Hello Friends!
I just returned from a week in Sorrento and along the Amalfi Coast, and wow, what a week it was! There is so much to share from our adventures, but I want to start with one key detail first — why I chose Sorrento as our home base.
The reason is simple: my husband and I visited the Amalfi Coast about eleven years ago and stayed in Positano the entire time. It was lovely, but this time around, with our college-age kids in tow, we wanted a home base with a bit more energy and nightlife. So we chose Sorrento — and it did not disappoint.
There was so much to love — the food, the shopping, the views over the Gulf of Naples, and so much more. If you’re dreaming of a trip to the Amalfi Coast and can’t quite decide where to stay, here are a few reasons to consider Sorrento.
5 Reasons to choose Sorrento as your Amalfi Coast home base
Size & Style
Sorrento is larger than Positano or Amalfi, which means more to do, more to see, and more shopping and dining options. And yet, even with its size, it still has all the Italian charm you’re hoping for — cobblestone streets, narrow winding lanes, quaint little shops, and not a single American chain restaurant in sight. The larger footprint also helps absorb the summer crowds beautifully — it feels lively, never overwhelming.
Location & Layout
Sorrento sits about 1.5 hours south of Naples, right on the Gulf of Naples — technically just outside the Amalfi Coast itself, which lies on the other side of the peninsula. That makes it an ideal home base for exploring nearby Pompeii and Vesuvius, and its bustling marina offers easy ferry access to Amalfi Coast port towns like Positano and Amalfi, as well as the island of Capri. Sorrento is also flatter and easier to navigate than its hillier neighbors, with a few clearly defined main streets that make getting around a breeze.
Hotel Options
Sorrento’s size means more hotel options to choose from. You’ll find several grand hotels with gorgeous architecture, wonderful amenities, and spacious rooms, alongside smaller boutique hotels and short-term rentals. We stayed at the Grand Hotel La Favorita and were thoroughly impressed — a full review is coming your way soon!
Restaurants Featuring the 3 P’s (and Then Some)
There are endless restaurant choices in Sorrento — even the pickiest eater will find something to love. Most spots feature the classic Italian trio of pizza, pasta, and pane (bread), along with fresh seafood, but many also offer meat dishes, vegetarian options, and even gluten-free fare. You’ll find everything from tiny cafés with just a handful of tables to grand banquet-style dining rooms. Because it is a touristy area, quality and service can vary, so I’d recommend doing a little research before you book a table. And one thing is certain — Sorrento is never short on gelato! Stay tuned for future posts on exactly where I ate.
Shopping
Sorrento offers a wonderful mix of touristy shops and authentic artisan boutiques selling everything from pottery and art to linens, clothing, soap, and more. The trick is finding pieces actually made in Italy — many shops proudly display this on their windows, or you can check the item itself. We were lucky enough to buy several paintings from the sweetest elderly Italian gentleman at his tiny art shop tucked down an alley-like street, along with Italian leather handbags (after plenty of research!) and a few authentic pottery pieces. One detail worth noting: many shops close midday, roughly 1–5pm, then reopen until 10 or 11pm. It’s the perfect rhythm — giving locals a break from the heat, and giving visitors something lovely to do after dinner (read: walking off all those carbs!). Check back soon to see where I shopped and my full Italian souvenir haul!
More from Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast coming soon — stay tuned, friends!
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