I love Sorrento. I admit to bias here. My son was born in Sorrento 44 years ago, so it will always be special to me.
As I have said before, the best way to arrive in Sorrento is by boat. Ferries leave Naples regularly and travel along the coast to Sorrento past the impressive Vesuvius.
Coming into port in Sorrento is great. The town sits high above the water on vertiginous cliffs. I am very pleased there is a little bus to carry me from to port to the town. I am prepared to walk down, but the walk up does not excite me.
This narrow shopping street hasn’t changed all that much in 44 years except that it is now more crowded. Even in mid October the people keep coming.
Don’t miss Sedile Dominova, an open loggia created in the 16th century. What was once a place for noblemen is now a beautiful meeting place for workmen.
We ventured to the cliff at sunset. People were still swimming and relaxing beside the sea.
It is always great to drop into the gorgeous 14th century cloister of San Francesco.
We spotted a couple of great places to eat. This one looked especially lovely.
It belongs to this beautiful hotel. Il Marzialino.
We decided on this one, La Lanterna, on the recommendation of my niece, whose shop is nearby.
For some reason there are Samuri warriors dotted around Sorrento at the moment.
The harbour was busy the next morning as we set off for Capri.
Sorrento makes a great base to explore the Amalfi Coast. There is lots to see and do in town and lots of transport to the towns and islands nearby.
As well as the boats from Naples there is also a train. It leaves from one level below the Trenitalia trains at Naples station. The Circumvesuviana has been updated a bit since 1973, but is is still awful and travels through some unattractive areas. First timers must wonder what they are coming to. It is usually very crowded and you may have to stand for the entire journey…take the boat.
There are buses from Naples railway station and the airport to Molo Beverello where you catch the ferries.