Dreamon - I am intrigued by your response

The comparison of Australian beaches to Positano. It is very subjective as you say. You are saying Australian beaches are the best in the world. I travel to Australia for work - I don't see any different to the beaches in California and South Africa. Long stretches of sand and waves. When I was in Australia (Byron Bay) last year there were shark attacks. You don't see that in Positano. I think 'best in the world' is a case of your opinion about best - subjective.

You also don't pay to use the beach in Spiaggia Grande or Fornillo (in Positano). You pay for the sunbeds and umbrellas. If you want to swim, or lie on the beach, it is free - you don't pay so again, I don't see the comparison with Australia.

Positano requires water shoes to get in and out of the water with any degree of comfort and the pebbles are large and roll around underfoot - I guess some Australians would find that uncomfortable. I just think that the landscape with its towering escarpment and emerald water outweighs the discomfort of the pebbles.

Anyway I appreciate your candid comments and thanks - it is interesting to hear your point of view.

I also love the Palazzo Murat, but Blueeyedcod has it slightly wrong. The hotel is much nearer to the main road than the beach and there are many more than 15 steps down to the main beach. The hotel is on the left of the walkway where the descent is over a sloping path and shallow steps. Maybe he confuses it with the Buca di Baco?

As you go down towards the beach through the tiny shops, odd cafe etc. the steps become steeper and harder to navigate, especially with any mobility problems.

The shops in the village itself don't have any Gucci etc., just nice boutiques and gift shops, not much (if any) tacky stuff.

Without a mobility problem, it's Positano for me every time. Amalfi is lovely but nowhere near as spectacular as Positano.

No confusion Rubicund - exit Palazzo Murat and take a left at the stairs at Santa Maria Assunta - past the ancient Roman villa excavation and its 20-30 stairs to the beach.

If stairs are a huge issue, consider Sorrento. It's not on the AC, but only 30 minutes away by boat, about the same by car depending on traffic, and has much flatter terrain.

blueyedcod, I may have expressed myself poorly. When in Positano, at the time I was never comparing it to other places. It's simply that everyone has a different reaction to places. Normally I love walking along a beach and can't resist getting at least wet but I was never tempted there.

dreamon… I understand your view. I'm from NYC and am used to the wide, gorgeous beaches of Long Island and New Jersey. Also spent vacations on Nantucket so the Positano beach didn't leave much of an impression. But I don't like going in the water… just watching it.. so it didn't make any difference -:)

I think the suggestion re Sorrento is a good one. If they don't want to cope driving the Amalfi Drive many people hire a car and driver to visit Positano and Amalfi (and don't forget Ravello).

As the replies above suggest, most people on this board favor Positano. Positano is the most 'scenic' when viewed from outside it - either from the road (towards Amalfi) or from the water. It is definitely one of the most breathtaking views anywhere and anyone going to the area and not seeing it is crazy (in my opinion).

BUT - I don't find it more charming - or even as charming - as Amalfi once you are there. There may not be 'designer' shops but the percentage of high end stores, mostly selling women's clothing and jewellery, is considerably higher than in Amalfi and Sorrento. And there may not be anywhere for tour buses to park but on more than one visit I've encountered groups of people walking closely packed together wearing name tags and following a leader - so call that what you may but I call it a tour group.

I find Amalfi more charming. Clearly still a tourist town but more 'regular' village as well. The center and waterfront is relatively flat but you can climb steps to the sides for great views. You can also walk to Atrani, a really cute, very 'un-touristed' ( compared to the others) little village next to Amalfi. And the bus up to Ravalleo is there. All in all I would pick Amalfi over Positano.

But - I actually really love Sorrento and in three trips to the region have always decided to stay there and day trip to all the other places (which besides the obvious Amalfi, Positano, Capri include other island such as Ischia, other small towns in the area that see hardly any tourists and Sorrento is a good base for day trips to Naples and Pompeii.

Here are my photos of the area: http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/ital...aples__pompeii

I'm not a huge fan of Positano (a position which appears to be not allowed on this board). I too found it a bit too glitzy and upscale. The location is breathtaking for sure. 100 years ago, it must have been incredible.

We stayed in Montepertuso--a hillside village above Positano--and loved it (not for you, though--way too much walking. Not for most people, I suppose). After coming down to Positano once, we didn't return. I personally thought Ravello was lovely. We spent too little time in Amalfi for me to have an opinion.

I certainly would be wary of staying on the Amalfi coast anywhere if my mobility issues were serious--unless you can be happy sitting on a terrace and sipping a glass of wine and watching the world go by. We were perched on the side of the hill with glorious views, and I did my far share of that. Nothing to be ashamed of!

Actually, I might suggest the entire Amalfi coast is a bit of a challenge if the mobility issues are serious enough. Staying in Sorrento and hiring a driver could be a good alternative. (and yes, hire a driver. We drove. It was fine. But it basically meant my husband saw nothing and additionally had to listen to me scream the better part of the trip)