I have been to Italy once but never made my way to the famous Amalfi Coast. Since I started following the threads in this forum, I have discovered that Positano is one of the favourites of many. I am just wondering how those of you who have been there and Santorini would compare the two, in terms of scenery/ambience/facilities/cost/etc. I know it's not fair to compare but would like to get some ideas to check if it's a place that I will enjoy. (I just returned from Santorini a month ago and loved it.)

Thanks for any input.

I have gotten married on Santorini and, right after, went on a honeymoon to Positano and Amalfi coast...

No, you cannot compare them, and I cannot stress that enough! But, since you have already been to Santorini, it sounds to me that you would want to go to AC this time...

The scenery is just as striking (especially in Capri and Ravello, comparable to Santorini in the sense you can get up high enough to get that vantage point), but a lot more lush and green. The region is well known for its citrus-growing, so many orange and lemon trees, as well as perfume industry. The architecture can be considered more charming..Yes, cubic white buildings of the Cyclades are striking, but, lets be honest, cannot compare to the beauty of the Italian architecture and the town of Positano with its houses set in an amphiteatrical fashion around its little gulf. Same thing with Ravello, just absolutely stunning town and views...

Italy is more expensive. If you stay in Positano or Ravello or Capri, in one of the better hotels, it runs much more expensive than Santorini. But then again, the level of luxury of AC hotels does not even exist on Santorini- all around higher level.. Same for the better restaurants. Santorini has the advantage of also having lot of little fast-foods and patisseries if you are on a budget, but not so many places like that in AC towns.

Neither would probably be top destination if you are going to the beach. But, as few good beaches as Santorini has, AC has even fewer... In Positano, the whole town basically descends to that little crescent of a beach that is its gulf, and so it is not even worth going to. Sorrento does not have a beach, Ravello clearly does not, Capri does, but these are basically high rocks..People mostly hang out at their pools for that portion of their vacation..

I would also add that there is not much in terms of sightseeing either place (Capri has some villas and they hold concerts there; Positano has a monastery and few churches; but I would argue that the pre-hellenic sites on Santorini are more relevant historically).

I am not sure what else you want to know...Both places are all about scenery and the two cannot be compared..I absolutely adore them both, especially Santorini because I have much emotional attachment to it, and think you should definitely visit both...

sempronia,

Thanks for much for your detailed response.

I will definitely include AC, especially Positano, in my itinerary for my second visit to Italy (probably next spring).

Just a bit curious: why did you choose Santorini for your wedding and AC for your honeymoon, and not vice versa?