Stay in Amalfi or Ravello? Or ??
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Stay in Amalfi or Ravello? Or ??
My father and his significant other are planning to spend three nights on the Amalfi Coast in early October. While I am about to go to Italy for the third time (hooray!) I still have not been south of Rome. I know most folks suggest staying in Positano, but while they are mobile and can do some climbing/schlepping, the steepness and huge number of stairs/vertical up and down concerns them. They would prefer not to stay in Sorrento.
I've searched a bit through the threads and guide, but am not clear....between Amalfi and Ravello, is one a better base if desiring a relatively "flat" or easier to traverse town in terms of access and strolling between hotel, dinner, shops, etc...??
Thanks!!
I've searched a bit through the threads and guide, but am not clear....between Amalfi and Ravello, is one a better base if desiring a relatively "flat" or easier to traverse town in terms of access and strolling between hotel, dinner, shops, etc...??
Thanks!!
#2
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I haven't stayed in Ravello, but it is uphill from Amalfi and more remote in terms of getting to other towns/cities on the coast. It also has far fewer hotels,restaurants shops, than Amalfi which is a medium sized city.
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3 trips to Amalfi coast. Each time we leave we wonder why we went to town of Amalfi.
On the other hand we marvel at Ravello each time. Ravello is relatively flat at top of hill.
I would stay there and take bus to various places, including Amalfi.
On the other hand we marvel at Ravello each time. Ravello is relatively flat at top of hill.
I would stay there and take bus to various places, including Amalfi.
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What are they going to do and see?
Will being further from transit (in Ravello) be a problem?
Are they aware that ferries may well be on a much briefer fall schedule and their transit limited to buses and taxis?
Will being further from transit (in Ravello) be a problem?
Are they aware that ferries may well be on a much briefer fall schedule and their transit limited to buses and taxis?
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#8
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Agree that Ravello is a bit remote but worth a lunch or dinner; I'd pick Amalfi if Positano poses problems. Dont recall Positano as being that steep frankly though was in mid-fifties when there. Don't count on the blue Sita buses being on any schedule....
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Amalfi - on the coast and thus a fairly flat town center would be my choice over perched Ravello which is much much smaller and quiet and has rave views from high up but I prefer a coastal town with a port, etc. And to get anywhere from Ravello you first much take the buses down to Amalfi.
I think Amalfi is a neat old town - none better on the amalfi Coast that I saw at least.
I think Amalfi is a neat old town - none better on the amalfi Coast that I saw at least.
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I much prefer Amalfi to Positano. People who do not see the beauty of Amalfi perhaps visited only on a daytrip and did not venture far off the main street.
Ravello is even more beautiful, but with no car, a bit more difficult to access.
Ravello is even more beautiful, but with no car, a bit more difficult to access.
#12
Amalfi, for all the reasons given. But bear in mind that there are numerous properties in between Positano & Amalfi - usually with the same gorgeous views. Concha dei Marini & Praiano etc if they want a more relaxed (ie no crowds) option but still on the bus line.
Ian
Ian
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Thanks to all! This has been extremely helpful. I will discuss with him and also refer him to this thread. I think each location has merit with some pros/cons. Views and town of Ravello sound like a good fit and while the access could be a bit of an issue, I think the bigger thing to consider is the "being away" from the coast/water a bit.
With their three nights, they will likely have a private driver the day of arrival (from Naples train station with guided stop in Pompeii, and then dropped late afternoon of first day at hotel). They will also probably have a private driver for least one of their full days so will have some ease and leisure in exploring some of the other towns along the coast (will help minimize the effect of more limited transit options), although they are also quite independent and would feel comfortable taking a bus when and if needed. They like music and it does appear there are concerts in Ravello while there are there. They also love excellent dining (easy to accomplish in Italy!). They would probably stay at the Caruso in Ravello or the Santa Caterina in Amalfi but will look at all suggestions.
I appreciate your input!!
With their three nights, they will likely have a private driver the day of arrival (from Naples train station with guided stop in Pompeii, and then dropped late afternoon of first day at hotel). They will also probably have a private driver for least one of their full days so will have some ease and leisure in exploring some of the other towns along the coast (will help minimize the effect of more limited transit options), although they are also quite independent and would feel comfortable taking a bus when and if needed. They like music and it does appear there are concerts in Ravello while there are there. They also love excellent dining (easy to accomplish in Italy!). They would probably stay at the Caruso in Ravello or the Santa Caterina in Amalfi but will look at all suggestions.
I appreciate your input!!
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#16
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Hi fun,
If they are going to have a private driver, the choice is definitely Ravello.
Check www.tripadvisor.com for
Villa San Michele
Palazzo Avino and
Villa Maria
If they are going to have a private driver, the choice is definitely Ravello.
Check www.tripadvisor.com for
Villa San Michele
Palazzo Avino and
Villa Maria
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#17
Private driver? I'm with Ira. I change my vote to Ravello. Our most magical moment on the coast was having a drink at dusk on a terrace (Villa Maria or nearby) listening to the church bells echo across the valleys.
Ian
Ian
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