Sorrentine Peninsula

Talk to any Italy lover long and you will quickly hear them go into a dissertation on the Amalfi Coast and the debate as to which is the greater destination; Positano, Ravello or Capri. While they are truly beautiful, my favorite base from which to explore all the wonders of the peninsula, or to just relax and let my soul heal, is Sorrento.

Quick Tips:

A person could easily spend two weeks in this area and never get bored. In fact, many Europeans do. Sorrento is a favorite of Brits. Find a comfortable base (I heartily recommend the Hotel Aminta) and take day trips to Pompeii, Napoli, Capri, Positano, Ravello, Vesuvius, Ischia, Procida..... The options are endless.

Best Way To Get Around:

Driving the Amalfi Coast may just be one of the most adventurous experiences one would find in Italy. The curvy highway is narrow and the cliffs are steep. One can easily imagine themselves the Italian racer in their Mazerati..... But in reality getting around the Sorrentine Peninsula using only public transportation is easily doable. Take the Circumvesuvius from Naples to Sorrento and the SITA bus, a ferry, a hydrofoil, or even taxi anywhere else. Within each town walking is the preferred methodology.

The Grand Hotel Aminta was a fabulous find. Situated high on the hill, overlooking the Bay of Naples, the 4 star hotel has a spectacular view from every angle. Each room has a balcony with picture postcard vistas and it's difficult to tear yourself away from the windows. The rooms are comfortable and large by European standards.

The common areas of the hotel include a huge lobby, sitting area with comfortable couches and picture windows everywhere. The restaurant and bar area are at the top of a circular staircase and again make use of picture windows, often wide open to let in the bay breezes, with incredible views of the town and bay below. Vesuvius in the distance reminds you of eras gone by. A large pool and deck have comfortable pool chairs and by day, many visitors choose to spend the warm afternoons tanning and being served libations by the hotel staff.

One of my favorite things to do is enjoy a lunch of caprese and a pizzetta at one of the tables on the deck while gazing out at the spectacle below.

The hotel is about a 15 or 20 minute walk, down a cobble path to the city. But a shuttle bus operates on a regular schedule for those who wish to ride. The walk down is easy but the walk up is a chore.

The staff is superb. Lyla at the desk went out of her way to assist me when I had a family emergency at home. Tonino might possibly be the best bar tender in all of Italy. And Gianfranco, the manager treats his guests as if they are staying in his own home, which of course they are!

On the last night of a week in Sorrento we wanted something special so we asked one of our taxi drivers, tell us the three best places for dinner.

Caruso's is named for the famous opera singer, who's pictures graces many of the walls of the beautiful restaurant. Americane to the bone, we find it difficult to wait until 9 or 10 for dinner so when we showed up at 7:30 we were about the first ones there. Our server treated us royally anyway.

Celebrating our last night in one of our very favorite cities we decided to have champagne. Ahhhh, the life! The squash ravioli appetizer was one of those melt in your mouth experiences and I wanted to savor every bite. The fresh seafood was light and delicious.

In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying an entire civilization south of Rome. It wasn't until 1748 that excavations began, unearthing the amazing sites that are today the ruins of Pompeii.

Forums, temples, baths, theaters, private homes, markets, even bordellos.... an entire city is layed out before the visitor.

Allow at least 4 hours to visit this area. And do visit it. For a person like me who loves to imagine themself in another era and another life a visit to Pompeii will capture your imagination and not let go for days.

Keep in mind that Pompeii is primarily just the ruins. While the visitor will see some walls painted with graphics from early times, most of the artifacts that were uncovered are found in the Archeological Museum in Naples. A certified ancient Romafile will want to visit that very special place as well.