Mariastefnyc

we are 4 young women looking for some beach time and nightlife. We are thinking of going to sorrento and using it as a base to travel to ishia, capri, for beach. We are assuming its about a half an hour away. Should we just stay in ischia? we hear there isnt much going on at night. We also plan on taking teips to positano ravello and pompeii. We are wondering how far everything is. We really want a relaxing week with sun atmosphere and nightlife(not too wild, just some bars cafes restaurants)

LoveItaly

H mariastefnyc, if you type Sorrento into the search box here on Fodors you will find tons of posts that will be helpful to you for your trip.

Do the same for Ischia and also Capri etc.

Also, there is a fun and informative thread on the current Fodors post entitled something like "10 Days in Sorrento" that should be of interest to you.

I would also suggest that you to to Barnes and Nobles (or whatever bookstore is near to you) and buy a good map of Italy. This will help you get an idea of the area which will be of assistance in planning activities etc.

You will love Italy! Happy planning.

toni

I know a week isnt a long time but I would consider splitting it. Maybe five and two nights. I have not been to Ischia but have visited all your other destinations. Five days in Sorrento or Positano (I think Sorrento would have more nightlife for you,andtwonights in Capri to check out the scene. By the way, beaches are pretty lousy, it would be more pool time than beach time. It is about 40 minutes by ferry from Sorrento to Capri. The bus trip from Sorrento to Positano is 45 min.

julieanne

Hi Maria.
My husband and I did almost an identical trip to the one you're describing. We stayed in Sorrento and day-tripped to all of the places (except Ishia) that you mentioned.

Sorrento had some fairly vibrant night life. My husband and I stumbled upon this club that was multi-storied, and built on a bridge near the town centre. We went to watch some salsa dancing, but discovered other levels that were really happening! We ended up in a fun disco dancing and drinking.

Unfortunately, this isn't the area you want to be in if you are looking for a beach vacation. While it is beautiful, there really aren't any beaches. (Not that we found anyway.)

Capri is VERY upscale; their nightlife is also very vibrant. We stayed there for 2 nights and enjoyed it, but it is really quite touristy during the day.

We loved Ravello and Pompeii. Don't miss either.

Have a wonderful trip!

mmoroney

Just my opinion, but I hated Sorrento. Didn't stay overnight, but a day trip convinced me that it was overrun w/ bus groups from England (nothing against the English --- well, a little bit). Stayed in Positano and loved it. You'll find a cafe and bar scene there (no discos, I think). Capri the same. Both are a class or two or three above Sorrento.