Sorrento Off The Beaten Path

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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.

This little town is situated near Amalfi, which is divided to tne "Aureo mountain". It had the same historical destiny of Amalfi Republic.
To visit:
- The church of S. Maria Maddalena
- The Church of Santa Maria del Bando
- Piazzetta Umberto I

With a beautiful saracen defence tower overlooking the town, it is a quiet marine centre of the Amalfi coast, from where every night boats leave for fishing. The sea offers plenty of fish, partly salted and sold in jars. Its nice beach allows bathing to a lot of tourists, who like it for its familiar and friendly atmosphere.

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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.

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.

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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The "Chiostro di S. Francesco" court yard is open to visitors and a nice place to sit and relax. Note the doors at the entrance. I am not sure if this is still in use. Perhaps a VT member could shed some light on this.

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.