are there any beach hotels on the amalfi coast?

Since most of the Amalfi Coast towns/hotels are perched above the beach, the only one that comes to mind is Santa Caterina in Amalfi. They have a swimming pool platform right at waters' edge (and an elevator to get up and down). In Positano, Covo de Saracini is very close to the beach, but not right on it like Santa Caterina.

With walking problems to consider, you really will need to stay in Sorrento. There are not really beaches in this area, just nice sea views. There are some small beaches but they are not easy to access. If you are driving I would consider Maratea instead instead of the AC, and then spend some time in Taormina in Sicily. That will also break up the trip south.

If I recall correctly, Maiori has a pretty good beach, and there's a hotel right there. And of course there's a "beach" at Positano if you like rocks.

Hi g,

How infirm are your seniors? Can they go up 15 steps and rest?

The best part of the Amalfi Coast are the views from way up.

The San Pietro in Positano also has its own beach. In addition, there is an elevator cut into the mountain to bring guests from the hotel down to the beach. This doesn't come cheap though, rooms start at about$500 per night. Positano isn't very good for people who have trouble walking or managing steps. Another hotel in Positano that is at
beach level is the Buco di Baco.

The beaches are primarily rocky, not sandy, and April/May is still quite cool and prone to rain, it is not swimming season, so you may not mind if you are not actually on the water. Positano is virtually all steps or steep inclines and may not be the best place. The Covo de Saraceni and the Bucco are close to the water, but once you are down there the only way out is a rather long and steep uphill climb.

I agree about the Santa Caterina, an excellent hotel, my favourite in the area by far. You can avoid steps by using their elevator down to the beach. You can take their shuttle down into Amalfi and get ferries from there to other parts of the coast.

Ravello may be a better choice for you as it is relatively flat. Has wonderful views of the coast from its position high up on the hills. I have seen but not stayed in the Villa Maria, which looks charming. There is also the much more expensive Palazzo Sasso which has wonderful views. Amalfi hosts classical concerts starting in March and if it is a warm evening, hold them outdoors, a great evening. Take a look at www.rcs.amalficoast.it

The town of Amalfi does not have a lot of steps and the Luna Convento hotel is on the water, although you have to cross a busy road to get to the beach.

hotelsantacaterina.it
covodeisaraceni.it
Bucadibacco.it.
lunahotel.it
www.villamaria.it
palazzosasso.com

In summer 2003, my family stayed at the Hotel Marmorata in Ravello:

http://www.italyby.com/marmorata/index.html

Although its zip code is Ravello, it is actually right on the water's edge. Check out the website for some truly stunning photos of the hotel and its surroundings, as well as good information about the hotel. It has a saltwater pool, and at one time (before our visit) had boat taxis that used their dock. We also took the local bus up the hill to Ravello proper, which did require a lot of walking to see the town (but I seem to recall a fair number of inclines as opposed to steps).

You can contact the hotel by e-mail to find out about an elevator down to the water level, to see if the water taxis use their dock, and to check out the bus schedules.

Have a great time in Italy - we can't wait for our return trip.

Hi geezer,

I have some photos that will give you an idea of the geography of the AC.

See Praiano
http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=11knfe8e.c5mc3de&x=0&y=1tkcm7

See Positano
http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=11knfe8e.i3nhvhm&x=1&y=x6te72