Sorrento, located on the Bay of Naples, is a beautiful coastal town in Southern Italy. This picturesque town has a lot to offer, from stunning beaches to great food, and its location makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. In this article, we will explore the 8 best day trips from Sorrento that you can take to explore the beauty of Southern Italy.
Day Trip 1: Pompeii
Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient Roman city that was buried under volcanic ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. This well-preserved site offers a glimpse into life in ancient Rome, and it is a must-visit destination for history lovers. To reach Pompeii from Sorrento, you can take the Circumvesuviana train, which takes about 30 minutes.
Day Trip 2: Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline that is known for its picturesque villages and dramatic cliffs. Some of the most popular villages to visit along the coast include Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. You can take a ferry or a bus from Sorrento to explore the Amalfi Coast and enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Day Trip 3: Capri
Capri is a beautiful island located just off the coast of Sorrento. This island is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the famous Blue Grotto, a sea cave with glowing blue waters. You can take a ferry from Sorrento to Capri and spend the day exploring the island, visiting the picturesque town of Anacapri, and enjoying the stunning views.
Day Trip 4: Positano
Positano is a picturesque village located on the Amalfi Coast, known for its colorful houses and stunning beaches. This village is a popular destination for tourists, and it is easy to see why. You can take a bus or a ferry from Sorrento to reach Positano and spend the day exploring the village, shopping for local souvenirs, and soaking up the sun on the beach.
Day Trip 5: Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano located near Naples, known for its devastating eruption in 79 AD that buried Pompeii and Herculaneum. You can take a bus or a private tour from Sorrento to reach the summit of Mount Vesuvius and enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Naples.
Day Trip 6: Herculaneum
Herculaneum is another ancient Roman city that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This well-preserved site offers a glimpse into life in ancient Rome, and it is less crowded than Pompeii, making it a great alternative for history lovers. To reach Herculaneum from Sorrento, you can take the Circumvesuviana train, which takes about 45 minutes.
Day Trip 7: Paestum
Paestum is an ancient Greek city located south of Sorrento, known for its well-preserved Greek temples. This archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into the ancient Greek civilization. To reach Paestum from Sorrento, you can take a train from the Sorrento train station, which takes approximately two hours. Once there, you can explore the three impressive temples: the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Athena, and the Temple of Neptune.
Day Trip 8: Ischia
Ischia is another beautiful island located near Sorrento, known for its hot springs and stunning beaches. This island is less crowded than Capri and offers a more laid-back atmosphere. You can take a ferry from Sorrento to Ischia and spend the day exploring the island, visiting the hot springs, and enjoying the stunning scenery.
Conclusion
Sorrento is a great base for exploring the beauty of Southern Italy, and these 8 day trips offer something for everyone. From exploring ancient Roman and Greek civilizations to soaking up the sun on stunning beaches and enjoying breathtaking views, there’s plenty to do and see. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure!
FAQs
- How far is Pompeii from Sorrento?
- Pompeii is approximately 30 minutes away from Sorrento by train.
- Can you visit the Blue Grotto on Capri Island?
- Yes, you can visit the Blue Grotto on Capri Island by taking a small boat.
- Is Mount Vesuvius still active?
- Yes, Mount Vesuvius is still active, but it hasn’t erupted since 1944.
- How long does it take to reach Paestum from Sorrento?
- It takes approximately two hours to reach Paestum from Sorrento by train.
- Are there any hot springs in Ischia?
- Yes, Ischia is known for its hot springs, and there are several hot springs on the island that you can visit.