Sorrento
Our Experience
Nestled in southwestern Italy, Sorrento is a gorgeous coastal town offering a more relaxed Amalfi experience. We opted to stay in Marina Grande, the fishing harbour, which proved to be quieter, and just a short (but steep) walk up the old stone staircase when wanting to shop or visit many restaurants in the main town. We had beautiful views as Aurora Resort is located right next to the sea.
The first evening we had dinner at the family-run restaurant just two minutes from our accommodation and right by the water, their Sorrento gnocchi was delicious!
Visited the stunning Bagni Della Regina Giovanna cove, which is a stunning swimming hole and beach which connects to the ocean. It was strangely difficult to find but not a doubt in a our mind worth the hot hike back up the hill after. Perfectly positioned bar at the top of the hill where we watched the sun set that evening and had too many drinks.
The beautiful coastal town of Sorrento is perched atop the cliffs, providing sweeping views of the ocean and further coastline. Piazza Tasso (Sorrento’s main square) has an array of gorgeous cafes and bars as well as being within close proximity to many shops, markets and beautiful, historic buildings including Basilica Sant’Antonino (centuries old church) and Museo Correale di Terrnanova (museum).
Positano
From Sorrento we caught the bus to Positano. Despite feeling slightly motion sick due the constant winding roads, we had beautiful views of the pretty coastline along the journey. We enjoyed potentially the best views we’ve encountered while having a coffee at the Positano Bakery, before attempting to paddleboard. I blame the distracting stunning sights of Amalfi coastline for the reason I continued to fall off my board. Contrary to seeing so many beautiful photos over the years, the different coloured houses scattered along the rugged cliffs with the blue waters below are far better in person.
Pompeii
The famous city of Pompeii is an easy half hour train ride from Sorrento. Pompeii was destroyed in 79 CE when the nearby volcano, Mount Vesuvius, erupted and covered the city in more than 6 meters of ash and debris. More interestingly, however, it was not rediscovered until the 1700’s, with so much of Pompeii preserved (once it was found to have existed)! There are a wide range of ticket options available, from fully guided tours with lunch and transport included, to self-guided tours and reserved entrance tickets from $37. Visiting Pompeii now is extremely fascinating and provides an insight into how buildings, towns and life existed in a time unimaginable to us now.
Capri
The elegant island of Capri is accessible via public ferries from Sorrento and Naples. We were fortunate enough to hire a small private boat and skipper who took six of my friends and I around the island. A birthday I will never forget- sipping prosecco and sailing around in the sun with music, occasionally stopping to swim in the blue ocean, the caves or best – the green grotto. Eventually we had to farewell our skipper and boat so we explored Capri by foot and cable car (very minimal cars and roads on the island). The latest ferry back that evening was already booked out, so we opted for the 4pm to ensure we were able to get back to Sorrento for our delicious dinner at Soul and Fish where I had fresh seafood pasta paired with local white wine that the sommelier suggested. Luckily it was my birthday as I (accidentally) had two desserts – one I ordered from the menu and a chocolate and almond cake my generous friends had preorganised for us all to share in celebration.