for those that have visited both Positano/Capri/Sorrento area and Cinque Terres
would you please elaborate on the comparisons and the differences of these two special choices I need to decide upon! North Vs. South

thanks for your thoughts

Very good question. I would say that Capri, especially, is more upscale than the Cinque Terre, and Positano is a little bit more upscale. What I mean is, there are fancy hotels, and more boutiques geared towards tourists. This is not to say that there are no tourists in the Cinque Terre, but there are far fewer fancy hotels (many people rent rooms in homes), and boutiques.

Also, the Cinque Terre towns, with the exception of Monterroso, are smaller than Positano or Capri. Sorrento is a bit of a larger city than the island of Capri, or the town of Positano.

The other big difference in my mind, being a foodie, is that the Cinque Terre seemed to have more fabulous restaurants, while it was a little harder to get away from the touristy restaurants on the Amalfi Coast.

I'm sure there are other differences that are not coming to mind at the moment, but others will surely think of them.

Either way, I think you will love it. I did.

Ciao,

Daria

Cinque Terre is a National Park, or something like that. The towns are protected from development. Most are inaccessible by road. So, while the area can still get quite crowded, it's on a much smaller scale than AC or Capri.

Also should mention that it was our experience that of all the places we have visited in Italy, including Rome, English was much more widespread in Positano. Much less so in CT.

"Also should mention that it was our experience that of all the places we have visited in Italy, including Rome, English was much more widespread in Positano. Much less so in CT."

True, but we had no trouble in hotels, stores or restaurants and we speak almost no Italian.

I feel that Capri has a lot of day trippers like parts of Tuscany but it is also quite the place to be, very elegant, upscale with a large number of wealthy people - just walking, dining and shopping in the very expensive stores great hotels and resturants.

Positano is one of the more upscale places to visit along the Amalfi coast I think it has more of a beachy laid back feel with beautiful and remarkable views you can take day trips by ferry to the other towns along the drive and there are plenty of good places to eat.

Hi: You have mentioned 3 0f Italys most interesting locations for fabulous hiking and extraordinary panoramas. I have to reckon that you are a person who likes the outdoors and the joy of hiking/treking.

If this is so then my suggestion is the folloing:

#1. Positano for "The Walk of the Gods" and the various trails on the Amalfi Coast. Unparalelled landscapes and dramatic seascapes. I used Francesco( english speaking ) at Positano Adventure Walks to show me paradise on earth.

#2. Cinque Terre: Superb walks but very, very busy trails with folks from all over the world creating a bit of a not too intimate experience.

#3. If you can find the trails away from he commercialization and congetion of Capri they are very wothwhile.

I have been to Amalfi 2 times.

Sorrento didnt do anything for me. I didnt like how fast Vespa's went by you as we tried to walk down the towns streets. Absolutely ridiculous.
I will not return to Sorrento.

Positano and the Amalfi coast is beautiful. I have driven it 2x and didnt have that much trouble. It can be nerve racking and crowded though. I would go back to Amalfi coast.

There is a little town outside of sorrento called Nerano that is so charming. It's just a little place on the beach with a few restaurant and hotels. very mellow and recommended to those who want to unwind away from the hoards.

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I have been to Cinque Terre one time.
My sister and I stayed in Corniglia.
We LOVED it. I cant wait to go back someday with DH.
We took the train and boat to the other 4 villages.
The whole area is stunningly beautiful.
IMO it is alot more peaceful and calm than the Amalfi.
No cars/traffic to worry about.