Sorrento Travel Guide
Discover the Sorrentine Peninsula
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The Sorrentine Peninsula has a unique landscape of high mountains, deep valleys, cliffs and hard-won terraces, orange, lemon and olive groves interspersed with vineyards. Its villages and towns, such as Sorrento itself, make the perfect place to linger awhile, perhaps making forays to the coast for walks, or day trips to Capri, the magical isle which lies offshore. With all this along with culture and history aplenty there’s so much to the area it’s no wonder it was a must on the Grand Tour.
Legend says that Sorrento was founded by Liparos, grandson of Ulysses and the witch Circe. Certainly the Greeks of the region played their part in its early history, as seen by the remains of the Parsano Gate and the Marina Grande Gate.
The town was seriously damaged by the earthquake caused by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD, but unlike Pompeii it recovered and became a popular retreat with great villas being built. After the fall of the Roman Empire it was subjected to Byzantium, was besieged by Longobard, became a free Dukedom and struggled against neighbouring Amalfi, a powerful Maritime Republic.
It was conquered by Ruggero, plundered by pirates and in 1861 it was officially incorporated to the Kingdom of Italy and was again finding fame as a place to spend time relaxing, attracting the great and the good with figures such as Lord Byron, John Keats, Walter Scott and Goethe all visiting.
Today its popularity as a pleasant and refined resort continues. It makes the perfect base from which to explore the hinterland of the Sorrentine Peninsula, enjoy visits to Capri and, to the north, Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius.
Attractions in Sorrento
Sorrento is built on a steep sided cliff and has bathing platforms rather than beaches, theough there are a couple. Piazza Tasso is the main square, the Marina Grande a pretty fishing harbour and the Basilica of Sant'Antonino a grand 11th century church. The Villa Communale has great views and the Duomo dates from the 15th century. The Correale Museum is also worth a visit.
Activities in Sorrento
Sorrento is a better base than Naples for visiting the Bay of Naples sights. It is quite possible to do day trips to Pompeii and Capri from here when you tire of exploring the town and walking the hills. Allow a week to get to know it and you’ll find it time well spent.
Relaxing
Sip a limoncello, the famous liqueur of the region, after a pleasant dinner in one of the renowned restaurants of Sorrento.
Getting Around
The town is accessible on foot, perhaps with the odd taxi to save uphill walks. The Circumvesuviana links Sorrento with Pompeii and, beyond, Naples. Ferries leave from the Marina Grande for Capri on a regular basis.
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