staying sorrento car or public transport

I had no trouble without a car in Sorrento. Taxis are expensive, because all cars have to take the long way around town - much of the center is off-limits to cars (except residents) and there's a one-way system. I think having a car in Sorrento would be a pain in the @ss.

Car is not needed. There are buses which are convenient. If u like you can always rent in Sorrento, there are several rental agencies. December is low season, except for around Xmas holidays. So crowds should be low. It's not the best time to enjoy the beaches (or rocky cliffs)

If your lodging is in the center of the peninsula, how do you get there without a car? for example there is a beautiful farmhouse but it looks like it is about 7 K from anywhere. Do buses go inland?

If you are staying in a farmhouse somewhere in the interior then it's a totally different story. Farmhouse accommodations require a car in virtually all circumstances since they are generally located in the countryside in areas not served by frequent public bus service (if any at all).

so, what would you suggest...a farmhouse & car or a town apartment & public transport? we do want to see as much of the area as possible. and join the local scene a bit. We have about 5 days.

so, what would you suggest...a farmhouse & car or a town apartment & public transport? we do want to see as much of the area as possible. and join the local scene a bit. We have about 5 days.

That's a million dollar question. It basically depends on your personal preferences. Would you rather have a villa or farmhouse in the interior just for you and your family, with a swimming pool and plenty of grounds (and maybe local foods prepared by the agriturismo owner)? Or would you prefer an in-town environment in the middle of town (or village) just walking distance from everything (strolling/restaurants/shops/cafes)? In the first case you absolutely need a car, because I don't think there are agriturismo walking distance from town and buses are infrequent to the countryside. In the latter case you don't need a car and actually it might be a nuisance to have one, especially if your hotel/accommodations in town don't have parking (and many don't). If you like to mingle with the "locals" (and also the many tourists), staying in town is probably best. But some people like to relax away from the crowds and would rather stay at a villa and visit town from there. So it depends on the person.

As to in town or outside, remember that days are shorter in December (sunset about 4.30pm) so my inclination would be to stay in town. The countryside will not be well lit, if at all, at night. Driving the narrow winding roads in the dark is not something I would enjoy. However, your budget is on the low side for a two bedroomed apartment in town even in the low season. If you are prepared to rent a one bedroomed place with a a pull- out bed in the living area you might be luckier. There is one such place that overlooks Sorrento's fishing harbour (Marina Grande) that might suit. Their "Ischia" apartment although one bedroom has two bathrooms and is within budget. There is heating which you will need at night and first thing in the morning. They often offer discounts in the quieter periods eg just before the Christmas holiday when prices usually go up. http://www.coltursuites.com/en/ Two booking sites to look at are Venere and Summer in Italy. http://www.venere.com/italy/sorrento/#p|1&#59;f:o|venere_ranking-t|A-z|all_areas-r|r6-c|all_rate http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/rent/area4!italy_.htm

Once your luggage is in your hotel in central Sorrento, it's an easy walk to the train and bus, for day trips. . . . Pompeii, Herculaneum, Positano, Ravello, even Naples.

Thank you. you seem to support the conclusion I was reaching. We love seclusion and live on a small farm, but since we are there to see the sights I think our vacation should be the opposite. so I'll concentrate on the town lodging. I actually did find a few within my budget.

Janet - "I actually did find a few within my budget" Interested to know which 2 bedoom apts you found. Were they in the town itself or on the outskirts?

Seems like you've already decided to stay in Sorrento and I just wanted to say I agree with that. We love Sorrento, it's our favorite town in Italy. We've been there 3 times for a week each time in the height of summer and didn't find it too touristy at all. I'm sure it's much less so in December. Enjoy!