Traveling Amalfi Coast Alone - Good Idea or Bad Idea?
Aug 28th, 2011, 04:37 AM
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Traveling Amalfi Coast Alone - Good Idea or Bad Idea?
I have been wanting to travel to Amalfi/Capri for a long time and am starting to put the plan in motion. I'm thinking of traveling alone. I'm a youthful 53-year-old and want to know what experienced visitors think - is that a good idea or a bad idea? Do you think it will be easy to meet people? I do not speak Italian. Is the area relatively safe? I also do not plan to rent a car and will depend on public transportation. Any insight will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!
Aug 28th, 2011, 04:47 AM
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Kathy:
You must go!!!! No doubts. The area is absolutely safe and friendly for any person.you will find that everyone speaks at least some english,plus italian is not so difficult.I am sure you will enjoy the are inmensely.If you like,you can read my report on the A.C; by clicking on my name.You can absolutely do it on public transportation(I will tell you I think this is the best way to cisit the coast).Go and Enjoy!!! You can ask if you think I can help you in any way.
You must go!!!! No doubts. The area is absolutely safe and friendly for any person.you will find that everyone speaks at least some english,plus italian is not so difficult.I am sure you will enjoy the are inmensely.If you like,you can read my report on the A.C; by clicking on my name.You can absolutely do it on public transportation(I will tell you I think this is the best way to cisit the coast).Go and Enjoy!!! You can ask if you think I can help you in any way.
Aug 28th, 2011, 05:11 AM
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If you want to go, go! The hardest part for me about traveling solo is not having someone to share your memories (the good, bad and funny) of a place. Learn a few basic Italian phrases but otherwise, like most tourist destinations, someone will know some English to help you if needed. Public transportation is the only option if you don't have your own car/driver and is used by many. Just bring your patience.
Sometimes hard to meet people but I usually kept an eye out for other solo travelers in my hotel or looking for restaurants and sometimes found dining companions that way.
Sometimes hard to meet people but I usually kept an eye out for other solo travelers in my hotel or looking for restaurants and sometimes found dining companions that way.
Aug 28th, 2011, 05:23 AM
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When in Rome, I went on a Viator 3 day trip to Almfi/Capri and loved it. You may want to start out on a short tour and then go it alone. I am 69 and would not be afaid to travel this area solo. Also, I don't speak Italian. It is really no problem. Use your phrase book and the basic please, thank you, etc. in Italian. I am going solo to Spain/Portagul on the 26th for my 69th birthday. The only down side to solo is it is a little more expensive. Don't wait, life is too short.
Aug 28th, 2011, 06:25 AM
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Hi KC,
It's about time you went.
Almost everyone you come into contact with will speak English, including the German tourists.
Buses run from Sorrento to Salerno along the coast road.
Ferries shuttle between Sorrento and Naples, Sorrento and Capri, Sorrento to Salerno via Positano and Amalfi, and between Capri and Positano or Amalfi.
There is train service (www.circumvesuviana.com) from Naples to Sorrento (with a stop at Pompei Scavi) and the regular (www.trenitalia.com) train from Naples to Salerno.
You might find my trip report helpful:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34451044
Enjoy your visit.
It's about time you went.
Almost everyone you come into contact with will speak English, including the German tourists.
Buses run from Sorrento to Salerno along the coast road.
Ferries shuttle between Sorrento and Naples, Sorrento and Capri, Sorrento to Salerno via Positano and Amalfi, and between Capri and Positano or Amalfi.
There is train service (www.circumvesuviana.com) from Naples to Sorrento (with a stop at Pompei Scavi) and the regular (www.trenitalia.com) train from Naples to Salerno.
You might find my trip report helpful:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34451044
Enjoy your visit.
Aug 28th, 2011, 07:44 AM
#7
I'm a bit older than you and have traveled Amalfi area alone. It's safe except for the annoying fake porters at Naples train station wanting to carry your luggage. Ignore them and keep moving. Watch your belongings in the Naples train station and on the train to Sorrento. The rest of the coast should not be a problem at all.
Some towns are better served by transport than others. Were you wanting to stay in the town of Amalfi and also on Capri? How long did you want to stay?
Some towns are better served by transport than others. Were you wanting to stay in the town of Amalfi and also on Capri? How long did you want to stay?
Aug 28th, 2011, 07:59 AM
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I will address this part of your question: "Do you think it will be easy to meet people? "
I'm not sure why you want to meet people. If it is for the sake of traveling with someone, or dining with someone, or making friends, my answer would be that there are too many variables.
I don't think it is ever hard to strike up conversations, especially with other travelers. If that is all you want, then I say it will be very easy.
If you want to go beyond that, you may want to plan some specific activities that attract like-minded people, such a guided walk or class, or something like that.
I'm not really good at meeting people, so I think personality has a lot to do with it.
Also, do you drink? I don't, and I have observed that those who do have an easier time of beginning chat with strangers; maybe a wine class or tour or something like that would help.
In any case, I think that adding an organized activity or two would be an aid in meeting people. Drawing, history, hiking, photography, cooking, wine... probably any of those would be good.
I'm not sure why you want to meet people. If it is for the sake of traveling with someone, or dining with someone, or making friends, my answer would be that there are too many variables.
I don't think it is ever hard to strike up conversations, especially with other travelers. If that is all you want, then I say it will be very easy.
If you want to go beyond that, you may want to plan some specific activities that attract like-minded people, such a guided walk or class, or something like that.
I'm not really good at meeting people, so I think personality has a lot to do with it.
Also, do you drink? I don't, and I have observed that those who do have an easier time of beginning chat with strangers; maybe a wine class or tour or something like that would help.
In any case, I think that adding an organized activity or two would be an aid in meeting people. Drawing, history, hiking, photography, cooking, wine... probably any of those would be good.
Aug 28th, 2011, 10:06 AM
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Perfectly safe. You will meet lots of other tourists in your hotel, restaurants, shops, etc as long as you are open to it. My only question is, when are you planning on going? If you mean off season - that could be kind of deserted/lonely.
Aug 28th, 2011, 10:29 AM
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Kathy, we did NOT rent a car, not would we have wanted one. Public transport (bus, boat) is excellent. Bring OTC Meclizine (Bonine) if you are prone to dizziness or carsickness, for the marvelous, unforgettable, but very winding roads along the coast. This is the "less drowsy" of that kind of med, and I didnt notice any sleepiness at all.
As suggested above, learn a few Italian phrases and bring a light weight travelers phrase book. Sorrento and AC are very oriented to tourism and most shopkeepers , etc, know English .
I plan to return solo someday if no one else wants to go...it's too beautiful to miss!!
As suggested above, learn a few Italian phrases and bring a light weight travelers phrase book. Sorrento and AC are very oriented to tourism and most shopkeepers , etc, know English .
I plan to return solo someday if no one else wants to go...it's too beautiful to miss!!
Aug 28th, 2011, 10:41 AM
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To follow up on tuscanlife's comments I think the biggest variable is meeting people. You need to ask yourself what are your expectations? Casual conversation with fellow travelers for 10min here or there, befriending nona at the neighborhood Italian cafe, meeting the Italian hottie who will take you out to dinner, etc.
If the success of your trip depends on my meeting others and having company then you may be in for a disappointment. I think you are much better off being of the mindset that if you see every sight alone, eat every meal alone and never have a thoughtful conversation with someone else you're still going to have a great trip.
Anything beyond that is a bonus, but not a requirement.
If the success of your trip depends on my meeting others and having company then you may be in for a disappointment. I think you are much better off being of the mindset that if you see every sight alone, eat every meal alone and never have a thoughtful conversation with someone else you're still going to have a great trip.
Anything beyond that is a bonus, but not a requirement.
Aug 28th, 2011, 11:10 AM
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Thanks for all the informative replies. When I travel, I just love getting a taste of the local flavor - people, food, wine, etc. I'd love to at least be able to chit chat with some of the locals off the beaten tourist track. I'm a pretty friendly person and usually find it easy to strike up a coversation with others, though I've never traveled to a foreign country by myself. I am sure I'll do fine.
Now, as for the time of year to go, I was thinking early spring, maybe March. I don't want to go at the height of the tourist season, though I don't want to go when it's cold and rainy there either. Any advice?
Thanks again for all the input! Ciao!
Now, as for the time of year to go, I was thinking early spring, maybe March. I don't want to go at the height of the tourist season, though I don't want to go when it's cold and rainy there either. Any advice?
Thanks again for all the input! Ciao!
Aug 28th, 2011, 11:31 AM
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Others wil have to add to this, but based on research only (havent personally been at that time) I think March 's weather might be too unpredictable,i.e you might encounter the "cold and rainy" you want to avoid.
How about later in Spring--mid to late May perhaps?
Have you checked Wunderground? They give weather history /averages for an area.
How about later in Spring--mid to late May perhaps?
Have you checked Wunderground? They give weather history /averages for an area.
Aug 28th, 2011, 01:13 PM
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Kathy:
I think that end of april or may would be good weather wise.We were there in september 2009 and it was not crowded,sunny,absolutely gorgeous.
If you want to check my report the link is:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...1-to-oct-3.cfm
Enjoy!!!
I think that end of april or may would be good weather wise.We were there in september 2009 and it was not crowded,sunny,absolutely gorgeous.
If you want to check my report the link is:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...1-to-oct-3.cfm
Enjoy!!!
Aug 28th, 2011, 01:14 PM
#16
>>>I'd love to at least be able to chit chat with some of the locals off the beaten tourist track.<<<
If you are using public transport, you won't be off the beaten tourist track. Many business people will speak English, but off the tourist track, you will need Italian.
I've been late March before and the weather was warm during the day and cool at night (lemons were already on trees). I think I would go a bit later than March, but avoid the two weeks around Easter when schools are on vacation.
Don't expect as many services in the spring. Some ferries only operate in summer (mid-June/mid-Sept.).
If you are using public transport, you won't be off the beaten tourist track. Many business people will speak English, but off the tourist track, you will need Italian.
I've been late March before and the weather was warm during the day and cool at night (lemons were already on trees). I think I would go a bit later than March, but avoid the two weeks around Easter when schools are on vacation.
Don't expect as many services in the spring. Some ferries only operate in summer (mid-June/mid-Sept.).
Aug 28th, 2011, 02:04 PM
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Aug 28th, 2011, 09:21 PM
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It's eight years now since we moved to the island of Ischia, 30-35 miles from the AC, and these - taken here or hereabouts during those Marchs and Aprils - should give you an idea of the weather mix....
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/springisch
... and this shows the climate averages for Naples - the nearest place such records are kept!
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/image/137093820
If you're wise enough perhaps to avoid one or two of the main tourist towns, there's actually much to be said for coming at Eastertime (or just thereafter) - not only the celebrations themselves, but also because in many places not a huge lot will be open until that holiday!
In general we find that season's visitors very civilised, interested in the area and its events etc etc - probably the exact sort of people you're hoping to encounter?
..................................
Ferries and the like....
Easter usually sees the first increase on winter's service levels on the year-round routes.... and also the restart of crossings between Ischia and both Sorrento and Capri!
Not all of the AC's seasonal lines will have begun by then, and the odd quay or port isn't always ready, however these people get their routes going from the start of April...
http://www.coopsantandrea.com/eng/az...isiamo_eng.asp
... and this is what another one did in 2010, when the holiday fell a week earlier..
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/image/130578291
..................................
Public transport....
These two maps will perhaps show how extensive the public transport system is... just about anywhere there's a village, there's a bus route - used by residents and sightseers alike!
The wider area..
http://www.unicocampania.it/files/ma..._provincia.pdf
... and the Sorrento peninsula & Amalfi Coast
http://www.unicocampania.it/files/mappe/costiera.pdf
And again most companies put on extra services, from either the start of April or Easter!
For more photos of here, nearby Procida and many mainland places, you could start with...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/tele
Peter
PS ... language... even though the schools here on Ischia dropped English for German for a while, all the younger people now speak it... so - if you find you're struggling with a mix of pidgin and arm-waving - look for a teenage girl, since they pay much more attention in class!
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/springisch
... and this shows the climate averages for Naples - the nearest place such records are kept!
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/image/137093820
If you're wise enough perhaps to avoid one or two of the main tourist towns, there's actually much to be said for coming at Eastertime (or just thereafter) - not only the celebrations themselves, but also because in many places not a huge lot will be open until that holiday!
In general we find that season's visitors very civilised, interested in the area and its events etc etc - probably the exact sort of people you're hoping to encounter?
..................................
Ferries and the like....
Easter usually sees the first increase on winter's service levels on the year-round routes.... and also the restart of crossings between Ischia and both Sorrento and Capri!
Not all of the AC's seasonal lines will have begun by then, and the odd quay or port isn't always ready, however these people get their routes going from the start of April...
http://www.coopsantandrea.com/eng/az...isiamo_eng.asp
... and this is what another one did in 2010, when the holiday fell a week earlier..
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/image/130578291
..................................
Public transport....
These two maps will perhaps show how extensive the public transport system is... just about anywhere there's a village, there's a bus route - used by residents and sightseers alike!
The wider area..
http://www.unicocampania.it/files/ma..._provincia.pdf
... and the Sorrento peninsula & Amalfi Coast
http://www.unicocampania.it/files/mappe/costiera.pdf
And again most companies put on extra services, from either the start of April or Easter!
For more photos of here, nearby Procida and many mainland places, you could start with...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/tele
Peter
PS ... language... even though the schools here on Ischia dropped English for German for a while, all the younger people now speak it... so - if you find you're struggling with a mix of pidgin and arm-waving - look for a teenage girl, since they pay much more attention in class!
Aug 29th, 2011, 08:05 AM
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Outside of those who work in hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops, do not count on everyone speaking English. You will certainly find few english speakers if you venture off the tourist track, which is certainly possible if you go to the hills towns above the coast--Agerola and Tramonti to nsme just 2 that might pique your interest. On the coast itself, the village of Cetara is fairly unblemished by foreign tourism and has the added component of being perhaps the best eating place on the coast.
