Things to do in Amalfi Coast

Sorrento is a charming resort to the south of Rome in a spectacular setting. The town is known as the base for exploring the famous Amalfi Coast. Patrician villas adorn its picturesque old city streets. The Marina Grande, a traditional fishing harbor and popular destination for a stroll, will enchant guests every step of the way. The town is surrounded by orange and lemon groves and lush thickly wooded hills where vines and olives are grown.

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.

Shopping in Sorrento is a real treat, featuring inlaid wood boxes, hand-made lace, designer clothes, antiques and jewelry being the most popular items, together with Italian wines, aperitifs and liqueurs in festive bottles. The town has a number of excellent pizzerias, trattorias and restaurants, with an emphasis on Southern Italian cuisine. Local specialties include seafood, almond cakes, smoked cheeses and limoncello, a sweet-sour liqueur fermented from the lemons that grow in the area.

Guests can explore the grand Amalfi Coast with its crystalline waters, sunny days and delectable food. Sorrento is the ideal base for visiting other nearby sights in the region. There are frequent ferry departures to Capri, Amalfi and Naples, and Sorrento. Also, within easy reach of the Amalfi Coast by car or train, are Pompeii and the city of Naples. The drive along the dramatic serpentine coast road that leads to the picturesque towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello is not for the faint of heart.