18/Mar/2018

Sorrento: the perfect home base to explore the Amalfi coast

Archaeology Art Romance Yacht Charter Amalfi Coast Naples and Pompeii

Capri, Amalfi, Pompeii are just some of the many places you can easily reach from Sorrento

Idyllic Sorrento is a lovely town on the Mediterranean sea and the perfect home base to explore the Amalfi coast and its surroundings. Located only one hour south of Naples International Airport, this coastal town and the neighboring areas have something to offer to everyone. 

Whether you want to relax on a beach, yacht around Capri, explore the ruins of Pompeii, shop in Positano, climb mount Vesuvius or simply eat and drink your way through the day, Sorrento is the place to be. Keep on reading to find out our suggestions of where to go during your stay in Sorrento.
 

Take a bout tour around the island of Capri 

Just a 30 minutes boat ride from Sorrento, Capri is easily accessible. The fancy vacation island of Capri, will make any tourist feel like they are a part of the exclusivity, that the island encompasses. Private beaches, yacht tours and boat rides in aquamarine water, luxurious villas and hotels and amazing food - the best of the best, of everything. 
 
There are a variety of different boats that will take you on a tour around the island, which can suit all budgets. Don’t forget to make a stop at the numerous sea caves around the island such as the White Grotto (Grotta Bianca), Green Grotto (Grotta Verde), and the well known Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra). The vibrant colours in each cave are caused by light reflecting on the water and creates a mystical feeling. 
 
Without a doubt, the best view of Capri, is from the Belvedere of Punta Cannone. This viewpoint overlooks the sublime rocky coastline of the island, it is a 30 minutes uphill walk, but well worth it. For those who just feel like having a relaxing day in Capri, choose one of the many outstanding restaurants like: Bagni Tiberio, Torre Saracena and Il Riccio (a one-star Michelin restaurant) and have a long lunch while admiring the view and your great company.  
 
 

Shop in Positano 

After days spent exploring ancient cities and boat hopping around Capri, take some time to relax and rejuvenate, along the charming coastal town of Positano. Set at the beginning of the Amalfi coast, just a 30-minute drive or 1 hour by public transport from Sorrento, Positano is an exceptional example of what there is to be seen if you continue your journey along the Amalfi coast. Take the time to wander through the narrow streets and discover boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. Otherwise spend your time soaking up the sun on the pebble stone beaches while sipping on your aperitivo.

 

Drink a limoncello in Amalfi

If you pass Positano you may continue your way along the scenic road that goeas along the Amalfi coast and will soon reach Amalfi. The largest town along the coast, Amalfi, covers all point of interest for tourists. You can spend a few hours lounging by the water and then explore the culturally rich medieval town. Amalfi was once the capital of the maritime Republic, the Duchy of Amalfi and had important trading power in the Mediterranean. We recommend visiting the beautiful 9th century Cathedral of Saint Andrew that shows a mixture of architectural styles in its interior and exterior such as Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque and Byzantine. Afterwards, you can perfectly end your visit drinking a limoncello in front of the sea.

Visit the gardens of Ravello 

After a visit to Amalfi we strongly suggest going to Ravello. The hilltop village of Ravello offers a spectacular view of the Amalfi coast while inside the resort town you can spend your time walking through the Villa Rufolo and the Villa Cimbrone which both have amazing gardens. In particular Villa Rufolo will resonate with all music lovers for being a place of inspiration to German composer Richard Wagner (read more here). Ravello is the perfect town for a romantic evening away from the crowds of people that the seaside towns bring.
 
 
Explore the archaeological site of Pompeii and climb on Mount Vesuvius 
 
Located a 30-minute train ride from Sorrento, at the base of Mount Vesuvius, are the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Pompeii. The ancient town was buried in volcanic ash and rock after the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Excavation since 1764 have uncovered mosaics, gymnasiums, plaster casts of humans, jewels, an amphitheatre, household items, a brothel and general information about the everyday life of the citizens of Pompeii. Spend a whole day walking through a maze of streets and learning and discovering all there is to know about this breathtaking site. We would highly suggest either getting a tour guide to make the most out of your experience. The 2.5 million visitors each year are a testimony to how unique Pompeii is.
  
To know more about how to visit the archaeological site see here.
 
For those who are feeling adventurous, from Pompeii catch a shuttle van to Mount Vesuvius and complete the steep 30-minute hike to the summit and first hand be able to see the crater with its rising fume and an amazing panorama of Pompeii and Naples.
                                                                                                                                           
If you are a fan of archaeology another great option is the site of Herculaneum. Located near Pompeii, Herculaneum was also an ancient Roman town that was buried under the same eruption that covered the more famous Pompeii. Read more about this amazing site here.