Sorrento due to its natural beauty and particular microclimate has been a tourist destination for centuries. There is something very particular about its tiny little streets, orange and lemon trees and the color of the sea. The city is stretched along a rocky coast making the scenery a fairytale like. Having numerous terraces is has also one of the most beautiful panorama in the world: the Gulf of Naples with a stunning Vesuvio as a background.
Gulf of Naples and Vesuvio, Italy
Where to start?
Sorrento is a touristic place and it has some particular features: people get up late here. The city itself is an attraction and if you wish to fully appreciate it start a walk around in early morning. It is empty but at the same time full of light and beautiful views towards the gulf. Even though Sorrento has expanded its borders far into the hills the city center full of ancient churches and old villas is easily reachable on foot. This is what makes an early morning walk so nice! Everywhere you go you will find lemon trees and this amazing view of Naples which – seen from the distance – is really beautiful. Around 7:00 a.m. the bars open up and you can conclude your walk with an italian style breakfast: brioche and cappuccino.
What I did was totally fabulous: I woke up very early and did my 8km jogging right through the city up to the hill where a village called Sant’Agata is located. The panorama of Gulf of Naples and Sorrento right in front of me in morning light was incredible! SO beautiful!
This place is so amazingly beautiful that you need to see it to believe it exists. And just today I discovered a wonderful opportunity: Jessica, a blogger and traveler, runs very particular guided tours in this area. Joining “Epicure & Culture” tour not only you will see the breathtaking views but also experience Italy living like a local. A marvelous itinerary on Amalfi Coast, excellent food and her company is included into this exclusive package. Visit her site today and book you dream Italian holiday!
Must see
There are some interesting building in the city center to visit. One of the distinctive pieces of architecture in Sorrento is a church of Saint Francis runs by franciscan monks even today. It is located next to a public terrace and stairs to the harbor. The most beautiful part of this complex is the interior cloister, dated back to early medieval times with numerous alterations and later influences. This place is very popular for concerts, exhibitions and wedding ceremonies. Walking around is very suggestive and hosting a vibrant garden inside it brings you back in time.
The second important building to visit is a Sorrento cathedral of Saint Philip and James, the apostles. Although some parts are dated back to tenth century the major part was reconstructed in a baroque style in late eighteens century. What I found most appealing in this church is the square in front of it. Small piazza – as the Italians call it – is marvelous. White facade of the cathedral, few olive trees along its wall and a high campanile behind make a lovely impression of a peaceful place in the heart of the city.
Sorrento shops with souvenirs
Pranzo means lunch
There is such a variety of small trattoria and bigger restaurants that I am pretty sure you will find it difficult to pick up one. I would suggest to eat in a restaurant with tables outside, situated directly along the street. Crossing people and uproar of this vibrant city will make this lunch unforgettable. As Sorrento is a maritime city the seafood is really exquisite. Make sure to conclude the meal with famous limoncella (a sort of lemon liquor produced locally).
Local restaurant, Sorrento
Light afternoon
A place that is a must in Sorrento is a local lemon grove. There is a free entrance to many of them and the experience is really nice. Imagine a very warm day and the moment when you enter to the shaded grove full of lemon and orange trees. It is marvelous! You can walk around, watch the orange flowers and fruits, enjoy its smell and also taste and buy a local limoncella produced from these very fruits. Some of my friends were extremely happy with the lemons I brought them from Sorrento. Lemons here are unbelievably aromatic.
Spending full day in Sorrento makes you wondering about other places in the area. A good idea is to drive to Amalfi along famous and beautiful scenic route that was proclaimed the UNESCO world heritage site. The views are breathtaking and the small towns visited along the way are so picturesque! And very different from Sorrento so it is a great idea. I did it twice myself and enjoyed every minute of it! Get back here for more next week!
Lemon grove, Sorrento, Italy
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