ElleD9

Hi Fodorites
(Sorry if this is a duplicate post, but cat walked on keyboard while I was previewing my first effort.)

We are planning our first trip to Italy and considering Sorrento as a home base during our visit to the Amalfi coast. While researching the town, I came across this article from the UK Guardian

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2007/oct/28/escape1

The author details how she and her teenage daughter were constantly harassed by men when they visted Sorrento. My 20 yo daughter and her girlfriend will be with us but will likely want to do some exploring on their own. I'd appreciate if anyone can advise if the behavior outlined in the article is the norm for Sorrento, or Italy?

Jean

This is not an "article from the U.K. Guardian," but a posting solicited by the paper for stories about "crap holidays." Hardly a definitive report on the safety of Sorrento.

I've never seen anyone subjected to this vulgar attention in Sorrento nor anywhere else in Italy.

It's interesting (to me) that the writer (with her daughter, no less) felt safer with drug dealers than walking down a public street.

wannagetaway

I personally don't think that is a fair judgment of Sorrento at all. I have found the people of Sorrento to be friendly, honest, hard-working people that are not out to harass women (or men) of any age. I feel safer walking around Sorrento alone - even at night - than I do in my own town in the US.

Of course, there are obvious do's and don't in any city - don't walk down dark alleys or abandoned streets, don't take off with strangers, etc. etc. Hope this eases your fears somewhat!

Sassafrass

I've been to Sorrento three times, twice with teenaged girls. Not only were the girls not bothered, they were treated with great respect. We took four girls one night to the Foreigners' Club to dance (which I highly recommend) and they were the only young girls there. Several older men danced with them and treated the girls as though they were their daughters or sisters. The girls were dressed very modestly and, of course, it probably helped that my husband and I were there, no doubt looking as if we were their parents.

ira

Hi E,

In Italian, "NO" is "NO".

Yes is "si"

vincenzod

You're welcome in Sorrento and there is no problem, please !

Vincenzo

annief

Hi ElleD- I studied abroad in Sorrento when I was 20 years old and ran around with 3 or 4 other American girls while I was there. We were approached by men- but only ones that flattered us with compliments and friendly conversation. Never did we feel unsafe or like we were harrassed. I say definitely add Sorrento to your list. The Amalfi Coast is a dream.

ElleD9

Thanks all for your reassurances! And thanks to Jean for clarifying that the piece was not an "objective" article. We are really looking forward to our trip!

sera

I once had my butt pinched in Sorrento--but I figured it was just a rite of passage in Italy.

When it happened I was so taken by surprise I said "Oooo!" pretty loudly and then laughed hysterically.