Traveling to the Amalfi coast July 13-16. Ideas as to where we should stay? Do we need a car?

No, you do not need nor want IMO a car - ferries and buses scoot between the major towns in season - buses all year but can be very slow. Where will you be coming from- rail access is either via Salerno and ferry or bus or Sorrento which also has buses and ferries to Amalfi towns. Many prefer a private transfer from Naples or Salerno to your base. For lots on trains check www.trenitalia.com; www.italotreno.com; seat61.com; www.ricksteves.com and BETS-European Rail Experts. Major Amalfi towns have ferries to Capri. If coming from Naples you can easily stop off at Pomeii for a while - there is a train station right at the ruins entrance reportedly with baggage check at entrance to ruins or a private driver would wait for you there too.

I've always had a car when on the AC, even though I know all the arguments against, parking, cost, traffic etc. I've found it much more convenient and easier through the day when we were sightseeing. The congestion on the coast road is the same for any form of transport, but the car lets us do our own thing.

Where to stay is a bit more controversial: I like Positano or Amalfi, the rest aren't central enough, unless that's what you want. Sorrento isn't on the AC, but has a greater choice of hotels etc.although it's a PIA to get onto the AC from there in high season.

I would find having a car on the Amalfi Coast an utter frustration -- parking will not be easy and the roads will be jammed at that time of year. You have many public transportation options, and even if they are also busy, you don't have to keep your attention on the roads (you can actually enjoy the scenery!) and you don't have to worry about where to park.

Where to stay depends on what you want to see and experience.

Skip the car.

Where to stay....Positano, Ravello and Amalfi are all great choices. What do you plan on doing? We loved Positano.