Sorrento or Positano

I suggest using Google Images to see pictures of both places, then decide what you like better. I prefer Positano, but others may think differently.
Positano is on a steep hill, it's very quaint and small. It's really a pedestrian place because streets are often staircases or very narrow alleys closed to traffic. Positano is smaller and a quintessential fishing village in many respects similar to the Cinque Terre villages. Sorrento is a bigger resort town, very nice also, more flat. Cars are present and are allowed in most streets. Sorrento is easily reached ;by train (Vesuviana). For Positano you need to proceed by bus from the Sorrento station. Take a look at Google Images.

Thank you Roberto. From what I have heard and the photo's I have seen Positano looks beyond amazing. It is also more difficult to get to and has less to do. Any thoughts about spending 3 days in one and another in the other and if so which would you do first? Grazie Mille

I've stayed in both towns and like each for different reasons, but tend toward Sorrento becuase there's more to do and transportation connections are better. That said, Postiano is super relaxing and the trip from there to Amalfi/Ravello is easier. The hotels along Via Colombo tend to have nice views from their balcony rooms (I like Hotel Savoia), and the street is a fairly level walk to the bus stop at the end. If I were to split nights, I'd do Positano first and then go to Sorrento, from where it will be easier to visit Capri/Pompeii/etc and to connect to your next destination.

Splitting your stay is a great idea. Sorrento makes a better base to visit Pompeii, Ercolano and even Naples, since all are along the Vesuviana train line which ends in Sorrento. Capri can be visited from both Sorrento or Positano since Positano also has boat excursions and regular boat trips to the island. Positano is a better base for the Amalfi Coast (Positano, Praiano, Amalfi etc.) and there are more and better beach along the Amalfi Coast than there are near Sorrento. Positano is very relaxing, there are plenty of restaurants and bars, and nothing beats enjoying some wine from your hotel balcony while gazing at the gorgeous views, which from Positano have no equal. You should spend at least 2 nights in Positano.

Have never been to Sorrento, but just returned from Italy last week. We spent 3 nights in Positano and loved it. We stayed at Palazzo Talamo, a very nice hotel, all rooms have balconys with amazing sea views. After being in Rome for 4 days this was a perfect spot to just relax. We did rent a car when we left Rome, so we were able to stop at Pompei on the way down. We did not find driving to be a problem and like the freedom it brings. Have a great trip!

Thank you for the great insight. I think 2 days in Rome, 3 in Poistano , 4 in Sorremto and 2 more in Rome. A little more changing than I like but not sure how I can do it better. I've been to Rome several times so its more of a staging area for Amalfi coast and the returning to NY. I have a year to fine tune this plan, so I have time. Just came back from Milam and Bellagio for a few days, last years 11 days , Rome, Florence and Siena....I just can't get enough of Italy! Thanks again.