Amalfi Region in early April
Oct 17th, 2016, 04:50 PM
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Amalfi Region in early April
Hi,
My fiance and I are planning out the details of our honeymoon, and will have 4 nights (2 full days, 2 partial days) to spend in the Amalfi region in the beginning of March. We will head there from Rome, and need to go back to Rome at the end of our last day for our flight home.
I've done a lot of research and I can't decide on the best city in the region to base ourselves; I'd appreciate some help in making that decisions. I am aware that it is low season and some hotels will be closed and the ferries will be more limited. We will be getting around with public transportation.
Things that we want to do/see (hopefully with fairly easy transport from our base) -
- Pompeii
- possibly Paestum (both ruins and mozzarella)
- coastal views, hiking, +/- horseback riding if we can find somewhere reasonably priced
- unsure about Capri
Things we are less interested in -
- shopping, souvenir shops
- beach time (not the time of a year, not a priority)
- high-end tourism/restaurants/bars
Any pointers on where we should use as a homebase and how to spend our days with these things in mind?
Thanks!
My fiance and I are planning out the details of our honeymoon, and will have 4 nights (2 full days, 2 partial days) to spend in the Amalfi region in the beginning of March. We will head there from Rome, and need to go back to Rome at the end of our last day for our flight home.
I've done a lot of research and I can't decide on the best city in the region to base ourselves; I'd appreciate some help in making that decisions. I am aware that it is low season and some hotels will be closed and the ferries will be more limited. We will be getting around with public transportation.
Things that we want to do/see (hopefully with fairly easy transport from our base) -
- Pompeii
- possibly Paestum (both ruins and mozzarella)
- coastal views, hiking, +/- horseback riding if we can find somewhere reasonably priced
- unsure about Capri
Things we are less interested in -
- shopping, souvenir shops
- beach time (not the time of a year, not a priority)
- high-end tourism/restaurants/bars
Any pointers on where we should use as a homebase and how to spend our days with these things in mind?
Thanks!
Oct 17th, 2016, 06:58 PM
#3
"...(hopefully with fairly easy transport from our base)..."
You need to research the frequency of public transportation at that time of year. It's not just ferries that are limited, and you have a fairly long list of things you want to do over very few days.
Your other issues are unreliable weather for things like hiking and horseback riding (which might not be available at that time of year anyway) and daylight that will start to fade after 5:30p.
For a short stay at that time of year, I'd stay in Sorrento or Naples for access to optional sights in the event the weather is really bad and for a wider selection of restaurants that are open.
You need to research the frequency of public transportation at that time of year. It's not just ferries that are limited, and you have a fairly long list of things you want to do over very few days.
Your other issues are unreliable weather for things like hiking and horseback riding (which might not be available at that time of year anyway) and daylight that will start to fade after 5:30p.
For a short stay at that time of year, I'd stay in Sorrento or Naples for access to optional sights in the event the weather is really bad and for a wider selection of restaurants that are open.
Oct 17th, 2016, 10:59 PM
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The main reason to travel to the Amalfi Coast is driving the incredibly scenic coastal road on the southern side of the peninsula. This means, you need to hire a car.
Also, public transport is limited in this region, and your list of destinations/activities is way to long to do it within your timeframe when you are restricted to public transport.
If you have a car, Amalfi and Positano are the most attractive places on the peninsula. I personally prefer Amalfi because it is the historic center of the coast that bears its name, because of the fantastic cathedral and the market. Our experience of watching the nightly Easter procession going through Amalfi and ending in the cathedral was breathtaking.
If you are not willing to rent a car, Sorrento would probably make the best base, but you have to join guided bus tours to places of interest.
A few words about Capri. Capri is just the tip of the Amalfi peninsula which has become an island. So, scenery is basically the same. The boat trip from Amalfi along the coast to Capri is very scenic. Capri itsself is somewhat spoilt by the hordes of cruise ship passengers and the Gucci and Hermès shops which have followed them.
Capri's main attraction is the Blue Grotto. However, I prefer the Emerald Grotto (which is located between Amalfi and Positano) over the Blue Grotto.
With only two full days and two half days think again about your plans and consider hiring a car. In early April, the coastal road won't be congested and you will enjoy the scenic drives there.
Also, public transport is limited in this region, and your list of destinations/activities is way to long to do it within your timeframe when you are restricted to public transport.
If you have a car, Amalfi and Positano are the most attractive places on the peninsula. I personally prefer Amalfi because it is the historic center of the coast that bears its name, because of the fantastic cathedral and the market. Our experience of watching the nightly Easter procession going through Amalfi and ending in the cathedral was breathtaking.
If you are not willing to rent a car, Sorrento would probably make the best base, but you have to join guided bus tours to places of interest.
A few words about Capri. Capri is just the tip of the Amalfi peninsula which has become an island. So, scenery is basically the same. The boat trip from Amalfi along the coast to Capri is very scenic. Capri itsself is somewhat spoilt by the hordes of cruise ship passengers and the Gucci and Hermès shops which have followed them.
Capri's main attraction is the Blue Grotto. However, I prefer the Emerald Grotto (which is located between Amalfi and Positano) over the Blue Grotto.
With only two full days and two half days think again about your plans and consider hiring a car. In early April, the coastal road won't be congested and you will enjoy the scenic drives there.
Oct 18th, 2016, 12:24 AM
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I think Sorrento would be a good base for you. We were there 2 months ago, and the big plus with Sorrento is the train station.
From Rome take the fast train to Naples, and then the local train to Sorrento. The local train takes nearly an hour.
You can take the train from Sorrento to Pompeii. This will take about 30 minutes.
Sorrento has a port, so you can catch ferries along the amalfi coast, but if the weather is bad you have other options too. One good one is the Hop on Hop off bus which will take you along the amalfi coast.
If you do not have time I would give Capri a miss. It is full of luxury high end stores. Quite expensive. although the views are amazing.
Sorrento is a bit touristy, but there are lots of dining options as well as things to see.
From Rome take the fast train to Naples, and then the local train to Sorrento. The local train takes nearly an hour.
You can take the train from Sorrento to Pompeii. This will take about 30 minutes.
Sorrento has a port, so you can catch ferries along the amalfi coast, but if the weather is bad you have other options too. One good one is the Hop on Hop off bus which will take you along the amalfi coast.
If you do not have time I would give Capri a miss. It is full of luxury high end stores. Quite expensive. although the views are amazing.
Sorrento is a bit touristy, but there are lots of dining options as well as things to see.
Oct 18th, 2016, 01:05 AM
#10
The beginning of March is very early for the AC and although you appreciate that places will be closed, more will be closed than open. The days are still short and sunrise/sunset won't give much sightseeing time.
Positano and Amalfi won't offer enough even at that time for a short break, so I'd opt for Sorrento and rent a car. There won't be many if any ferries running along the coast and the Capri ferries are subject to bad weather cancellation and as the local boats who visit the grottoes won't be running either, I'd give Capri a miss.
Sorrento gives you access to the local train to Pompeii and the local buses along the AC, although they will be less frequent. You'll also have a choice across the price range for hotels and restaurants. Good luck with the weather.
Positano and Amalfi won't offer enough even at that time for a short break, so I'd opt for Sorrento and rent a car. There won't be many if any ferries running along the coast and the Capri ferries are subject to bad weather cancellation and as the local boats who visit the grottoes won't be running either, I'd give Capri a miss.
Sorrento gives you access to the local train to Pompeii and the local buses along the AC, although they will be less frequent. You'll also have a choice across the price range for hotels and restaurants. Good luck with the weather.
Oct 18th, 2016, 01:30 PM
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We'll be there in early April, not March (sorry for the typo). Does it still make sense that time of year to go there, or should we be reallocating that time to other parts of the country?
I know that we won't be able to do everything on my list; I just want the best base to give us some options. I was leaning against Capri; thanks for the feedback on that.
Are there any good resources as to what buses are running that time of year?
What would be the best ways to spend our time?
Definitely Pompeii, a day trip into the Positano/Amalfi region, and time exploring Sorrento - does that sound more reasonable for our timeframe?
I know that we won't be able to do everything on my list; I just want the best base to give us some options. I was leaning against Capri; thanks for the feedback on that.
Are there any good resources as to what buses are running that time of year?
What would be the best ways to spend our time?
Definitely Pompeii, a day trip into the Positano/Amalfi region, and time exploring Sorrento - does that sound more reasonable for our timeframe?
Oct 18th, 2016, 07:28 PM
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"The main reason to travel to the Amalfi Coast is driving the incredibly scenic coastal road on the southern side of the peninsula. This means, you need to hire a car... "
I couldn't disagree more! There are some wonderful things to see / do in this area, things for which no car is necessary. And there is much more to Capri than the Blue Grotto. To each his/her own!
Back to the point -- IMO, only you can decide, elana88. For the amount of time you have, and the time of year, I wouldn't try to squeeze time for this lovely part of Italy into your trip. You have many other options in or near Rome. JMO, though; YMMV.
I couldn't disagree more! There are some wonderful things to see / do in this area, things for which no car is necessary. And there is much more to Capri than the Blue Grotto. To each his/her own!
Back to the point -- IMO, only you can decide, elana88. For the amount of time you have, and the time of year, I wouldn't try to squeeze time for this lovely part of Italy into your trip. You have many other options in or near Rome. JMO, though; YMMV.
Oct 18th, 2016, 11:21 PM
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Try this one for ferries:
http://www.positano.com/en/ferry-schedule
Try these for buses:
http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-...bus-timetable/
http://www.sitabus.it/en/how-to-reac...-travel-guide/
Let me add a few words about the Amalfi Coast. Amalfi had been, together with Venice and Genoa, one of the free maritime republics in Italy whose ships sailed across the Mediterranean Sea and beyond. In fact, Amalfi developed the world's first maritime law. So, for centuries, it was a proud and rich city - which is still visible today.
Amalfi has a most beautiful romanesque cathedral from the 12th century (some parts are even older). The cathedral had been built for the relics of the apostle St. Andrew which are buried here. When it comes to art and architecture, the cathedral belongs to the main attractions of the Amalfi Coast.
Also, Amalfi has a most charming town square and market. You will be overwhelmed by the different sorts of lemons which are on display there. Due to the southern orientation of the Amalfi Coast, the climate there is perfect to grow lemons, and on the southern shore of the Amalfi Coast you will see lots of lemon orchards.
Not a great sight, but historically interesting are the famous shipyards of Amalfi which still can be seen.
The Amalfi Coast is in fact the southern shore of a peninsula, with Amalfi and picturesque Positano as the main towns. Here, the coast is extremely steep and dramatic. The coastal road SS 163 belongs to the world's most scenic roads - that is the reason why the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's major tourist destinations.
Of course, you have a sightseeing experience if you ride the public bus from Sorrento to Amalfi, but the windows are often dirty and you may not get a seat on the right side and seeing the coast from a car is certainly a better experience. An even better experience is riding a scooter on this small and winding road (you can rent one for a day).
Here, the cliffs rise almost vertically from sea level. Hotels in the Positano region are built like swallows' nests in a vertical way and they have elevators down to the beaches (too cold to swim in April).
Between Amalfi and Positano, you find the Grotta dello Smeraldo, the Emerald Grotto, which I even rank over the Blue Grotto on Capri island.
So, the defining attraction of the region, the Amalfi Coast, is the southern shoreline of the peninsula.
Sorrento is on the northern shore of the peninsula, so not really a part of the Amalfi Coast. The only reason to choose Sorrento as a base is to have better public transport to Naples, Pompei and the Vesuvius.
These three destinations make an excellent daytrip from the Amalfi Coast: The excavations of Pompeii are breathtaking and unique in the world (but be aware that it needs a lot of walking and that you need three to four hours to see them), you may drive up the Vesuvius and peep into the steaming crater, and in Naples you find the museum with the fantastic findings from Pompei, including the ash-covered bodies, very impressive.
We did this daytrip from Amalfi town with a car, I do not know how it works if you are dependent on public transport.
Here is the website of one of Amalfi's most charming hotels (in a former monastery) with an aerial view of the town:
http://www.lunahotel.it/
http://www.positano.com/en/ferry-schedule
Try these for buses:
http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-...bus-timetable/
http://www.sitabus.it/en/how-to-reac...-travel-guide/
Let me add a few words about the Amalfi Coast. Amalfi had been, together with Venice and Genoa, one of the free maritime republics in Italy whose ships sailed across the Mediterranean Sea and beyond. In fact, Amalfi developed the world's first maritime law. So, for centuries, it was a proud and rich city - which is still visible today.
Amalfi has a most beautiful romanesque cathedral from the 12th century (some parts are even older). The cathedral had been built for the relics of the apostle St. Andrew which are buried here. When it comes to art and architecture, the cathedral belongs to the main attractions of the Amalfi Coast.
Also, Amalfi has a most charming town square and market. You will be overwhelmed by the different sorts of lemons which are on display there. Due to the southern orientation of the Amalfi Coast, the climate there is perfect to grow lemons, and on the southern shore of the Amalfi Coast you will see lots of lemon orchards.
Not a great sight, but historically interesting are the famous shipyards of Amalfi which still can be seen.
The Amalfi Coast is in fact the southern shore of a peninsula, with Amalfi and picturesque Positano as the main towns. Here, the coast is extremely steep and dramatic. The coastal road SS 163 belongs to the world's most scenic roads - that is the reason why the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's major tourist destinations.
Of course, you have a sightseeing experience if you ride the public bus from Sorrento to Amalfi, but the windows are often dirty and you may not get a seat on the right side and seeing the coast from a car is certainly a better experience. An even better experience is riding a scooter on this small and winding road (you can rent one for a day).
Here, the cliffs rise almost vertically from sea level. Hotels in the Positano region are built like swallows' nests in a vertical way and they have elevators down to the beaches (too cold to swim in April).
Between Amalfi and Positano, you find the Grotta dello Smeraldo, the Emerald Grotto, which I even rank over the Blue Grotto on Capri island.
So, the defining attraction of the region, the Amalfi Coast, is the southern shoreline of the peninsula.
Sorrento is on the northern shore of the peninsula, so not really a part of the Amalfi Coast. The only reason to choose Sorrento as a base is to have better public transport to Naples, Pompei and the Vesuvius.
These three destinations make an excellent daytrip from the Amalfi Coast: The excavations of Pompeii are breathtaking and unique in the world (but be aware that it needs a lot of walking and that you need three to four hours to see them), you may drive up the Vesuvius and peep into the steaming crater, and in Naples you find the museum with the fantastic findings from Pompei, including the ash-covered bodies, very impressive.
We did this daytrip from Amalfi town with a car, I do not know how it works if you are dependent on public transport.
Here is the website of one of Amalfi's most charming hotels (in a former monastery) with an aerial view of the town:
http://www.lunahotel.it/
