Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

Top Sights in

Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

A visit to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast is about relaxing in the Italian sun and taking in its dramatic coastal views. Sorrento sits on the Gulf of Naples and is not technically a part of the Amalfi Coast, but for most visitors, it is the jumping off point.

Top Sights in Sorrento

Sorrento- The main square in Sorrento is called Piazza Tasso. It is just as typical and charming as any square in Italy. After a morning at the beach you can relax in one of the cafés on the square or get lost in the narrow streets that lead from here. The warm Italian sun makes the area perfect for growing lemons which are used to make the local liqueur limoncello. The 15th century villa, Palazzo Correale, is the top attraction in town. It features art, china, glass and porcelain from the 17th to 19th centuries. The 14th century cathedral is also worth a peak. Sorrento is one of the top ports for ferries and private boats to Capri.

Top Sights along the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast- The Amalfi Coast stretches about 50 miles from the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula to the city of Salerno. The coast line is famous for its amazing views of quaint fishing villages and luxury hotels clinging to the cliffs above the beautiful blue sea. With each hairpin turn of the road you'll be astonished by another vista. The most popular and dramatic of the coast line is from Positano to Amalfi. Driving this area can easily take 2-3 hours. Driving the entire length of the Amalfi coast with only brief stops would take 7-8 hours.

Positano- The town of Positano is one of the most popular resort towns in the world. Narrow streets and staircases that are lined with shops and cafés lead from the main road to the beautiful beaches below. In the distance are views of the Galli islands. There are several hiking trails to enjoy even more dramatic views, including the "pathway of the gods." The main sight in town is the 13th century Byzantine painting, "The Black Virgin" which can be seen in the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.

Driving Positano to Amalfi you will pass the small charming towns of Vettica Maggiore and Praiano, next is the Vaalone del Furore, where the sea surges between the rocky walls of the large gorge. Next you pass the Emerald Grotto which got its name for the color of the water as it is filtered by the light. The grotto can be reached by boat from Amalfi. After passing the next small town of Conca dei Marini, you reach the town of Amalfi.

Amalfi- Legend says that Hercules created Amalfi to honor a beautiful nymph he had fallen in love with. When she died at a young age, he wanted to bury her in the most beautiful place possible, so he created the town of Amalfi. Facts tell us that the Roman built the town in the 5th century AD. Enjoy the many cafés and shops that are near the town square and take a peak in the 11th century cathedral which includes the crypt of Saint Andrea, the patron saint of Amalfi. Notice the Oriental touches of architecture that are common on the Amalfi coast including the often photographed bell tower and the stone arches that look as if they were made of lace.

After Amalfi is the the medieval village of Atrani and then Ravello, which sits 1,150 feet above the sea and yet so close to the shore line. Ravello is most noted for its many churches. Near these towns are the Villas of Rudulfo and Cimbrone which are both well known for their gardens and commanding views of the coastline. Continuing east you would pass the less known towns of Scala, Minori, Maiori, Vietri and finally Salerno.

We realize that many people visit the Amalfi Coast as a day trip from cruise ships, so we offer Private Tours from Naples to make the best of limited time.

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