Good Morning--
After a week in Rome/Florence my family will be spending 5 full days in Sorrento (taking train from Rome). What are the "must sees"? We would like to use this as a wind down from the Rome part of the trip before we head back. One day as requested by my daughter will be spent at a beach. Any recommendations of a beach in Sorrento? Right now we are thinking Capri, off/on cruise of Almafi Coast, Pompeii/Mt. Vesuvius. Thanks for all your help!
I can't think of anything resembling a decent beach in Sorrento. See if you can go at least to Massa Lubrense, otherwise the Amalfi coast (the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula) offers the best options. Take a look below:
http://www.enjoythecoast.it/en/
You have already a long list of things to do in the area (Pompeii, Positano and Amalfi on the Amalfi coast, Capri). Each will take the best of a full day. You could add a day visit to Procida island, or to Ischia island. Naples would make a nice day trip too. There are some beautiful spots to see, a famous Archeological museum, and of course the best pizza on Earth.
I LOVE Sorrento! I'm there just about every July for a week and I always stay at the Hotel il Nido. It is a great place to "wind down" as you say. Beach? How about a platform over the bay? Very popular - you can recline on chairs above or in the water. Haven't done it myself but it looks like a nice slice of dolce far niente.
Capri is like Miami's South Beach. A group of friends took a boat trip from Sorrento to Amalfi Town - the boat stopped off of Capri coming and going so that everyone could jump off and swim for 30 minutes or so. It was really wonderful. Amalfi Town is very interesting and different from many other shore towns.
Pompeii is mind blowing. Herculeum is much less crowded and quite honestly for me it was better in some ways. Don't forget Paestum! The best Greek ruins (if you can call those two huge temples that are still standing ruins!) north of Sicily.
In Sorrento itself, just walk and shop until sunset. But be by the water at sunset - it truly is Apollo driving his firery chariot into the sea!
The Foreigners' Club is a great place for an afternoon snack or cold drink. The view over the Bay of Naples across to Vesuvius is very beautiful.
OK, it's time to confirm my reservations for next July and check the webcam from il Nido.
@Robert, you have to go back to Paestum to check out the third temple. Any reason for a return will do, in my opinion.
Get to Pompeii when they open. It will be hot and there's no shade. My personal advice - don't walk all the way to see the amphitheatre - not really worth it. But do take the long walk to the Casa dei Misteri.
I agree - Herculaneum is as interesting as Pompeii, in a different way. I loved the Archaeology Museum in Naples which houses most of the artwork from all the sites destroyed by Vesuvius and other stuff too.
Friends of mine recommend taking the bus to the "top" Positano, then wandering downhill through the town and returning to Sorrento by ferry.
mprowe,
On the topic of beaches.....
Positano has quite a nice beach, although I vaguely remember it as being a bit rocky. You could take the Bus down there and spend a few hours so that your daughter can get some "beach time".
If you stay at either Hotel Desiree or Hotel Tonnarella, as I recall they share a small beach, so that's another option.
In the small harbour area of Sorrento, there's a small beach but I'm not sure if it's open for swimming.
Here is a list of beaches in and around Sorrento, our favourite is Nerano/Marina del Cantone. A lovely setting but it is pebbles not sand. About a 40 minute journey by bus from Sorrento Railway Station. Some excellent beachside restos there.
http://www.sorrentodreaming.com/what-to-see/beaches-of-sorrento/
You pay a fee to use the bathing platforms in Sorrento itself but use of showers, changing cabins and toilets is included. They usually have an on-site cafe serving food at reasonable prices.
Sorrento isn't known for its beaches, but it's a great base to explore the area. Capri is a must - fun boat ride, the Blue Grotto and great people watching. Hiking Mt. Vesuvius, visiting Herculeum and exploring Sorrento will make your daughter forget about the lack of a typical sandy beach in no time!
