Sorrento is (and has been for quite some time) one of the best known resorts in Italy. Sorrento is perched on a dramatic line of steeply rising cliffs, overlooking the Bay of Naples, on a stretch of coastline of great beauty, on the northern slope of the Sorrentine Peninsula. The town is surrounded by orange and lemon groves and lush thickly wooded hills where vines and olives are grown. A deep gorge runs down to the port on the sea. The town has pretty pastel-coloured houses and several quaint small squares.
On a clear day you can see the city of Naples about 25 miles away on the other side of the bay, as well as the slopes of the majestic Mt. Vesuvius, and the island of Ischia.
A charming resort in a spectacular setting, the town is exceedingly popular with tourists, many of whom flock here every year, using it as base for exploring the famous Amalfi Coast. It is a great town for wandering around on foot. At the center of Sorrento is Piazza Tasso, a bustling and typical Italian square filled with several bars and restaurants. The view from the public gardens above this square is spectacular. Near the square is the church of San Francesco, a major landmark of the town where evening concerts are staged the evening. Close to the plaza are lanes lined with bakeries, boutiques, clothing stores, and souvenir shops.
Sorrento is an ideal base for visiting other nearby sights in the region. The town harbour has frequent ferry departures to Capri, Amalfi and Naples, and is within easy reach of the Amalfi Coast, Pompei and the city of Naples. You can easily reach Pompeii and Naples by train. If you have nerves of steel you can drive along the dramatic serpentine coast road that leads to the picturesque towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello. |
