Which airport and which Amalfi Coast base?
 

Hello,

We'll be touring the Amalfi Coast in early September.

We have the option of flying out of either Naples or Rome.

Is one airport better - more efficient, less delay, etc.?

Also, we've decided on either Sorrento or Amalfi as a base for about 10 days as we check out the coast.

Any suggestions on which one?

We'd like to relax and not be on the move every day. But we do want to see Positano, Ravello, Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri.

Thanks.

I flew in and out of Rome and Naples last year, it's hard to say which is better, but Naples airport is much, much samller, so less time for checking in and walking to the gate. Since you will be concentrating around that area, might be easier to fly out of Napels.

NAP is also 120 miles closer to the Amalfi Coast than the Rome airports.

Hi Rb - I'd choose Amalfi over Sorrento as a base personally.

With 10 days have you considered splitting your time? Maybe Amalfi plus Capri?

Just a thought ...

Steve

Airport: Naples - it is much closer.

Base: Amalfi is a charming town and a good base to explore the area by ship and by car - about 45 min driving time to Pompei. To visit Capri, take the ship from Amalfi. Positano and Ravello are so close, you can either take the bus or the car. In any case, I would suggest renting a car for at least a few days in order to drive one of the Earth's most beautiful coastal highways.

Sorrento is a little bit closer to Naples/Pompeii but on "the other side" of the Amalfi Coast (over the ridge).

If you want some variety consider staying 5 nights in Amalfi and 5 nights in Sorrento.

Must-sees in the area are the Vesuvius, Pompei, Herculaneum.

Naples is much closer. And smaller. Much more convenient.

If you want hotel recommendations, give us a budget and we can give you some ideas.

Another vote for NAP.

I'd choose Amalfi over Sorrento.

With 10 days you could choose more than one base.

((I))

...no direct flights to the US that I know of (except EuroFly)...so, the choice (IMHO) may depend on where you're flying to/from.

I, for instance, often fly from Newark direct to Rome to go down to Campania...I find it faster (total travel time) than changing plans and flying into Naples. (I also find car rentals to be cheaper in Rome - but I'm you don't need one, so I guess that's not relevant)

If you have to change plans anyway, then, Naples is a much easier (TEENY-TINY as others have said) airport to navigate.

Often there is a huge discrepancy on the price of flights though - at least for me, from NY...so just look into all options.

There is a direct bus, BTW from Rome to Sorrento if the timing works out right with the flight, that may be the fastest option.

As for a base...I love, love, love Amalfi...but I'm going to vote for Sorrento as well....Sorrento is just so easy to daytrip from.

Out of NYC, Iberia has by far the best prices on Naples flights among the major carriers..easy connection in Madrid.

Is it just me?
I found Sorrento maddening with Vespas going at such high rates of speed. I cant imagine staying there and trying to walk around. It is a wonder that there wasnt human and vehicle parts everywhere.

On the other hand I have driven the Amalfi 2 times and found that most people do drive sanely there.
Positano is quite charming.