simone99

Hello,

Im planning on spending 5 days on the Amalfi Coast (after Naples) and am not sure which town I should use as a base - Amalfi, Ravello or Positano? During this time I'd like to go to the beach in Positano (or anywhere else for that matter), sight-seeing in Amalfi, visit Paestum, visit Ravello and perhaps do the Walk of the Gods. Bearing this in mind, where would you recommend I stay? And what were your favourite things about each of these places?

Thanks!

caroline_edinburgh

What time of year ? I've visited all of these but only ever in June.

I like Amalfi best as it is pretty but also a real town. If you want to do day trips, it's the best for buses & boats.

Positano is of course beautiful but stricty a tourist town & I don't care for it so much. The centre of town just comprises chi chi boutiques. The main beach isn't very nice; it's grey & stony & the water is dirty due to all the big boats coming in & out. But there are nicer small beaches nearby which you can get to on foot or by boat. Not so good for day trips : unless you're staying up near the main road, it's an uphill hike or an extra journey on a small local bus (always v. hot & crowded) before you can get a bus to anywhere else.

Ravello is beautiful but *very* quiet, & I found it a little chilly in June due to its altitude. It was fine in the sun but cool in the shade & at night. I regreeted spending several days there & would say a day trip is enough, especially since you only have 5 days in total.

rbnwdln

I think the above is good advice, but we stayed in Positano last year and hired a driver to take us to all the places you mentioned. He was reasonable when split between 2 couples and it was a pleasure to have him as a guide and to drive us to all the places. I know Positano is a tourist destination, but there is a reason for that, it is gorgeous. Waking up to the sight of the moon and sun turning the town golden is worth every penny. But I am sure the other towns have much to offer. You can't go wrong on the Amalfi Coast!

ira

Hi S,

We stayed in Praiano.

See my trip report for details:

Ira’s Trip Report (Italy)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

Ira’s Italy Photos
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34552733

39Steps

Of those 3 towns, our favorite was Positano - it's a spectacular setting with great hotels, restaurants and ambiance. We spent 2 very quiet nights in Ravello and it's wonderful if you're looking to slow down and enjoy some great views, but it does NOT make a good base as it sits high atop a narrow winding cliff road. Yikes.

Our experience has been that getting around the Amalfi coast is challenging whether driving or taking public transportation. But the rewards were are worth it. Ciao.

scout4

We stayed in July - but during the week. It was crowded but not crazy. We could feel positano getting more crowded on Friday morning when we left.

Ravello is quiet - if I were to go back to the amalfi coast, I'd probably opt to stay there. If you are worried about crowds, this might be your place. But it is probably a trickier "home base" because it is up so high.

Positano is convenient...you can travel to other places by water (the best way to go - i thought) We stayed at a small hotel that was up the hill (a long, steep walk to the beach) but it was inexpensive and most rooms have beautiful, private terraces... it was called Villa Gabrisa. If you don't mind walking it is a great value.

Amalfi seemed more like a little city than a resort town. Probably more "real" but not as "cute." Depends on what you are looking for.