Date of travel: May 26, 2017
Visiting the Amalfi Coast was a dream come true, and when my family and friends decided to explore Italy in 2016, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast topped our itinerary. Although Sorrento isn’t technically part of the Amalfi Coast, its stunning location on the Sorrentine Peninsula, overlooking the Bay of Naples, Mt. Vesuvius, and the island of Capri, makes it the perfect gateway to Amalfi Coast.
The Amalfi Coast, a breath taking stretch of coastline in southern Italy, spans from Positano on the West to Vietri sul Mare on the East, boasting 13 picturesque towns along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Among them, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are the most enchanting, each with its unique charm and character.
Our Journey:
After arriving in Naples, we kicked off our adventure by exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii on our first day. The next day, we dedicated to visiting Sorrento and the breath taking Amalfi Coast. On our way, we made quick photo stops at the charming towns of Montechiaro and Vico Equense, perched on a clifftop. The tiny village of Meta was another highlight, with buildings mere steps away from the sea.
Sorrento:
Our scenic 90-minute journey from Naples brought us to the picturesque town of Sorrento, nestled atop a hill overlooking its bustling marinas. With its stunning views, delectable food, and beautiful beaches, Sorrento is a beloved destination among Europeans. Famous writers like Lord Byron, Keats, and Charles Dickens have all fallen for this charming coastal town’s allure.
Although we only had a couple of hours to spare, we made the most of our time in Sorrento. We strolled through modern Piazza Lauro, walked along Corso Italia, the town’s main shopping street, and reached Piazza Tasso, named after the renowned local poet Torquato Tasso. This vibrant square was bustling with tourists shopping, sipping drinks, and savouring food at the local restaurants. We also captured the dramatic view of the Valley of the Mills from the railing and visited the church.
Sorrento is famous for ceramics art, lacework and woodworks as well as its lemons and Limoncello.
Limoncello – It is a classic sweet Italian lemon liquor, typically served chilled as a digestif or used in cocktails. The liquor is made from lemon zest infused with vodka or other alcohol and primarily produced in Amalfi coast and Sicily. With its alcohol content varying between 24% -32%, it tastes heavenly on a hot summer day.
Amalfi Coast:
“Amalfi Drive and the Picturesque Towns”
The next leg of our journey took us on the spectacular Amalfi Drive, a 50-kilometer scenic coastal road connecting Sorrento and Amalfi. This iconic route is renowned for its narrow winding roads and breath taking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. With towering cliffs, secluded coves, and grand villas, the Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a true gem of the Mediterranean.
As we drove along the “divine coast” the azure waters and surrounding cliffs left us mesmerized. Our first stop was the charming town of Positano, with its colourful houses, steep streets, and narrow staircases making it a photographer’s paradise. We admired the Grand Marina beach and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, featuring a stunning dome made of majolica tiles. Undoubtedly Positano is considered the prettiest town of Amalfi coast.
We also briefly visited the quaint towns of Praiano, Furore, and Conca dei Marini, each with its unique charm. Praiano’s quiet, rocky beaches and laid-back atmosphere made it a standout, while Furore’s fjord and secluded beach were a tempting detour. Unfortunately, our bus couldn’t navigate the winding roads, so we skipped it. Conca dei Marini, with its Emerald Grotto and cliff side villages, was another enchanting stop.
“Amalfi: The Pearl of the Coast”
After a scenic drive along the coastal road, we arrived in Amalfi, the main town of the coast and aptly known as its pearl. Nestled at the mouth of a deep ravine, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, Amalfi boasts a stunning beach, Marina Grande, right in front of the town. The port of Amalfi is well-connected to nearby towns like Capri, Positano, and Salerno.
Amalfi’s historic centre is a treasure trove of sights, with Piazza del Duomo and the stunning Cathedral of Saint Andrew being the highlights. The 11th-century cathedral’s mosaics, frescoes, paintings, and golden ceilings are breath taking. We also visited the Amalfi paper museum, renowned for producing high-quality paper.
As we wandered through the cobblestoned streets lined with shops and restaurants, we enjoyed a refreshing swim on the beach, easily accessible compared to other towns along the coast. After savouring great seafood and limoncello-infused cocktails at a beachside bar, we embarked on our return journey to Naples, taking in the vibrant colours of the post-sunset sky.
Getting There and Exploring the Amalfi Coast
- By Road: The nearest airport is Naples International Airport. From there, you can rent a car, hire a taxi, or take the local SITA bus, which runs every 30 minutes to Sorrento and other Amalfi Coast towns. Renting a small car is recommended due to the narrow, winding roads.
- By Train: Trains from Naples connect to Sorrento, Salerno, and Vietri sul Mare, with buses available from these stations.
- By Ferry: Ferries from Sorrento to Amalfi or Positano offer breath taking views of the coastline.
When to Visit: Summer is ideal for beach activities, but expect large crowds and high prices. Spring and autumn are great alternatives for a more relaxed experience and affordable accommodations.
Accommodation: From budget-friendly hotels to boutique hotels and Airbnb options, there’s something for everyone. Book in advance, especially during summer. Consider lesser – known towns like Atrani or Praiano for a quieter, more affordable stay.
Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the famous limoncello, limoncello-filled chocolates, and flavoured treats. Enjoy Neapolitan pizza, pasta, risotto, fresh fish, and seafood throughout your trip.
Activities: Explore scenic hiking trails like the Path of the Gods, go swimming, kayaking, or take a boat tour. Simply soaking in the views or relaxing on the beach is also a must-do.
14 thoughts on “A Trip to Paradise: Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast”
It is such an excellent presentation which helped me to visualise the total visit as if I have seen personaly. Sandip your hard labour and brilliance is there to make reach and simple to understand and visualise beautifully. Thanks a lot. I salute u.
Thanks Bishwanath for nice feedback and valuable comments.
All r very beautiful places
Thanks a lot,dear
Sir it’s very beautiful place i really liked it and the clarity of the photos are amazing
Thanks a lot for your valuable feedback
Wow that’s wonderful
Thanks a lot for your valuable feedback
Such a beautiful place and you have described really well and got great pics too! Thankyou!
Thanks a lot for lovely feedback.
Lovely pics n detailed narration
Thanks a lot
Your description of the places are so vivid and detailed that you can visualise the beautiful places in front of you. Thankyou for giving such valuable tips , it’s so easier for tourists to visit the places easily. Thankyou.
Thank you Pannadi for your valuable and encouraging comments.