<BR>I'm traveling in mid-March to Rome, and was hoping to do a side trip to the amalfi coast.<BR>I don't have much time, so the idea is just to spend two nights outside of Rome:<BR><BR>1. is March a bad time to travel to the coast and to Capri? are stores/hotels pretty much closed?<BR><BR>2. What is a better base town from which to visit coastal towns: sorrento or positano?<BR><BR>3. Is it best to pick one town (sorrento or positano) to stay in and do a day trip to Capri, or is staying at least one night in Capri a must??<BR><BR>I realize that a lot of this info is already answered by previous questions, but if anyone can help me with these specific questions, I'd really appreciate it! (especially about the weather, etc in March)<BR><BR>

I was in Rome/Amalfi Coast last March. We spent one full day in Capri and did not overnight there. Everything was open and it was not crowded at all. I didn't regret not spending a night there, as I felt there was more to do in Sorrento. Not sure if Sorrento is better than Positano, but I think both have ferries directly to Capri. Sorrento would be better for you if you're taking the Circumvesuviana train from Rome via Naples to Amalfi Coast.<BR><BR>By the way, the week we were there, it was 60s during the day but 2 weeks later it was brutally cold, so it's hit or miss with the weather.

Amyb:<BR>thanks so much for the quick and helpful reply!<BR><BR>do you by any chance remember where you stayed? any hotel recommendations? thanks for the info..

Talia, People on this board are very pro Positano. But I really prefer Sorrento. There is a lot more to do and while others feel it's very touristy, I find it to be far more of an Italian town. (once you get off the main street and out of the hotel compound) It's also a great jumping off place for the rest of the Amalfi coast, Capri and Pompeii.<BR><BR>My favorite hotel is the Aminta. It's on the hill and has marvelous 360 degree views. www.aminta.com

Talia<BR><BR>A Summary of the Coast Towns:<BR>(Please feel free to add/comment)<BR><BR>North Coast:<BR>Sorrento<BR>-Easy to get to<BR>-A lot of hotels<BR>-A lot of Restaurants<BR>-more 'action'<BR>-great view of Bay of Napoli<BR>-good 'touristy' shopping<BR><BR>South Coast:<BR>Positano<BR>-the 'quaint' town<BR>-very vertical<BR>-no parking to speak of<BR>-good restaurant selection<BR>-good hotel selection<BR>-good 'touristy' shopping<BR><BR>Praiano<BR>-very small village center<BR>-a few hotels<BR>-a few restaurants<BR>-a 'getaway' place<BR><BR>Conca dei Marini<BR>-ditto above for Praiano<BR>-town spreads up from the coast road<BR><BR>Amalfi<BR>-the 'market' town &amp; center of transportation<BR>-the most 'touristy' of the south coast<BR>-good selection of restaurants<BR>-good selection of hotels<BR>-good 'touristy' shopping<BR><BR>Ravello<BR>-not on the coast but above the coast<BR>-a great getaway, but well touristed<BR>-good selection of restaurants<BR>-good selection of hotels<BR>

Loved Positano - hotel L'Ancora was great. Went to Capri on a day trip - didn't feel I missed anything by not staying over, although I've read that is magic.

We have never been to the Amalfi Coast in March just several times in both April and July, but I would think that whenever you can get there is a good time to go. It is an amazingly beautiful place. <BR><BR>When we went in April, the weather for most of the time was mild to cool but sunny. It was definitely not as crowded as we found it in July but it was busy. Restaurants and shops were open for business.<BR><BR>If this is your first time there, sounds like it is and with only two nights to stay in the area, I would suggest Sorrento. It is more centrally located than Positano and is a larger town with more restaurants, shops, etc. <BR><BR>If you stay in Sorrento, you could take the spectacular drive to Positano for one day or do a day trip to Capri (I would choose Capri). This would give you a chance to see one of the places with some time to also enjoy the Sorrento area and explore out of the tourist area as Grasshopper suggested. Try to stay in a hotel right on the Bay with a view of Vesuvious. We stayed at the Bellevue Syrene and the Tramontano. Both were a short walk to town. <BR><BR>I have never spent the night in Capri although I have heard it is absolutely magical at night but with just two nights it might be best to do a day trip and save the overnight for another visit. <BR><BR>Whatever you decide to do, you will love it and have a wonderful trip!<BR>

Hi Talia, <BR> I stayed in Sorrento on a trip to Italy last May. Found it to be a great home base for traveling around. We didn't find much to do in Sorrento but it was perfect for dinners and walks at night. We did a day trip (via bus) to Amalfi, and a quick trip up to Ravello from Amalfi for lunch. Both towns were gorgeous and pleasant. We also did a day trip to Capri and felt we didn't miss anything, although of course you could cover more of the island with an overnight stay. I can't comment on Positano but I'd give a thumbs up to Sorrento! Sorry I can't comment on the weather in March, but we did stay at a nice, budget hotel in the hills of Sorrento. Great views, breakfast included (simple), and a relatively regular bus down to sorrento. www.ilnido.it Enjoy Italy!