Amalfi Coast

First hit on a simplest possible search of The Google http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/amalfi.htm

Fran, Some additional information would help. Are you driving or using trains? Do you have a preference for which town to use as a "home base"? What day trips are you planning? My suggestion would be to stay in Sorrento. Happy travels!

We're currently on vacation in Positano. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth! A LOT of steps though. There is a local bus tha takes you up the cliff but something to keep in mind if you are not staying close to the sea. There are tons of ferries, water taxis, buses, etc. that will take you to all the neighboring towns -- Amalfi, Ravello, Capri, etc.

Fran, we just spent a week in Positano (leaving on July 23rd). It has the advantage of being between Amalfi (40 minutes by bus) & Sorrento (50 minutes by bus) and is very beautiful. Sorrento has the advantage of having the train to go to Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the airport, and it's more walkable. We stayed next to the shuttle bus stop high in the hills of Positano. It was a great walk down to the beach, but a killer walking up. We did it a couple of times, then started using the shuttle to get back up. The shuttle costs about 1.7euro pp. There were 4 of us, so each time we took the ride up the hill, it cost us about $9!

Sorrento for sure it is the best base town for the amalfi coast. beauty, restaurants, views, el paseo ea night, shopping, gelato , etc. and more reasonable hotel costs. and great transportation options to rest of amalfi coast.

Another strong vote for Sorrento-best transportation options, loads of fun and beautiful too! Mike
DC

We stayed in Maiori. Really enjoyed it. You can catch the ferry to Amalfi then on to other destinations from Amalfi. Bus stop as well. Didn't see the high prices as in Positano/Capri/etc. Close to Ravello as well.

We stayed in Praiano, hotel Open Gate recommended by RS guidebook. Very convenient area, but in front of family run hotel. Close to Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and a walking distance for a boat excursion for Capri. Loved it and not expensive, food really good. People very helpful.

Another vote for Sorrento. Our favorite place in Italy - can never get enough of it.

Sorrento was fantastic . The food was great. Get the Gelato it good-real good. We went to all the towns you want to go to .In Amalfi Coast we got a tour of the mountain side with Taxi 22- Pasquale. Fastastic Man he told us everything about the place. We were with him for 5 hours and the pizza was great. The further down south my family went the better the food was.

Another vote for Positano!!! Just got back Saturday from two weeks in Italy and spent three days in Positano. So beautiful!!!!! Was very easy to get around...took ferry from Salerno. It seems a bit smaller than other places along Amalfi but we had a great time there!

We stayed in Positano and loved it. We were able to take the boats to other towns and the buses were a fun experience. Lots of locals. Make sure you take the time to see Ravalo. It was so much better than Amalfi. It's a short bus ride from Amalfi up the mountain. I would not stay in Amalfi. We just didn't like it. It seemed to be a tourist trap and not a pretty as Positano.

We loved Positano...it cannot be described in words.