wnappier

We would like to see Vesuvius and Pompei as well as some wineries in the area. We will be going to the Amalfi area next. Would it be best to base out of Sorrento or is there a better place along the coast? Thanks

adrienne

I found Sorrento handy for access to Pompeii and the AC towns. Take the train to Pompeii and the bus up the AC.

stanbr

Yes Sorrento is a good base for Pompeii and you might also want to visit Herculaneum. It is an inexpensive train ride on a direct route to both sites.
There were several ways to visit Amalfi from Sorrento including the local bus which was inexpensive, there were chartered buses ( which stopped and allowed one to take pictures) and private drivers who could be hired.
Here are some images of Sorrento and our tours in May this year.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7634654031558/

nytraveler

Transit is easier frmo Sorrento since it has train, bus, ferries and hydrofoils - down the coast, over to Capri and back towards Pompeii and Naples.

If you stay further down the coast you have a lengthy bus ride to get started on the way to other places. (May be better for just relaxing, but makes sightseeing more complicated)

Also it's a lot bigger than the towns down the cost - so a larger selection of restaurants and shops as well as hotels

PalenQ

Though Sorrento don't have the quaintest of an Amalfi or Positano or Ravello, towns right on the Amalfi Coast, it was to me very pleasant - lots of folks out at night strolling - so no real sea views from most of the town but a nice watering hole and key the transportation hub for Amalfi buses, ferries to Capri, Ischia, etc and trains to Pompeii, Heraculeam or to climb Mt Vesuvius.

JLSmith

Hello, we spent a lovely two weeks based in a small apartment in Sorrento. The Circumvesuviana train runs half hourly between there and Naples with stops at Herculaneum and Pompei Scavi (the site)and other points. The Amalfi Coast is easily done on the SITA (blue intercity) bus which leaves from the train station as well. All travel is inexpensive and easy. The town itself is charming and not as touisty as other places along the coast. Also, excellent access to ferries running regularly to all the islands. Sorrento has a wonderfully informative website and English is practically the second language as the British have been vacationing there for years and years!! I would cheerfully spent another two weeks there enjoying the views, the people, the ambience in general and the quiet of the town. Would be happy to supply the name of the owner of the apt....which is actually a Villa overlooking the Bay of Naples. His English is wonderful, he is on site and he even drove us to the train station on our departure day as it was raining....and wanted to stop and treat us to a coffee! That's service and hospitality!

JLSmith

Hello, we spent a lovely two weeks based in a small apartment in Sorrento. The Circumvesuviana train runs half hourly between there and Naples with stops at Herculaneum and Pompei Scavi (the site)and other points. The Amalfi Coast is easily done on the SITA (blue intercity) bus which leaves from the train station as well. All travel is inexpensive and easy. The town itself is charming and not as touisty as other places along the coast. Also, excellent access to ferries running regularly to all the islands. Sorrento has a wonderfully informative website and English is practically the second language as the British have been vacationing there for years and years!! I would cheerfully spent another two weeks there enjoying the views, the people, the ambience in general and the quiet of the town. Would be happy to supply the name of the owner of the apt....which is actually a Villa overlooking the Bay of Naples. His English is wonderful, he is on site and he even drove us to the train station on our departure day as it was raining....and wanted to stop and treat us to a coffee! That's service and hospitality!

Mimar

Actually Sorrento is built on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Naples. So there are sea (gulf) views, though much of cliff edge is hogged by hotels. And it is a pleasant town. Have you thought of going to Capri? It's an easy trip from Sorrento's port, down at the base of the cliff.

What time of year will you be there? If high season, you might prefer one of the smaller towns on the Amalfi Coast itself, like Amalfi town or Positano. These have plenty of boats to Capri and other locations in the summer. And you avoid the crowded buses along the coast. But if you're traveling in the shoulder season (and definitely if you're going in the winter), Sorrento makes a better base.

Andrew

Sorrento is very convenient base for those things you mention, but personally I hated it: much too touristy for me. I day tripped to Naples (after Pompeii) and regretted not staying in Naples instead. Naples does have a reputation of being dirty and more prone to crime, so many tourists would be put off by staying there, I guess, but I found it much nicer away from the train station.