Lake Como (Varenna) or Amalfi Coast (Sorrento)??

Congratulations! There is not a wrong choice between the Amalfi Coast and Lago di Como. I use either or both as a "vacation with the vacation," and a time to really relax. I am heading back to Italy this time for our 5th trip. I've stayed in Varenna every trip and Positano the last 2. This year we're flying in and out of Rome, and decided we wanted to spend the time it would take traveling to and from Varenna to explore somewhere new to us and closer to Rome because we definitely wanted to return to Positano.

The train ride from Milan to Varenna is lovely, and convenient. I have stayed in Varenna on our last night before flying out of Milan. I LOVE taking the boats day tripping from Varenna to the little towns. Scenic and beautiful and relaxing, with picturesque streets and shopping in the various towns. We did a day trip to Switzerland...not our favorite day trip. I enjoyed the pasta with sage butter sauce, and other more "northern" dishes.

Positano has grown to be about our favorite destination. We train to Salerno and take the ferry down the coastline to Positano, gorgeous views. You can also train to Sorrento and take the bus on the breathtaking coastal road, and there may be a ferry in June. The gnocchi in tomato sauce is divine. The seafood is also delicious. I have gotten a grilled steak roll that was exquisite. We take the ferry to the Amalfi towns. Great ceramics!

I have been to Sorrento but not stayed. It seemed more touristy and hectic than Positano.

Can't wait to read what others say, and your thoughts when you return.

You probably can't go wrong with either place but I can only comment on Varenna/Lake Como as I've not been to the Amalfi Coast yet. We loved Varenna & stayed there for 3 days prior to flying out of Milan. It was very quaint & relaxing & we took the ferries each day to the nearby towns on the lake. We stayed at a great hotel in Varenna (Albergo Milano) so if you choose Lake Como, you should consider this hotel. We were in Varenna in mid-September 2009 & it was fairly quiet; don't know how it would be in June but maybe someone who has visited in June can chime in. Have a great trip.

We've been to both, Our pick is Varenna. Ocxtober was wonderful in Lake como. Enjoy, Ciao, Jeff

I've always wanted to go to the Amalfi Coast so I keep going back to putting it in our trip. Then the more I think about it, it just doesn't sound like the best plan. Too much moving, too fast. So, at least for now I think we will keep Varenna in and wait on the Amalfi Coast for our next trip. Thanks for the replies and I feel more confident in our choice for Lake Como after reading your posts that you love it there.