Naples/Amalfi for Easter w/kid
 

Hi,
We're thinking to go on a short vacation (4-5 nights) to Naples/Amalfi region around Easter. From what I've read so far, Sorrento seems like the best base as we want to stay in one place and take day trips around the area. We'll be traveling with our son who'll be almost 3 by then. We're looking for advise on where to stay. Ideally we'd like to rent a 2 bedroom villa or condo. It's going to be too cold to use outdoor pool and I can't seem to find any resorts/developments with the indoor pool in that area...is it just not that common there? Has anyone stayed in a family friendly accomodations in/around Sorrento and can recommend it? The indoor pool would be a nice to have but not a must. Thank you in advance

Our holiday is approaching fast (leaving April 9th). We've rented a beautiful 3 bdrm villa as a friend decided to join us. Also, we'll be flying into Rome as flying into Naples was too much $$ and will be driving from Rome to Masa Lubrence where our villa is located. So far so good. However, we have a few concerns. Mainly, about driving/parking around Amalfi coast. We really prefer driving ourselves if possible as we like to be flexible and not depend on the public transportation schedule. So, really, how BAD is it? DH is a very good driver, drove for ages in Manhattan and around greater NY, drove in many places we visited in Europe, including Sicily. Should we still be worried? And how BAD is the parking situation in towns along the coast? We'll be there for Easter so before high season officially starts. As the ferries won't be running yet, our alternative to driving is to take the bus. Not sure how doable w/ 3yo + stroller.
Another question is around itinarary. We'll have 4 full days, not counting arrival and departure dates. One day we'd like to go to Pompeii or Herculanium. Which one should we do? One day want to drive along the coast. Another day would be nice to take a trip to Capri. The last day - should we go to Naples or do something else?
Lastly, please let us know if you have any recommendations for restaurants, outdoor concerts, etc. Since we're bringing the nanny along we'll have evenings child free.

Many thanks in advance.

It's BAD (as you say), even as early as you're going, but perfectly do-able. The driving itself isn't a problem, as long as he's attentive to his driving and not the impatient type. Be prepared for slow, but that makes the views even more view-able. The parking is a hassle, but places like Amalfi and Ravello have large parking areas just outside the towns. You might want to consider driving in to Sorrento and taking the Circumvesuviana commuter train to Pompeii or Herculaneum, whichever you choose. As far as which to choose, it's a toss-up, depending on what kind of experience you're after.

Pompeii site is stunning, amazing, overwhelming, exhausting, everything, both good and bad, that you've probably heard already. It's best visited with a guide, I think, at least for a couple of hours. Then you can have a rest and bite to eat, and then wander for a while longer on your own. There's really nothing quite like wandering down the deserted streets, with Vesuvius looming in the background: http://gardentouring.fotopic.net/p24514197.html and http://gardentouring.fotopic.net/p24514198.html It's usually busiest in the mornings, less so in late afternoons.

Herculaneum is a much smaller site, with more of the town preserved: http://gardentouring.fotopic.net/p56677107.html There are frescoes and mosaics: http://gardentouring.fotopic.net/p56677113.html and http://gardentouring.fotopic.net/p56677116.html If you want an easier time of it, Herculaneum is probably your best bet.

It is not a bad road, the road itself is nice. It is just narrow and winding and there will be many other cars and buses on it so as noted the driving will be slow but that will allow you to check out the scenery as you crawl along.

Parking during Easter week will be hard to find and the area may be a zoo but if that is the only time you can go then make the best of it.

There are parking lots, maybe try to get out early so you can find room.

Why don't you save the last day free just to chose what you think is interesting after you get there. You may want to just stay at the villa. There are nightclubs in Sorrento and Positano area, but just strolling and sitting outside at a cafe is nice too in the evening.

It's not so BAD...just more of a pain-in-the-rear. Parking is the big issue unless it is winter (and then we just park on the street). We often park in Salerno and take the bus from there if that means anything...my son is 8 now, but we did the same with a stroller.

Thank you all. I guess we'll take our chances with parking. Our son tends to wake up very early so we can be out and about by 9 am if needed (though not ideal as we'd like to sleep in at least when on vacation) Is it feasible to drive to Pompeii or Hercularium? Or is it better to drive into Sorrento and take a train from there? Again, due to our son's schedule, we'd like to drive if possible as it gives us more flexibility.

Driving to Pompeii and Herculaneum is no problem at all....not like the coast :-) There are attended parking lots at both...much easier actually with a child to drive to them I think. (and, BTW, out by 9 really isn't early ;-) remember, in Campania, aside from the tourist sites, everything closes from 12:30-4 in the afternoon...so...people get out and about in the morning and then again in the late afternoon! I actually find the BEST time to drive is between 12:30-4 ;-) )

Hi Anuta - Are you actually visiting the Amalfi Coast over Easter weekend? I think driving/parking could be difficult on those days ...

Steve

I think it would not be a problem to find a family friendly accomodation, because the italians love little children! If you want a villa look for Vacation Villas - I know they have nice Villas and appartments in the area. But as i know in a villa you have to stay at least a week, so you could need a Hotel (la Badia par example or giovannapark).
In the eastern time it could be also warm enougth to go to the beach and swm- only the water could be a little cold!
If you are interested in a private driver for excursions in the area I could raccomande Giuseppe De Toro- he loves children ( as i know he has 2 little boys!)

"In the eastern time it could be also warm enough to go to the beach and swm-"

Are you crazy??? Swimming at Easter? Last year, I was wearing a winter, wool COAT on Easter.

Average HIGH temps. in Amalfi for April are only around 64f...and lows are around 45f...I wear a jacket in that kind of weather! Year before, it was not AS cold and raining...but...I still had a coat..and scarf, for that matter, in the evening! (and...a few years back, there was a freak snow-storm in late April in the hills inland a bit)

p.s. and I believe the op has already found accommodation that works for them.

Firstly, thank you for recommandations but yes, already found accomodations. Secondly, a bit disapointing to hear about the weather. While I wasn't counting on beach weather, I was hoping it'd be in mid-60s and sunny. This is south of Italy, after all. It's gotta be warmer and sunnier than in London! Maybe not...
In any case, we'll be there April 9 -14, right on the Easter weekend. Should we expect heavy traffic? No parking? Bring winter coats?

those are just averages...you could get lucky :-) Wed. it is supposed to be up to 69f (21c) - not bad (although raining nest week) but not beach weather. Check on one of the weather channels right before you go to get a better idea.

Some years when I am in the area around that time it has been warm. Good idea to keep checking the weather channel. Have fun.