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How to get there
You can reach any point of the peninsula by car, train, or ferry.
By car: By car, exit the autostrada south of Naples at Castellmare di Stabia and take the northern coastal road to reach the areas around Sorrento. If you are going to the Positano or Amalfi areas, exit at Angri and take the road that cuts across the peninsula to Ravello and Amalfi, where it joins the southern coastal road. In either case, leave yourself time to enjoy the breathtaking views and hairpin turns on these roads.
By train: The Circumvesuviana train line runs from Naples along the northern coast of the peninsula to Sorrento, making stops in towns and villages along the way.
By ferry: Castellammare di Stabia, Sorrento, Massa Lubrense, Positano, and Amalfi are connected by ferry service to each other and to Naples and Salerno.
By plane: The closest airport is Naples Capodichino.
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How to get around
Many tourists consider driving along the coastal road a highlight of their trip. The views down vertical cliffs to the deep blue sea below are spectacular; but keep an eye on the road, too.
An easy way to move between the main towns on the peninsula is to take a ferry. Ferries are both frequent and quick, and tickets are just a few Euros. Schedules are displayed at ferry terminals, or available from the operators (see useful links below).
On the northern coast you can hop on the Circumvesuviana for a stop or two. From Sorrento along the southern coast to Salerno you can take one of the blue SITA buses. These, too, are frequent and inexpensive.
Be aware that in all towns on the peninsula walking can be quite strenuous. The towns are built into coves on the steep cliffs. Many villas and restaurants are connected to the main road and to the beaches by long stairways.
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What to see
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Sorrento Peninsula
Sorrento is a fashionable destination. The center of town has elegant boutiques, nice cafes, and excellent restaurants. Limoncello, a lemon based liqueur, and Rosolio, a rose petal based liqueur, are produced here and you will be invited to taste them in the shops. You can also buy handicrafts such as inlaid wood pieces, or antique Neapolitan crèche figurines. Beautiful ceramics, jewelry (silver, coral and cameos), hand embroidered table-cloths and handkerchiefs are also popular gifts.
On Tuesdays Sorrento has a lively market, which is worth a visit.
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The views over the gulf of Naples and mount Vesuvius are breathtaking. There are several marinas in Sorrento:
- Marina Piccola is the one from which the ferries depart;
- Marina Grande is a typical inlet for local fisherman’s boats, with a little beach.
The focal point of town is Piazza Tasso, the main square, built over a gorge and named after Torquato Tasso, an Italian poet of the 16th century who was born here.
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About 30 km of the coastline at the tip of the peninsula are protected by the marine park of Punta Campanella. Here you can hike among steep green promontories and calm inlets. Of particular beauty are the Ieranto bay and the Li Galli islands. According to Homeric legend these islands were mermaids, who turned into land after Ulysses refused to be with them. The park offers great walking itineraries as well as diving excursions.
Other interesting towns to visit along the peninsula are Vico Equense, with Mt. Faito as its backdrop and the Castle Giusso; Meta, with its sunny beaches; Piano di Sorrento, a lively town, preserving the traditional orange cultivations; Massa Lubrense, with lots of hiking paths in the lush Mediterranean vegetation. Of particular beauty is the trail to Punta Campanella, among olive groves and lemon trees, leading to a magnificent view and one of the ancient watchtowers that dot the peninsula’s coastline. These towers were built in the 16th century to defend inhabitants from the Saracen attacks.
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Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi coast is one of the World Cultural Heritage sites listed by the UNESCO. The beautiful scenery, characteristic towns, great aromas, and welcoming people make it a unique place. Some of the well-known towns along the coast are Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello, Minori, Maiori, and Vietri sul Mare.
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Positano is built into a gorge that starts at about 80 m above sea level and steeply descends to the beach. One main road takes you in a circle above and below the town. The rest of the town is traversed by intricate little streets with a lot of steps. The locals stay in shape almost effortlessly! But there is a local bus service on the main road. The lower part of the walk leading to the beach has an impressive “vegetation roof” that keeps the street cool all day long. Along this street there are many quaint boutiques, selling clothes, ceramics, and other artifacts.
Positano has two beaches, a smaller one and a larger one, both equipped with umbrellas and chaise longues that you can rent for the day. These beaches are surrounded by good restaurants. Pay a visit to the beautiful Church of S. Maria Assunta, with its colorful majolica dome.
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Amalfi is probably the most well known town on the entire peninsula. It was one of the ancient four Maritime Republics (the other three being Genoa, Pisa, and Venice) and the height of its importance as a port dates back to the 10th and 11th century.
The amazing Duomo dominates the main square, with a grand staircase and beautiful facade. The annexed cloister is also worth a visit. Opening onto the square there are several good cafes with incredible pastries and candied citrus peel.
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Ravello sits at about 300 m above sea level on the mountainside above the coast near Amalfi. The views from the town are simply phenomenal. If you enjoy hiking, there are several paths from Amalfi leading up to Ravello.
And if you wish to go to Pompei from here, there is a scenic route through the mountains which works as a shortcut rather than driving all along the coastal road. In Ravello you should visit the cathedral and two beautiful villas: villa Cimbrone and villa Rufolo.
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Festivals and Special Events
January:
Vico Equense: Festa delle Pacchianelle, a live Nativity scene with more than 300 characters in costumes inspired by the ancient Neapolitan tradition.
April:
Positano: International Festival of Television Animation http://www.cartoonsbay.com
May:
Piano: Classical music Festival.
June:
Colli di S. Pietro: Colli in festa, festival of ancient agricultural traditions.
Nerano: Festa di S. Antonio, fishermen carry the statue of St. Anthony in procession on boats from Nerano to Positano.
Amalfi: Ancient Regata, a rowing competition among the Ancient maritime Republic, held each year by one of them.
Amalfi: Festival of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Amalfi.
July/August:
Piano: A qualuno piace Piano, cultural summer festival.
Ravello: Wagner Festival in the gardens of Villa Rufolo, in July.
Maiori: S. Maria a Mare festival, on the 15th of August.
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Festivals
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Transportation:
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Sites:
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1-800-786-5760 or 