We are active seniors spending 3 days in Sorrento 9/24-27. Our first day is a train trip from Florence-Naples-Pompeii tour and finally Sorrento for the night. The next day, 25th, we are doing a car tour of the Amalfi Coast. We have the option of doing the early morning Blue Grotto and seeing some sights in Capri or just spending the day in Sorrento. This is our first time to Italy and we would have already spent 4 days in Venice, 4 days in Tuscany and 3 days in Florence. We have an early train to Rome on the 27th for 4 days, before we fly home. Which would you recommend us doing, more Sorrento or Capri?
Posted by
Farmingville, New York, USA
381 posts
Capri
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Def your first priority should be to enjoy Sorrento. Walk around , enjoy the views, gelato, walkways,night paseo, take pics, great restaurants. It is a beautiful peaceful town.They don't say "ahhh Sorrento" w/o reason. If you have another full spare day then ferry to Capri. Yes Capri is gorgeous too but for a full day!IMO Blue grotto is optional as meandering the island is more of a priority.
Posted by
Portland
3607 posts
If you decide to go to Capri, my advice is to skip the Blue Grotto. You can easily fill your day visiting Capri town and Anacapri. The last boat back to Sorrento leaves rather early - - check that when you disembark - - so the day on the island isn't all that long. After visiting the Emerald Grotto a few years ago, we gave the Blue a pass. The tariff is quite high. When you get in, you're in a cave where the light is green or blue, as the case may be. From footage I've seen, the visit to the Blue doesn't seem to be as tacky as that to the Emerald; but, imo, still not worth the big bucks.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9423 posts
We love Sorrento, our favorite place in Italy, and really dislike Capri - so my vote is Sorrento. We've been there for a week 3 times and love spending at least 2 days just being in Sorrento and enjoying everything it has to offer. They have a Hop-On Hop-Off bus that I recommend.
Posted by
Ontario Canada
650 posts
I too say Sorrento- But- even though you are doing a car tour of the Amalfi Coast I think another option would be to take the ferry from Sorrento to Positano and spend the day there. We spent 3 days in Sorrento and 3 in Positano and 1 day in Capri. Capri was too crowded and IMO not worth the trip other than to say you have been there. Positano is my favorite.
Posted by
Marin, CA
527 posts
We also love Sorrento and dislike Capri.
Posted by
Victoria, BC, Canada
372 posts
another vote for enjoying Sorrento and taking a pass on Capri. I found Capri to be a big disappointment - very crowded and expensive. We took a cab up to Anacapri, rode the funicular up the mountain, then hiked back down to Anacapri, which was fun. IMHO Capri is totally skippable in favour of spending the day in Sorrento. Don't miss Delfino's restaurant at Marina Grande - it was a wonderful meal in a beautiful setting.
Posted by
OP
Hermiston, OR, USA
69 posts
Thanks to all for your help. I suspect we will need a down day to rest before we head into intensive Rome. Enjoying Sorrento seems like a good restful option. This helpline is so awesome. I am grateful for all the responses
Posted by
Ontario Canada
650 posts
Doug Make sure you relax with a lemoncello. Can't wait to get back to Italy for this great aperitif, wether you enjoy before or after your meal.
Posted by
San Francisco
123 posts
I was there in 2000, so times may have changed but I enjoyed Capri. I agree you could skip the grotto. I loved taking the ski lift (not the funicular) to the very top of the island. It was breathtaking. One of my best memories from my trip.
Posted by
fort montgomery, ny, usa
94 posts
All of it we went for 5 days in Sorrento went all over I would say the southern region is where you should have stay the longest.