We will be in that area for 5 nights in late September early October. My question is- should we stay in 1 place and explore that whole area or should we stay in Sorrento for a couple nights and Positano for a couple nights. I know I'll get lots of opinions, I can't wait to hear all of them. We plan on hiking, day tripping to Capri and hitting some beaches. Thanks!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16745 posts
LOL, you will get all sorts of opinions and none of them will be wrong unless they don't work for you. :O)
We tend to like to do less versus more packing up and moving about so all in Sorrento would be my vote. That one also has the advantage of more transport options as it has a train station, and few if any problems with boat dockings due to rough seas (can be an issue with Positano.) Pompeii is an easy day trip from there by train, and Capri via jetboat. Other towns are accessible by bus or boat.
Now, all of that said, I might suggest you STAY on Capri at least one of your nights as you have the time. The island takes on a bit of a different personality when the hordes of day-trippers aren't around (early mornings/evenings) and I was glad we had a chance to enjoy the little quieter times. We stayed two nights and found plenty to do but one may do ya. Check out the many places for exploring on foot (most of the island is pedestrianized) and buy a map at the tourist information office as soon as you get there as it's a must for finding your way around.
We day-tripped to Positano from Sorrento (jetboat) and while I'm glad we did it - the camera enjoyed it! - it didn't exactly trip my trigger either but lots of other folks love it.
Posted by
Austin TX after living in Boulder CO for 25 years
1175 posts
We agonized over this on our first stay on the Coast, and decided:
2 nights - 2 full days in Sorrento -
Ferry to Capri - we loved Capri but we were there for the coastal hikes - we did 4 and the views were stunning with zero crowds
Day to wander Sorrento
2 nights - 2 full days in Positano
Rode the bus up to Nocelle and hiked the Path of the Gods down into Praiano, took the bus into Amalfi and up to Ravello and rode the ferry back into Positano
Cooked with Mama Agata in Ravello
Posted by
NYC
490 posts
Have a blast! You do not mention HOW you are traveling to Positano that time of year. In late September early October the ferry does not run between Naples and Positano. This means getting back up the coast would be a long and wild local bus to Sorrento or a connection to a train to Naples ( assuming you are flying out of there). If the ferry is running when you arrive in September, you may catch one of the last ones and go to Positano first, then ferry from Positano to Capri ( stay 1-2 nights) then Capri to Naples/Sorrento. Ferries always run in good weather between Positano and Capri so no issue there. ( Personally, I don't like Sorrento.) Capri, Positano makes more sense to me for such a short trip. I have traveled to this area of Italy many times, most recently this past September, it is a great time to visit. You may get some beach days in, bring cheapo ( $10) water shoes, flat ones that pack easily or you will never make it into or out of the water there! Rocks the size of softballs! You cannot buy water shoes locally at that time of year and they tend to not carry " American larger sizes). I saved my friend's honeymoon by recommending water shoes! :)