jojo319

We are heading to Amalfi Coast for 6 nights. Still debating whether to stay on Sorrento side or Amalfi Coast...and if Amalfi...where? Will we get the dramatic Amalfi Coast views no matter if we're in Ravello, Positano, Minori, etc... Is one place better than other for getting around? Going first week October, so no need for beach. Need for beautiful views, gardens, food..some 'local' shopping (vs. tourist traps). Rent villa or hotel (trying to stay in a budget of ~$200/day)? Also keep hearing we have to experience Capri at night, and wondering how late we can stay before last boat leaves or do we need to stay overnight?
HELP!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

PalenQ

Positano is close to Capri and Pompeii

Sorrento is the best located with direct boats to Capri, Ischia and Naples amongst others and a short train trip to the Pompeii Scavi train station smack at the ruins' entrance and also from which to ascend Mt Vesuvius by mini-bus and foot and Herucaleaum (sp? - Ercocol - not as famous as Pompeii but still stunning and also take buses along the Amalfi coast from Sorrento - buses go all the time and are dirt-cheap - boats also go in season.

Sorrento lacks the dreamy seaside character of a Positano or Amalfi (Ravello is on top of a cliff above Amalfi) as you can rarely see the sea from Sorrento hotels or its main drag - which however at night is full of folks out strolling and using its gaggle of eateries, cafes, etc. A nice watering hole but lacking the charm IMO of the Amalfi towns.

jelopez33

Jojo:
We were there in september 2009; you can click on my name if you want to see the report of our one week stay.some comments about your questions:
-Best places to stay(in order of our preference):1)Amalfi(transportation hub for the Sita bus; almost flat,departure of the buses towards Ravello); 2)Sorrento(biggest town,not on the amalfi coast,but not really far away;end of the railway; closest to Pompei);3)Positano,(smallest,most expensive).
Don't stay at Ravello(but don't omit a visit); Raavello is a most beautiful place but verry isolated to stay,hotels very expensive also).
In october,hotels will be cheaper than in full season; for sure you can reach a double under 200 US$.
If you want to see Capri at night,you must stay one night in a hotel,last ferries depart about 5 p.m.
You can ask me anything you want.
Enjoy your stay in this marvelous region!!!

nytraveler

The most dramatic views are OF the coast from the water - not FROM the coast.

sorrento is better for getting aorund - has the train, the bus ad more ferries/hydrofoils. Down the coast there is no train, ferries are fewer and bus is slow.

zorrosf

The last two replies may leave the impression that you cannot see water from Sorrento. It is smack dab on the Bay of Naples with a glorious view of Vesuvius, easy transportation to Capri, Pompeii, and Positano and the best gelato in Italy. A chacun son gout.