My husband and I (late 30s) will be traveling in July to the Amalfi Coast. We feel incredibly confused or conflicted about where we should base ourselves for this part of the trip. We currently have a reservation at a lovely looking B&B (Casa Dolce Casa) in Ravello, as that is one town we know we definitely wish to visit. I also found a nice rental in Marmorata that we may consider instead. We are planning on staying either 3 or 4 nights in the AC. We are coming from Ischia where we are also staying 3 or 4 nights. The more I research, the more confused I am on whether we should stay in this area or stay in Sorrento. It seems so many people suggest Sorrento that it is starting to make me second guess our plan. Please be kind about the time of year, as we recognize it is going to be hot and we know it is a busy time. Unfortunately, due to my job, this is when I am able to travel for longer trips so we will make the most of it and take things slow if we need. What do people really think? Is it better to base in Sorrento and make day trips? Or is it better to just deal with the cliffs and crowds and be actually in the AC? What should we do? Thanks for any advice!
Posted by
Canada 1st, not 51st.
4945 posts
What are your priorities to see while in the region? If Pompeii and Capri are part of it then I would recommend staying in Sorrento. If it's a relaxing visit just to take in the views then on the Amalfi Coast may be better. Sorrento is a transportation hub to get you everywhere, but if you're on the Amalfi Coast your options are limited and slower. We spent 2 weeks in Sorrento with no regrets.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
6102 posts
It really depends on what you want to do while you are there. Sorrento is recommended for people who want to make day trips to Pompeii, Naples, Capri, as well as the AC towns. The transportation difficulties make these day trips from Ravello problematic to say the least. But if you are looking to relax and just explore the nearby AC towns, then Ravello would be a nice choice.
Posted by
11 posts
We're a family of four visiting in June and staying in Amalfi Coast for 4 nights. We were debating between Sorrento and AC but ended up going with AC since we figured that's where we want to spent most of our time.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8237 posts
Your study has correctly identified Ravello as a beautiful place, highly rated by all who have seen it. But it is a tiny city, which is hundreds of feet above the Amalfi Gulf. It takes a curb wait, and a bus ride to get to a beach or another town. This is a high-cost area, and car services know what they can get for a ride.
People stay in Sorrento because it has the best transport options, not because it looks like paradise. (We slept 5 nights in Sorrento, which served our needs very well.) But we paid extra for a balcony that amplified the stunning view of Vesuvius from the foot of our King bed. Some ferry horns audible, however. Surprise fireworks one late May night.
I personally think there is not enough to do in Ravello to sleep there. (Famous annual classical music festival, however.) But if I did, I would stay at the over $1000/night resort that owns a beach club down below, and runs a shuttle. All this is a matter of OPINION.
Note that technically, Sorrento is not on the Amalfi Coast, so there are confusingly different ways to answer your question. It is essential to tell us what you plan to be doing. And what is your next destination. You cannot wake up on the AC and fly home from Rome.
Posted by
3 posts
Dear all,
I believe that to visit the AC is easier to stay in Sorrento or Positano. I would spend 1 night only in Ravello to go the vibe of the village and visit the Garden of Villa Cimbrone and the Terrazza dell Infinito.
Cheers
Annalisa
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thanks for the ideas! We think we just want to explore a few of the coastal towns. At the moment, we are not really planning on Pompeii or Naples. We were trying to avoid very crowded though we know that is impossible that time of year, but that sort of steered us away from staying in Positano. We fly home from Naples after our visit to AC.
Posted by
3556 posts
Casa Dolce Casa looks absolutely gorgeous! I would take day trips from there.
Posted by
1136 posts
Since you’re not interested in Pompeii or Naples on this trip, I’d absolutely stay in Ravello. Sorrento is a good convenient base, but it really doesn’t compare with AC towns as a destination unto itself. Ravello is gorgeous.
Posted by
361 posts
I would spend a night at the end in Sorrento where you may be able to depart from on your departure day. I would absolutely recommend staying in Amalfi for the other nights. There is a lot to do from there that you could easily spend 3 nights there and it is really enjoyable after the day trippers have headed home.
Posted by
Virginia
70 posts
I traveled in this area last year and spent time in both Sorrento and Ravello. Ravello is dream like in many ways, it's absolutely beautiful. I wish I'd spent more time there. Our home base for the Amalfi Coast was Minori. As others have said, Sorrento is a great transport hub for getting to Capri and Naples. It's a fun spot, too, lots of shopping and good food. If coastal towns is what you're going for though, I'd vote for Ravello.