Sorrento vs. Positano

We always stay in Sorrento when on our holidays in the area. Love being there and always feel at home. However, if all you want to do is relax at the beach/cafe, read books, take walks plus a little light sightseeing, I would say that Positano would be a great place to do that. Not that you could not do the same in Sorrento but it is bigger and busier. Positano is chocolate box pretty and quaint.

Depending on the time of year (ie before the begining of October) Capri, Amalfi or Sorrento are a ferry ride away. The boat is a nice change from using the buses which are also available.

BTW - never thought I would find myself saying Positano might be a better choice than Sorrento!

Sorrento - no question.

Positano

much more charming than "big" Sorrento in our opinion.
Boats to Capri and other spots. Easy bus service.

If you're interested in seeing Pompeii, Herculaneum, or anything in Naples, it's better to base in Sorrento because of its train access.

If you're not interested in those places, Positano is fine.

A place you don't want to miss is Ravello. Take a boat from Positano to Amalfi town, then the bus up to Ravello. It's the most beautiful spot on the entire peninsula.

Thanks for all of your opinions. Looks like both towns got the same number of votes! Does the fact that we'll be there the first week of October & don't care about seeing Naples or Vesuvius sway anyone one way or another? Should I just pick the town with the better hotel? (Even that's hard to choose)!

Cara

Positano!

"Does the fact that we'll be there the first week of October & don't care about seeing Naples or Vesuvius sway anyone one way or another?"

That makes Positano the better choice. Plus the hotels in Positano are generally nicer and more upscale than those in Sorrento (just my experience).

Thanks for the added info.! Tom, it sounds like you're quite familiar with the area. Both the hotels we have reserved are 4-5 stars. We were planning on relaxing by the pool a couple of the days. Will it be too cold the first week of October for that? Or, the beach?

We loved Sorrento, the locals recommend Franco's Pizza, loved it ! Don't miss
the street shopping market behind hotels. Ferry to Capri for the day !!
Happy Travels,
Carol B

Stay in Sorrento, visit Positano. Sorrento is a very good location to use as a home base and transportation hub. Anyplace you want to visit in the region is a short train, bus, or boat ride away.

"Will it be too cold the first week of October for that? Or, the beach?"

Our last trip there was in late September and temps were comfortable - I'd guess low to mid 70's during the day. Not beach or pool weather for us, but maybe it is for others.

both are nice, but I've never regretted using Sorrento as a base. Bit larger town, more to do, more convenient transit connections. If none of this matters to you, go with your gut or flip a coin.