Positano or Amalfi must choose 1 ferry from Naples

Positano is tiny, crowded and nothing but high end shops and thousands of steps
Best seen from the water
Ferries are more frequently cancelled in/out of Positano due to sea conditions so you take a chance of getting stranded there

Amalfi would be my choice. More to see and you could head up to Ravello

The beach in both locations is tiny and rocky-no sand

Have you considered Capri instead?

I see from your previous posts that you were planning Ischia or Procida-why did you drop that idea?

The advantage of Amalfi is you go along the coast. In my mind, that is the best way to see the Amalfi.

We stayed in both towns. I much preferred Amalfi over Positano.

If you are a shopper, and want to peruse all of the stores with thousands and thousands of tourists,, while walking up steep hills, then choose Positano. IMO, the best part of Positano was seeing it as the ferry pulled in to the dock. Amalfi town was a bit less crowded than Positano, once you left the area of the ferry and bus terminals. The Amalfi Cathedral is beautiful; the walk to Atrani is about 10 minutes via the pedestrian tunnel. Walking along the road is dangerous, and not recommended. As mentioned, you may want to consider spending some time in Ravello which is beautiful and less crowded. You can get to Ravello by reserving a seat on the little red, open air shuttle bus from Amalfi. Do not rely on the SITA bus. Beaches are pebbles, and during our recent trip, people were shoulder to shoulder on them.

yes - I know that they are both amazing!

Well, that's up for debate. We thought Positano was overwhelmingly underwhelming. It's beautiful to look at, but half an hour was more than enough. We liked Amalfi much more, and the ferry service will be more reliable if the water is choppy. But if I had to choose between the two, I'd add a 3rd option and pick Capri. We enjoyed it far more than anything we saw along the AC. Plans are in the works for a multi-day stay there.

Hello :)
My wife and I visited all 3 (if Capri is on the list)

We would suggest in this order 1. Capri, 2. Amalfi, 3. Positano.

Have fun.
Sincerely, Joe :)

Another vote for Amalfi or Capri. The best part about a ferry to Amalfi are the views. Positano from the water was better than Positano itself. If time allows a run up to Ravello, I’d suggest that too but it might make for a tight day.

Capri is also perfect for a day trip, and is at least an equal value choice.

If you choose Amalfi you could walk over to and include Atrani - look for the pedestrian tunnel. I'd choose exploring those two over Positano and you have good beach and dining options there.