Capri, Positano, Ravello, or Bellagio??
 

Can't decide which place I want to stay for 3 nights: Capri, Positano, Ravello, or Bellagio. I know that Bellagio on Lake Como quite a distance from others, but really want to stay in all three places and only have so many days. Once I figure this out, it will determine how I will route my internary of Italy. Anyone been to all 4? Which did you most enjoy for restaurants, scenery, hotels, atmosphere, day excursions etc.... Thanks!

Hi Gail,

When will you be going? That might make a difference.

I've visited all four but have only stayed overnight at Positano. I'm too lazy to type everything I like about each place but if you write about the things you like, people will be able to advise you better.

Capri - it was a nice visit, but too many English speaking tourist for my taste. Beautiful place though a little pricey. Access to other places is somewhat limited. Didn't eat there.

Positano - very beautiful, awesome scenery. Small but easy access to other towns. I found several good restaurants. We stayed at the Villa Rosa and loved it.

Ravello - went there for a concert. Liked what I saw of the place and would go back. Ate a great meal there, but forgot the name of the place.

Bellagio - I loved lake Como but wouldn't stay in Bellagio. Way to Americanized for me. Every place we went into in Bellagio greeted us with a "Hello". English speaking everywhere. I would opt for one of the othter towns on the lake. We stayed a short bus trip away in Lanzo and loved it.

As you can probably tell, my wife and I prefer less touristy places and like to mingle with the locals. That may or may not be your cup of vino. Tell us more and we can probably tell you more.

I have some pictures of Positano and Capri at http://photos.youwer.com

Mark

Mark-Thanks for your reply. Still can't decide, but really leaning more towards Amalfi Coast and Positano over Capri. But maybe if I cut a few days off other cities, can add in a couple of days in Lake Como... Thanks again for your feedback

Ira-Will definitely be traveling in mid September...

Hi Gail,

For late September, we opted for the Amalfi Coast.

Hi GailK,

I just returned from a second trip to the Amalfi Coast, and have been to three of the places you mention. Here's how I'd break it down:

Capri- Great place for an overnight, so that you can appreciate the beauty of the place after most of the tourists leave, but 3 days might stretch your budget in season unless you're Ivana Trump. Some of the best food we had was down at the port, but you're made to feel like a poor cousin if you hang out there too long. I guess the port was more my style than the regular town where designer stores, sunglasses, and some fairly mediocre food for ridiculous prices were the norm. We did really enjoy our swim in the Blue Grotto, although it is quite a touristy spot.

Positano- To me, heaven on earth, although I know others think of it as a swarming tourist mecca. Spectacular scenery, and within striking distance of two wonderful restaurants in a mountain village called Monterpertuso (sp)-- Il Ritrovo and Donna Rosa. Excellent ceramic stores across the street from the Hotel Le Sirenuse that will ship everything home for you.

Ravello- Gorgeous scenery, wonderful music festival in the summer, but VERY QUIET, and seems far from everything else.

Good luck with your decision!

I haven't spent the night in Ravello (have visited there) but have stayed in the other three towns. As far as restaurants and day excersions, I'd vote for Positano. We rented an apartment right next to the Marincanto but there seemed to be a lot of wonderful hotels. We loved La Cambusa restaurant - were treated like royalty by Luciano while enjoying wonderful food and views of the water. I did enjoy the other locations you mentioned as well, though. Can't go wrong with any of these. Ciao . . .

Oh Positano-I felt like I had found heaven. We were there in March and it was empty. I would think that Sept. might not be to crowded. Spend 3 days there and take drives. Can take a ferry to Capri. No service when we were there in March. Next time. Drove to Ravello for a day trip. Beautiful but I agree it seemed alittle out of the way and quiet to stay over night. If you are ever going to go over the top and splurge....recommend LeSirenuse in Positano. Unbelievable balcony overlooking the Doumo, cliffs, and beach. LaSponda, their resteraunt was incredible. It is lite only by handmade candles, strolling musicians,spectatcular views, walls covered in lemon vines and bouganvilla. My senses were overwhelmed and tears ran down my face. The food, the service and least we forget the lemoncillo. La Dolce Vita!!!

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I'm definitely leaning towards Positano since I just have to stay at LeSirenuse. (it's been on my places to stay for about 3 years!!) Anyone use the bus service between Positano and Ravello? Wondering how reliable it is? Thanks...

I've used the bus service from Positano to Ravello. It is very reliable. It is also very crowded, at least it was in May.

One thing I saw on this bus that I had never seen in Italy before. An attendant came around (even though the bus was packed) and verified that everyone had stamped their ticket. I guy next to me said that he hadn't stamped his because the rear machine was broke and he couldn't get to the front machine. The attendant fined him right then and there. So stamp those tickets, or at least take a pen and write down the time you boarded the bus.

I too vote for Positano and the Sirenuse is one of my favorite hotels; you'll love it. Try to get a deluxe room with a private terrace. I think the best way to get from Positano to Ravello is a hydrofoil to Amalif (takes less than 15 minutes) and then a bus up to Ravello. However, try not to do the trip on a Sunday when bus service is limited. We waited and waited for a bus and ended up taking a cab back down to Amalfi at the cost of 30 Euro. Eat at Cumpa di Cosima in Ravello.

MarkY's post reminded me of my bus trip from Amalfi to Ravello. I tried several times to stamp my ticket, but it was a little crumpled and soggy from being held in my hot little hand and it wouldn't go in the machine properly. I finally gave up, thinking "What are the chances they'll check tickets on this bus ride?" When the attendant boarded and started checking everyone's ticket, I figured I'd have to kiss 30 euros good-bye. I do pretty well speaking Italian, but the Italian words don't come when I get excited, so when the attendant got to me, I blurted out, "I tried to stamp it but the machine wouldn't work." The attendant took pity on me and took my ticket up and stamped it himself. Even though he was successful, he still must have believed my story because he didn't fine me. You may not be lucky enough to get such a simpatico attendant, so heed MarkY's advice.

Pammie: We are headed back to Positano in March. What was the weather like? We were there last July and had my husband's birthday dinner at LaSponda, and they brought him a birthday cake!

Marty: The weather in March was great. Light jacket in the morning. Layers are good as by afternoon I was down to a tank top while touring in the sun. I'm so jealous!!! Can't wait to visit again.

The bus from Positano to Ravello was fun. We did it on a weekend, so had to wait a while (just our bad timing and schedule reading skills). The bus stop is near the Sirenuse (and the ceramic shop!) Sit on the right heading to Amalfi to see the best scenery. We changed buses in Amalfi, had just a short wait -- just long enough for gelato.

On our ride back from Ravello to Amalfi, bus was pretty crowded. My polite DH gave his seat to an older Italian lady, who was so appreciative that she chatted to me at 100 kmh through the whole trip. A challenge to my Italian skills, but fun. And on the last leg of the trip back to Positano, the sun was going down and the landscape just glowed. (I can still see it in my mind's eye.) A glimpse of Heaven on earth.

Another vote for Positano. The scenary is beautiful and it also has a decent beach (by Italian standards). It has a few good restaurants and the town itself is very charming. Be prepared to walk a lot of steps though.

Now I really can't wait to go to the Amalfi Coast!! It sounds like just what I had in mind... Thanks all for the feedback....