trying to decide where to stay - Amalfi or Ravello. Going in September - no car, will rely on public transport. Will also be visiting Naples and Ischia - no concern about transport there.

Thoughts? Preferences? And why?

Some reports have said Amalfi is a bit run down/ seedy.

Would like something with a bit of urbaness - something in between a village and a town - if that makes any sense. Shying away from Positano and Sorrento just because they're too cliche - but am willing to day trip there.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Amalfi. Ravello is more isolated and you would have to take a bus to Amalfi and then transfer to other transportation.

Ravello has about half the population of Amalfi (2500 vs. 5000 according to 2001 statistics).

Amalfi was not rundown or seedy when I was there, admittedly some years ago, but every other town in Italy that I've returned to in the interim has become more spiffed up. It would surprise me if Amalfi has gone counter to the trend.

Amalfi gets a bum rap because it's the only town on the Amalfi Coast (Sorrento is not on the Amalfi Coast) that can accommodate tour buses, but I did not find it as over-touristed as Sorrento. It also seemed more "real" to me than Ravello, which has a church, two famous gardens, two luxury and a few other hotels and - admittedly - fantastic views. Ravello is also more isolated, requiring an additional bus up from Amalfi.

If you like the buzz of a tourist centre, shops, café's, crowds, etc then Amalfi would be your choice. I would choose Ravello largely for the two gardens there: the Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. The gardens of the Villa Cimbrone (more information on its website http://www.villacimbrone.com/en/ ) in particular are glorious and not to be missed. The house now contains a hotel - if you are rich enough to stay there. I was surprised to see copies of both Donatello's and Verrocchio's Davids placed in the gardens (there are many other statues) and the wisteria when in flower is breathtakingly beautiful. The house and garden have a long and fascinating history and the views down the coast are glorious. One could take a picnic, wander the gardens and be content for hours. Well, I did.
The Duomo and the church of San Giovanni del Toro are of interest and there are cafés fronting the square opposite the entrances to these gardens. There is a (picturesque) walk along a lane to Villa Cimbrone though.
Actually from what you say you are looking for, I would nominate Orvieto, which would be perfect but am not sure if Umbria is the area you are looking to stay?

I think you should reconsider Positano. I was in that area last September and while I love Ravello, Positano is the place to stay for restaurants, hotels and the overall wow factor. Amalfi has become a bit rundown and is very hectic with the bus stops, tourist coaches etc.

Hi CP - If you're dependant on public transport I'd always choose Amalfi over Ravello.

Steve

Amalfi seedy? i spent almost a week there not too long ago and could not have found anything seedy or even slightly raffish if I spent the entire time searching. Oh--there was one shop selling Mussolini aprons. More campy than seedy, though!

There is also nothing hectic about Amalfi; the bus stops are on the main road not in the actual town.

Rundown? I dont think so. I think Amalfi is the best base by a long shot.

Another vote for Amalfi.Beautiful place,we were there last september one full week.A good transportation hub,you can make day trips to Positano,Sorrento,Capri,and to Ravello.Ravello is beutyful but not for "living" there,just go in thr morning and you will be back again to Amalfi by 3 or 4 pm.You can see my report on our full week in the amalfi Coast(we even visited Ravello twice).Have a wonderful trip!!!

Positano is much better and would be my choice.

thanks for all the responses (will be reading trip reports - thanks)

Being that I have stayed in Genoa, Venice, and recently, Pisa - I'm kinda leaning towards Amalfi.

Once again - thanks.

neither is urban at ALL. (If you are looking for a small urban town, I'd suggest Salerno actually or maybe even Sorrento.) Both are what I would consider large villages (although they are towns in Italian terms)...Amalfi would be larger and my pick. IF someone thinks Amalfi is "seedy" I think they will think that about ALL of Southern Italy actually...ya love it or hate it really Why don't you go to google street maps and have virtual stroll around for yourself maybe?

p.s. if you didn't find Genova or Pisa seedy, you won't find Amalfi so