Amalfi Coast

OH has suggested that we spend a few days on the Amalfi Coast, somewhere we've not been before, in a couple of weeks time.   

But where to stay?  Sorrento?  Positano?  Or somewhere else?

And if we want a touch of 'culture' and go to visit Pompeii can we just pitch up or do we need to book?

Any advice gratefully received!

Last time we visited the area was in October, last year. We stayed in Praiano, between Positano and Amalfi and it was lovely. 
Can't advise about current situation in Pompei as we have not been back for a few years.
In any case, the Costiera Amalfitana is absolutely beautiful! You will enjoy it immensely, just as we do each time we go there.

I wouldn't stay in Sorrento, as it's quite touristy, better Positano ( if budget no object) or my advice would be go to Trip Advisor and put a search in for that area and see what comes up.
In our experience you pays your money etc.... Pompei is turn up and pay but lot of restoration work going on this year, so some bits may have limited access; but it's a massive area so still lots to see.

Positano is lovely, but expensive and parking is a nightmare or costly. There are some beautiful smaller towns, such as Minori or Maiore, and of course Praiano 

Hotel in Praiano booked - it looks lovely!  

OH's current plan is 2 days 'at leisure' and one day exploring the delights of the Amalfi Coast, probably not stopping or parking in either Sorrento or Positano.  Then off to Pompeii for the day, before a night in Naples.  The next morning we'll visit Ms D's recommended Cappella San Severo before catching the train up north to get to Casa Ghiro.

Can't wait!

You will enjoy the place. My advice would be to make a stop at Positano ( possible lunch break on the beach), park the car at the large parking garage, even if it is expensive, and have a walk through the lovely streets. Worth the expense.
In Praiano visit the church dedicated to St Luke, right by the sea. Beautiful baroque architecture and admire the ceramic floors.
P.S Don't miss Ravello. Glorious! 

Excellent stuff Gala.  Have you ever considered opening a travel agency?

Looking for a hotel in Naples I was initially quite taken by the Villa Margherita until I discovered, reading reviews on tripadvisor, that a number of guests had been eaten by bed bugs!!   

Hey ho.  Back to the drawing board.

ghiro wrote:Excellent stuff Gala.  Have you ever considered opening a travel agency?

Well, I worked for 10 years for a major airline and I was in charge of package tours, etc, and then, I owned and directed a travel agency for a few years, at the time when people did not book through the internet... so it is in my blood... I can't resist giving advice 

ghiro wrote:Looking for a hotel in Naples I was initially quite taken by the Villa Margherita until I discovered, reading reviews on tripadvisor, that a number of guests had been eaten by bed bugs!!   Hey ho.  Back to the drawing board.

I haven't been in that one and haven't booked hotels in Naples for a while, so I cannot comment. I usually book hotels through booking.com and their ratings are accurate. Also, I read that Villa Margherita has renovated rooms recently. On the other hand, zanzare and midges are prevalent in Campania's coastal areas, particularly at dusk, so perhaps it was not bed bugs... I forgot to mention that you need a reliable insect repellent...

We had to spend a week in Naples when the Icelandic volcano grounded our Easyjet flight (we had been in Capri on the way home to UK) and we were put in a skyscraper hotel near the castle - very central, very clean although lacking in Italian feel as it was full of Japanese tourists. Can't remember the name but it was the only very high rise building in the area and it did the job (if you're stuck) and had a lovely view.

Thanks FBower.  We booked a hotel at a good price through Trivago, only to be told 3 days later that the room was no longer available (unless we wanted to pay an additional £112!).    

I'll look for skyscraper hotels near the castle tomorrow.

Ghiro, what Trivago has done is most irregular and unethical. I would try other booking agencies if I were you. Also, check prices quoted. Good luck!

ghiro wrote:Thanks FBower.  We booked a hotel at a good price through Trivago, only to be told 3 days later that the room was no longer available (unless we wanted to pay an additional £112!).    I'll look for skyscraper hotels near the castle tomorrow.

I would tell them you are putting it on Tripadvisor...