6 nights in Amalfi/South Italy

Posted by dinesh on 06/02/16 06:05 AM

Hi,

We are 3 couples in our early 30's traveling to Italy from July 6-15th. We plan to spend 2 nights/3 days and Rome and the rest in Southern Italy/Amalfi. We would rather not make a base at one place and then do day trips. The 6 nights we would like to stay at least at 2 different places, if not 3 - making it 2 nights each at a place.

We are interested in beaches, restaurants/nightlife, culture (not museums), local flavor.

Can you kind people please let me know the top 2/3 places we should be staying at? Appreciate your help in advance. This forum rocks!

Posted by Nicole P

Truro, NS, Canada

06/02/16 12:46 PM

3943 posts

oh my - you don't have much time to get good accoms in place! A lot of people suggest Sorrento and Positano. In 2014, we stayed in a little village called Atrani which was a 10 min walk to Amalfi.

When I return someday, I would most likely do Sorrento and Ravello...Ravello was our fav place to visit - and tho not on the coast (well, not on the 'beach', ii's up in the hills) and a little harder to access (but not too hard - there are buses of course) - it would be a good base for Amalfi and the other little gems sprinkled further south along the coast (Minori/Maiori and others). Sorrento would be nice for visiting the upper part - Positano, etc. Positano could be a good choice as well, but it is very steep, and if your hotel isn't convenient to a road way, there could be quite a hill or lots of steps to climb. But there is a beach and lots of restaurants!

I wouldn't recommend three changes - you really do lose a lot of time moving from place to place - packing, checking out, finding the bus, getting to the next place and checking in - it can cost you a good 3-4 hours of prime sightseeing time.

Posted by Carla

Austin TX after living in Boulder CO for 25 years

06/02/16 02:34 PM

1178 posts

We had the same conundrum last year ! I think I would move only twice - the area is not that large and the bus is so easy to ride - you can eat in every small village.

We chose two locations - Sorrento at Hotel Minerva - the balcony is to die for, great breakfast buffet, and we walked into town on the sidewalk with no problems. This is a great location to catch the ferry to Capri - we did 5 of the hikes around the island for spectacular views and to stay away from the crowds and loved it.

Then we moved to Positano at Albergo California. This is a great location for riding the bus up to Ravello - fabulous - take the cooking class with Mama Agata. And riding the bus down the coast into Maiori and Atrani - these are beautiful smaller villages that most travelers overlook. You can ride the ferry back into Positano. It was also an easy location to catch the bus up to Nocelle and hike the Garden of the Gods - easy hike with breathtaking views of the coast.

Posted by gerri

lexington, il

06/02/16 05:30 PM

4105 posts

You have 10 nights,does this include your 2 flight days, or just days on the ground? You lose a day on the flight over, and the last is spent going to the airport.

Are you flying R/T Rome?
If so, go immediately to the Amalfi Coast. Makes for easier transit to Rome airport for your flight home.

With 10 nights, spend 6 on the AC. 4 in Rome.
Adjust accordingly if only 8 nights.

Ferry and bus schedules for AC. http://www.positano.com
Lots of info on the villages too.

If you really think you need 2 bases, look at heading to Amalfi town or Ravello first, then Sorrento for your second base. These are the two transportation hubs. Eliminates
Backtracking.

Are you looking for hotels or apartments? Price range?