Amalfi Coast

hz80408

This isn't for a HM, but H, my sister and I are trying to figure out a place to vacation for 4 or 5 days in Europe during Easter wknd. (eta: and it seems like Amalfi is posted about a decent amount here)

If you've gone/are going to AC, what town did you stay in and what were your average food costs?  What is there to do/see? 

It looks like Sorrento is the largest and most popular town; but they have an Easter celebration that we're wondering would make a trip there overpopulated and un-enjoyable? 

Has anyone been to Salerno? We've read it's a cheaper alternative to Sorrento.

To be there 4 or 5 days; what would you recommend doing and any day trips you'd rec? Pompeii, etc?  TIA

(FYI-we'll already be in Europe on vacation)

trixie549

Love the Amalfi Coast! I was there quite a while ago (9 years), but have wonderful, vivid memories of the trip. Sorrento was our "home base" for several nights and we did day trips to Capri, Positano and Amalfi.

Sorrento is a gorgeous little town with lots of fun shops and restaurants. I can't recall where we stayed, but the hotel had an amazing 4-course dinner every night. Be careful when crossing the streets, as stopping for pedestrians is quite "optional" in Italy

The trip to Capri was very interesting, although some people got a little seasick on the ferry ride over to the island. You can take the funicular (railway tram) up the side of the mountain to a smaller village called Anacapri. There are lots of citrus orchards and perfumeries on Capri - gorgeous!

Positano is on the other side of the peninsula from Sorrento and is definitely a smaller village (i.e. less touristy). The cliffs and homes are breathtaking, and the people are so friendly. There is a gigantic cathedral that is worth touring and there were lots of street performers and musicians wandering about.

The town of Amalfi is farther down the coast and honestly, it wasn't worth the extra trip.

We did go to Pompeii on the way down to Sorrento and that was fascinating (and a little depressing). Our tour guide took us into a secret brothel (not on the regular tour stop) that had pictorial representations of all the different sex acts. He said it was like a menu that you could order off of!

All in all, the Amalfi Coast is an amazing vacation spot. I was there before the whole Euro conversion, so my recollection of pricing for food, etc. isn't going to help you too much. Enjoy your trip...and eat some gelato!

Cinderella30

I love the Amalfi Coast.  My husband and I stayed in Sorrento for 5 days.  While in Sorrento we did day trips to Naples and Pompeii/Herculaneum.  We also hired a tour guide/driver to take us around Amalfi.  He took us to Positano (absolutely beautiful), Amalfi and Ravello (breathtaking).  Like pp mentioned, you can take a day trip to Capri as well (the faraglioni rocks are pretty amazing to see up front and personal).  While we loved Sorrento I think we will stay in Positano the next time we go back.  There's just something about Positano that reals you in.  I hear that Salerno is also beautiful.  Have fun!

hz80408

Neither of you happened to do over Easter did you?  That's our real concern; it that it will be extremely busy/overpopulated due to the large celebration in Sorrento.

Perhaps we should consider staying in Positano instead?  Although I'm nervous that the prices for most of Amalfi Coast will be raised due to Easter.

Cinderella30

We went in October.  Any city you go to during Easter will probably be packed but Positano may be the best bet.

hz80408

Thanks; probably solved; we've decided on a diff city/country. Lol, but thanks for the input! Definitely want to get to Amalfi area one day!