Amalfi coast vs Capri

First of all, where are you coming from and flying out of?

Have you done any research on the Amalfi Coast or Capri? In May, June the waters are a bit chilly, 68-70 degrees. Beaches are mostly pebbles and small, not expanses of sand. In this general area, Salerno has the sandy beaches, but the general area may not be what you're looking for.

Knowing your itinerary may give us,a better idea of helping you, to find a nice area that fits into your plans.

Capri is a great day trip from either Amalfi town or Sorrento. I personally feel that three nights there would not only be too much time, but also very expensive. Capri is so overwhelmingly touristy to me that three nights actually sounds like a nightmare. 😂

We always prefer to stay in Ravello, which is high up from the water, but gives amazing views of the coastline. There are also lots of stairs, but you can use them to hike down to Amalfi or Atrani for the hydrofoil. It sound like that’s the kind of place the girls are dreaming about, or Positano. Most people on this site prefer Sorrento, but we very much prefer to stay on the actual Amalfi Coast (Sorrento isn’t on the Amalfi Coast).

I would take a look at tripadvisor and when you search for places to stay, use the filter for “type” and include B&B’s and alternative accommodations instead of just searching hotels.

Overall your trip sounds pretty rushed and lots of traveling involved. If you do make it to the Amalfi Coast, three nights is the least that I would spend there. It will be relaxing for you though once you’re there.

Also look into Ischia. Lesser known than Capri but also beautiful, with thermal spas and lots of greenery. I think 3 nights would be really a lot for Capri (mostly due to cost of staying there) but there are lots of areas both in Capri and Anacapri to do a lot of hikes. I'm not sure, but Capri didn't strike me as a great beach spot mainly because it's a volcanic island that is so high up that you need a funicular to get to the main town. The views are stunning though.

A day trip to Capri is plenty, and easily done from the Amalfi Coast or Sorrento. It sounds like you’re looking for beauty and relaxation. In that case, I’d probably recommend Positano for your three nights. There are other, smaller options however. If you’re less interested in moving around, then places like Priano or Maiori might be more your liking. I didn’t care much for Amalfi town, but it’s got plenty of beach. Also, getting to and from the Amalfi side of the coast can be easier through Salerno. It’s certainly easier to manage than Naples.

Capri is lovely. Have been there twice both during the fall. Both times we took the hydrofoil from Sorrento. The first visit was an overnighter and the second as a day trip. On those two trips I did not get the feeling of expansive sandy beaches. The Blue Grotto was a beautiful. Personally, while touristy, I loved the place but think a full day there would be just fine. On the second visit we stayed at the Al Barilotto Del Nonno in Positano. The views from this place are breathtaking. It has been in the family for generations and I will tell you that we felt like family while staying there. The owners are wonderful. Dinner and breakfast were superb. Really recommend Positano and this hotel in particular. Check it out on Trip Advisor. Also, breakfast is included in the room rate. Enjoying it on the terrace overlooking the water is truly memorable. Have a wonderful holiday!
Just remembered something important. If taking the hydrofoil please have Dramamine available in case the water is choppy or you if anyone in the party who has a sensitive belly. On the last trip the water was so rough the guys in my family (and many others on the boat) all lost their breakfasts. We girls were queasy. Needless to say we bought Dramamine in Capri for the return trip.

Penny, I agree with you. What I said was "mostly pebbles and small, not expanses of sand."

Ok "mid 20s", here are some beaches Google all of these locations.

From Florence...Viareggio. 1 hr40 min.

From Rome...Sperlonga 2hr33m.

Another Rome... Gaeta 2hr12m
Look up Split Rock here.

You could visit both as they're only 30 minutes by bus.

A day trip to Capri is plenty, and easily done from the Amalfi Coast
or Sorrento.

I will kindly disagree with that as, just as with the Cinque Terre, many of the best times on the island are those when the day trippers have left or not yet arrived.

We stayed 2 nights and could easily have spent a third. Skipped the Blue Grotto (not sorry for that) and spent the hours the day-trippers were clogging the piazzas exploring further reaches where most of them do not go. If you're willing to get up early and invest some shoe leather, you'll find corners which are less overrun and provide some great views.

Beaches? Nope, I wouldn't recommend it for those. What they have are very small, and other swim spots are off the rocks. That wouldn't bother me but it may not be what you're looking for.

https://www.capri.com/en/e/beaches-on-capri

If you go to the main beach in Positano, consider renting a boat and a driver to take you along the coast --- there are quite a few less populated and charming beach spots. The Amalfi coast, IMO, is meant to be enjoyed from a perch like Ravello or viewing by boat unless you like getting car sick. (Kind of kidding). The cost to rent a boat for a few hours was affordable, but we also went shoulder season.