There’s nothing quite like an Italian summer: the sea, the sunshine, the history, the food—all combine to create unforgettable moments. Wherever I go, water plays a central role in my travels—whether a river, lake, or sea—its shores hold a special fascination. In Sorrento, everything revolves around the sea: crystal-clear sapphire waves, hidden coves, and panoramic views of Mount Vesuvius.
For years, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast have topped many travel bucket lists—and it’s easy to see why. Cliffside towns, historical sights, and fairy-tale views captivate every visitor.
Ten Years Later – Still Unchanged
I stepped onto the Sorrento waterfront again after a decade—standing in the exact spot where we spent our first vacation together. The view was the same, the town squares, the charming atmosphere—and even the legendary limoncello hadn’t changed. Only we had—our children grown, a touch wiser—but returning here felt like no time had passed.
One Day in Sorrento – Highlights
Start at Piazza Tasso, the beating heart of the town. Named after the famed poet Torquato Tasso, it’s the perfect spot for a coffee or limoncello while observing the local rhythm.
Then wander the Centro Storico, the historic old town, a labyrinth of medieval alleys dotted with trattorias, wine bars, gelaterias—especially vivid on Via San Cesareo, where aromas of freshly caught seafood mix with Italian espresso.
Don’t skip Villa Comunale, a scenic park overlooking the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius—beautiful by day, but magical in the evening with its traditional passeggiata after dinner.
Swimming with a View
Although Sorrento doesn’t have many sandy beaches, its pier-like promenades offer a unique swimming experience. You can walk down from the center or take a lift (slightly pricey). Our hotel pool looked out on Vesuvius, making every swim feel like swimming into a postcard.
Flavors, Atmosphere, Melodies
One evening, we dined at a cozy terrace restaurant. We started with fried anchovies—so generous we were nearly full already. A guitarist serenaded us with Italian songs, weaving more magic into the night.
At the end, our waiter brought a homemade limoncello—a vibrant, intense lemon flavor crafted from generations-old family recipes. A perfect southern Italian nightcap.
Why Return to Sorrento?
Sorrento is more than just a spot on the map—it’s an emotion, hard to put into words. It’s the feeling you get under a different kind of sunshine, combined with salty sea breeze, fresh lemon groves, and the warmth of old cobblestone streets. Every corner whispers new stories, people greet you genuinely, and hospitality feels like an art form.
Ten Years Later, a Renewed Lesson
Returning after a decade was not just nostalgic—it was revelatory: life changes, but some places greet you with the same love they always did. Sorrento is one of them. A slice of Italy where tradition and modernity dance together, where your morning espresso tastes just like it did ten years ago, and the sea’s lullaby remains soothingly familiar.
A Gentle Capture of the Heart
Sorrento doesn’t scream or shout—it softly sneaks into your heart. And stays there. When you leave, you take more than postcards and souvenirs—you take flavors, melodies, emotions, and a piece of your own self, leaving a little behind, and gaining something nothing else can replace: the soul of an Italian summer.
🌞 Where to Next?
From Sorrento, let the journey continue: sail to dreamy Capri, where nature meets style; explore the timeless ruins of Pompeii and hike Mount Vesuvius; then venture along the Amalfi Coast’s cliffside roads and pastel towns—each stop a fresh enchantment.