We will be in Capri next week. Weather permitting -- and I know this is iffy -- we are considering arranging a boat excursion to the Amalfi Coast, preferably stopping at one or more towns, e.g. Positano, Praiano, Amalfi. We are completely unfamiliar with this area, except for having read that these are steep hillside towns. My question is, is there anything to do/see at the "bottom" of these towns, i.e., near the water, where we would disembark?

To better explain what I am trying to ask -- my boyfriend walks with a cane, and is limited in the number of stairs he can climb. For this reason, we ruled out spending our vacation in one of these towns; however we are wondering if we might get a taste of the experience by arriving via boat. Even if there were just a nice restaurant or cafe we could reach without having to climb 50 stairs, that would be wonderful.

Any suggestions of places to stop, or help in understanding the layout of these towns from the bottom up would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

MoonGirl,
Amafi is right on the water level to start. There are restaurants and bars and the church at sea level. Sorrento has buses and taxi to take you up to the town which is relatively flat some 300 feet above sea level.

Henry

Hi MoonGirl...we took a trip 3 yrs ago and stayed 5 nights in Sorennto. It was great. We took a 5 hr boat excursion around amalfi-capri-postiano..very relaxing and beautiful. I would recommend it.
Also the bus Henry suggested is a great way to get to Ravelo and Amalfi you will be in one of the most beautiful parts of Italy. Dont miss it.
P.S. Positano may be a little steep but Amalfi and Ravelo are doable with a cane. We stayed in Ravelo over 10 yrs ago...it is beautiful but not a place to use for a focal point to see other towns too high up the mountain...Sorrento is best for that.
Have Fun you will love it. Make sure you bring a Panoramic Camera even if its a throw away you will be glad you did. Its very expensive to buy one in Italy so bring a few if your personal camera doesnt have panoramic views.
STARZ

Hi M,

There are ferries from Capri to Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi.

See www.capri.net/salsa/lang/en/page/transport.html

As noted, there are taxis to take you ip the hill in Sorrento.

In Positano, the Orange bus goes from the foot of town to the top of the hill.

Amalfi is fairly flat. There are buses up to Ravello.

Enjoy your visit.


PS if getting around Positano would be a problem, how will your friend navigate Capri?

Thank you so much Henry, Starz and Ira -- all of this is immensely helpful information. Sounds like we will have some interesting options if the weather cooperates!

With respect to Ira's question, I can't say for sure until we get there. Unfortunately, it is really difficult to find information about this region (or most places, honestly) that is specific and detailed enough to ascertain in advance exactly what will be accessible or not for my friend. From everything I have read--including lots of messages on this forum--one of the major charms of Positano is walking through the stair-laden streets. Capri seemed challenging but overall more do-able , though I know there are a number of things we won't be able to do -- e.g. hike to Villa Jovis. Our plan at this point is largely to be lazy at the hotel and enjoy the views -- anything we are able to "do" on top of that will be icing on the cake.

I'll post to the board and let you know how it goes. Many thanks!