Anna

My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon for next August, and we've been dreaming about the Amalfi Coast... We'd like to rent a vacation home, but are not sure what would be the most relaxing and romantic; also, the prices seem to vary astronomically! <BR>Here are our options:<BR><BR>#1 Most expensive -- a flat in Ravello with its own private pool.<BR><BR>#2 Not Quite as expensive (but close!) -- flat in Positano at the top of an old converted villa.<BR><BR>#3 Least expensive (by far!) -- flat in Anacapri in residential area.<BR><BR>We'd prefer to not rent a car, as my fiance doesn't drive (and I'm terrified of Amalfi Coast roads), and we'd like to do daytrips to Naples and Pompeii, but also have relaxing beach time. <BR><BR>Your advice is greatly appreciated!

Dona

Anna -<BR><BR>I think the biggest problem with your plan is the August timeframe - obviously you can't change that! Relaxing beach time in August is difficult because all of Italy - in addition to so many tourists - are all looking for the same thing.<BR><BR>I think that the prices vary astronomically for good reason.<BR><BR>Ravello is gorgeous - and having your own pool at the height of the tourist season is a great idea. Ravello is &quot;on the mainland&quot; so that arranging tours to Naples and Pompeii, and any place in the area would be easier [although there is a hydrofoil to Naples from Capri that would make that easy also].<BR><BR>I loved Positano - and the beach is right there, too - although I imagine that it's really crowded in August. Again, arranging day trips is easy.<BR><BR>Anacapri is high up on the island of Capri - so you have to travel more to get to a beach. And while I love Capri in the evening [after the last tour boat leaves], it's really crowded during the day... But so beautiful!<BR><BR>So I guess it really depends on your budget.<BR><BR>Another possible suggestion is exploring areas of Italy that may be less crowded. For example, I have friends who have stayed at luxury beach resorts in the Calabria area of Italy. Since they're a bit off the beaten path, they may not be as crowded. [Although I'm not sure] You may need a car, but then again you're not going to be driving on the Amalfi coast in August [which you wouldn't want to do].<BR><BR>Or perhaps something on the Lido in Venice. While Venice is packed in August, Lido is less so - and you're right there in Venice, where you can either stay in the city or get on a train for day trips to the surrounding area. <BR><BR>I hope you get other ideas on Fodors to help you with your planning...<BR><BR>Dona

Sherry

Topping for Anna!

sam

Having just recently been to the Amalfi Coast on honeymoon, I would offer the following advice. Skip anacapri and stay in ravello. Capri and Anacapri were very touristy and the scenery was just ok.<BR><BR>Ravello, on the other hand, is probably the most magical place I have ever been. The views are unbelievable since you are so high up and yet so close to the water. The town has an older feel than Positano or Capri, and some great food (try Palazzo Sasso, Cumpa COsimo, and Vittoria). There are also classical music concerts. FUrther, it is easy to get to AMalfi for a day trip.<BR><BR>Good luck and have fun.

Patrick

Sam, just out of curiosity where did you stay on Capri and how many nights did you stay there?

ttt

ttt

Jasmine, Scala Reale

Dear Anna,<BR><BR>I suggest you post a query for an apartment through www.wantedinrome.com. Its a network of English speaking expats and often serves as an apartment swapping/subletting forum in the summer months. <BR><BR>You are wise to avoid a rental car!<BR><BR>Best,<BR><BR>Jasmine, Rome, Italy.<BR>www.scalareale.org

sam

We stayed in anacapri at the Capri Palace hotel. We were scheduled to stay for 4 nights but we left after 3 nights because we had had enough. The area was just teeming with tourists (mostly Americans and Japanese). As for the Capri Palace, the staff was not very friendly. Particularly, I was reprimanded by the pool man for putting my towel on an adjacent lounge chair, even though only about half the chairs were occupied. Also, the food at the Capri Palace restaurant was disappointing.