Have Your Cake and Eat It in Sorrento

[T]here's an old saying about traveling, “It's the journey, not the destination.”

Well, when it comes to a Sorrento holiday in Italy, that old adage can be switched to, “You can have your cake and eat it too”.

Why is that? I'm glad you (I) asked. Allow me to answer my own question.

The Journey

Sorrento holidays require you to get to the Italian resort in the first place but this journey is no trial. While this is decidedly subjective, the drive along the Amalfi coast is among the most beautiful and thrilling in the world.

Starting off in the small Italian town of Salerno, it's a two-hour bus ride south. Along the way you'll be entranced by the beauty of the Mediterranean sea while on the edge of your seat due to the precipitous 500ft drop that awaits any wayward driver.

If a break is needed, stop by the town of Positano. What this small town specializes in the most is scenery. The town is perched on an enclave alongside a hill, where it winds down towards the coast.

Here you can take a stroll alongside the beach and soak in the beauty. During this bus ride, be sure to sit on the left side as that will offer the best views.

The Destination

Once you finally get to Sorrento there are a wealth of things to see. In the middle of town lies the Chiesa di San Francesco.

While Italy has no shortage of churches, what makes this one special are the cloisters attached to it. When it's lit up at night you can almost see the monks walking through this unique building.

A short walk from there, near Piazza Tasso, one of the main streets, awaits a site that few tourist are aware of. Called Il Valloe dei Mulini (Deep Valley of the Mills), this 10th-century mill lies between the cliffs that surround the city.

While you are unable to go down into the ravine, the lush vegetation that surrounds it is a perfect photo opportunity, especially when it is lit up at night.

Eating Cake

Along with the ocean, the people, the churches, and all other beautiful things in Sorrento, there's a wealth of culture to experience.

One good way to soak up Sorrento's history is to take a trip to the Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea. Besides extremely long names, Sorrento is famous for its Intarsio (designed, inlaid woodwork) furniture. This inexpensive museum shows numerous examples of this type of woodwork.

In Sorrento, one must also drink as the locals drink, and their drink of choice is Limoncello, a flavored liqueur. Check out Limonoro, where you can see how this tasty drink is made.

Another great option to waste a few hours is the Dali Universe. This Salvador Dali exhibit houses a wide array of his exhibits, including numerous sculptures he completed.

All those suggestions in mind, a Sorrento holiday can be perfectly enjoyable by just walking around and taking in everything. That's why it's such a great destination. No matter what you do, it'll be done with the Italian coast as your backdrop.

Last Updated on June 7, 2016 by Maria Laborde