I am traveling with my husband and my 3 kids ages 13, 15 and 20 through Italy this summer. We are planning on spending 3 nights in the Amalfi Coast but I'm having a hard time deciding between staying in Amalfi or Capri.

You may want to consider what else you're seeing/doing while you're staying in the region. If you're planning to visit Pompei, Naples, Herculaneum, then you may find it easier transport/time-wise to stay on the mainland and simply visit Capri for a day trip. 3 nights = 2 full days so one of those days would be taken up with travel to/from Capri as a day trip if you stay on the mainland, leaving another day for other sightseeing as above, but of course if more of what you want to see and experience is on Capri, then by all means stay on the island.

Capri has a completely differnt feel at night than it does during the day - since the majority of the tourists are gone. Much more quiet. Kids might prefer being on the mainland.'

Also, you need to take the ferry schedules into account. those to and fro Capri stop early in the evening so you can;t eat on the mainland and then go back to Capri - unless you hire a private boat to take you back.

Capri is an unforgettable experience. I would always choose that option because I love the combination of sun, sea and history it offers. There are loads of things to see and do. Your kids are just the right age to really enjoy it. From the Blue Grotto to Villa Jovis and people watching in the Piazzeta, it really is something else. Have a great time.

As others suggest, it really depends on what you want to see and experience. I'm glad I stayed a night on Capri, which is particularly charming after dark. But if I was trying to see more of the Amalfi Coast, I think I'd stay in Amalfi because it offers more, and more predictable, options for exploring the region.

The good news is that they are both wonderful. Enjoy!

Either one is beautiful...my husband and I stayed in Amalfi and took a boat to Capri for the day...and I'm glad we did it this way. I found Capri a little too touristy, but like the others say, it may have a very different feel at night. We took an all-day boat ride from Amalfi and were able to go to the Blue Grotto, Smerelda caves, the Faraglioni Rocks, and spend a few hours in Capri too...
a highlight of our trip and definitely recommended.
Amalfi is more quaint, less touristy shops, but so much character and great food. It's also a little easier to access the other little towns like Ravello from Amalfi.

Hope this helps - either way, you'll have a great time

My two bits. Capri a good day trip. Blue Grotto...only a maybe for some. Sorrento a good place to stay. On down to Ravello for that Amalfi coastal drive. Naples doubtful though Pompeii fine if you have a full day.

Bill in Boston

We spent 4 days in Sorrento from where we saw Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. We then spent 3 days on Capri. If we go back, we will always choose to spend time on Capri. We liked it best after the day-trippers left and it was quieter and very pleasant and the vistas are incredible. We enjoyed the Amalfi Coast but found it very "resorty". We hiked on Capri and took a boat trp around the island. As you will note from the replies above, there are very different points of view. You should do your research and decide what is best for you and your kids. The kids might find more to do on the mainland; you might find Capri more romantic.

Since you're traveling with your kids, I'd probably choose Sorrento. It's much more affordable than Capri, and offers easy access by boat/bus/train to many of the places you'll want to visit. For instance, Pompeii is only 30 minutes away by local train. Plus Sorrento has a lovely old town to explore, with lots of excellent and reasonable shops/restaurants. The only downside is that in the summer months, Sorrento is tour bus central, and you lose some of the Italian flavor, I think. Anyway, we still preferred it to Capri, which is great for adults, and very beautiful at night, but not so wonderful for kids since in the day it's jammed with daytrippers going to all the fancy shops on the main road.

I would have to agree that Sorrento may be a better option for you than staying in Capri although a visit to there is a must!