ahughes1214

We will be leaving for Italy in just over a week now and still are a little unsure about one part of the trip. Currently, we will be traveling to Naples from Rome to spend 2 days and an overnight but am wondering if it would be worthwhile to stay in Sorrento vs Naples for that time period. I have read so many non-flattering comments about Naples and really would like to see more of the scenery anyway. I am just undecided whether it is worth the additional hour to get to Sorrento for the short time period. Also, we are planning on seeing the Blue Grotto in Capri while we are there. Any comments??

Thanls.

GAC

If you have absolutely no interest in seeing anything in the City of Naples, I'd go straight to Sorrento, from where hydrofoils to Capri are extremely frequent. Otherwise, I'd stay the night in Naples. If you are planning to see both Capri and Pompei, you can also overnight in Sorrento.

Georgine

My personal preference would be to stay in Sorrento rather than Naples.

I wouldn't however, miss seeing the Archeological Museum in Naples---it is amazing and will put the ruins of Pomepeii in context for you. (You will be going to Pompeii??) So many of the treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum have been moved here.

There is a luggage check room in the Naples train station where you can leave your belongings, and then take the underground tram (one stop from the lower level of the train station)to within a one block walk of the museum.

You can just as easily take the hyrofoil from Sorrento to Capri, if seeing the Blue Grotto is high on your "must do" list.

At least, for that one evening, you will be in a pleasant,seaside town rather than in a large city----that is quite unsavory in some sections.

Fritz7

There is no comparison. For an extra hour, Sorrento will be more than worth the trouble. It's absolutley beautiful. Naples is a gritty city. Interesting but nor relaxing or beautiful. The grotto is a neat experience, but has a bit of the tourist feel to it. Capri is beautiful.

Huitres

While you can access Capri from both cities, Sorrento would be preferable in terms of an overnight stay. Dependent on when you arrive in Naples, you could still catch a ferry/hydrofoil to Sorrento from Molo Beverello (Piazza Municipio) or the local Circumvesuviana train directly into Sorrento town (station is located on the lower level from the regular trains in Napoli Centrale).

Patrick

Recently I did a post about a "fresh look at Naples" in which I revealed myself as one of the apparent few who really liked staying in Naples.
But make no mistake. First time there? Sorrento or Naples? Sorrento -- hands down!

tashak

Everyone has provided good advice on the Naples vs Sorrento question...so I'll just add a bit about the Blue Grotto...

You only have 2 days in the area, right? If so, the real highlights will be Pompeii/ Herculaneum or both (I'd do both, the museum in Naples (excellent), a drive down the Amalfi coast, perhaps to Amalfi (?) a trip to Capri. Capri is fun, and the grotto can be...nice...but it is not on the "don't miss it" list. You take a boat out...transfer to a smaller boat...wait around until the traffic jam clears...hope that the sun is right so that the grotto will indeed be blue. It is mildly interesting (mostly because you see the interesting formations that the sea has created) but it's not "incredible" or amazing. If you have lots of time...amusing. If you are pressed for time...a waste of time!

By the way, have you read Pompeii yet? Its light "airplane" reading...fun before a trip to the region, and would greatly enhance enjoyment of the area's sights. (Just like "The Agony and The Ecstacy" does for Michelangelo's works in Rome and Florence.)

ira

Hi ah,

I like Naples.

See my trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

If you find nothing that excites you, you will be much better off in Sorrento.

GeoffHamer

As Patrick said, it depends partly on your previous experience of Italy. If you're new to Italy, you'll find Napoli a bit frightening - it's full of Italians for one thing. Sorrento, on the other hand, is an elegant holiday resort full of middle-aged middle-class English-speaking holidaymakers. I find Napoli fascinating, but it is obviously not to everybody's tastes; it depends on your previous experiences and your expectations on holiday.
As for the Blue Grotto, you can't "plan" to see it, as access is entirely dependent on the weather. I've done boat trips to it three times and only once has the sea been calm enough to go inside. I'd recommend visiting Capri, but look upon the Blue Grotto as an added bonus if you're lucky to find the right weather conditions.

Fritz7

It's almost an apples and oranges comparison. Naples a gritty, if historic town that has definitly seen better days. Sorrento a beautiful little town, with beautiful views and access to great seaside environments.
Whereever you decide, enjoy...