Sorrento Mini Guide
Why visit Sorrento?
Many Italians choose to spend their holidays in Sorrento but they tend to go out of season. International tourism to the town tends to lean towards the older traveller or those interested in the history of the region around Pompeii. The city is also the departure point for trips to the beautiful island of Capri, home of the rich and famous including the singer and actress Gracie Fields.
How to get there?
The best airport for Sorrento is
Naples Capochino Airport, around twelve miles away around the bay of Naples. Don’t be tempted to hire a car from the airport unless you are staying in Naples. Otherwise from the airport you’ll sit in hours of traffic travelling along the attractive bay and so the best idea is to take the train called the Circumvesuviana which goes to Sorrento via Vesuvius and Pompeii and then hire a car in Sorrento.
What to see in Sorrento?
There’s quite a lot actually. Many will want to just sit on the beaches and enjoy the spectacular view but if you want to be a little more active, you can visit Pompeii and walk up the slopes of Vesuvius with a guide – especially important as the volcano is unpredictable and dangerous in parts. If you’ve hired a car, drive along the beautiful Amalfi coast for stunning views of one of the world’s most famous coastal highways. Finally, you could take the ferry to Capri and after marvelling at the enormous price tags in the exclusive shops, swim in the incredible Blue Lagoon.
Shopping in Sorrento?
It depends on the size of your purse! There are many wonderful but extremely expensive clothes and accessories to be purchased here but for something classy that won’t break the bank, visit Notturno Intarsio for amazing wooden gifts inlaid with multi-coloured wooden tiles or Iolanda who sell good leather bags and accessories at a reasonable price. For gifts for friends back home, a bottle or two of the local liqueur, Limoncello, always goes down well.
Eating out in Sorrento?
Typically Italian yet a speciality of the Naples region are the Napolitano pizzas with a variety of toppings. Try also the pastiera, a delicious cake made in the area. Finally, try ciabatta with balsamic vinegar and the prized olive oil produced in the fields outside the town.
Entertainment in Sorrento?
Sorrento has a wide range of festivals and other celebrations, usually accompanied by food and drink. The July lemon festival is often great fun with games, processions and a million and one things to do with lemons. Religion plays a big part in celebrations here, especially during Holy Week with two big processions on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday when thousands take to the street.