Please sign in to post.

Sorrento and Amalfi coast - best of

Posted by on

Hello :)

My friend and I will be traveling to the Amalfi coast from Rome at the end of August, and staying for 5 days. We are looking to use Sorrento as our home base and then do day trips from Sorrento to other parts. The areas we are considering are: Pompeii, Amalfi, Capri, Salerno, Positano, and Ravello. Naturally, we are not planning on doing all of these, but will probably narrow down to 4, so we don't end up running around too much.

Please advise on any or all of the following:

  1. What is the best area to stay in Sorrento, in terms of convenience and on a budget? I've done some research on this and still find myself confused about lodging options. Most seem to be on the coast, which offers breathtaking views, but seems far from town and transportation.

  2. Which areas are a must see and which can probably be skipped?

  3. Where can we find a nice beach to spend half a day on?

  4. Generally, any must do recommendations in terms of sight seeing, restaurants, and tips?

Greatly appreciate any advice. :)

Posted by
663 posts

I haven't been yet, I'll be there this October. But from my own research, this is what I've found. I'm staying at Hotel Nice, it's inexpensive and close to the train station and bus... Important to me since I'll be using them a lot! Amalfi and Positano can both be done the same day, taking the bus (maybe ravello too, I'm not sure). Salerno can be skipped, although you need to take the bus there to to get on a train if you are wanting to visit Paestum. From what I've seen on RS's Amalfi coast program, there are pebbly beaches at Positano and Amalfi. There are probably some closer to Sorrento as well.

I'd like to see peoples recommendations for restaurants as well. Preferably something tasty and cheap for lunches on the go, and a bit more upscale for dinner but less than 20 euros pp.

Posted by
11613 posts

I stayed at Hotel Nice two years ago and it was awful.

Sorrento isn't on the Amalfi Coast. If you really want that experience, which I highly recommend, stay a night or two in Ravello or Praiano. Positano is wall-to-wall people now (I was there last week).

Posted by
6 posts

We really don't want to move around that much while we are in that vicinity. Sorrento seems like a good base to take day trips from, so I think it makes sense to stay there. Would like something in the budget of $150 a night max.

Posted by
663 posts

@zoe: what did you find so awful about hotel nice? I've pre-paid to get a very low rate, so I can't change it now. If it's just noise, I can deal.

Posted by
162 posts

I would highly,highly reccomend "Villa Monica B&B" ... I can't say enough good things about this place. YOu could check its trip advisor reviews. I think they are really accurate.

Posted by
1075 posts

Hotel il Nido is above the town but beautifully situated. They have a shuttle to take you to and from the city center. Extremely reasonable and the best restaurant in Sorrento!
Positano is mainly women's clothing stores. Not really but that is what in walked away thinking. Amalfi town is more interesting. Rovella is also a beautiful place for a few hours.
Beaches? I go to Hawaii for beaches. But there are places at Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi to swim. Capri may be better for swimming.

Posted by
6 posts

Robert, thanks for sharing. Those are some useful tips. Certainly not expecting Hawaii beaches, but I think a few hours to enjoy by the Ocean while in the area would be nice.

We ended up booking a bed and breakfast with really great reviews, so that issue is settled.

I was getting the same sense about Positano, so we may cross that off the list. Sounds like Capri could be a nice relaxing day trip, beach included.

Which restaurant are you highly recommending? The one in the hotel?

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.