Venice & Amalfi coast - travel tips?

[JohnM]

Hi all

We're travelling in Italy by car later in the year. One place I haven't been before is Venice so I'm looking for tips about the best way to handle travelling there by car.

Is it best to not stay in Venice but stay on the mainland where the car can be parked and take the train over to Venice for day visits?

Also wanting to stay on the Amalfi coast but realise parking is an issue. Does anyone have any tips on hotels with parking in or near Positano or Amalfi?

 

[TheRealTMA]

There is car parking near piazza Roma and the station but if you are staying a few days it's best to find a car park on the mainland near Mestre (or inland) and get the train or water taxi and stay in venice itself. Best part of a stay in venice is after 5 when the 'day tourists' have gone. Grab a table at sunset and have a Prosecco or Bellini at piazza St Marco (drink slowly since it will cost €15) or on the canal or one of the cafes or bars facing the lagoon on the top of the island...

We usually dump the hire car at venice airport and swim the last leg.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Somehow staying on the mainland, rather than in Venice itself would not be the same...

At night is a lot less crowded when the daytrippers have gone.

If it was me I would park on the mainland and stay in Venice.

 

[JohnM]

Thanks, folks. Response much as I expected.

How secure is parking the car at Mestre for a few days?

 

[amaroo]

We've done it.....was 20 years ago - so no recent experience.

I wouldn't worry about the car. Just have the correct insurance, park it & then go & enjoy Venice.

 

[Cardinal]

My travel tip is to have an up to date timetable when catching buses between the various villages on the Amalfi Coast. Nothing like being stuck in paradise.

You will hear travel stories about the train to Sorento from Naples. It's not that bad but yes it does get that squishy.

 

[Deleted member]

Stay in Venice. The only way to see it IMHO

 

[mella2007]

Don't have a car on the Amalfi coast. Depending on where exactly you want to stay, either use a private driver from Naples to Sorrento/Positano etc or catch the 2 trains or the bus. Sorrento is a great base, as you can do day trips to Capri, Pompeii, Positano etc
Travelled on the Amalfi Coast many times, if you have any questions please ask.

 

[Ric]

Stay in Venice. The only way to see it IMHO

Totally agreed. Loved it so much that I am heading back there again end of Mar, though will be spending more time in Tuscany this trip.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Book ahead, not too hot as it starts to stink. A lot of euro trash visiting these days, be wary of pickpockets and the like.

san Marco sq seems to be the place to stay.

Do a walking tour history is great. It's a tourist town essentially.

Murano glass, do a trip there, well worth it.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Italy is one country where I would want to be driven. In fact I was driven!!

we took the train bus and taxi.

driving is painful there

 

[Deleted member]

Italy is one country where I would want to be driven. In fact I was driven!!

we took the train bus and taxi.

driving is painful there

Driving didn't bother me too much. Finding a park was a pain though , so we park out of town, grab a train in.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Driving didn't bother me too much. Finding a park was a pain though , so we park out of town, grab a train in.

Yes good call.

i find I see things more though when not fighting the traffic

 

[blackcat20]

Italy is one country where I would want to be driven. In fact I was driven!!

we took the train bus and taxi.

driving is painful there

Ill be there in September/October...and will have someone to drive me.

 

[JohnM]

Don't have a car on the Amalfi coast. Depending on where exactly you want to stay, either use a private driver from Naples to Sorrento/Positano etc or catch the 2 trains or the bus. Sorrento is a great base, as you can do day trips to Capri, Pompeii, Positano etc
Travelled on the Amalfi Coast many times, if you have any questions please ask.

I did wonder about using Sorrento as a base; it's certainly conveniently located for accessing the local attractions. I'd welcome further tips on that option such as accommodation.

I've driven in Italy many times, so that doesn't concern me. The previous time I went to Amalfi, I was driven by an Italian aquaintance from Naples, while I have not been to Venice before. It's the parking issue that I'm trying to figure out the best way of handling for both of these less than usually accessible places.

We'll rent the car at FCO and will be doing a big loop down to Naples region, through Tuscany to Venice, over to around Lake Como, Provence in France, Monaco, Cinque Terre, Pisa and back to FCO, so having a car is integral to that.

 

[JohnM]

Has anyone driven over to Venice and parked their car in the parking that I believe is available near the station? I guess it would be expensive but it may be worth it for the convenience.

I also notice that Avis has a depot there. A friend suggested asking to leave the vehicle at the Avis depot while staying in Venice. That might be a bit cheeky but it sounds like it would be worth a try. Anyone tried that angle?

 

[amaroo]

We'll rent the car at FCO and will be doing a big loop down to Naples region, through Tuscany to Venice, over to around Lake Como, Provence in France, Monaco, Cinque Terre, Pisa and back to FCO, so having a car is integral to that.

I really liked driving in Italy....particularly Rome.

Having a car is the best way to make the most of your Italian adventure. Looks like a fantastic trip!

 

[JohnM]

I really liked driving in Italy....particularly Rome.

Having a car is the best way to make the most of your Italian adventure. Looks like a fantastic trip!

And I've already booked a convertible so PartnerJohnM is excited! .

 

[Sprucegoose]

Ill be there in September/October...and will have someone to drive me.

great time to go.

We ended up hiring a boat (small thing for the day) in Santa Marguita (?) and boated to Portofino for lunch and to places where you could only get to by boat. Best day in italy. the med was lovely to swim in and we really through that was the best 150 euros ever!!

 

[knightman7]

Don't drive the amalfi in summer ever. It's so much easier taking the train or getting a driver. Parking is a mess and traffic can be a huge problem especially when there are tourist buses around.

Venice is magical. You would be better off using Naples as a base to do the amalfi and then either fly or get the Trenitalia high speed train to Venice and spend a few days there. Love walking around random places as you can never get lost.

Also, if you are doing the amalfi, a couple of nights in Capri is a must. Probably my fav travel destination in the world.