We were just in Sorrento/ Amalfi Coast this past May, and were actually disappointed in the area, to be honest. The lack of infrastructure and the resulting congestion resulted in no efficient or quick way to get anywhere, whether using public or private transportation. Things just don't work well, and northern Italy shines in a comparison.
We found the regional trains ( Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento) in Southern Italy to be erratic, SRO, and without air conditioning. The trains were kind of on time in the mornings, but ran later as the day progressed. We used a private driver on the Amalfi Coast day trip, but still sat in congestion on the roads. And- the crowds, even in May, which from reports, are repeated in the fall. Shoulder season isn't much different than high season, crowd-wise. Positano was packed with tourists shopping in the same high- end stores that are everywhere. Amalfi town was shoulder-shoulder people on the main drag- and again, this was May.
Perhaps if we were better versed in the realities on the ground we wouldn't have been so disappointed. We had just left the calm and beauty of Lake Como, and wish we had stayed. We are seasoned travelers, but missed these very important details. I'm afraid the area has become a victim of its Instagram success.
In reading reviews after our trip, I think recommendations to train and stay in Salerno would have been an improvement. Then perhaps ferry to Sorrento? However, the ferries are very weather- dependent.
Also, if the weather is bad, which it was for some of our trip, there aren't many indoor options for entertainment.
I'm glad we went, especially to Pompeii , but I have no need to return to Southern Italy. I'm wishing you a better experience. There is a wealth of info posted here on the Forum, as visiting Sorrento/ Amalfi Coast is a weekly topic. Safe travels!
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/venice-lake-como-sorrento-amalfi-coast-with-lots-of-rain
