Sorrento or Positano in July?

It is too crowded in Positano and Sorrento is not on the Amalfi Coast so I would stay in Ravello
especially for this http://www.ravellofestival.com/?lang=en

It can depend on what you want to do while you're there. While Sorrento isn't technically the Amalfi, it's on the doorstep and is a good transport hub, especially for Pompeii, Herculaneum, and coming from/going to Naples for the airport or onward 'fast' trains.

You cannot make this decision without considering your bracketing locations and deadlines like airport check ins. You also have to decide whether you want the cheapest or the most comfortable transfer - and it's especially far to Ravello. There is only one two-lane road through Positano and it is choked all summer. It could easily be five hours from Rome to Positano, in three transit "seats".

Is death an option?

Calm down, folks. Seriously, I'd take anywhere in Italy at any time over being here in the US, so it's tongue-in-cheek.

But July requires workarounds, simply because of the crowds that could stymie you whenever you want to move from Point A to B. Sorrento--although not technically on the A.C.--is the better base if you want to daytrip--to Capri, Naples, to Pompei, although Pompei in the heat might be similar to molten lava, unless it's done early in the morning, a definite thought.

But if you just want to stay put in an idyllic setting, find somewhere in Positano with multiple restaurants close by, so you aren't left without a meal. Better yet, since it's only three days scour the other A.C. hamlets like Minori, Maiori, Cetara or Vietri sul Mare. Can't imagine any of those having the degree of gridlock that Positano or Amalfi-town might have.

Finally, Salerno--just off the A.C.--has a great restaurants and an outstanding beach, and is a good base as well.

Enjoy your planning!

Thank you for your responses. It gives me a lot to think about. Either way I should have a wonderful time. To round out my trip, I would appreciate any restaurant recommendations in both Positano and Sorrento. I hve Chez Black on on list.

Look at this list. We've been to both La Carvella and Santa Caterina(lunch) and both were exceptional.

https://www.viamichelin.com/web/Restaurants/Restaurants-Cetara-84010-Salerno-Italy

Sorrento:

Il Leone Rosso
TavernAllegra
Ristorante Zi'intonio