I have one week on the Amalfi coast in mid September. We arrive in Rome and are taking the train to Salerno. Do we need to buy train reservations now? I plan to stay in Salerno at the Grand Hotel for 3 nights and bus to a B and B in Minori for 3 nights and return to Rome for 2 nights. Is that too long to stay in Salerno as the first base for touring? Alternatively we could stay the first night in Salerno and then 2 nights in the town of Amalfi at Hotel Centrale and then onto Minori. We will travel by bus along the coast and plan to hike and visit Pompeii. Not sure whether Salerno will be a disappointment for 3 nights even if it used primarily as a base for touring. Does the town of Amalfi offer a better experience as a base? Thanks!
Posted by
Park Ridge, IL
524 posts
Marilyn Check out Rick Steves Italy Guide 2011 for more information on the Amalfi Coast for best cities to stay. He says nothing about Salerno except as a transportation hub! Please buy the book so you can find much more scenic, lovely settings for you trip!
Bobbie
Posted by
Toledo
653 posts
Marilyn, I've never used Salerno as anything but a place to change trains. I have stayed in Amalfi and in Positano. The distance between Minori and Amalfi is a very short bus ride; you might consider choosing one or the other. Amalfi is larger and offers more to do, along with easier transportation options. If you haven't been to Paestum, you should go there - not only some of the best-preserved Greek temples in Europe (with a good museum), but it also has a beach. Perhaps a day or two there instead of so much time in Salerno (or Amalfi)? Check the RS guidebook for more information, it covers this area of southern Italy pretty well.
Posted by
OP
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
4 posts
Thank you for your replies. I have changed my itinerary at the beginning of my week.
Posted by
Tinton Falls, NJ
782 posts
Take the SITA bus from Amalfi up to Ravello. We walked around Villa Cimbrone and the gardens and views are gorgeous! We really enjoyed that day. Another favorite day on the coast was when we rented our own "rubber Boat" or "Zodiac" and motored up and down the coast. We anchored or docked in some quiet coves to swim. We also swam up to the waterfall in Maiori. It was delightful! You can rent a small (4 person) boat for about 50 euro per hour. They let pretty much anyone rent with ID. You can rent for just a few hours or a full day. It was wonderful. Everyone (kids & adults) all agreed, it was our best day!