Slowing Down Time in Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento is a beautiful place to come and relax and also a perfect home base for exploring the Amalfi Coast and Capri (you could also visit Naples as a day trip). Nestled in between two cliffs, Sorrento gives you an amazing view of the Bay of Naples. Although there aren't any major sites in Sorrento it is a great place to just wander around.

You will find a multitude of local shops offering everything from the tackiest souvenirs trinkets to beautiful works of inlaid wood art (a specialty in the area). Strolling around the old town (between Piazzo Tasso and the water) you'll find lots of interesting places to window shop as well as some great restaurants.

Though the beach is not ideal for sunbathing as it is filled with fishing boats, it is a fun beach to go "treasure hunting" and watch Italian life as it happens: fisherman out painting their boats or bringing in their catch for the day. If you are looking for some sunbathing the small town of Meta is not far and has a nice beach.

Quick Tips:

At the local shops and street vendors it is acceptable and even expected that you bargain for a good price.

Best Way To Get Around:

In general walking is your best way to get around. The town is fairly small and window shopping is half the fun.

If you're adventurous and would like to travel a little beyond Sorrento I recommend renting a scooter. Though be warned: there are lots of other scooters out on the road and by our standards they are crazy drivers. It is very common for them to simply drive in the lane of oncoming traffic in order to pass the traffic in their own lane. If you attempt this just watch out for other scooters trying to pass you as well and when oncoming traffic starts to come, just slide your way back into your own lane.

If you'd like to see some more of the Amalfi Coast (Positano and Amalfi) buy bus tickets at a tabbachi shop then head to the train station. Just across the street from the station there is a bus stop, check the schedule and hop on a blue Sita bus. The drive is half the fun (although here's a warning: the buses are full, hot and rarely does the A/C turn on- which makes a bad combination if you tend to get carsick). I highly recommend stopping in Positano even if Amalfi is your final destination.

A day trip to the Island of Capri is a favorite among tourist. Though we didn't make it out here I hear it is beautiful. Buy ferry tickets down by the docks.

Talk about a room with a view! Though you will pay an extra €10 for the view it is worth it, and comes with a balcony. The hotel basically hangs on the cliffside giving you a view of the water, the entire town of Sorrento and in the distance (if you look closely) you can see Naples. The rooms are quite large (the biggest we had on our whole trip to Italy). They are tiled and have a complete set of wicker-like furnishings. You also have the use of a lock-box and satellite TV (including a few channels in English, which we later learned is rare). Though the hotel is not in the center of town it is within walking distance. From Piazza Tass (the center) it takes about 15 minutes to walk, which we didn't mind after a big meal. However, if you'd rather you can also take the Orange city bus up Via Capo for just €1. The hotel staff is very friendly and speaks English. Price for a double room with a balcony was €150. www.minervasorrento.com

Great pizza. I had the seafood pizza (which be warned you have to pull the mussels, clams, etc. out of the shell yourself) and my husband had a calzone (which was huge!). It was great and well priced for the huge portions (average meal about $10 per person). You have the choice of sitting inside, or we prefered sitting outside and watching the bustling nightlife on Piazza Tasso.

La Botteguciia is a great place to find the coveted inlaid wood products that Sorrento is famous for (they also have a large selection of Sorrento's other favorite "limoncello"). Jasmine runs the place and speaks fluent English and loves to chat about the works she has in the store. You can find small plaques and coasters for less than €10 or incredible masterpieces for over €1000. She'll wrap your purchase up nicely so that it will be safe throughout the rest of your travels.