We are planning a trip to the Amalfi coast in Sept 2027. We will have 10d-2wks and that seems to be more than we need to comfortably see the area. What other areas are nearby that we should try and get to? Do we want to rent a car, or is train travel possible along the coast?
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
9829 posts
Welcome!
There are dozens of posts here that explain all about the Amalfi Coast area.
10 days -2 weeks would be a really nice amount of time.
There are no trains along the coast and a car is never recommended. Buses and ferries are the transportation mode.
Other areas to explore- Naples, Capri, Pompeii/Herculaneum, Salerno and Paestum.
I suggest spending some time with the Search engine here and read all you can about the area- it is overcrowded and chaotic, transportation- to, from and within is a big issue. Not that it isn't worth it but you need to know what you are getting into.
Do you have a good guide book of the area?
Posted by
7105 posts
What have you identified that you want to see, are you speaking specifically about the Amalfi coast only? You could easily fill ten days if you split it among Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and one of the islands. With two weeks, you could consider dipping into Cilento area by car. Or whatever on the nearby vicinity you find interesting.
No car needed for AC.
Posted by
San Franciso Bay Area, USA
1242 posts
Welcome to the Forum.
We just returned from our trip to Italy, spending 8 days in the region of the Amalfi coast, spending two nights in Ravello and 6 in Sorrento. Our first trip was in May 2023 and we spent 3 nights in Positano and 4 nights in Sorrento. 10 days to 2 weeks allows plenty of time to explore the broader region which could include Sorrento, Naples, Pompeii, Herculean, Mt. Vesuvius, and the islands. There are some great hiking trails if that is something that you enjoy. My only regret this year is that I didn't spend an extra night in Ravello, it deserved more than just 2 nights.
Where you stay and how much time you spend on each depends on your interests, budget, and in some cases fitness level. You have enough time that you could break up your stay to several places: something on the Amalfi Coast, one of the islands, and then Sorrento or Naples.
You definitely don't want to drive. The roads are narrow and crowded, parking is difficult. You can travel by train to certain places, but ferries or private drivers are the best way to get around. Buses in September are ridiculously crowded and depending upon where you try to get on the bus, you may be waiting awhile. Private drivers and taxis are expensive, but they are the most convenient way to travel between certain towns if ferries are not available for that town.
You can get some good ideas from the Rick Steves guidebook, read the trip reports.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
6153 posts
We spent 2 weeks in Sorrento in April 2023 and loved it. If you're interested here's the Trip Report I wrote about it. A car is the last thing you'll want, but be prepared that all forms of transportation has its challenges in that region.
Posted by
Coral Gables, Florida
736 posts
With 10+ nights, you have plenty of time to enjoy the Amalfi Coast and surrounding areas. If the Amalfi Coast is a top priority for you, then you should stay in the Amalfi Coast itself. Amalfi (town) is the transportation hub of the AC and makes a good base. You can take ferries, buses or shuttles to move around.
I would do something like this:
Naples 3/4 nights (Pompeii day trip)
Capri 2/3 nights
Amalfi (town) 4/5 nights
A recurring theme I’ve noticed is that people that day trip to Capri or the Amalfi Coast are kind of 50/50 on whether they like it but people that stayed overnight in Capri or the Amalfi Coast liked or loved them. I think that’s something worth considering in planning your trip.