| Tips and photos of unusual, out-of-the-way Sorrento attractions, posted by real travelers and locals. Sorrento Map |
 | Sorrento Off the Beaten Path | Tips 1 - 10 of 33 |  |
This tip is not so much about “Off the beaten path” as above it! Everywhere we went in Sorrento we saw these beautifully looked-after shrines on the walls, with fresh flowers and often little votive candles. They made for a nice photo essay and for me captured the essence of this little town – very Italian in flavour, well-kept and well-loved, strongly traditional but with modern touches. It was only when I got home and started sorting my photos that I realised almost all the shrines depict the same scene. I’ve tried to find out more but can’t track down any information about the story they tell, so if anyone can help I’d be grateful.
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Some of my most memorable vacation moments were hiking the hills of the Amalfi Coast. By all means, take the bus from Capri up to Anacapri - a fantastic experience - but take the less travelled back country path/steps back down through lemon groves. Pick up the "Fenician Staircase" in Anacapri at the end of Via San Michele after passing Villa San Michele and follow it all the way back down to the Marina Grande. These steps were built by the Greeks in the 8th century B.C. - it was the only acces to the sea or the village of Anacapri until 1877 when the current road was built. Another great hike was from Ravello back down to Amalfi. Again, take the bus up but follow the paths through the hills and enjoy the sumptuous views and local gardens on the way down. There are a couple of tourist offices in Ravello that provide (free) maps of the area and there are numerous trails down, depending on how much time you have. Highly recommendeded. This photo was taken of a local man harvesting lemons - the lemons were as big as grapefruits and their scent wafted by me as he passed.
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After you get tired of exploring Sorrento town and if you have more time, you can try to make your way to the Marina Grande. As you walk down towards the Marina Grande, you can admire along the way the old stone houses along the back lanes and alleys, see the sleepy lifestyle that seems unchanged for decades, and get blown over by the “windy”* view of the Bay of Naples from a high vintage point facing the sea. *The wind from the sea can be rather strong (depending on what time of year you're there) but it feels fresh and clean. The twists and turns of the paths and the descending steps that lead to the Marina Grande can be daunting for those with knee problems, but the pretty picturesque view of the Marina is worth it. There'll be houses by the beach; there'll be fishing boats bobbing on the waters, fishermen mending their nets or talking about their catch; there are a few simple local restaurants serving the freshest seafood, with mouth-watering scents of grilled seafood wafting through the air. Why not take a break? Order some seafood and wines, sit outdoors and enjoy the maritime scenes around you? It is totally peaceful and relaxing – just to hear the waves and to catch the lovely sunset at the Marina Grande.
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There is no doubt that Sorrento is an ancient settlement, existing long before the Romans turned it into a seaside-holiday venue, but there is little of this visible today. However, if you turn left up Via Sersale from Corso Italia you will come to the Porta Parsano Nuova: the 'new' Parsano gate. The Roman town was built directly over the preceding Greek street-plan, and the later Medieval walls which replaced the Roman ones followed the same line. So, although the 'gate' itself dates from the 1500s, if you look down you will see the original Greek wall remaining as a foundation. The stone blocks are huge, and the walls must have been an imposing sight. There's also a little bit of ancient wall remaining in Via Sopra Le Mura. Leave a Comment
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I stumbled into this gem - tucked away on Via S. Nicola a few steps from Via Tasso - and would highly recommend it. The history of the production of wooden inlay is layed out in four floors of a fabulously renovated 18th century family Palazza. At the start are historical photos, paintings and prints of the area to give you a feel for early Sorrento as seen through the eyes of the local artists. Then the furniture and other treasures of the inlay artisans and masters are displayed - incredible works of art with informative panels describing the craftsmen and the School of Art collections. Breathtaking. The contrast between this historical establishment and the tourist shops surrounding it is especially ironic. And the fact that the museum was empty of other tourists when I visited it and the shops were crowded is even more unbelievable. After touring the museum, a visit to the Duomo to witness the intarsia work in a public setting will be even more appreciated. Phone: 0818771942Other Contact: 28 Via S. Nicola
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Looking across the "canyon" like divide in town, we admired the buildings on the embankment. Imagine they would have a spectacular view of the town as well as the bay. Lacey curtain at the window, plants on the balcony, a little bread and wine, camera constantly ready...a few friends gathered to enjoy the end of the day...I could manage a few months of living this way. Leave a Comment
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We decided that, armed with instructions from a book from home, we would walk to Massa Lubrense from Sorrento. Its about 4k but is nowhere level, it goes up and up then down and down! The instructions were rubbish as crucial information was missed. This is the trouble with directions when you are wrong there is no way back. At least with a good map you can find yourself again. Back at the walk, getting lost was no problem good guesswork and helpful locals soon put us right. In fact I recommend getting lost if time is not limited. It is possible to walk between the towns hardly touching main roads and with panoramic views and local culture all the way. There is a bus back to Sorrento! Leave a Comment
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by Pawtuxet Here is the view from the simple back path we chose to take back to our hotel. The views were worth a million bucks. This entire area of Italy is blessed with fabulous scenery..due in great part by the way the land rises up so quickly from the sea. The result is that almost any hillside has its own gorgeous landscape. Leave a Comment
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 Capri seen from the village of Termini by malkin Walk the well indicated footpath trails on the Sorrento peninsular and get splendid views from the Punta Campanella and the other Points jutting out into the Mediterranean. Punta del Capo is accessible on foot directly from Sorrento. The village of Termini is a good starting point for the others. Termini is easily accessible by bus (destination Nerano) Get info from the tourist office: via Luigi De Maio,35 tel 081 8074033 www.sorrentotourism.it Leave a Comment
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 Marina di Puolo by HORSCHECK The picturesque fishing village of Marina di Puolo just west of Sorrento has a very nice sandy beach. A few local restaurants offer seafood dishes. Marina di Puolo can be reached from the road between Sorrento and Massa Lubrense. There is a relaxing downhill walk through olive tree plantations. Leave a Comment
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