My daughter and 3 friends (all 22yrs old) would like to know the best town or towns to use as a base on the Amalfi. They're probably going to be there about 5 days, maybe more, in total. They've heard Positano is lovely and great for swimming but they also want to see Pompeii, Capri and maybe Ravello. This will be in mid July. Any suggestions on the best place or places to stay?
Thank you, Marea

Amalfi, of course.

It is a beautiful historical town with a gorgeous cathedral, a lively market and a fine beach.

It also has excellent travel connections in all directions.

This is our favourite hotel (with a panoramic view of Amalfi town on the website):

http://www.lunahotel.it/

Thanks, What an amazing hotel and view. Will pass on your recommendation.
Marea

Depending on your itinerary, you could perhaps stop at Pompeii on the way to the AC or when you're leaving.

I also prefer Amalfi, but you'll get many here who prefer Positano.

We have stayed in Positano - around the corner on the Bay of Naples, since it is much easier to get to everyplace from.

From Amalfi you are often stuck with the bus at 5 mph and standing room only - and ferries are limited. But if you just want to sit on a beach Amalfi is a better choice.

The Lunahotel is indeed beautiful and a superb location but at between 450 and 600 euro per night in July its affordability comes in to question. You don't mention a budget - it would be helpful to know your budget in euro per night.

My concerns about Amalfi is its increasing use as a port stop for cruise ships and the ensuing influx of 1500-2000 people on its tiny streets. I was there during a port day when a cruise ship anchored offshore and tendered its passengers in and out all day. The town centre was so clogged it was like peak time at the Colosseum. Amalfi's beach is great but there is often a slick of diesel on the water as it is a ferry hub and numerous private water craft use it as well. If you want peace and quiet plus the beach, Fornillo in Positano is the place.

My other concern is booking in July. I wouldn't leave it much longer as your choices will be very restricted.
http://www.positano.com/

What a shame about the cruise ships at Amalfi.... Sorry to all the cruisers, but I think cruise ships are destroying fragile coastal towns wherever they go.

Sorrento is not on the drive but it's very convenient to visit Pompeii and Capri.
Perhaps they could hire a driver to take them to Ravello…. which means they'd be passing Positano and Amalfi as well. I love Ravello.. that would be my first choice to stay. BUT…it might be a little quiet for 22 year olds -

Also, it might be easier to find a hotel in Sorrento at this point.

Sorrento is not the Amalfi Coast - it is a dormitory town for package tours from the UK especially in July - however it does have the convenient transport links and some nightlife that may interest the OP's girls - not thumping all night clubs but British pub type nightlife.
There are no free beaches in Sorrento except a tiny spot of sand where the ferries begin and end - but the girls could take a ferry to Ischia and explore/swim over there.

http://www.ischiareview.com/

I think in view of the OP's needs and the ages of the girls, Sorrento would be a good idea.

Thank you for your comments. Their budget is tight as this is their big trip from Australia. They're mainly staying in hostels. My initial response was to go to Amalfi but possibly Positano might be a better option. Maybe 3 nights in each.

What do you call tight? Positano's budget options are very limited. There is one hostel (Hostel Brikette) which is showing availability in July for 47 euro per person per night in an eight bed dorm room with a shared bathroom. That equates to just under 150 euro per night - they would be better off in a hotel or pensione. If 150 euro per night is beyond your budget, your options will be very limited.

On Booking.com there is one B&B showing availability mid July for $207 AUD per night triple share (roughly 140 euro with conversion) but that is all I could locate. This is it here. Great location. Other cheaper options will stick you out of town and the girls will be stuck waiting for buses to get anywhere.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_..._Campania.html

I've just realised there are four girls. Quad shares are very hard to come by but Casa Nilde has some vacancies - also a great location.

http://www.bbcasanildepositano.com/en/index.php

Thank you Blueeyedcod. I've passed on all of your information and they're looking into booking their accommodation now. The girls might have to book two hotel rooms if they want to stay in the more popular destinations.
Thank you to everyone who have offered advice. marea

If they stay 5 days, they should look at booking an apartment. Often cheaper than a hotel, they will have more room and can cook a meal or two to save $$.

Another vote for Positano - and it has a good nightclub!