We will be staying in Sorrento in June 2010. We want to see the Amalfi Coast. The Rick Steve's book states to take the bus to Amalfi and on to Salerno. Is there a reason to do the full 3 hour drive to Salerno or will the 90 minute trip to Amalfi be wonderful enough? 6 hours round trip on a bus does not sound too appealing with a 7 year old. Do Salerno or skip it?
Posted by
Meridian MS
248 posts
Dorte,
We thoroughly enjoyed the loveliness (& adventure) of the Amalfi bus ride. However, we were quite happy to stop in Amalfi. Unless you have another reason to go to Salerno, I'd go no further than Amalfi. We went up to Ravello and walked around a bit to break up the trip. I'd recommend that. Another option that we were unable to do would be to bus to Amalfi and ferry back (or visa versa). Two views of the same beautiful coastline.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
I agree with Susan - go only as far as Amalfi. Spend the time you save exploring either Ravello or Positano, or better yet both. If getting off in Positano, use the stop at the bottom of town (2nd stop going toward Amalfi and 1st stop coming back). That will save you climbing several hundred stairs down from or up to the stop at the top of town.
Posted by
Italy
247 posts
The prettiest section of the coast ends around Ravello. There’s no reason to go all the way to Salerno. Take time to see Positano and Ravello.
The best way to see the coast if by ferry. SITA buses sit in traffic.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
I agree with taking the bus to Amalfi, and be sure to sit on the right sight of the bus for a better view of the coast. I agree w/a previous poster to take a boat back. First, to Positano and walk around, then another to Sorrento. Very fun and enjoyable by boat. I see you live in Santa Barbara Dorte...we live in Marin (5 mi north of SF) and we found the Amalfi Coast drive to be almost identical to driving Hwy 1 along the ocean. Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento are fantastic. You're gonna love it!
Posted by
OP
Santa Barbara, CA, USA
4 posts
Thank all of you for your replies. I am glad to hear each of you agree to skip Salerno. We will bus to Amalfi, walk around then boat to Positano, walk around then boat to Sorrento. As my son would say "easy-peasy, lemon squeezy"
:) Dorte
Posted by
St. Louis, MO (formerly, Windermere, FL)
340 posts
Take swim suits along. There are beaches in Positano and Amalfi. If you get an early morning start you can break up the day with some beach time with your son. They are very busy, colorful public beaches with showers for rinsing off. If you can't take a towel from the hotel you can buy the usual souvenir beach towels (10 euros or so) and keep them for a rememberance of the trip.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
There really is nothing to gain by going to Salerno. Amalfi is far enough. Get off in Positano, stretch your legs and have a look around there, and then go on to Amalfi.
Posted by
Italy
247 posts
Continue on to beautiful Ravello from Amalfi.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO (formerly, Windermere, FL)
340 posts
Definitely! Ravello is my favorite town on the Amalfi, although it is not on the water.