travelfly

Hi worldy travellers!

Planning a summer trip to Amalfi coast for a few weeks.

Have read many posts already about this region which has helped narrow down some of the towns. It seems like Positano is a good, central place to work from.

We're looking to rent a self-catering apartment/villa and take day trips from there. We will still enjoy eating out in restaurants a lot - just don't want to rely on it all the time.

So - here's the question: Accomodation rates are significantly higher in Positano than in Ravello or Praiano. While we intend to visit these towns, is it advisable NOT to stay in them?

Any comments re: restaurants, cafes, shopping, 'nightlife', etc. that may help us decide?

We don't want to be in the middle of nowhere just to save a few bucks!

Thanks in advance for your advice. I know it will be great.

SeaUrchin

Positano is priced higher because more people want to stay there, the hoteliers are no fools! There is alot more to do there than in Praiano or Ravello or Amalfi. The others are more isolated along the coast and don't have as many hotels, restaurants, etc.

There is bus service though if you decide to stay in one of the smaller towns.

TravelsWithStDavid

WE stayed in a rental apartment in Praiano a year ago. It was very nice, great view of the sea and an easy bus ride to Ravello, Positano or Sorrento. We were happy with the location because it is located in the middle of the Amalfi Drive,so that the time to get to each of the other towns is about the same. While it is true Praiano does not have the night life or variety of the other towns, you can easily get to them by bus. The bus stop was about 100 feet from our door.

ira

Hi trav,

We very much enjoyed a relaxing week in Praiano.

travelfly

Thanks for the replies so far.

It sounds like it's easy enough to go to Positano in the evening for dinner, etc. but still some, though less, options in the smaller towns?

SeaUrchin

It is easy but don't linger too far into the night because the buses stop running and you will have to take a taxi back to your rental.

DonnieD

I agree with SeaUrchin, it's not as easy (or cheap) to travel between towns in the evening, as public transportation ends in early evening. You can day-trip everywhere, but where do you really want to be at night ??

Mountain-town Ravello has a great Classical Music Festival at Villa Rufolo under the stars, and great views from high above the sea.

Sea-side Positano is active with people and lots of things to do into the night, and a more close-up view of the sea from the vertical cliffs.

Praiano is quieter than Positano, but I was told that the sunsets were much better because of it's geographical position.

Take some time and research your options. There is lots of information already posted on this board.

bellastar

DonnieD makes an excellent point about sunsets.
In some parts of the coast the sun falls behind the hill much earlier in the day, and the praiano sunsets are in fact beautiful.

Surfergirl

Stay in Positano! We had two rooms at the Villa Tartana last summer, practically on the beach, and an easy walk to the bus stop. This place is nice and not at all expensive.

If you're there around the end of June, early July, there's a big local festival in the town, Monterpertuso, above Positano, with fireworks.

amalfilover

Positano is the most expensive one but no doubt the best pace to be. In case you don't like the crowds choose Ravello or Praiano. There is a shuttle bus to positano from Praiano until midnight you can use. Enjoy your visit

GAC

Here is last summer's (June 10 to Sept. 9) SITA bus schedule along the Amalfi Coast (LAST buses of the day):

Amalfi to Salerno: 22:00 daily
Salerno to Amalfi: 22:30 daily

Amalfi to Ravello: 24:00 daily
Ravello to Amalfi: 23:25 daily

Amalfi to Sorrento: 22:00 Mon-Sat.
Amalfi to Sorrento: 21:00 Sunday
Sorrento to Amalfi: 22:00 Mon-Sat.
Sorrento to Amalfi: 21:00 Sunday
Sorrento to Positano: 21:40 Sunday

During other periods of the year, the last buses of the day are EARLIER in the evening.

www.sita-on-line.it