We will have 3 1/2 days on the Amalfi coast in May.
I want this to be a relaxing vacation, so don't want to do too much.
The only thing that I know for sure that we want to do is the Walk of the Gods - or at least part of it.
With that said, would you spend one of the days @ Pompeii? May be my only chance to get there, since it is unlikely I will ever return to that part of Italy again. I'm not a history buff, but have heard so many people say that it is amazing that I'm kind of reluctant not to see it while I'm in the general area...
I'm sure I"m going to get varying opinions but I"m interested to hear them!

Yes. The ruins of the AD79 eruption are unique. I have been several times, and never tire of the sites.

If you don't want to do Pompeii, consider Herculaneum as it is much smaller and can easily be done in a couple of hours.
Both are stops on the Circumvesuviana from Sorrento.

I agree with willit - definitely visit Pompeii if you have the chance. If you just want to "check it off the list," you can do a cursory visit in a couple of hours right after it opens and still have the afternoon free for either Naples or Sorrento (you won't see everything, of course, but you can fit in the highlights and just absorb the vastness of the place).

I don't "must" but:

Pompei...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/slides_pompeii

Herculaneum...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/herc

Oplontis...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/popea

Boscoreale...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/boscoreale

None are immensely easy to reach from Praiano or Amalfi, but perhaps that can be dealt with once you've booked your accomodation... as with the other possibilities for the trip from the airport?

Peter

Yes, Pompei is amazing. We went on an organised coach tour when we were in Amalfi.

Consider stopping on your way to the Amalfi coast since you may well be passing close to it. That way you don't have to devote an entire day if you're OK with a quick visit.

Pompeii would be the first thing I would do - even if time to do noting else. It is absolutely incredible and you won;t see anythig similar anyplace else.

Wow - so far all votes are in favor. Marija - we won't have a car so not sure we can stop on the way to the coast. Planning to take public transportation from Naples airport, after a flight from the UK.
Since you all are so in favor of visiting Pompeii, can anybody recommend the best way to get there and let me know how long it will take? I'm leaning towards staying in Praiano right now...
Thanks

If your flight comes in early enough, look into whether you can leave your luggage at Pompeii while you explore. It's really easy to get to Pompeii from Naples.

gillybrit,

Pompeii is amazing to me and I've been able to visit twice for a total of over 7 hours - still not enough. Next time I think I'll see Herculaneum.

On my last trip I visited on my way from Capri to Naples. Easy to do. If you are coming from Praiano, take the SITA bus to Sorrento and the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii Scavi. You can check your luggage at the station. Then continue on.

Buon viaggio!

By all means. If you are coming from Naples, you will pass right through Pompeii Scavi on your way to Sorrento. However, we were advised not to visit on our way because we would be tired and the tour of Pompeii is long and worth it but the more so if you are rested. Take a day trip - it will be one of the most memorable things you will do while in the area.

How long will the bus and train Take? Would the three day artecard cover all the.transportation and admission?

You can look up the Circumvesuviana times here..
http://www.vesuviana.com/web/en

For a rough idea of bus times, try the (mainly outdated) timetable links here...
http://www.unicocampania.it/index.ph...anner=costiera

(And, obviously, check again nearer the time!)

Yes, the Artecard's 27 Euro "3 day Tutti la regione" version covers all those transports, and prepays for your first two site entrances.

However, as far as I know, you can no longer get them at the airport, so instead take the €3 Alibus to the station..

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/image/114454837

Once there, look for the Artecard's 'Info-Point' kiosk on the ground-floor concourse, as mentioned on their website...

Peter