Amalfi Coast time line

Hanging out on a balcony in Ravello sounds good to me! Just saw a show about recent digs at the archaeological remains in Stabia; not sure if they are open to the public yet..but might be interesting to seek them out if that interests you. From Praiano, you could move on to Salerno, and consider a day trip to Paestum, a Greek city with three stunning temples and a nearby buffalo farm for some wonderful buffalo mozzarella….see RS guide.

You might consider consolidating the Praiano and Ravello stays, or possibly moving to a better train- catching position for a night in between the Amalfi coast and Brindisi. Do you have that route yet?
But, I could see an argument for keeping it as is—Praiano will be all relaxation unless you go the bus or private driver route. I’m not sure if taxi boats run until summer. Then you could leisurely see the gardens/views in Ravello without taking a long day trip, and it puts you closer to the mainland. maybe you could hire a driver to take you to the train station on the last day to ease things a bit.
Either option makes sense, just evaluate what kind of packing, moving ratio you like, as neither would be unreasonable.
Caution is recommended on the commuter train between Naples and Sorrento, but it does not sound like you will be taking that. Honestly just use common sense.

So you have 18 nights, I counted 4 left after Ravello.

Please clarify mode[s] of transportation: "south to castallamare di Stabia as we make our way to Praiano for 4 nights and Ravello for 2."

If taking the train from Salerno to Brindisi, Taranto [where you change trains] might be a nice stop:

We have our valuables secured under our clothing, so pickpockets not a worry [and not "everywhere"].

Just double checked our reservations…

May 3…Rome 3nights
Florence 3 nights
Praiano 4 nights
Ravello 2 nights

We have May 15- 21…..Need to be in Brindisi on May 21

Florence to Praiano will be challenging day making connections and I probably should have booked a night in Naples or somewhere. Will that be too challenging a transportation day?

We love the beach and have been wondering if there is a small town sandy beach maybe a,on the other coast toward Brindisi.

We have six nights after Ravello and need to head towards Brindisi but have time to make another stop or two

When we leave Ravello I think a taxi to Salerno and then the train maybe to the town you mentioned for an overnight stay. Rome and Florence are our “big city” stops. We prefer small towns and trying to figure out the bit from Ravello over to Brindisi.

Do you recommend arranging private transport/taxi from Castellammare di Stabia down to Praiano before we arrive or is it reasonable to expect to catch a taxi at the station? Thanks again.

Trying not to stress out over planning and maybe leave some wiggle room for spontaneity.

A month in Italy is a lot to plan! It is going to be wonderful!

We are traveling by Frecce train from Florence to Naples where we change to a regional train to Castellammare di Stabia. We plan to hire a driver/taxi from Castellammare di Stabia to Praiano. Will probably hire taxi from Praiano to Ravello also unless bus schedule is easy. Thank you.

We spent 9 nights in the area- so no I don’t think 6 nights is too much at all. Most folks don’t have enough time in the area- takes some effort to get there- make it worthwhile.

You might consider hiring driver from Napoli Centrale to Praiano. One less transfer and avoids riding the Circumvesuviana with luggage.
I would just go all the way from Florence to Praiano. It’s a long travel day no matter, might as well get there!

Praiano has no ferry which makes it not an ideal base- still lovely and if you don’t need to go anywhere from Praiano it is fine. One of the best things to do along the AC is taking the ferry town to town. You’d have to get to Positano to catch a ferry- weather dependent.

Any interest in Pompeii?

Bus from Praiano to Ravello is a transfer in Amalfi.

From Ravello if you are not in a huge hurry you could take bus or taxi down to Amalfi then hop the ferry to Salerno. The views along that route are very nice.

You won’t find any sandy beaches on the AC.
Salerno does have a lovely waterfront with sand and is a nice little town- very non touristy and perfect for a visit to Paestum.

I would prebook any drivers for your longer distance trips (Naples to Praiano, Praiano to Ravello, maybe Ravello to Salerno)— I believe you’ll get a better deal than relying on taxis.

We used this company and were very pleased
https://www.topexcursionsorrento.com/

You’ll find train, ferry and bus schedules here- and lots more info
https://www.positano.com/