Sorrento Travel Guide

Great! Sorrento is the gem of Italy's Amalfi Coast, boasting stunning sea views, historic streets, and authentic cuisine. Here’s a curated travel guide that’s budget-friendly yet rich in local experiences: --- ### **🌊 Must-See Sights & Activities** 1. **Via Marina Grande** - Stroll along the cliffside promenade overlooking the azure Tyrrhenian Sea, with breathtaking sunsets at dusk. - **Free experience**: Sit on a bench to listen to the waves or snap postcard-worthy shots of colorful fishing village houses. 2. **Centro Storico (Historic Center)** - Wander narrow cobblestone streets lined with lemon trees, artisan shops, and family-run eateries. Don’t miss the local lemon granita (Granita al Limone). - **Hidden gem**: Bottega della Pasta Fresca (handmade pasta shop—great for take-home fresh pasta). 3. **Day Trip to Positano & the Amalfi Coast** - Take a SITA Sud bus or ferry from Sorrento for jaw-dropping cliffside views. Budget tip: Buses cost ~€2 one-way. 4. **Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius** - Hop on the Circumvesuviana train (~40 mins to Pompeii; €16 entry). Hiking Vesuvius’ crater (extra fee) offers a unique adventure. --- ### **🍋 Local Food Picks** 1. **Must-Try Dishes** - **Gnocchi alla Sorrentina** (tomato-cheese potato dumplings) - **Lemon Delights** (cakes, chocolates) - **Fresh seafood**: Order "Spaghetti alle Vongole" (clam pasta) or the day’s catch (ask staff for recommendations). 2. **Budget Eats** - **Osteria da Ciccio** (€15-20/person): Family-run, famous for octopus stew. - **Pizzeria da Franco** (€10/person): Locals love their €5 Margherita pizza! - **Street food**: Frittura di Pesce (fried seafood box, €6-8) pairs perfectly with lemon juice. --- ### **🏡 Affordable Stays** 1. **B&Bs (€25-40/night per person)** - **Casa Astarita**: Central, with balconies and free homemade limoncello from the host. - **Sorrento Flats**: Apartment-style for 2-4 people; kitchens help save on meals. 2. **Budget Hotels** - **Hotel Mignon Meuble** (~€70/double): 5-min walk to train station, rooftop sea views. - **Hostel 7 Sorrento** (dorms from €20): Clean, safe, with free breakfast and hiking tips. 3. **Tip**: Skip peak season (July-August). Stay in the historic center or slightly inland for better rates. --- ### **🚶 Budget-Saving Tips** - **Transport**: Get a Campania Artecard for discounts on Pompeii/Vesuvius entry and transit. - **Free spots**: Villa Comunale (bay views), Chiesa di San Francesco (medieval church + lemon grove). - **Local market**: Mercato della Pescheria (morning market for picnic supplies like fruit and cheese). --- Sorrento’s charm lies in its slow pace—even on a budget, you can soak up Mediterranean sunshine and warmth! Need more tips? Just ask! 😊