Hi all, my husband and I will be visiting thr Amalfi Coast for the first time in mid April. We have 3 nights in Positano. A couple of questions:
* Would using the public buses at this time of the year be a good way to explore the area? (as opposed to hiring a driver). I know Rick says that in high season, the public buses are way too crowded and may not make stops.
* We were thinking about taking the ferry back to Naples (to catch an afternoon train) on our last day as opposed to other public transit or hiring a driver. Is the ferry a good idea in April? Is there more than one ferry service? Any recommendations? Would it be feasible to visit Capri in the morning and check our luggage in Capri? And then continue on our way taking a ferry from to Naples?
* We want to hike the Path of the Gods trail. We'd be comfortable doing in on our way. But after reading about the time and cost involved in getting to the starting point, Bomerano (and then walking back to Nocelle and Positano), I'm wondering if we should consider a guide which also includes transportation. Any thoughts.?
Thanks in advance !
Michelle in MD
Posted by
5696 posts
Use ferries--the bus can be miserable. https://www.travelmar.it/
Look also at taking ferry to Salerno (will have to stop in Amalfi) and then train from there. The station is a short walk from the ferry port.
There are other hikes--if you are going to Amalfi, there are trail heads there right out of town. Or, you can take ferry to Maiaori or Minori and walk the lemon trail. I'm sure a taxi would not break the bank if you decide path of the gods is the one you want to do. But always check with accommodations too, as they might have suggestions.
There are two books that detail all of the hikes, one is published by Sunflower and the other by Cicerone.
Posted by
Canada 1st, not 51st.
4916 posts
I can't write this based on personal experience as we'll be there for the first time the last 2 weeks of April but are basing ourselves in Sorrento for the entire time. We're wondering the same thing as you regarding crowds and public transit. Tuesday, April 25th is a national holiday and so we're really wondering about that day, but also if that means people will make it a long weekend and so the 22-25 will be crowded. We think we're going to use the buses to get to the coast and then take ferries back to Sorrento, but we're leaving those decisions until we get there. I've asked similar questions to you previously and haven't got any concrete answers.
I notice the ferry from Sorrento to Naples is finally up and we plan on using it to get to Naples. Whether it's a good idea, I don't know, but we thought we'd do it.
Having the same thoughts regarding the Path of the Gods. I think we'll end up doing it on or own and consider getting to Bomerano as part of the experience.
Posted by
706 posts
Hi Michelle,
My wife and I depart next week for that same area, a return after a 33 year absence. So we're following these related posts.
Just a tidbit about buses, as Val & Allan have already indicated. We're learning that apparently, the red, open-top 'City Sightseeing' buses that were once useful to travelers bound for Ravello, have been discontinued. I recently emailed the actual company for clarification but received only a minimal response, one of little use.
That bus stoppage is hardly a deal-breaker but maybe just something to be aware of during planning.
Btw, if seeing an actual visual of hike stretches or actual villages (i.e. Nocelle) appeals to you ahead of departure, YouTube has some travelers' private videos. One can see just about any location along the AC.
Tante belle cose
I am done. the coast
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8216 posts
Posted by
Los Angeles
5006 posts
Ask Elizabeth for guidance
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Good info on bus routes on the Amalfi coast. Do look at the videos. An all day ticket will cost €12 for both companies below.
https://www.ravello.com/sita-bus-schedule/
https://forum.amalfi.com/t/mobility-amalfi-coast-bus-positano-nocelle-praiano/26
Path of the Gods.
https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/path-of-the-gods-hike-amalfi-coast-budget/
Posted by
Darmouth, MA, USA
404 posts
We visited Salerno, Amalfi, Capri, and Sorrento last October. Strongly recommend ferries over buses.
I did take the bus to Bomerano and there is no need for a driver or guide, but you need to be early in the bus line to get a seat.
The Path of Gods was more challenging for me (73, not a hiker, a biker) than I expected, but I would do it again! We did take the bus back to Positano, do not buy rt bus ticket as there are different buses available on return. Stopped for a lovely lunch in Nocelle at Risstorante Santa Croce, right at end of path.
I chose to spend 2 nights in Capri to see it without the crowds. i would suggest going straight up to Anacapri, less crowds and lovely chair ride to the top. We walked through Piazza Umberto 9(Capri Town)at 9:30 in the morning, packed, not a seat to be found!
Enjoy, it IS beautiful.