My father, 78, and his four adult children, ages 42-58, will likely visit the Amalfi coast for four of our travel nights in late September or early October 2012. We would likely come down from Rome. Pompeii and coastal ambiance a must, Capri a possibility. We want a few days that a bit immersive at this last main stop on a two week trip. Where would you base, and in that base, where would you stay? We will need three rooms. Pros and cons?
Posted by
Toledo
653 posts
Might not be the ideal base as it's a little further south than the Amalfi Coast, but for a couple of nights I recommend Paestum - good beach, great archeological site, good museum, mozzarella farms. Excellent hotel is Poseidonia al Mare (not to be confused with a campground with a similar name). Great breakfast (bacon and eggs along with an extensive buffet), they also serve dinner. The hotel is about 1km from the ruins but they will loan you bikes. If you are good walkers, it's an easy walk, especially at the time of year you'll be there. Sorrento is good, as is Positano or Praiano.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15589 posts
I stayed in Sorrento in February and found it delightful. From Rome there are fast trains to Naples, then you traverse the station to get to the local Circumvesuviana train that goes via Pompeii to Sorrento. So, if you are based in Sorrento, it is quite easy to get to Pompeii by train. The entrance to the site is just a few yards from the train station. Friends of mine stayed in Sorrento and took the bus to Positano and then the ferry back to Sorrento.
Posted by
Marin, CA
527 posts
Sorrento provides a nice base. We found some of Positano and particularly Capri to have some steep inclines which could be difficult to walk depending on your health. Hopefully someone here can provide more information regarding that consideration if it applies.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
I vote for Sorrento, our favorite place in Italy.
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1046 posts
Sorrento is a tourist town - lots of shopping for those last minute items. That said, it is also a wonderful last memory to take home with you. I always stay (is this year 3 or 4?) at the Il Nido, which is up the hill a bit but with great, free shuttle service. Don't miss sunset - it is straight out of the ancient Greek mythologies. You can practically see Apollo riding his chariot into the water. Positano is beautiful but there's nothing there but women's shoe stores. Skip the bus ride and take the boat - you become part of what everyone is afraid to look at. Capri is pretty . . . boring. It just didn't do it for me. Pompeii? Why do people say it's a half day sight? Sounds to me like they missed 3/4 of the place! Have a great family trip!
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
Base in Sorrento as it is a convenient transportation hub. I stayed there last in September at the Il Roseto Resort (B&B). The rooms were IMMACULATE and very reasonably priced.
Posted by
Jasper, GA, USA
85 posts
Agree with all about Sorrento...it is very easy to catch transport. I'm taking my own father there (75) this summer and know I will be grateful to have multiple transportation options (train, bus, boat). In shoulder season you can also find great deals there...I go in March with kids and stay at the Hotel
Antiche Mura for about 100 euro a night for a double...it goes for about 300 euro in the summer. That being said, there are lots of cheaper places that are great...we just like being able to occasionally splurge on a 4 star at a fraction of the cost. :)
Posted by
Spokane Valley, WA, USA
34 posts
We stayed 3 nights in Sorrento last June and it was one of my favorite places. It is convenient to Pompeii via the Circumvisuvia Train. We stayed in the Hotel Carlton International and loved it. We were traveling with 2 teenagers and were able to get connecting rooms. The rooms were clean and nicely appointed and reasonably priced with a cash discount. Our rooms looked out over the Mediterranean. It was beautiful. The breakfast was good also. Sorrento is a wonderful town and we enjoyed exploring the markets in the evening. Wish we would have had more time to spend there. On the top of my list to return to next time I make it back to Italy!