Our first stop on the Amalfi Coast was Sorrento, about a 45-minute drive from Naples. Its convenient location, ferry connections, and larger town center make it a popular base for exploring the coast. Because we traveled just before high season, we were lucky to avoid the heavy crowds that fill the streets in peak months.
We spent our first full day wandering the town and taking in the atmosphere. The streets are a maze of cobblestone alleys, historic churches, and small shops—many of which sell lemon-themed goods. Limoncello, lemon soaps, pottery, and even dried lemon pasta are everywhere, reflecting the region’s rich citrus tradition.
Our first official cappuccinos of the trip were a must. “Due cappuccini” quickly became part of our daily routine. The Italians clearly know coffee, and while prices were higher than I remembered from past visits, the quality made it worth the cost. We settled into a pattern of enjoying cappuccino breaks twice a day.
From the town center we walked down to the park perched on the cliffs overlooking the coastline and Naples. The day was a bit overcast, but the coastal views remained impressive and atmospheric.
Like many towns on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is dotted with orange and lemon trees—an especially charming detail. I was tempted to grab a fresh orange, but we later learned that many of the trees are ornamental and their fruit is bitter. Still, the citrus-lined streets add a bright, fragrant touch to the town.
We explored the small harbor, Marina Piccola, at the end of town before climbing back up to find lunch. With limited English spoken at some shops, ordering involved a bit of pointing and gesturing, but we managed to get mozzarella and prosciutto sandwiches with a side of grilled eggplant from a local deli.
The sandwiches were enormous—each packed with a near whole ball of mozzarella and plenty of fresh bread—yet incredibly affordable. We took our sandwiches to a bench in the park and enjoyed a relaxed, scenic lunch for only about twelve dollars in total.
After a short rest and a quick nap back at the hotel, we set out again to explore. Wandering down winding streets and alleys led us to a narrow path climbing to a tiny chapel tucked into the cliffs. Getting a bit lost turned out to be worth it: the path opened onto a breathtaking vantage point with sweeping views of Sorrento and the coast below.
For dinner, our hotel concierge recommended a casual spot by the harbor called La Kambusa, promising an authentically local crowd. The pizzeria delivered solid, satisfying pizza and a relaxed atmosphere—though we suspected even better pies were still to come during our trip.
Overall, Sorrento made an excellent first stop on the Amalfi Coast: scenic cliffside parks, lively markets full of citrus-themed treasures, welcoming cafes for coffee breaks, and plenty of hidden corners to discover by foot.