Amalfi Coast or Capri Island?

We recently returned from a trip that included the Amalfi Coast. We did a day trip to Capri and were sorry we hadn't planned to stay the night. However, I think three nights would be too much. There are other places, most notably Ravello and Amalfi, which are more interesting. If you decide on a day trip, go as early as possible, because the last boats to the mainland leave rather early. We made the mistake of getting a boat around 10. By the time we did the crossing, found the funicular, and rode up to Capri town, it was almost lunch time. The ride up to Anacapri and all the reverse rides ate up more of our time.

Sorrento has more to offer and is a better transportation hub for day trips to Positano, Pompeii, Capri and Naples (if you want to visit the museum). We love to take the ferries

If it does turn out you decide to stay on Capri for a night, you might love this tip, which we did two weeks ago: get up just at dawn and walk out on the trail to the arco naturale rock formation at a tip of the island, and then hike on the loop back to Capri. Lots of steps but breathtaking 0 about an hour and a quarter total. The other hike from Capri town is to villa Jovis, a Roman ruin at the very top. Again, a hike up. That one is only open from around 11 -3. Otherwise, mostly there is shopping which is why people are ambivalent about spending much time there. The other thing you can do is take a boat around the island with a private guide. We had six people and paid about 150 euro for a two hour ride, with the gorgeous skipper pointing out the many grottoes and rock formations.

I recom staying/seeing Sorrento then daytrip out to amalfi coast by bus at least as far as Ravello. Return via ferry from Positano to Sorrento. This could be a 1 or 2 daytrip depending upon your interests. Then if you have time still go to Capri for the day but take early ferry, hike/walk enjoy the increduible views return bef cruise traffic starts that is the last ferry back to Sorrento in late afternoon/eve. If it rains you could opt for Naples by ferry and see the famous Archaelogical Museum much of which are Pompeii artifacts.
if you decide to stay on Capri I recom El Gatto Blanco Hotel very central.

I would stay in central Sorrento for all three nights. From Sorrento, you can easily take the ferry roundrtip to Capri, and you can also catch a local bus (departs just outside the train station) and/or a ferry to Positano. We did all this in three days and had enough time to also enjoy the restaurants, shopping and nightlife in Sorrento.

Capri is a day trip, and perhaps a day trip one night stay at most. It was not clear whether you're going to Pompeii. If you're so close and not going, I'd reconsider that decision. Pompeii was amazing. As for Sorrento vs. Amalfi, I'm not a fan of Sorrento, so Amalfi would be a better choice. Actually, we stayed in Maiori, which I think is even better...much more of a local place. We stayed at Hotel Torre De Milo, and it was easily the best place we stayed...possibly because they have awesome breakfasts!! Capri was easy to reach from Maiori, as there is a daily cruise from there.

I agree with most posts. Stay in one of the towns on the coast and make the day trip to Capri. Three days on Capri is too much. There are towns like Sorrento, Positano, Ravello, Priano and Amalfi you want to see. Also leave time for Pompeii if it is not on your schedule.

Also factor in the significant transport costs of using Capri as a base for visiting other places. The fares quoted in this link are one way only. http://www.capri.net/en/ferry-schedule?path_id=1

Thanks so much for all the great suggestions and information! I plan to stay on the coast between Naples and Sorrento and do daily traveling to different towns; Capri will definitely be on the list!!

Like some others, I recommend staying in Sorrento. Our favorite place in Italy. Love it.