Sorrento is an enchanting resort city on Italy's Amalfi Coast,nestled on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples. Known for its seductive views and bustling streets-particularly in the summertime-the destination offers some distinctive local products and fun pub-hopping as well.
If you can afford to splurge, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, on Piazza Tasso, is an oasis of luxury-with elegant antique furnishings, staggering vistas and cliff-side terraces. La Tonnarella (on Via Capo) is more affordable, however, and almost as charming.
Be sure to take the ferry to Capri, without a doubt one of the most charming islands on earth and a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. A small port town provides kitschy seaside shopping, or take the avuncular (tram) up the mountain for breathtaking views, gelato and café dining; the famous Blue Grotto cavern, known for its glowing blue waters, is a memorable excursion as well.
Off the beaten path but worth the side trip, Don Alfonso is arguably one of the best dining experiences in all of Italy. Impeccable haute cuisine, an elegant setting with wonderful views, and wines stored in an Etruscan cellar add up to an unforgettable meal; the establishment (which includes a handful of tasteful suites as well) is on the Corso Sant'Agata.
Sorrento is hailed for its inlaid wood furniture and production of limoncello, an after-dinner liqueur flavored with lemon rinds, and you'll encounter both these items on a shopping junket of the downtown. The winding side-streets near the main square are a delight, and include some fun cafés and bars as well.
A satisfying way to experience the region's ancient history is through a visit to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a delightful cloister from the 1300s beautified by a vine-filled garden. The serene sanctuary can be found on Via San Francesco and is open at no charge to the public seven days a week.
Have an evening out of nightclub and tavern traversing, built around two nightspots on the town square (aka Piazza Tasso) and some decent bars on the main drag (aka Corso Italia). Also worth considering is the piano bar Taverna dell' 800 on Via dell'Accademia, a nice choice for a romantic outing.
Those visiting the city between April and September should plan on a stop at Museo Correale di Terranova, a one-time palace now showcasing an eclectic collection of artwork and artifacts. Located on Via Correale, the museum is a nice place to wile away an hour or two and includes some pleasant gardens as well.
