Atrani on Amalfi Coast

We stayed for 3 nights in early Sept 2014. We used an airbnb - depending on the makeup of the travelers and whether two of them mind sleeping on a couch that isn't 'private'...this is who we used...

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/326177?guests=4&s=PYlOusqX&sug=51

On the map it looks like it is in a funny spot, but it was a 3-4 min walk up the main street, up some stairs. We liked it - if you are carrying a lot of luggage, it's a bit of a pain as no cars are allowed up the main street (unless you are a resident). When we stayed (me, hubby and my mom) the owner's boyfriend met us in Amalfi and drove my mom and the larger suitcase around to Atrani. (He was going to a wedding and his car was full of stuff, unfortunately). The view is just of the buildings across the road, but I recall there was a terrace above with some chairs (but I'm not sure if they were for the apartment or another apartment). But the price is pretty darn sweet. There is a small kitchen and the bathroom was one of those 'open shower' ones where kinda the whole room (including the toilet area) got wet, which was a bit weird. I'm not really selling this place, am I?! (There was also a really annoying neighbourhood rooster who liked to crow as soon as the sun started coming up - I was ready to hunt it down and have rooster for supper). When we left, we had to cart our bags around to Amalfi to catch the bus. (Another reason to travel light!)

Anyhoo - it was about a 10 min walk around to Amalfi. There was at least one little grocery/convenience store where we picked up some food, a couple restaurants and a nice bakery where we would pick up pastries for breakfast. Amalfi has lots of restaurants and spots to buy food, of course.

Honestly, I hope someday we can return to the coast for 5-6 nights and I'd probably split my time between a larger spot like Sorrento and a smaller spot like Atrani...

If you want a place with a view, you're probably gonna have to up your amount willing to pay...

Thank you Nicole. I see that apartment on airbnb, it is called Shu Shu. Gets nice reviews.

Just wanted to mention if you like downhill walks, we did the walk from Ravello down to Atrani (and it continues on the Amalfi and beyond, I believe. I think it's normally 30-40 min. Took us about an hour, between stopping to take photos and stopping to rest - you wouldn't think downhill would be hard, but between the uneven ground and the stairs, my legs were trembling at the bottom (which has never happened before to me). But the walk was lovely and the views gorgeous. We stupidly went during the hottest part of the day after having lunch and roaming Ravello. I recommend morning or (in the summer with long daylight hours) early evening. If you decide to do it, make sure to take some water.

How about Castiglione di Ravello? Looks like the bus stops there and there is a small pebble beach. Anyone know about grocery stores in this small hamlet?

Checking in to see if anyone has an answer to the question above. Castiglione di Ravello seems like a small place.

We already have a place in Castiglione di Ravello. 400 steps down to the beach and 1000 up to Ravello!

Family of 4, we do plan on eating out, but also want to eat in some days. Just trying to figure out the layout of the area, what is actually in the "town".

Staying here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/12199171?guests=4&adults=4&s=50Bxi9SA

If you want a view, it looks like you have found the right place - gorgeous! But be sure you realize the amount of walking that will be required. We stayed in Atrani this past May. We saw the beach at Castiglione di Ravello from Atrani and were intrigued by it but didn't have a chance to go down there (it was only open on weekends in May). There is no "town" of Castiglione di Ravello; it is only that beach with its 400 steps, and probably a beach bar. The bus will stop by the side of the road to let you on or off, right by the steps down to the beach as far as I could tell. But to get on, you'll have to flag them down. You'll have to get to Amalfi town to take the boat to other Amalfi Coast towns, so you're looking at extra time to accomplish that. The bus to Ravello was insanely crowded on a weekday in May; I can't quite imagine what it would be like in the summer. (It might be worth it to walk up 1000 steps!) Atrani is the nearest place to find restaurants or groceries, and the groceries are very limited. Even in Amalfi town we found the groceries were limited. On the other hand, we can heartily second the recommendation for Ristorante Savo in Atrani. We also enjoyed Le Arcate.

Thank you Janet, very helpful!

Jeff - On further reflection, I probably misspoke. First of all, I assumed you would not have a car. (We go by public transportation, so I guess I just figure everybody does!) If you have a car and a place to park it, that's a whole 'nother story! On the other hand, I found this on the website of Hotel Villa San Michele in Castiglione: "For the patient and brave who want to enjoy a hair-raising drive, free parking is offered." If you go on their site, under "Hotel," and choose Map, there is a wonderful panoramic photo of the entire area, showing the Castiglione beach and hotels/houses above, the winding roads, Atrani and so forth. Makes me want to be there NOW! A site describing Italian beaches says that "Castiglione is the beach of Ravello. It takes its name from the hamlet of Castiglione, a few houses located just above the main road." From the main road, it's 140 steps down to the beach, so that indicates to me that your lodging is 260 steps above the main road. Elsewhere I read that there is "a little grocery store at the Castiglione junction." So there's obviously a bit more to Castiglione than I realized and I'm sorry if I misled you. It seems like your Airbnb host would have the answers to your questions about what's in the town. Happy travels!

You are correct in all you wrote. I contacted our host yesterday and he confirmed the grocery store 150 meters away. We will not have a car, we are also quite content with public transport!