One week in the Amalfi Coast - stay put or move around?

I would stay put. Pick a place. I choose Positano. We visited all the towns you mention from there. I actually drove there and that was a mistake. I took the car back after one day. It is just to big a hassle to drive the Amalfi Coast so we used buses and boats. Many people stay in Sorrento and day trip the coast from there. Either is fine.

If you are thinking beaches, as in sand, forget it. The beaches are pebbles. They hurt my feet. You can swim anywhere and you can lie on the beach anywhere, sometimes at a cost to rent lounges and umbrellas.

I'm going in 3 weeks and splitting 10 days between two locations, Sorrento and Cetera.

If sunsets are a thing you want, make sure you choose an east facing coast, many on Amalfi do not face that direction.

I agree with Gordon. Don't spend precious time moving from place to place. It always takes longer than one expects.

I prefer Sorrento as a place to stay - there's more to do there, but Positano is more central. We were based in Positano a number of years ago, and were able to visit the entire area using public transportation, including bus, ferry, and train. Usually a combination of at least 2 of those.

We were in Sorrento more recently, and stayed a bit closer to "home," but still visited some regional sights.

Check local (SITA) bus schedules for late night transport. If you stay in a smaller town you might end up relying on taxis or private drivers.

We had three nights a few years back and I would LOVE to go back for a week. I would prob stay put somewhere in the middle, but you could certainly break it up with maybe some nights in Sorrento (I know, 'technically' not on the AC) then move to the other end of the coast so day trips by bus don't eat up a lot of hours. Moving too much just eats up a lot of time - a move in the middle would probably not be a hassle, but really (and I used to scoff at this) it can take a good 4-5 hours - or more - to move from one accom to another and that's precious sightseeing time, so you def want to limit that.

We stayed in Atrani, which was about a 10 min walk around the corner from Amalfi. There was a nice (pebbled) beach there with lots of sun loungers (do you rent them? I'm not sure how that works!). Amalfi seemed to be the hub for the buses, so I would guess it's a better link for transport, so if you want a bit smaller, Atrani may be a good spot for you. There is a great hike down from Ravello to Atrani (for a younger person like you, probably about 30-40 min, depending on how long you take to ogle the amazing views)...or up, if you are feeling young and spry, which I never will again...lol.

Realize how crowded the amalfi coast is in summer, hordes of people. If that bothers u a stay in Priano is wise. There is also a fun hike from amalfi to Ravello. Buses are freq on coast rd and yes crowded.
The sorrento to amalfi coast is drop dead gorgeous. Savor it, photo it and realize how lucky u will be to experience it.
Get our lodging reservations quickly.

It's late to be booking even one room on the A.C. for this summer. Many of the busses don't run at night. You should download the SITA schedule now, so you're not disappointed later. I note that you did not include the word "beach" on your list of desires, which does make it easier to find a nice place. But your mention of "day trips to visit other cities/sites" is not a realistic wish for sleeping on the A.C., unless you have an unlimited budget for car-and-driver days. It is quite "isolated" from Naples, Caserta, Paestum, and even from Sorrento, which has the best transit. But Sorrento is not as "attractive" as the towns you are considering. All daytrips will take over an hour (and much more for some), with multiple public transit seats and transfer delays.

First thing, and I hate to be a broken record, but this portends to be a huge travel year in Italy in high season. And being only a month out, I'd book lodging in the area ASAP, like this week. You still might not get your primo choice, but as long as you leave your options open, you should be OK.

Let's talk Sorrento as a base possibility. Good food, dare I say great cuisine. Fantastic transportation options from the bus/train station just east of Piazza Tasso to anywhere from Naples down to Paestum, and the A.C. as well. When we were there in March for 5 nights at a B&B, I didn't care for Sorrento that much at the time but in retrospect, overall I'll admit it was pretty sweet. But for a 20's-ish couple, it could be a little sedate.

Problem with the other side, the actual Amalfi Coast--from Positano to Cetara--is it will be pretty much overrun with tourists in mid-June, in an area where too many people tend to compromise the actual job of getting around. In short, it could be a real P.I.T.A. That being said, most anywhere on the coast (or up the hill overlooking the water) will have some of the most spectacular views on Earth. That can't be denied.

If it were not summer, Positano would be my first choice, maybe Ravello second, Cetara next. But maybe keep places like Minori, Maiori or even farther east to Vietri sul Mare in mind--all three are on the SITA bus line. Final thought--when we were leaving Sorrento, being driven to the Naples airport to fly home, we passed a little town called Vico Equense--which looked awesome. That might be worth checking out as well.

Enjoy your planning!

I love Praiano; if you are worried about transportation back after dinner, distances between towns are short, and taxis are pretty cheap.

Bus and ferry schedules here.

http://www.positano.com

As mentioned, Amalfi is the transportation hub. Atrani is smaller, and only a few minutes walk.

Ferries are usually faster to connect towns.

We rented an apartment from the website: summerinitaly.com and stayed in Positano for a week last September. We found it to be a wonderful base for visiting other areas on the Amalfi Coast. However, I just looked at the availability for the flat we rented and it is completely book through October. They have many rentals so they may have something for your dates but at this point where you can get a flat for your dates may determine where you stay. Good luck!!

Time in busy Naples gives some contrast to your week.

1. Arrive Naples. To Sorrento (5 nights)
2. Positano
3. Pompeii & Herculaneum
4. Capri
   
5. Amalfi & Ravello
6. To Naples (2 nights)
7. Naples
8. Depart Naples