Ravello B&B's Vs Positano B&B's! Suggestions?
Jun 7th, 2011, 08:44 AM
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Ravello B&B's Vs Positano B&B's! Suggestions?
My Husband and I are off to the Amalfi Coast in September of 2011 for our Honeymoon. So far many of the hotels we wanted to stay at in Amalfi, Positano & Sorrento are already BOOKED! 
We have found a few small & cute B&B's in Ravello & Positano that are still available.
Two of our favorites that are available are PUNTA CIVITA (Located between Ravello & Amalfi) and LA FENICE (outside of Positano, 10 min walk into town and has pool/private breach but NO AC).
So now it's RAVELLO Vs Positano! We are only staying for 3 nights on the Amalfi Coast and then we are heading back to Rome after.
What town do you like better and think is more beautiful, relaxing with great eating options?
We need to book asap so any suggestions or tips are very helpful! Thank you
We have found a few small & cute B&B's in Ravello & Positano that are still available.
Two of our favorites that are available are PUNTA CIVITA (Located between Ravello & Amalfi) and LA FENICE (outside of Positano, 10 min walk into town and has pool/private breach but NO AC).
So now it's RAVELLO Vs Positano! We are only staying for 3 nights on the Amalfi Coast and then we are heading back to Rome after.
What town do you like better and think is more beautiful, relaxing with great eating options?
We need to book asap so any suggestions or tips are very helpful! Thank you
Jun 7th, 2011, 08:50 AM
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Positano by a large margin - Ravello is too isolated. We've visited the Amalfi coast 4 times, and always stay in Positano for 3-5 nights. Then about 3 times, we've followed our Positano stay with 1 night in Ravello - which was enough.
Stu Dudley
Stu Dudley
Jun 7th, 2011, 08:58 AM
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StuDudley, thanks for your suggestions! We also think Positano would be a lovely stay, we just always worry about it being too touristy. The B&B in Ravello has a bus right outside the door which is a plus to get into towns easy.
I guess we really need to figure out if its worth staying in a B&B in Positano with a 10 minute walk into the city with a pool but NO AC Vs a little quiet B&B in Ravello with amazing views and a bus outside the door.
I guess we really need to figure out if its worth staying in a B&B in Positano with a 10 minute walk into the city with a pool but NO AC Vs a little quiet B&B in Ravello with amazing views and a bus outside the door.
Jun 7th, 2011, 09:04 AM
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I'm in Ravello right now, at the exceptionally welcoming Hotel Graal. Stu is right that Ravello is a bit isolated -- but that can make it either a good thing or a not-so-good thing. I'm here for just 2 nights, mostly to relax and take a few strolls, and for that Ravello is perfect. I have a room with a balcony overlooking the bay, and I have to say it's extraordinary.
Jun 7th, 2011, 09:19 AM
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I would say Positano is the more "touristy" of the two, but some of that is due to the fact that Ravello is high up, and there is more to do easily in/from Positano. Plus part of the charm is that the Amalfi Coast IS such a big tourist place...it is a place you go for vacations and to have fun. Don't sell a place short merely because it is easily recognized as a vacation spot.
Jun 7th, 2011, 09:22 AM
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Every time we've visited Postiano, it has been in early Sept - for our anniversary - which is Sept 5. Positano never seemed "too touristy" to us. Parking is very difficult in Positano, so the big bus tours seem to bypass Positano & head to Amalfi - where there is better parking. Amalfi DID seem to be "too touristy". As you probably know, there are really no streets in the "main" section of Positano, so it is only pedestrian - and quite lively in the evenings. Twice, around our anniversary on the weekend there was a stage set up on the beach and there was a dance program in the evening.
Personally, I would much rather "go when I want to go" and walk for 10 mins, than wait on a corner for the bus (which we've done many times). Positano is probably my favorite spot in Europe for a honeymooner (we've spent about 4 years total vacationing in Europe - mainly France, but quite a bit in Italy too). Ravello doesn't have the "buzz" that Positano has, IMO.
Here is something I wrote about the Amalfi coast and the area between Rome & the Amalfi coast:
Amalfi Coast
Head south toward Naples (Napoli) on the A1, which is marked A2 on my Campania map (hey – this is Italy). Take the A3 at Naples toward Sorrento where the freeway ends at Castellammare. At Meta, take the 163 toward the Amalfi coast. The signs may say “to Positano”. Follow the coast to Positano.
Once you arrive in Positano, the road will do a bunch of hairpins, & much of the road is one way. There are no roads that cars can travel on in the main “downtown” section of Positano. The roads are only 4 feet wide at times. You will park the car at a garage “above” the hotel. If you miss the parking garage, you will have to loop around again (about 15 mins) before you get another chance at the garage – so pay attention. Most garages are centered around the main (and only) entrance to the center of Positano. There will be a little more activity at this fork. Park your car & tell the attendant that you won’t need it for 4 days. This will be costly, but there is little choice. You can walk 3 mins to the hotel or have a “guy” carry your bags for you. The Murat is down the footpath to town, on your left. You can’t miss it. When you make the reservation. Ask for room 1 or 2 (the old wing).
Many people instead take a train to Sorrento and then a bus to Positano. This is a good idea since you will avoid the drive out of central Rome, and you will not actually need a car for several days. We’ve never done this, and I don’t know if you can rent a car in Positano when you are ready to leave.
Wander through town. Positano is a resort, so most of the shops will be open on Sunday, if you are there then. Reserve for dinner at Chez Black (on the waterfront – pick a table by the boardwalk for best views). At sunset, take a walk along the footpath to the west of the beach (to your right as you face the sea). The footpath goes along the cliffs. This is a very nice, easy paved walk with places to sit & watch the sea. We have taken this path many times & have never reached the end.
Have a lemon granita (lemon slurpie) from a take-away stand/vendor while in Positano or Capri. They are famous in this area & you will become addicted to them – especially if it is hot while you are there.
Hotel Palazzo Murat 089 875 177 Fax 089 811 419
Dinner Chez Black. Watch Mssr. Black work the crowd – you will know who he is. Have a Lemoncella (or limone) after dinner (if you have a big dinner, they will probably offer you one free). Save room for the dessert cart.
Day 7
Breakfast in the courtyard.
Continue to roam the area & relax.
If you want to visit some of the other villages, do so by using the bus system that goes up & down the coast. Ask the hotel where to pick up the bus. We did this several times. You can also take the hydrofoil to Amalfi – which allows you to see the coastline from the water side. We then took the bus back to Positano (hydroboat did not have a convenient return time)
Dinner Chez Black again. Most of the restaurants have very similar menus, but Black seems to be a little better.
Day 8
Breakfast in the courtyard
Continue to explore the area and relax.
Dinner The Murat now serves dinner – it didn’t the last time we were there. If you tire of the beachfront , try it.
Day 9
Capri
Pack an overnight bag & leave your remaining bags with the desk at the Murat. Take the very first boat of the day to Capri. It leaves from the “port area” in Positano.
When you arrive at the marina in Capri, take the Funicular to town, or if the line is too long, take the short taxi ride. The hotel is somewhat far from the Funicular/taxi terminus, so probably the best thing to do is to hire one of the “baggage boys” hanging around & let them haul your bags & direct you to your hotel – the Villa Brunella.
There are some breathtaking walks around Capri. Take the same road the hotel is on in the direction away from town to Belvedere Tragara, and along a dirt path which continues past the road. See the Cadogan guide to South of Italy for walk descriptions.
There is a lot of high quality coral & tortoise shell jewelry sold in Capri.
Hotel Villa Brunella 081 837 0122 fax 081 837 0430 The hotel actually cascades down the hill. The views from the top rooms are fabulous. Ask for room 55 or one of the upper rooms above the pool. You may have to walk up & down to your room if you’re in a lower room, and they also do hot have nearly as nice of a view.
Dinner at hotel
Day 10
Visit Villa Jovis**
Take some more walks around Capri
Return to Positano mid-day, pick up your bags, bail out the car, & drive to Ravello.
The town of Amalfi is close by, but we are not real fans of this coastal village. The big tour busses can park in this town, so it is always over-crowded in the tourist season.
Check into hotel. As soon as you get to the hotel, reserve the table with the best view for dinner.
Visit Villa Rufola*** open 9:30-1:00 & 3-7
Ravello is one of my wife’s favorite place for pottery shopping. Primitive patterns in many colors are a particular favorite of hers. Reasonably priced too (compared to other places in Italy) See how much of it you can get in your suitcase (shipping is very expensive).
Wander around Caruso Belvedere. Enjoy the views.
There is a great gelato store on the main square.
Hotel Caruso Belvedere see Karen Brown Guide. Phone # (089) 85 71 11 Fax (089)85 73 72. Room #2 is a corner room with breathtaking views of the Amalfi coast, Room # 5 is slightly larger with the same views, but not a corner room.
Dinner at hotel, but perhaps the worst dinner I’ve ever had in Europe (dined there 3 times over several years). Enjoy the view – not the dinner.
Day 11
Have breakfast served in your room out on your balcony (which is one of the “standard options”) & watch the sunrise. You may never want to leave.
Visit Villa Cimbrone*** (open 9:00 to sunset) view *** is fabulous. (if you can squeeze in this Villa on Thurs, then you will have a little more flexibility in today’s schedule).
Here you have some options for continuing on your journey:
1. You can continue down the Amalfi Coast to Vietri, where you can pick up the freeway toward Rome
2. You can continue down the Amalfi Coast but at Vietri head south to Paestum*** and the 400BC Greek temples, which are some of the most “in tact” Greek temples anywhere.
3. Head inland from Ravello & do not drive down the Amalfi coast. This is actually a pretty drive, but not as nice as the coast. Remember, driving on the Amalfi coast is difficult.
If you pass through Vietri, you will see lots of stores selling pottery. Much of it is made in this town. Even the store fronts are all painted ceramics.
Visit Pompii*** We hired a guide once we got there. His English was a little hard to understand, but was quite knowledgeable. Allow 3 hours to visit Pompii. Have lunch there if you didn’t visit Paestum.
If you skipped Paestum, you might have time to visit Villa d’Est*** in Tivoli today (villa with exquisite formal water gardens)
Hotel Hotel Sirene in Tivoli Ph 0774 330605 Fax 0774 330608. Ask for one of the rooms with a terrace & view of Villa Gregoriana. The food in this hotels restaurant was only OK, so you might want to eat in town.
Villa d’Est*** is within walking distance of the hotel, and the walk through town is quite nice with a great view of the hotel from the bridge. A visit to the Villa’s water garden will take about an hour or less (villa itself is nothing special)
Note. If you choose to not stop at Pompii and/or not stop in Tivoli, then proceed to Orvieto & stay overnight there. If you want to see all three (and you should) then stay overnight in Tivoli.
Day 12
Visit Villa D’Est*** in Tivoli (if you did not see it yesterday) Open 9:00 to sunset
Visit Hadrian’s Villa*** (open 9:00 to sunset) Allow 3 hours for a visit. There is a lunch spot on the grounds. My father-in-law said that this villa was one of the highlights of his trip – don’t miss it !!!
End of write-up
April, I recall that you are visiting Provence also. We've spent 18 weeks vacationing there, plus 16 weeks on the Cote d'Azur. I wrote a 27 page itinerary for the regions. E-mail me at [email protected] if you want a copy & I'll attach one to the reply e-mail. I also have an Italy itinerary - with a heavy emphasis on Tuscany. The Amalfi section above is from that itinerary. If you want that one, let me know. However, let me know soon - we leave for 6 weeks in France on Sunday.
Stu Dudley
Personally, I would much rather "go when I want to go" and walk for 10 mins, than wait on a corner for the bus (which we've done many times). Positano is probably my favorite spot in Europe for a honeymooner (we've spent about 4 years total vacationing in Europe - mainly France, but quite a bit in Italy too). Ravello doesn't have the "buzz" that Positano has, IMO.
Here is something I wrote about the Amalfi coast and the area between Rome & the Amalfi coast:
Amalfi Coast
Head south toward Naples (Napoli) on the A1, which is marked A2 on my Campania map (hey – this is Italy). Take the A3 at Naples toward Sorrento where the freeway ends at Castellammare. At Meta, take the 163 toward the Amalfi coast. The signs may say “to Positano”. Follow the coast to Positano.
Once you arrive in Positano, the road will do a bunch of hairpins, & much of the road is one way. There are no roads that cars can travel on in the main “downtown” section of Positano. The roads are only 4 feet wide at times. You will park the car at a garage “above” the hotel. If you miss the parking garage, you will have to loop around again (about 15 mins) before you get another chance at the garage – so pay attention. Most garages are centered around the main (and only) entrance to the center of Positano. There will be a little more activity at this fork. Park your car & tell the attendant that you won’t need it for 4 days. This will be costly, but there is little choice. You can walk 3 mins to the hotel or have a “guy” carry your bags for you. The Murat is down the footpath to town, on your left. You can’t miss it. When you make the reservation. Ask for room 1 or 2 (the old wing).
Many people instead take a train to Sorrento and then a bus to Positano. This is a good idea since you will avoid the drive out of central Rome, and you will not actually need a car for several days. We’ve never done this, and I don’t know if you can rent a car in Positano when you are ready to leave.
Wander through town. Positano is a resort, so most of the shops will be open on Sunday, if you are there then. Reserve for dinner at Chez Black (on the waterfront – pick a table by the boardwalk for best views). At sunset, take a walk along the footpath to the west of the beach (to your right as you face the sea). The footpath goes along the cliffs. This is a very nice, easy paved walk with places to sit & watch the sea. We have taken this path many times & have never reached the end.
Have a lemon granita (lemon slurpie) from a take-away stand/vendor while in Positano or Capri. They are famous in this area & you will become addicted to them – especially if it is hot while you are there.
Hotel Palazzo Murat 089 875 177 Fax 089 811 419
Dinner Chez Black. Watch Mssr. Black work the crowd – you will know who he is. Have a Lemoncella (or limone) after dinner (if you have a big dinner, they will probably offer you one free). Save room for the dessert cart.
Day 7
Breakfast in the courtyard.
Continue to roam the area & relax.
If you want to visit some of the other villages, do so by using the bus system that goes up & down the coast. Ask the hotel where to pick up the bus. We did this several times. You can also take the hydrofoil to Amalfi – which allows you to see the coastline from the water side. We then took the bus back to Positano (hydroboat did not have a convenient return time)
Dinner Chez Black again. Most of the restaurants have very similar menus, but Black seems to be a little better.
Day 8
Breakfast in the courtyard
Continue to explore the area and relax.
Dinner The Murat now serves dinner – it didn’t the last time we were there. If you tire of the beachfront , try it.
Day 9
Capri
Pack an overnight bag & leave your remaining bags with the desk at the Murat. Take the very first boat of the day to Capri. It leaves from the “port area” in Positano.
When you arrive at the marina in Capri, take the Funicular to town, or if the line is too long, take the short taxi ride. The hotel is somewhat far from the Funicular/taxi terminus, so probably the best thing to do is to hire one of the “baggage boys” hanging around & let them haul your bags & direct you to your hotel – the Villa Brunella.
There are some breathtaking walks around Capri. Take the same road the hotel is on in the direction away from town to Belvedere Tragara, and along a dirt path which continues past the road. See the Cadogan guide to South of Italy for walk descriptions.
There is a lot of high quality coral & tortoise shell jewelry sold in Capri.
Hotel Villa Brunella 081 837 0122 fax 081 837 0430 The hotel actually cascades down the hill. The views from the top rooms are fabulous. Ask for room 55 or one of the upper rooms above the pool. You may have to walk up & down to your room if you’re in a lower room, and they also do hot have nearly as nice of a view.
Dinner at hotel
Day 10
Visit Villa Jovis**
Take some more walks around Capri
Return to Positano mid-day, pick up your bags, bail out the car, & drive to Ravello.
The town of Amalfi is close by, but we are not real fans of this coastal village. The big tour busses can park in this town, so it is always over-crowded in the tourist season.
Check into hotel. As soon as you get to the hotel, reserve the table with the best view for dinner.
Visit Villa Rufola*** open 9:30-1:00 & 3-7
Ravello is one of my wife’s favorite place for pottery shopping. Primitive patterns in many colors are a particular favorite of hers. Reasonably priced too (compared to other places in Italy) See how much of it you can get in your suitcase (shipping is very expensive).
Wander around Caruso Belvedere. Enjoy the views.
There is a great gelato store on the main square.
Hotel Caruso Belvedere see Karen Brown Guide. Phone # (089) 85 71 11 Fax (089)85 73 72. Room #2 is a corner room with breathtaking views of the Amalfi coast, Room # 5 is slightly larger with the same views, but not a corner room.
Dinner at hotel, but perhaps the worst dinner I’ve ever had in Europe (dined there 3 times over several years). Enjoy the view – not the dinner.
Day 11
Have breakfast served in your room out on your balcony (which is one of the “standard options”) & watch the sunrise. You may never want to leave.
Visit Villa Cimbrone*** (open 9:00 to sunset) view *** is fabulous. (if you can squeeze in this Villa on Thurs, then you will have a little more flexibility in today’s schedule).
Here you have some options for continuing on your journey:
1. You can continue down the Amalfi Coast to Vietri, where you can pick up the freeway toward Rome
2. You can continue down the Amalfi Coast but at Vietri head south to Paestum*** and the 400BC Greek temples, which are some of the most “in tact” Greek temples anywhere.
3. Head inland from Ravello & do not drive down the Amalfi coast. This is actually a pretty drive, but not as nice as the coast. Remember, driving on the Amalfi coast is difficult.
If you pass through Vietri, you will see lots of stores selling pottery. Much of it is made in this town. Even the store fronts are all painted ceramics.
Visit Pompii*** We hired a guide once we got there. His English was a little hard to understand, but was quite knowledgeable. Allow 3 hours to visit Pompii. Have lunch there if you didn’t visit Paestum.
If you skipped Paestum, you might have time to visit Villa d’Est*** in Tivoli today (villa with exquisite formal water gardens)
Hotel Hotel Sirene in Tivoli Ph 0774 330605 Fax 0774 330608. Ask for one of the rooms with a terrace & view of Villa Gregoriana. The food in this hotels restaurant was only OK, so you might want to eat in town.
Villa d’Est*** is within walking distance of the hotel, and the walk through town is quite nice with a great view of the hotel from the bridge. A visit to the Villa’s water garden will take about an hour or less (villa itself is nothing special)
Note. If you choose to not stop at Pompii and/or not stop in Tivoli, then proceed to Orvieto & stay overnight there. If you want to see all three (and you should) then stay overnight in Tivoli.
Day 12
Visit Villa D’Est*** in Tivoli (if you did not see it yesterday) Open 9:00 to sunset
Visit Hadrian’s Villa*** (open 9:00 to sunset) Allow 3 hours for a visit. There is a lunch spot on the grounds. My father-in-law said that this villa was one of the highlights of his trip – don’t miss it !!!
End of write-up
April, I recall that you are visiting Provence also. We've spent 18 weeks vacationing there, plus 16 weeks on the Cote d'Azur. I wrote a 27 page itinerary for the regions. E-mail me at [email protected] if you want a copy & I'll attach one to the reply e-mail. I also have an Italy itinerary - with a heavy emphasis on Tuscany. The Amalfi section above is from that itinerary. If you want that one, let me know. However, let me know soon - we leave for 6 weeks in France on Sunday.
Stu Dudley
Jun 7th, 2011, 09:33 AM
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Stu Dudley you are awesome, that was an amazing review and lots of information!
I guess my only question to you Stu Dudley is, do you think it is worth staying at a B&B in Positano that has a pool but no AC in September? Will it be too hot? Should we look for another B&B in Positano that has AC and is not a 10 minute walk outside of town?
I guess my only question to you Stu Dudley is, do you think it is worth staying at a B&B in Positano that has a pool but no AC in September? Will it be too hot? Should we look for another B&B in Positano that has AC and is not a 10 minute walk outside of town?
Jun 7th, 2011, 09:55 AM
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>>10 minute walk outside of town<<
It could be about a 5-10 min walk from the Murat (where we've stayed) to the boardwalk. If your B&B is a 10 min walk from the boardwalk, then that is fine. If the B&B is a 10 min walk from the entrance to the pedestrian area and it is also on a very steep hill - then it may be "marginal". Perhaps do a google maps & see how far it really is from where the "action" is. I think I have a street map of Positano, so if you can post the address here & if I have time I could perhaps provide you with a better opinion.
I would not worry too much about AC if you will be there in mid-Sept or later. It may not even be "necessary" in early Sept.
Stu Dudley
It could be about a 5-10 min walk from the Murat (where we've stayed) to the boardwalk. If your B&B is a 10 min walk from the boardwalk, then that is fine. If the B&B is a 10 min walk from the entrance to the pedestrian area and it is also on a very steep hill - then it may be "marginal". Perhaps do a google maps & see how far it really is from where the "action" is. I think I have a street map of Positano, so if you can post the address here & if I have time I could perhaps provide you with a better opinion.
I would not worry too much about AC if you will be there in mid-Sept or later. It may not even be "necessary" in early Sept.
Stu Dudley
Jun 7th, 2011, 10:21 AM
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Very helpful info Stu Dudley!
The address is Via G. Marconi 4, 84017 Positano, Italy. I have read the walk into town is not that bad, its just a lot of steps and its up high. I am in my late 20's and my husband is early 30's, we are pretty athletic so I don't think the steps will be an issue for us. I just wanted to make sure that its close enough to walk into town for dinner/lunch etc.
Here is the location of the B&B on google maps
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8...ed=0CBcQnwIwAA
The address is Via G. Marconi 4, 84017 Positano, Italy. I have read the walk into town is not that bad, its just a lot of steps and its up high. I am in my late 20's and my husband is early 30's, we are pretty athletic so I don't think the steps will be an issue for us. I just wanted to make sure that its close enough to walk into town for dinner/lunch etc.
Here is the location of the B&B on google maps
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8...ed=0CBcQnwIwAA
Jun 7th, 2011, 10:33 AM
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Stu,
That's an amazing report on Positano. We will be spending 5 days there next month with our teenage kids. Having never been to Positano, your report above had just the detail I was looking for. I have posted another thread on advice for our stay in Venice and Tuscany prior to Positano and if you have a moment any advice on Tuscany would be much appreciated.
That's an amazing report on Positano. We will be spending 5 days there next month with our teenage kids. Having never been to Positano, your report above had just the detail I was looking for. I have posted another thread on advice for our stay in Venice and Tuscany prior to Positano and if you have a moment any advice on Tuscany would be much appreciated.
Jun 7th, 2011, 10:36 AM
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The B&B in Positano - One reviewer said "It's not in Positano central (it's about ten minutes' walk from Via Cristoforo Colombo) and it's just off the main Amalfi Coast road, so you might feel you're taking your life in your hands as you walk back late at night but, on the up side, you do avoid the bustling crowds. Then there are the steps… plenty of them. Costantino and his sons will help with the luggage but as for the trips up and down to the pool or into Positano - make sure have a good breakfast."
Jun 7th, 2011, 12:34 PM
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Since you have expressed a keen interest in food, which I happen to share, I would take a good look at some of the B&Bs and small hotels in Furore, which is a few minutes above the actual coast and accessible by quick bus ride. The views are tremendous and the food scene is very different from the touristy restaurants that predominate in a town like Positano. For some reasons, Furore is ignored by Americans but it is quite popular with Italians and other European tourists.
Take a look at the reviews on Trip Advisor for lodgings, including these:
http://www.lalocandadelfiordo.com/ (walk to beach)
http://www.amalfiholidays.eu/en/index.html
http://www.ilrifugiodiela.it/
http://www.agriturismoserafina.it/index_eng.asp
http://www.agriturismosantalfonso.it/home.aspx
The last two are agriturismi, which means that they are working farms that accept guests and that are often known for their restaurants.
I would book asap, as you are already aware.
I've written quite a few trip reports here that focus on the food of various regions of Italy and I've made a number of visits to the Amalfi Coast including one in 2008 for which I wrote a report, linked below.
As you will learn if and when you slog through it, the food mecca of the Coast is the small fishing town of Cetara. Largely ignored by Americans, the seafood restaurants of Cetara draw Italians and tourists interested in regional fare in a non-touristy setting. This tiny town has 3 SlowFood restaurants; I wrote about my meals at two of them in the report linked below. You can get there by SITA bus from any of the coastal towns, and from hill towns such as Furore. There is one hotel in Cetara that seems quite nice, the Hotel Cetus, but I've not stayed there. Yet.
Try to eat in Cetara; take a look at staying in Furore; You will probably find, too, that prices there are quite a bit lower than in Positano.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...and-naples.cfm
Take a look at the reviews on Trip Advisor for lodgings, including these:
http://www.lalocandadelfiordo.com/ (walk to beach)
http://www.amalfiholidays.eu/en/index.html
http://www.ilrifugiodiela.it/
http://www.agriturismoserafina.it/index_eng.asp
http://www.agriturismosantalfonso.it/home.aspx
The last two are agriturismi, which means that they are working farms that accept guests and that are often known for their restaurants.
I would book asap, as you are already aware.
I've written quite a few trip reports here that focus on the food of various regions of Italy and I've made a number of visits to the Amalfi Coast including one in 2008 for which I wrote a report, linked below.
As you will learn if and when you slog through it, the food mecca of the Coast is the small fishing town of Cetara. Largely ignored by Americans, the seafood restaurants of Cetara draw Italians and tourists interested in regional fare in a non-touristy setting. This tiny town has 3 SlowFood restaurants; I wrote about my meals at two of them in the report linked below. You can get there by SITA bus from any of the coastal towns, and from hill towns such as Furore. There is one hotel in Cetara that seems quite nice, the Hotel Cetus, but I've not stayed there. Yet.
Try to eat in Cetara; take a look at staying in Furore; You will probably find, too, that prices there are quite a bit lower than in Positano.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...and-naples.cfm
Jun 7th, 2011, 12:52 PM
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One thing I will highly recommend -- get a room with a view of the sea. We stayed in a very cool historic "mansion" in Priano, and while it really was quite lovely, our view was of the town and not the sea. Yeah, we had lovely frescos on our ceiling, but I've regretted it ever since, and now when I stay somewhere so scenic, I take the plunge and splurge on a room with the right view!
Jun 7th, 2011, 07:29 PM
#17
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ekscrunchy THANK YOU SO MUCH for that information! I really appreciate that and I'm glad you could provide some tips for foodies on travel! Funny enough I just purchased the Italian & English version of SlowFoods online.
I look forward to researching what you provided as well as checking out the links.
Uhoh_Busted thanks for the tip, I agree that a room with a view is the only way to go. The part that is driving me crazy is almost everything is getting booked up and those rooms go fast. I am determined to find somewhere though!
I look forward to researching what you provided as well as checking out the links.
Uhoh_Busted thanks for the tip, I agree that a room with a view is the only way to go. The part that is driving me crazy is almost everything is getting booked up and those rooms go fast. I am determined to find somewhere though!
Jun 7th, 2011, 08:29 PM
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We have stayed at Punta Civita five or six years in a row. In fact, I actually wrote the first review of this B&B on Tripadvisor when PC was new, although it has been dropped from the reviews because there are so many.
While the address is in Ravello, it is actually probably closer to Amalfi, on the way up the mountain toward Ravello. It has the best of all worlds. It's a little removed from the hustle of Amalfi, located on its own terraced orchard, but has a bus stop across the street very near going to Amalfi or Ravello. We usually leave our car parked at the B&B. It's easy to take the steps down to Amalfi and a pretty hike up to Ravello.
The view from Punta Civita is absolutely spectacular. You are on the mountain, in the middle of lemon trees, overlooking the ocean. I can't imagine a more romantic place. Roberto and Nada are the Italian hosts that you hope for. Roberto's English is good and Nada's sweets are too good. Roberto can help you plan your excursions. He has been in the hospitality business a long time.
We would rather stay in this location than Positano. It's very convenient to both Amalfi and Ravello. While Amalfi does get busy during the day, it is quieter in the evening and is a good hub for catching buses or boats to other cities. The boats are such a great way to see the coast. We have visited Positano many times, but prefer this location.
You can't go wrong with the Amalfi coast for your honeymoon and September is a great time to go. Don't forget to take some of the beautiful hikes.
While the address is in Ravello, it is actually probably closer to Amalfi, on the way up the mountain toward Ravello. It has the best of all worlds. It's a little removed from the hustle of Amalfi, located on its own terraced orchard, but has a bus stop across the street very near going to Amalfi or Ravello. We usually leave our car parked at the B&B. It's easy to take the steps down to Amalfi and a pretty hike up to Ravello.
The view from Punta Civita is absolutely spectacular. You are on the mountain, in the middle of lemon trees, overlooking the ocean. I can't imagine a more romantic place. Roberto and Nada are the Italian hosts that you hope for. Roberto's English is good and Nada's sweets are too good. Roberto can help you plan your excursions. He has been in the hospitality business a long time.
We would rather stay in this location than Positano. It's very convenient to both Amalfi and Ravello. While Amalfi does get busy during the day, it is quieter in the evening and is a good hub for catching buses or boats to other cities. The boats are such a great way to see the coast. We have visited Positano many times, but prefer this location.
You can't go wrong with the Amalfi coast for your honeymoon and September is a great time to go. Don't forget to take some of the beautiful hikes.
Jun 8th, 2011, 08:29 AM
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Packed, thank you!
I am very much considering staying at Punta Civita now for many reasons. One, it is beyond beautiful and I love that you are such a fan. Two, almost everywhere else is booked and have no more rooms with balcony or sea view.
I am very much considering staying at Punta Civita now for many reasons. One, it is beyond beautiful and I love that you are such a fan. Two, almost everywhere else is booked and have no more rooms with balcony or sea view.
Jun 9th, 2011, 10:56 AM
#20
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We booked PUNTACIVITA! http://www.puntacivita.it/
Finally after being up till 4am the past month researching, stressing & emailing! You both were a huge help in the end and opened up my eyes.
The owner of PuntaCivita is just an amazing guy and super friendly. He replied to all my emails right away as well as provided so much information and help. He even is going to help book a private cooking class for us in Ravello and we are going to make Pizza with a friend of his! I'm beyond thrilled... I just got an overall good feeling about him and decided to book.
So it's PuntaCivita with day trips to Minori, Maiori Atrani & Amalfi. Depending on how much time we have we might check out Positano, if not..another time.
We'll be taking the express train from Rome on the morning of the 9th of September to Salerno and then a ferry to Amalfi and either hire a car to drive us to PuntaCivita or grab the Sita bus (Stop is right outside of PuntaCivita).
P.s. - I found this video and article about "Two Greedy Italian" men amazingly funny and interesting. It's about local boys returning home to Minori and Food! A must see!
http://bellavventura.blogspot.com/20...st-minori.html
Finally after being up till 4am the past month researching, stressing & emailing! You both were a huge help in the end and opened up my eyes.
The owner of PuntaCivita is just an amazing guy and super friendly. He replied to all my emails right away as well as provided so much information and help. He even is going to help book a private cooking class for us in Ravello and we are going to make Pizza with a friend of his! I'm beyond thrilled... I just got an overall good feeling about him and decided to book.
So it's PuntaCivita with day trips to Minori, Maiori Atrani & Amalfi. Depending on how much time we have we might check out Positano, if not..another time.
We'll be taking the express train from Rome on the morning of the 9th of September to Salerno and then a ferry to Amalfi and either hire a car to drive us to PuntaCivita or grab the Sita bus (Stop is right outside of PuntaCivita).
P.s. - I found this video and article about "Two Greedy Italian" men amazingly funny and interesting. It's about local boys returning home to Minori and Food! A must see!
http://bellavventura.blogspot.com/20...st-minori.html
