My wife and I are spending 2 nights in Positano (May 20-21 2013) and are planning on doing a day trip down the Amalfi Coast, going by bus one way and ferry the other way. 2 main questions: 1.Since the buses going east originate in sorrento, are they likely to be full by the time they get to Positano? i.e. will we be left standing in the bus? Or will enough people get off in Positano that we are likely to get a good seat (on the right side of the bus). The other option would be to take a ferry east and then a bus back since the bus heading west is less likely to be full the farther down the coast you get on. 2. Where should we stop for lunch: Amalfi, Ravello or Salerno? Amalfi doesn't seem like a far enough ride to enjoy the bus trip/ferry and I'm kind of intrigued by Salerno since neither Rick Steve's nor Fodor's guide says much about it. I just want to make sure it's not a complete armpit or hole in the wall.
Thanks for all your opinions and advice!
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
Yes, IME, you should find it easier to get on the bus in the morning at Positano. Use the second stop (Sponda) at Positano ie when travelling from Sorrento. Whether you will get a right hand seat is debatable but you should have more chance of getting any sort of seat! The bus route ends in Amalfi where you could either go up to Ravello (the Unico Costiera 24 hour bus ticket gives you one free ride on the open-top bus, either to or from Ravello, in addition to the normal buses) or change buses to go on to Salerno. Salerno suffered badly in WW2 but what is left of the original city is worth a wander around and definitely visit its Cathedral. I would get a boat back from Amalfi or Salerno. It can become something of an unpleasant scrum to board the Amalfi - Positano - Sorrento route afternoon buses. More than once we have had to wait for the next bus, despite being near the front of the line, because our elbows were not sharp enough!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Taking the bus down to Amalfi and the ferry back is a great idea for two different perspectives of the beautiful coast. The bus back is traveling on th less scenic side and is just as likely to be crowded, so no view at all. The only way to ensure window seats on the right side of the bus down is to start in Sorrento; buses leave every half hour or so, so you should be able to get good seats without obstructions.
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
Definitely take the bus to Amalfi and the ferry back. Take the bus from Amalfi to Ravello for lunch. Ravello is one of my very favourite places in all my travels.