Amalfi Coast info

Some people would say they prefer Sorrento, others, including myself, prefer the Amalfi Coast (Positano in particular).
Sorrento is logistically convenient because of the Circumvesuviana commuter train which connects it to Pompeii and Naples, therefore it's ideal for day trips to those locations.
Positano is a very quaint fishing village located a short bus ride from Sorrento on the Amalfi peninsula. I enjoy staying there, but if you opt for Sorrento, don't miss to pay at least a visit to Positano and Amalfi, two jewels of towns. Both can be reached by bus or boat.
Boats to the island of Capri are available from both Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.
Naples is a large vibrant port city. Some people find it "too" vibrant, others love it.
I do not advise to rent a car to visit the area. You don't really need it. Trains, buses and boats/hydrofoils will work beautifully. Some people enjoy driving the Amalfi coast road from Sorrento to Salerno. It's curvy and narrow, so assess your driving skills before attempting it. Also the road very congested in summer, especially weekends, and parking comes at a premium (about 25 euro a day).
Wherever you decide to base yourself, it is important to know that you should spend at least your last night in a hotel in Naples. Your flight back is probably early in the morning and it's a long and expensive way to take a taxi from Sorrento or Amalfi to the airport.

The first part is easy, stay in Sorrento instead of Naples. If you want to see the Amalfi Coast there is no reason to stay in Naples. Sorrento gives you easy access to Pompeii. You may get some additional comments on other towns to stay in along the Amalfi Coast. A lot of people like Positano.

We spent 5 nights in Sorrento our last trip at hotel with a great view and balcony on Via Capo. Just a 10-15 minute down the hill to old town. We could have easily spent two more nights. Our day trips included a visit to Pompei the first afternoon, then Capri, hired Monetti Taxo for the Amalfi Coast, then a day just to explore Sorrento before returning to the US. Good food, good wine, great Lemoncello.

Omigosh, Sorrento, hands down.

No car - it will drive you nuts trying to park, never mind navigating in cities. Sorrento is has better connections to everywhere than anywhere else. Buses to Positano and Ravello, ferries too, and the local train - the Circumvesuviana - that takes you to Naples, Pompeii and Herculaneum. I'm sure someone will chime in with ferry information - may be the best way to go from the airport to Sorrento.

Sorrento for sure. I would put Positano before Sorrento if you included it in the choices.

Jim,
Have made 8 trips to Naples/Amalfi in the past ten years. My daughter and granddaughter live in a suburb north of Naples.

Here are some transportation links

From the Airport to Sorrento: http://www.curreriviaggi.it/inglese/E_index.html

To the train station in Naples: http://www.unicocampania.it/index.php?lang=en&center=inside&colonna=turisti&action=alibus

Metro: http://www.unicocampania.it/files/mappe/rete_metro.pdf

Buses: http://www.unicocampania.it/files/mappe/principali_collegamenti.pdf

General: http://www.reidsitaly.com/destinations/campania/amalfi_coast/misc/amalfi_connections.html

Attractions: http://www.campaniartecard.it/en/artecard_Regione.cfm#.UusGQIXnZLP
this is a somewhat difficult site to navigate sometimes. you may have to keep hitting the English or Italian button . It does have a wealth of info for each attraction along with maps, metro stops open times and price.
The 3 day card pays for itself if you see Pompeii, the Arch. Museum 4 circumvesuvian rides and 3 metro/bus rides

Amalfi coast villages:

http://www.summerinitaly.com/guide/

http://www.amalfiscoast.com/inglese/information/maps.htm

Lodging Sorrento: http://www.ilnido.com/

Naples B&B: http://www.bbbellini.com/eng/bellini.html

Have a great time deciding

I would opt for Sorrento & definitely NOT Naples. We stayed at Palazzo Montefusco in Sorrento and loved it. Sorrento is a great town and makes a very easy base for exploring Pompeii/Herculaneum and the Amalfi Coast. I actually did not expect to like Sorrento as much as I did but it's a nice place to walk around with a large pedestrian-only area of shops, restaurants, etc. There are some great restaurants including Delfinos in Marina Grande.

I would definitely not drive along the Amalfi Coast. Parking is a nightmare especially if you visit during high season and if you are driving, you really can not enjoy the views along the coast as you have to pay very close attention to the road. We hired a wonderful driver who took us along the coast for the day and we enjoyed it immensely. You can also get from town to town via bus &/or boat but we found that by hiring a private driver, we saw so much more than we would have on our own. If you want more information regarding our driver, let me know. Have a great trip.

Hi Sheron I I will be in Sorrento in two weeks and I would love to know more about the driver you mentioned. Thank you!

Veronica, I sent you a private message.

Love, love, love Sorrento! Our favorite town of all in Italy. We've been there 3 times, for a week each time, and stayed at Hotel La Tonnarella which we love. As others have said, it's the easiest town of them all for getting to other places for the day.

You could spend a few nights in Sorrento and the rest in Positano or Ravello. The best of the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Just my opinion, but if I want to stay in the Amalfi Coast area ( that seemed to be the main focus of your first post), I would want to experience it as more than a daytrip.

For accommodations you may also want to look at www.airbnb.com.

Jodie

I would definitely not stay in Naples but would consider either Sorrento or Positano. Personally, I love Positano but Sorrento is more convenient. The last time I was there I divided my stay between both cities. Take the advice of no car - public transportation is very convenient - trust me, you will be happy not to have a car.

Something to consider... Positano is built on a steep hillside so lots of steep walking up / down, while Sorrento is flat.