Julie

I am planning on seeing the southern region of Italy and wasn't sure which town I should sleep over in... Naples or Sorrento. From what I have read, Sorrento is more touristy and Naples a bit more rough. Any suggestions? <BR>Also, how long does is take to:<BR>1. Get to Pompeii?<BR>2. Explore Pompeii?<BR>Thanks in advance!<BR>J-

gac

Much depends on what your aims are. Sorrento is a tourist resort for r/r. Some hotels have magnificent views of Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. Naples is a very large, crowded, noisy, engrossing metropolis which attracts business people and tourists alike. Staying in Naples will give much faster access to the many museums and other attractions in town. It is also a better transportation center to see places like Caserta, Ischia and the Phlegrean Fields. Sorrento is closer to Positano and Capri. Pompei is roughly equidistant from Naples and Sorrento, and can be easily visited from either city. I would allow 4-6 hours to explore the ruins.

snorkelman

Sorrento – This town offers more to do than does Naples or Capri. This town would be a good place to use as a base for day-trips to surrounding areas. Sorrento is a 65 minute train ride (50 km) from Naples.

Jim

Sorrento is a good place to rent a car,stay in Napoli, see a real Italian city.

ttt

topping<BR>

Bill Fleites

I've just returned from a trip to Italy that included stays in both Naples and Sorrento and would highly recommend that you skip Naples and stay in Sorrento. I found Naples to be the worst city I've ever visited. Search for the post labeled "Is Naples the worst city to visit in Europe ?" where you'll see pros and cons about Naples. I'm solidly on the stay out of Naples camp.

Jill

I've not visited Naples. However, my relatives did visit and found it to be seedy and not scenic. They did not enjoy the trip as much as they had Rome. <BR><BR>I have heard of Sorrento and given a choice between the two cities, I would choose Sorrento.

Paul

We just returned from a day trip which included Pompeii, Naples and Sorrento.<BR><BR>Naples was dirty and unatttractive, Sorrento was cute but touristy which is Ok when your a tourist. Pompeii was fascinating could have spent days there walking around.<BR><BR>I vote Sorrento. <BR><BR>PJW

Joe

We spent an overnight in Naples last October and then a week in Sorrento (as a base for a walking trip). I'm not bothered by urban grit, and I liked Naples. I thought it was a big, bustling city - - certainly with some moderately seedy spots - - but with good public transportation, great food, and some very pleasant areas to walk (especially the marina area and the old city). Plus the Archaeological Musuem is spectacular and makes a visit to Pompei much more interesting. Best of all, it's a real place that hasn't been Disneyfied.<BR><BR>Sorrento is okay but it's a tourist destination and got a little tedious. However, if you're interested in walking the surrounding countryside, it's a good starting point.

carol

Even though I really love Naples, it takes time to get to know it. If you're only going to stay over 1 or 2 nights, definitely stay in Sorrento.

vmerri

Had a wonderful stay in Sorrento a few years ago in the Hotel PrincIpessa and toured the Amalfi coast. The view from our room when we woke up and went to sleep was worth every penny. Found Sorrento to be cute and a good base to explore the area. Left early in the a.m. to explore Pompeii before the hordes of tourists and sun got to hot. Rent a car and then slowly savor the coast while the Italians whiz by you on their Vespas. If you are faint of heart, beware, the height and windy road is scary but it's worth it . Stop and savor Positano and do lunch? You'll love walking around the streets. but it is hard to park the car. Get to Positano early and then sightsee.

dean

I have stayed in Sorrento and day tripped to Napoli. My suggestion is actually to skip them both in favor of Massa Lubrense or any of the other tiny town you will find beyoynd Sorrento and Positano, at the tip of the Penisola Sorrentina. You will need a car (in my opinion) but I would reccoment using the Circumvesuviana to get to Naples. We did not spend enough time in Napoli and left many things undone, but on a return visit to the area we will just train in and out of the city. <BR><BR>Great things to do in Napoli are to eat Pizza (Ciro, Da Michele, Il Trianon and so amny other placs have their followers), se ethe Capodimonte and the Museo Arcologico Nazionale, walk the Spaccanapoli seeing the underground sites as well as tha above ground ones. If you love Opera a visit to San Carlo is a must. and if you love rollercoasters, a cab ride in Napoli is more fun than anything 6 flags has going.<BR><BR>Also doable from Massa Lubrense or Sorrento are the roman ruins at Baia, Cumae etc, the Campo Flegri (these can be done by circumvesuviana to Metrpolitana in Napoli or by car from Sorento), Paestum (a car is best), Pompei, Ercolano, Oplontis (Circumvesuviana is best for these I thik) and just wandering the Amalfitana and the area in general. You will get to eat the best Mozzarella di bufala if you stop along the way from Battipaglia to Paestum. Try to find an older looking more rustic cheese shop to stop at and have a Panino al Prosciutto e Mozzarella di Bufala.