Sorrento vs. Amalfi coast

Either way it's gonna be rushed as that's not much time. We spent around that much time in Pompei alone and still didn't see everything. Sorrento is only a half hour train ride away, going down the rest of the coast much longer. I didn't make it past Positano and did the bus trip. Looking down from the bus window....I grabbed the seat a couple times...If you were actually driving I don't think it would be too bad but read that the Sorrento/Positano part of the coast is the better/easiest part of the Amalfi Coast drive.

Because I have not been to Pompeii, I cannot say that one is better than the other. But I can say that Sorrento and the Amalfi coast are a delight. So long as you are not driving, the drive is amazing--and nothing "white knuckle" about it.

Because I have not been to Pompeii, I cannot say that one is better than the other. But I can say that Sorrento and the Amalfi coast are a delight. So long as you are not driving, the drive is amazing--and nothing "white knuckle" about it.

A few people do experience motion sickness because of the twists and turns of the road and the constant gear changes required on the route. Some bus drivers drive more smoothly than others! IME I find that sitting in the middle section of the bus helps. I once made the mistake of sitting at the back of the bus on another windy bus route in the area and felt distinctly queasy.

I suppose an opinion is like a nose-everyone has one. We have driven the Costiera Amalfitana three times during the summer months and they were a white-knuckle experience. Although, the third time was somewhat less tense. The road is narrow, windy, cars are parked on both sides in some places, pedestrians walking, motor scooters tailgating, buses, and other vehicles tailgating. We have explored Sorrento, Amalfi, and Positano and liked each place. Since you only have a short window your choice should be based on what you want to see. Pompeii is immense and interesting. Sorrento is beautiful and the Amalfi coast is stunningly so. Either choice would be a good one. Buon viaggio,

Thanks for your advice on Sorrento/Pompeii vs. Amalfi Coast Drive/Pompeii. The votes are in and the winner is the Amalfi Coast Drive, "white knuckles" and all. Thanks again...Bob 'n' Pat

Hi Bob, I have not taken the tour yet, but in his book, Rick mentions that it is important to sit on the right side of the bus for the views. Happy travels! Ruth

How are you at walking on very difficult rocks? Pompeii is indeed an amazing adventure but is also very physically challenging. Sorrento however you might enjoy. You can take a fast boat ride from the docks in Naples directly to Sorrento. Once you get up to the town, most of the walking is on one level. Nice shopping, wonderful views and a very pretty town to walk around. Yes, it is a tourist town. If you want to go to Positano, take the boat from Sorrento. You can do both in one day. Positano is a vertical city however. I didn't find anything there but ladies' shoe stores. And some beautifully painted homes. But I'll go back by boat while I'm in Sorrento for a week this summer. I like being down where all the terrified tourists are afraid to look! Sad you're leaving so early - the sunsets in Sorrento are right out of the ancient Greek myths about Apollo and his chariot. Breath-taking.

I would recommend Pompeii/Sorrento. Sorrento will be much more relaxing and enjoyable imo - beautiful, charming town with amazing views.

All I can Say is that you need a week to enjoy the sights . We stayed in Sorrento, luv the gelato Positano was a crazy ride. If you don't like cliffs don' t go there. We got off the bus early and had to walk down the mountain to get where most people were at. My father is in his eighties and enjoyed every moment. He takes his time and talked to everyone there. Be careful going back on the bus they luv to pack them in like sardines. wait and you will have room. Also have patience they enjoy their breaks. Pompelli is very big once you get inside and start walking around. I believe there is the bathrooms by the entrance only. Amalfi Coast was beautiful also. I hope this helps you and enjoy even if you just take a walk around it still is beautiful

Depends on what you are interested in. We stayed in Sorrento last July and did both. Pompeii was truly amazing and we all loved it (including my teenage children). It was VERY HOT...so if you are going to be there in the summer and don't like the heat this would be something to consider. Pompeii is very large and involves a lot of walking, so again that is something to consider. My 70+ mother was with us and did fine in Pompeii although we were all very tired that evening. We spent 4 or 5 hours there. The Amalfi coast is beautiful. The coast drive is not "white knuckle" in my opinion, but it is VERY windy with MANY curves and traffic. My son and I are prone to motion sickness and this road definitely caused us to be queasy. We were on a private tour with Raffaele Monetti and I was very glad we were not on a tour bus. He was able to slow down on the curves and pull over when we needed to get out once in a while. Our tour went from Sorrento all the way to Positano to the Greek ruins and then up the coast back to Sorrento. It was all day so I'm not sure how far down the coast you could make it in 7 hours from Naples.