Welcome to Visit-the-World's Sorrento section ...

Visit Sorrento

Set on a spectacular headland, Sorrento faces one of the most beautiful views in the world, across the Bay of Naples. As you look seaward from one of the many wonderful hotel and restaurant terraces you have panoramic views 
right around the Neapolitan Coast.

Located just 2 miles off the tip of the Sorrento peninsula is the beautiful Isle of Capri. Then as you scan the bay anti-clockwise, you see the majestic volcano, Mount Vesuvius, dominating the bay, with the remains of the tragic Roman city of Pompeii at its foot. The sprawl of greater Naples now surrounds the ancient city, which succumbed so dramatically to the power of Vesuvius almost two millennia ago.

Further round, across the bay, is the heart of the city of Naples, with its
old faded  architecture. Then, opposite Sorrento, on the the north-western side of the bay, the town of Pozzuoli sits on its headland, overlooking the holiday island of Ischia, 16 miles to the west.

The vista is magical at night, when a million lights can be seen twinkling
around the full sweep of the bay.

Sorrento is full of contrasts. It has narrow alleyways in the old mediaeval
centre, with tiny hole-in-the-wall antique shops and numerous restaurants, whilst the main shopping street, Corso Italia, is lined with elegant boutiques.

Life tends to centre around Piazza Tasso, the main square, in the
evenings. It buzzes with life as both locals and visitors gather in the many pavement cafes.

At the bottom of the steep hill below the piazza is Marina Piccola, the
"Little Harbour ". From here the ferry leaves for the magical isle of Capri,
made famous in song by Lancashire Lass, Gracie Fields, who became the island's most celebrated resident.

A little further along from Marina Piccola is Marina Grande, the "Big
Harbour", which is a relaxing alternative spot to while away balmy Italian
evenings, after savouring some tasty pasta, washed down with local vino
rosso and a limoncello or three! This is a sweet liqueur made from rind of lemon; a speciality of the region.

Sorrento is a wonderful strategic centre for exploring the whole of the
Neapolitan Riviera.

Going north, you find  Naples, with its interesting  architecture, museums and shops [although it pays to keep an eye on your purse!] However, it is nowhere near as fascinating, in my mind, as Pompeii, the Roman city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. This is a fantastic place, giving a true insight into the level of civilisation achieved by the Roman Empire two thousand years ago. The smaller Roman ruins at nearby Herculaneum are also worth a guided tour.

A trip to the top of Vesuvius itself is also worth-while. A bus takes you
part of the way up the mountain, then it's a walk to the crater's edge at the summit. The views across the Naples area are tremendous.
Remember, this is a live volcano, which could erupt at any time! The last
eruption occurred during the Second World War. Don't worry, it does not happen too often!!!

If trips going north are extremely interesting, trips to the south of
Sorrento are even more wonderful. Just around the corner, on the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, lies one of the most romantic, beautiful coast-lines in the world ... the Amalfi Coast. The rugged, high cliffs are absolutely stunning. To drive by car, or travel by coach, along the snaking highway which clings precariously hundreds of feet up to the towering vertical cliffs above a deep blue sea, is an unforgettable  experience. The first time I did it, in a service bus, with a driver who thought he was at Monza, I had to move to the inside of the bus. It was more than a little frightening; the drop to the sea  from the  twisting, narrow road, was hundreds of feet. There was absolutely no room for  one iota of error, or bad luck. I was glad to alight at the top of the beautiful, stylish  village of Positano, which clings like a limpet to the cliff-face for hundreds of feet.

Positano is south-facing, so it catches the warm, afternoon sun. The 
tumbling bougainvillea and other flowering shrubs on the walk down help to make Positano one of the most exclusive, beautiful villages in Europe.

Further along the Amalfi Coast, is Amalfi itself. This is an historical  gem of a little city, much of it in the bottom of a cleft in the coast. It has a
fascinating cathedral and wonderful architecture. It also has a relaxing sun-trap of a harbour area, with lovely open-air restaurants and cafes.

Indeed, many prefer to arrive here, from Sorrento or Naples, by boat.
I wonder why!!!

The Amalfi Coast is one of the world's scenic treasures, leaving  lasting,
life-long, memories. The view from the sophisticated  village of Ravello, high above this coast, is absolutely breath-taking!!

The Amalfi Coast and Sorrento generally are a "must-see " holiday 
location. Absolutely beautiful!!!!