My wife and I are planning a trip to the Amalfi coast for the middle of April. We fly into Rome and will spend two nights there adjusting to the time change and easing out of jet lag (we've been to Rome several times before so we have seen the sights, etc.).
From Rome I was thinking of taking the train to Salerno and then heading to either Amalfi or Ravello for 4 nights before heading back to Rome for a night and then the flight back home.
We would like this trip to be more about relaxing than making ourselves busy every day with long outings. I'm sure we will do a day trip into Capri or visit Positano or Sorrento for an afternoon but majority of the trip will be to relax. For that reason I was looking at booking a nice hotel in Amalfi (Hotel Santa Caterina) or in Ravello (Palazzo Avino) to soak in the dolce vita.
The views from Ravello look amazing but I'm torn from being up on the hill and a bit removed from more of the shops and restaurants. On the other hand the Santa Caterina in Amalfi looks amazing but given that it will be mid-April will the pool and the beach really be a big draw?
If anyone has thoughts and has stayed at either property or in the Amalfi coast in mid-April, would love to hear from you!
Thanks!
Posted by
Portland
3648 posts
Ravello is truly beautiful and peaceful, and it has enough shops and restaurants for a 4 day stay. However, it's the least convenient for getting to other parts of the AC. On the other hand, you may not have warm enough weather to make pool and beach availability an issue. In fact, many hotels don't even open their pools until May. All things considered, I'd go for Amalfi. Then you'll have easy options for any day trips.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
So I will suggest Ravello. I am always torn between being up the hill or on the coast, too, and I generally stay in Praiano, halfway between Positano and Amalfi. Two summers ago I tossed a coin and it came up Ravello, and I loved it.
You will need to take the bus down to Amalfi for visits to other towns, but it may be worth it for the peace you will have in the evenings/early mornings in Ravello.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2456 posts
Wow, either one would be wonderful! I think spending a few days in Ravello, at that elegant Palazzo Avino, with gorgeous views of the coast, with the garden estates to tour in Ravello, would be unique and so memorable. Are you familiar with Mamma Agata's famous cooking classes in Ravello? Certainly check those out if you have any interest in cuisine and cooking. There are also some beautiful ceramics workshops in Ravello. I think one important fact to check out would be how early and late the buses between Ravello and Amalfi run, probably ample hours for people that may live in one town and work or study in the other. Or maybe the hotel has a shuttle available. It sounds like you are not planning to rent a car for those days, but I suppose that is also an option.
Posted by
North Carolina
2504 posts
Has anyone who has stayed in Ravello attended the chamber music series there (appears to run from March through October)? Is that another positive reason to stay there?
Posted by
OP
Seattle
9 posts
Thanks for the thoughts everyone. Zoe, I may take that coin of yours and flip it :)
Thanks Larry for the cooking school recommendation. That looks solid and since it is in Ravello maybe I just stay in Amalfi and then use the cooking school as part of a day trip to Ravello. Grazie!
Posted by
Portland
3648 posts
We attended one of the concerts. We took a bus up from Amalfi and spent the day in Ravello. Had a lovely dinner and then the music. A very helpful travel agent in Amalfi arranged a prepaid taxi to pick us up after the concert; and, as I recall, it wasn't horribly epensive. This was a number of years ago. Now, I suspect, you could do the transport arrangement yourself on line However, staying in Ravello would another good option.