Traveling in Italy July with family and wondering if these two villages are must sees <BR>or no gos.Also any input as to what to wear? <BR>Grazie!

Hi Caroline, we were there a couple weeks ago, for a weekend, and loved the area. Since it was so brief, we didn't have time, unfortunately, to make it up to Ravello, but Positano was stunning; if you're in the area, I'd highly recommend it.

Thank you for your kind and quick response. What was the best thing about <BR>Positano?

Positano is a charming town perched on the cliff side of the Amalfi Coast overlooking the Mediterranean. <BR> <BR>It has no museums--it has no major sites--it's simply a lovely place--it's where you sit on your balcony & gaze out over the sea & can't believe it's truly real. It's a town that you've probably seen photos of & not realized it's Positano. Or perhaps you've seen it as background in a few movies (can't remember titles); and wondered where was this place. After your busy & frantic tour thru Rome, it's where you go to relax, & sit & be. The ancient Romans came here -- it's been a getaway for centuries. If you stay long enough, you'll build up your leg muscles from walking around town (very little flat ground, LOTS & lots of stairs). <BR> <BR>I think it was John Steinbeck, who said "Positano bites deep".

Catherine, I'd asked someone else from the Fodor's board what he thought of four of the towns on the Sorrento peninsula -- Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello -- and he described Positano as "a jewel on the mountainside - beautiful, sprawled on the coast as if poured out of a bottle." That's the kind of description that made me want to see it. The best thing about it was simply seeing it (I wish we couldn've seen it at night, too, but we didn't have time.) <BR> <BR>Are you planning on being in that area anyway? <BR> <BR>Here's a photo, and brief description, of Positano... <BR> <BR>http://www.izix.com/photos/italy/positano.html

Positano is down on the beach with the rest of the town climbing a rather steep hill upwards. Beautiful and lots of fun--a pretty beach. Ravello is up in the hills and much quieter....the kind of place I would like to spend about 6 months of the year. Would recommend you visit both because both are unique and wonderful.

Ravello is gorgeous in quite a different way from Positano...the latter is as described but keep in mind that it is a jetsetter type of place...this may appeal or may not. Ravello is perched high above Amalfi (so you have probably experienced the Amalfi coast drive to get there) and provides sweeping views of the coastline and cliffs. It doesn't tumble down the cliffs but has beautiful gardens, parks and refined villas in a slower quieter environment.

While in Ravello, make sure you visit Villa Rufolo, which ,may offer the best view of the Amalfi coast.