't know your budget. It is expensive but the hotel is top notch (great service, wonderful views). I know many on this forum love Marincanto and Poseidon, as well.

We moved after 6 nights to Monastero Santa Rosa for 3 nights....also expensive. Truly spectacular views with wonderful property, gardens and infinity pool. The spa there is impossible to describe. This is the place for relaxation---way on top of a cliff and out of the way.

Both are great in different ways.

Here is what we didn't do that I regret not doing...lunch at La Tagliata. Way up high above Positano. I think they will shuttle you to the restaurant. We passed it after hiking up to Nocelle and back down to Positano. We also enjoyed La Tre Sorelle on the beach in Positano.

If you enjoy food and wine, take the Swirl the Glass wine tasting to Tenuta San Francesco in Tramonti. They will pick you up at your hotel and bring you back. The wine was delicious, the food, home cooked and wonderful and the property was beautiful.

Enjoy your trip. I still can't believe we were there--it was pure magic for us.

gregmlt

thank you for your responses i am gathering all of your great ideas and hope to start making plans soon......keep them coming

nytraveler

gregmit - sorry - but surely you know if you "flexible" budget will cover 300 euros per night or 700 euros per night or 1500 euros per night.

And you really don't have a lot of time to delay given how quickly hotels sell out in the AC.

gregmlt

i am looking at the villa rosa hotel in positano it gets great reviews and the price is beyond reasonable.it seems like its close to the center of positano and we could travel to other locations easily by bus or boat.we wouldlike to visit ravello capri sorrento all day trips if possible.

anybody have any experience with villa rosa and how would day trips to these locations work ....
thanks all

Blueeyedcod

Villa Rosa is great. Close to the pedestrian zone and the ferry dock and beach but also a short walk up the road to the SITA bus stop. Some excellent restaurants and bars close by too. Have a drink at Franco's and watch the sunset.

http://sirenusejournal.com/en/le-sir...no-francos-bar

gregmlt

thanks for reply i will head to francos.....we have settled on departure date of oct 16 thru oct 25 leaving from jfk ny any suggestions on airlines im looking on kayak and expedia also for best way to get to positano from naples
thanks again

Sassafrass

I am genuinely curious as to the meaning (in this case) of beyond reasonable.
Does it mean the cost is too high to be considered reasonable (however reasonable is defined), or is the price so good, it is lower than what you would expect?

ekc

I took it as the price is good.

Greg, I have taken just about every airline to NAP and they are all pretty much the same. For me what matters is schedule and price. I like to arrive at NAP as early as possible, so I can have a late lunch in Positano on arrival day. Keep in mind that the ride from NAP to Positano takes about 1.5 hours.

And since you will be traveling the end of October, you need to be flexible with your day trips. We were there the beginning of October last year and the ferries were cancelled due to sea conditions at least one day. It was a sunny day but the seas were too rough, so we never made it to Capri.

Blueeyedcod

Book direct with the airline, not a third party agency.

nytraveler

You need to check ferry times carefully for that time of year - I suspect some of them have already been cut off the schedule and positano doesn't have a bunch anyway. (Sorrento has more ferries/hydrofoils if you need a greater selection - you could bus back and forth.)

Be aware that the last ferries from Capri back to the mainland go in the late afternoon - not the evening - so be sure of time to make sure you're not stuck on Capri - or have to hire a private boat.

Blueeyedcod

Ferries along the Amalfi Coast stop running on October 31.

gregmlt

As far as the meaning of beyond reasonable the price was excellent and reviews of Vill Rosa were also excellent.I booked it for October 16 -25 and now have to book airlines.
Looking around for prices and times that work for me.
Thanks for your input

gregmlt

I just found a meridians air lines operated by air Italy out of jfk non stop to naples for around $1400 for two...anyone ever fly this airline...Aer lingus flys to naples also with a good price and time

Blueeyedcod

I don't live in the USA so can't help you with USA flights but if it suits your budget and time, then just book it - but book direct with the airline. Cancellations and changes using third party sites are usually fraught with issues.
If you have a very early departure out of Naples, you will need to stay there the night before your flight or pay a car service around 150 euro to get you to the airport on time (remember you need to be there 3 hours before departure) and Positano is 1.5 hours from Naples - without traffic.