Amalfi Coast & Capri
 

Hi - My husband and I are planning to go to Positano (approx. 5 nights) and Capri (approx. 3 nights) He would like to rent a car while in Positano, but I don't - the driving seems too scary and I've heard parking is a nightmare. Any comments/suggestions? Is it easy to use the bus system to travel throughout the Amalfi Coast? Any suggestions on itineraries? We were planning to fly into Rome and then take a flight or train to Naples. Thanks!

Hi Pam - I suggest you do a search of the Fodors web site on the following subjects and you'll find lots of great information regarding your question (there's a SEARCH button on the top of the Fodor's web page) <BR> <BR>SEARCH: <BR> <BR>Positano <BR>Amalfi <BR>Capri <BR>Driving in Italy <BR>Ravello <BR> <BR>We were there in February and rented a car - yes the driving is a challenge - but the time of year you plan to go factors into your decision. In HIGH season I probably wouldn't recommend driving but off season we found it was better to have a car and the freedom it affords to do things on your own schedule. <BR> <BR>We visited Capri for one day - I frankly wouldn't recommend it for 3 days but there are plenty of people who would disagree. We found the Amalfi coast to be infinitely more interesting and found Capri incredibly expensive (even in February) and predictable. Whatever you do - don't miss Ravello - it's magical! <BR> <BR>Enjoy your visit!

Pam, if I could figure out how to make my scanner work, I would post my picture of traffic, trucks and tour buses manuvering past each other in Positano. This was March traffic. The buildings literally have chunks knocked out of them (so do lots of the cars). I was happy to enjoy the scenery and let the incredibly talented bus drivers pass each other with only 3 inches to spare. I sat on the ocean side and could look straight down about 1,000 ft. to the ocean. Good thing this type of view doesn't bother me.

We flew last year (Mai 98) to Rome and hired a car from the airport to go down to Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi. The southern Italian driving can be sometimes "crazy" but we managed allright. Just make sure that the hotel you will be booking in Positano has a large parking area or garage, which is not always the case. You can also take a flight to Naples. The Rome-Naples connection takes about 30 minutes but is often delayed. <BR>

!!