Traveling to Positano in August--bad idea???
Apr 7th, 2005, 08:14 PM
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Traveling to Positano in August--bad idea???
I apologize in advance if this question is too general however, my SO and I have the whole month of August off and will be in desperate need of rest and relaxation (as we will have just finished taking...and hopefully passing the bar...). After reading all the wonderful posts and reports on the Amalfi coast we've pretty much settled on a two week trip to Rome (only for a couple of days), Positano, and Capri but have some reservations on how restful it will be in August. Wondering if anyone has thoughts on traveling to Italy in August--is it a bad idea or should we go forward as planned???
Apr 8th, 2005, 04:31 AM
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Hi dev,
Make your hotel reservations today.
We very much liked our stay at the Hotel Le Sirene in Praiano.
www.lesirene.com
Praiano is a small town, 6km E of Positano, on the SITA and Orange bus routes.
I suggest that you fly into Naples, stay 1 week in Praino, 3 days in Naples (see Pompeii), tain to Rome and fly home from there.
You might find my trip report helpful.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044
Make your hotel reservations today.
We very much liked our stay at the Hotel Le Sirene in Praiano.
www.lesirene.com
Praiano is a small town, 6km E of Positano, on the SITA and Orange bus routes.
I suggest that you fly into Naples, stay 1 week in Praino, 3 days in Naples (see Pompeii), tain to Rome and fly home from there.
You might find my trip report helpful.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044
Apr 8th, 2005, 04:36 AM
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Devedi - Rome is wonderful in August IF you don't mind the heat. Half the population has abandoned the place - and it's left to mad dogs ... and a few brave tourists 
This means it's relatively easy to get around as buses and the metro aren't crowded. But the big bonus IMO is 'L'estate Romana' - a whole series of summer events and outdoors concerts of all types. A great time to be there ...
As for Positano - there's never a bad time to be on the Amalfi Coast IMO. Sure, it's busy - it's high season. But if you use ferries rather than buses to get around it really won't be a problem.
You can find ferry/hydrofoil timetables on:
http://www.salernocity.com/comune/tr...i/costiera.asp
http://www.capri.net/salsa/lang/it/page/transport.html
www.metrodelmare.com
Hope this helps ...
Steve
This means it's relatively easy to get around as buses and the metro aren't crowded. But the big bonus IMO is 'L'estate Romana' - a whole series of summer events and outdoors concerts of all types. A great time to be there ...
As for Positano - there's never a bad time to be on the Amalfi Coast IMO. Sure, it's busy - it's high season. But if you use ferries rather than buses to get around it really won't be a problem.
You can find ferry/hydrofoil timetables on:
http://www.salernocity.com/comune/tr...i/costiera.asp
http://www.capri.net/salsa/lang/it/page/transport.html
www.metrodelmare.com
Hope this helps ...
Steve
Apr 8th, 2005, 12:53 PM
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Steve is certainly right about Rome...much less crowded in many sections of the city but you can definiotely count on the heat. Don;t even <b> think </b> of booking any accommodations that aren't air conditioned.
Apr 8th, 2005, 06:43 PM
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Thanks everyone for the information and the reassurance. We've both actually been to Rome already so daytime sightseeing in the city isn't so much of a priority, I was more worried about the coast. I've actually already reserved accomodations-- Marriott Grand Flora(Rome) and Villa/s Franca & Brunella (Positano & Capri) all with AC and pool (except Rome)-- to combat the heat. I wanted to double check here first regarding crowds, August closing, etc before booking flights as everything else is cancellable so far. I'm feeling much more secure in our decision thanks to your comments...now all I have to do is convince my boyfriend we're not spending too much money and I'm sure we'll have a wonderful trip, thanks again!
Jun 16th, 2012, 03:53 AM
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Hey!! Did you end up going to Positano in August? Me and my husband are planning a trip to italy mid August and are dying to visit Poistano but have second thoughts after reading a few reviews that its horribly busy and that restaurants are packed and that you wont get to experience the real poistano. Your feedback would be great!!
D
D
Jun 16th, 2012, 09:48 PM
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Hi dinzzy
It's doubtful the OP will see your query since the original post is over 7 years old. FWIW, we were there in early October a few years back and it was delightful. I'm pretty sure August will be crowded and hot. Be aware that the beach in Positano, like many beaches in Europe, are NOT sandy (such as Florida in the US or the Caribbean) but rather pebbly.
It's doubtful the OP will see your query since the original post is over 7 years old. FWIW, we were there in early October a few years back and it was delightful. I'm pretty sure August will be crowded and hot. Be aware that the beach in Positano, like many beaches in Europe, are NOT sandy (such as Florida in the US or the Caribbean) but rather pebbly.
Jun 17th, 2012, 08:04 AM
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Dinzzy,
I've visited the Amalfi Coast in mid-March (peaceful and NO tourists) and mid-Sept (inclusing Capri), (jam packed buses, hot and humid). The Sept visit was not fun.
The ONLY way I would ever visit during summer months would be to park myself in a lovely villa with a pool and not go anywhere else for the entire visit (unless directly by boat).
If it's your first trip to the area, obviously you will want to get around and sight see. Stay somewhere with a harbor and directly boat trans.
After my mid-Sept visit to Capri (2 nts in Anacapri), I decided if I ever went again I would have a private boat take me directly to Marina Piccola and do the villa thing.
Marina Grande is a screaming zoo.
I've visited the Amalfi Coast in mid-March (peaceful and NO tourists) and mid-Sept (inclusing Capri), (jam packed buses, hot and humid). The Sept visit was not fun.
The ONLY way I would ever visit during summer months would be to park myself in a lovely villa with a pool and not go anywhere else for the entire visit (unless directly by boat).
If it's your first trip to the area, obviously you will want to get around and sight see. Stay somewhere with a harbor and directly boat trans.
After my mid-Sept visit to Capri (2 nts in Anacapri), I decided if I ever went again I would have a private boat take me directly to Marina Piccola and do the villa thing.
Marina Grande is a screaming zoo.
Jun 27th, 2012, 02:59 PM
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Hi Dinzzy,
I actually did wind up going to Rome and the AC in 05 and had a fabulous trip. So great in fact that I'm headed back to the AC and Greece in early August again - this time for my honeymoon!
If you don't mind heat and crowds, I'd say go for it. The coast is beautiful and IMO I don't think there's ever a bad time to be in Positano. I actually don't remember the crowds being an issue, all I remember is the view and the food. Admittedly though, I'm from NYC so crowds aren't such a big deal for me. The only times I really felt it were at the Trevi Fountain in Rome which I'd liken to Times Square with the cameras, tourists and slow walkers (but I've been back at other times and it's always like that and still worth it), the main square area in Positano down where the restaurants are (can't remember what it's called), and the main square area in Capri. In all cases, the crowds were expected and we just pressed on and enjoyed the sights nonetheless.
My advice would be to go when you can and try to pick hotels away from the centers but within walking distance. In Rome, we chose to stay near the Barberini Fontana di Trevi Metro Stop which was great in being slightly removed but still accessible to all sites. In Positano, we stayed at Villa Franca which was perfect in that it was higher up the hill which took us away from the croweded beach area and gave killer views. In Capri, we heeded the advice of other Fodorites and stayed overnight and picked a hotel farther afield with a pool (Capri Tiberio Palace). The crowds disburse at night and it's a completely different experience.
Hope this helps. Have a great trip!
I actually did wind up going to Rome and the AC in 05 and had a fabulous trip. So great in fact that I'm headed back to the AC and Greece in early August again - this time for my honeymoon!
If you don't mind heat and crowds, I'd say go for it. The coast is beautiful and IMO I don't think there's ever a bad time to be in Positano. I actually don't remember the crowds being an issue, all I remember is the view and the food. Admittedly though, I'm from NYC so crowds aren't such a big deal for me. The only times I really felt it were at the Trevi Fountain in Rome which I'd liken to Times Square with the cameras, tourists and slow walkers (but I've been back at other times and it's always like that and still worth it), the main square area in Positano down where the restaurants are (can't remember what it's called), and the main square area in Capri. In all cases, the crowds were expected and we just pressed on and enjoyed the sights nonetheless.
My advice would be to go when you can and try to pick hotels away from the centers but within walking distance. In Rome, we chose to stay near the Barberini Fontana di Trevi Metro Stop which was great in being slightly removed but still accessible to all sites. In Positano, we stayed at Villa Franca which was perfect in that it was higher up the hill which took us away from the croweded beach area and gave killer views. In Capri, we heeded the advice of other Fodorites and stayed overnight and picked a hotel farther afield with a pool (Capri Tiberio Palace). The crowds disburse at night and it's a completely different experience.
Hope this helps. Have a great trip!
Jun 27th, 2012, 03:39 PM
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The Amalfi Coast is a wonderful destination.
In August it will be hot (well into the 90s), humid and mobbed. If this doesn't bother you (and make sure your hotel has good AC and a great pool) that go for it.
In August it will be hot (well into the 90s), humid and mobbed. If this doesn't bother you (and make sure your hotel has good AC and a great pool) that go for it.
Jun 27th, 2012, 05:46 PM
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The best vacation I ever had was in late July just north of the AC in Sorrento. Stayed in a beautiful hotel with lovely pool up on the cliffs with view of Bay of Naples. Hot, yes, but so gorgeous, and it cooled off at night. Positano was fantastic. We hiked up lots of steps away from the center and there were no crowds at all. Pompeii even was great - just took plenty of water. We used only boats to get around, no bus for me in summer.
