Hi All. Planning a stay at the Villa Rosa in late September and have a few questions about its location. Can someone explain the layout of the town and the Villa Rosa's location in relation to main areas etc. Is there a Main St with shops etc? Also where do you park a car at the Villa Rosa? and can you walk to main areas? We would also like to spend a day at Pompeii -any tips on getting there etc? Have noticed there is not much info on Positano other than hotels, does anyone know a good website or book? I would appreciate any tips on getting around the Amalfi Coast doing day visits to Ravello, Sorrento, etc.
Thanks for your help.

Hi Girlie,

To get to Pompeii from positano you can:

take the SITA bus to Sorrento and the Circumvesuviana to Pompeii

take the ferry to Sorrento

To get to the other towns, there is ferry service between Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi as well as SITA bus service between same.

To get to Ravello, you change buses in Amalfi.

I think you would enjoy taking the ferry to Amalfi and the bus back.

Have a great trip.

Hi Ira. Am I to assume from your answers that you don't recommend driving our rental car on these day excursions but to take public transport?
Thanks. Girlie

No, I would park my rental car once you get to Positano and not get back in it until you leave. You won't need it in Positano itself, and the bus to Ravello is easy. You wouldn't want to drive anyhow. I'm not sure on Pompeii as we didn't go there but definately no car needed for Sorrento or Amalfi or Ravello.

I would drive to Pompeii since you already have a car, parking is easy and you wont be time constricted.

You wont need a car in Positano itself but you can drive to the other towns if you dont mind driving on the Amalfi drive (twists, turns, traffic, steep dropoffs with railings).

Really there isn't much to say about Positano except for the hotels, there are only hotels, restaurants, beautiful views, walking trails, one Cathedral, not much historical interest, pebbly beaches, ferry stop and shops in Positano.

Hi,
I drove from Rome to Positano and found the roads, through very twisty - tons of fun to drive. Another plus is stopping whenever you want to view the stunning views/take pictures. Just watch the sharp curves for on-coming traffic/trucks. The lovely town of Positano is small but has many beautiful shops (cloths/gifts/ceramics/etc.) and many restaurants & cafes. Very hilly with tons of steps, fun....with the beach for all to use at the base. I stayed in the hotel Le Sirenuse (wonderful!!), the restaurant there is fabulous with a great view....
have fun!
John

Hi Girlie,

Forgot about your car. Of course, you can drive to Pompeii, but I wouldn't recommend a car in this area at all.

We were there last September. The traffic is awful and tour buses clog the road.

Are you really sure you want a car?

Also, I suggest Praiano as a better place to stay than Positano.

See my trip report

Ira?s Trip Report
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

Helpful Information: Italy http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34443340

Hi Everyone. Thanks for all your replies.
Ira - what did you prefer about Praiano over Positano, please elaborate.
Must admit I am having second thoughts about driving around the coast after so many warnings about the roads.
Still hoping to hear from someone about the location of the Villa Rosa.
Thanks to everyone who responded so far -really appreciate it.

Hi Girlie, my two choices are Positano and Ravello and don't be put off by the roads (the traffic is so slow,you'l have no problems)Praiano does have some good low budget accomodation but is not as convenient as Positano for transport.

For your tours on the Amalfi coast and Naples I would recommen a private Limocompany,Sorrentolimo,we used this company last summer and we had a marvelous experience .
Enjoy your holiday