OK - I am planning on staying 3-4 nights in the Amalfi Coast and then 1 night in Naples (fly out of Naples). I am attracted to the Amalfi coast towns but would also like to spend a day at Pompeii. I am torn: Sorrento vs Amalfi towns to base myself? How difficult is it to travel between Positano/Amalfi to Pompeii? It appears Sorrento is ideally located to get to Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast BUT it appears that the Almafi Coast towns are more attractive, etc. Given I have to end up in Naples to take a flight, I could hit Pompeii on the way....so, should I stay in Sorrento or Positano/Amalfi, etc?

Hello Megan,
You're probably going to get about a 50/50 response on this question. I'll share our experience. We spent 5 nights in Sorrento. We spent one day at Pompeii (taking the train was efficient & fast), one day at the archeological museum in Naples (primarily to see what had been excavated from Pompeii), one day on Capri (boat from Sorrento), one day exploring Positano & Ravello. We found the transporation from Sorrento to meet our daytrip needs best. In addition, we loved Sorrento! I found it to be a beautiful town with a delightful piazza (Tasso) for nighttime drinks/relaxation following dinner. Hope this helps...

Happy travels!

Sorrento is a larger town and it's much easier to get places from by car. But it also has a cute waterfront, nice shops and restaurants. The villages along the coast are much smaller, cuter, but it takes longer to get anywhere - by car or bus or boat.

Hi Megan - I would always choose to stay on the Amalfi Coast itself rather than Sorrento.

'How difficult is it to travel between Positano/Amalfi to Pompeii?'

POMPEII from POSITANO:

Take the SITA Sorrento bus to META (- 25 mins). See map:
http://www.supermappe.com/campania/meta.html

[Meta is the nearest railway station to Positano on the Circumvesuviana line - the bus stops at Meta station].

From META it takes 25 mins by train to Pompeii SCAVI.

This is the quickest option on the outward journey.


N.B. On the return journey, however, it's advisable to take the train from Pompeii back to SORRENTO (- rather than changing at Meta) - to guarantee yourself a seat on the Positano bus.
(Positano buses often leave Sorrento full - so for anyone boarding at Meta it's standing room only )

* Buy bus tickets in advance (- from Positano bars or newsagents) - and
N.B. Don't forget to 'validate' them on boarding ...

Hope this helps ...

Steve

P.S. Alternatively you could visit Pompeii en route to Naples as you suggest.

There is a left-luggage store at the entrance to Pompeii ...

Fantastic! Thanks guys....always nice to get your gut checked. I can't wait to go!