mesnorkle

When I visited the Naples area, we found it difficult to guesstimate the local busses and trains. Since we didn't have a car (and driving there is SCARY!) we splurged and hired a driver for the day, arranged by our hotel. It ended up to be a very wise, and actually money-saving solution.
We were able to visit both Pompeii and Herculaneum. The driver also suggested Vesuvius: How often are you able to climb to the top of an active volcano? You must be in good physical condition, but it is a steep hiking trail, not a climb.
On another day, we took the Hydro boat to Capri. Skip the Blue Grotto, as it is really not worth it, and hire another driver. It's beautiful.

sherd

I have been to both CT and AC. For October, the weather is likely to be better in AC and AC would be the more relaxing place with better service and drinks. We stayed in Sorrento when we toured AC because we wanted to see the sights both on the Amalfi and north to Naples. Ravello would offer spectacular views and be a little quieter than the hustle and bustle of Amalfi or Positano. All three has something to offer and has spectacular views. We also travelled to Capri which is lovely and would be perfect for relaxing, but likely more expensive and you would not get to experience the Amalfi Coast Drive which is both spectacular and hair raising!

busterx

I have been to both, I would suggest Amalfi coast, you have more things to do and to see, if you like hiking, you can take the trails from Sorento (some are hard to find) but can see a lot of things. Cinque Terre is also nice to see if you want to hike from one village to the next (it can take about 2 hours for each leg or you can take the train which takes abour 5 minutes from one village to the next)
From Sorento you can also take the boat or bus to go to other towns or even Naples. That is why I would reommend Amalfi coast, more things to do.

nmilller1950

Another vote for the Amalfi Coast, and specifically Praiano, if you are looking for relaxation. We stayed at Le Sirene, a sweet, low key family run hotel perched high on the cliffs with a stunning view of the coast, islands, and Positano (lights flickering in the distance in the evening) across the way. I can't say enough about this hotel or Praiano--our four day stay there was our favorite in a very active month in Italy two years ago. If you get a room with a terrace, you could literally spend your entire stay there soaking in the sun and view (and yes, they have cocktails). Wonderful breakfasts are offered on the hotel's outdoor terrace. The hotel is located on a path down from the street, with several steps to manueuver, so getting there with your suitcase is a bit of a hassle. But once there, you've found heaven! The path will take you from the hotel down many steps (MANY steps!) to a beautiful little beach with clear emerald water for swimming. You can also catch a boat from there to Poistano or to Capris (with a stop at the Blue Grotto along the way)-- a fabulous day trip. At the top of the path there is a wonderful outdoor restaurant--great views, great food, and a simple casual atmosphere. There are several other really good at restaurants in this small town. Ravello is a short drive, and a nice outing. We went to an evening concert there during their summer music festival. Highly recommend it if there are concerts at the time you are going. Although the Amalfi coast has a reputation for crowds, we saw far more people in the Cinque Terra than Praiano, which still has an old world feel (the old women and children gather in the church square in the evening to socialize and play). There are other fancier hotels in the town--this one is simple but really pleasant, and its location above the beach cannot be beat.

mommamac

Do you plan to have a car? It really helps when touring the Amalfi Coast. Cinque Terre is fun. And, yes, you can spend time enjoying a cocktail outdoors. For Cinque Terre, I like to stay in Porto Venerre and take the boat over. You can cover all towns by boat or train in a single day. Yo ucan also walk the trails.

In Positano, I like Blacks. It's on the beach and has a good menu - something for everyone.

Mimar

In October, when the OP will be travelling, there are fewer boats scheduled between towns in both the CT and the AC. And the weather can shut down boat travel entirely. And things won't be so bustling in Positano and Amalfi.

efkiss

we visited Cinque Terre in late September; if you like to hike, go there. I think that Cinque Terre is great for younger visitors than I (60). I visited Amalfi Coast in July -- a little too hot. I visited Pompei in both October and July -- both hot. Capri, Sorrento, Amalfi coast are beautiful.