kybourbon

>>>Apparently having enjoyed Sorrento disqualifies me from any comments on possible itineraries in the area.<<<

A lot of people enjoy Sorrento and it's a good contrast for the OP coming from a stay in Rome (Naples would seem more hectic than Rome). I suggested heading to Salerno first only if the OP wants views of the coast on the way there. I'm not a fan at all of Salerno itself.

>>>and early AM beach in Sorrento. Thoughts?<<<

I didn't notice this the first time I read the thread. Not much beaches in Sorrento so I wouldn't plan on this.

http://www.123rf.com/photo_24402900_...nto-italy.html

Maks322

Hi
I've been to many cities in Italy and Sorrento has to be one of my absolute favorites. You should not miss this after the hectic pace of Rome and sightseeing. You should go. We were there in October and had no issue getting to Capri by boat. We took the bus down the Amalfi coast and we did Pompeii. You might want to consider doing Pompeii on the way there (we did). Don't miss it. My best memory of that trip was drinking a glass of wine and apps watching the sunset over the Mediterranean. Go relax and enjoy

cfc

There is a little sort of pebbly beach along the walls below some of the hotels accessible either by steps down from a main sort of park or through some of the hotels using their elevators. There are little changing cabanas below many of those hotels.

Blueeyedcod

Sorrento is fine for those who like to be perched on top of a giant peninsula with sheer cliffs down into the sea - meaning views are very limited from most parts of the town. Everyone talking about these views has to go looking for them - such as in a restaurant, bar or the small park or from a very expensive hotel balcony. Capri has much more accessible scenic beauty as in you can see the views as you walk around and it has a completely different atmosphere at night. Sorrento is great for eating mediocre food (mostly) and buying overpriced 'stuff' and mooching around with the gazillions of other tourists, mostly from England who love to watch soccer in Chaplin's Pub. If that sounds like your kind of place then you'll love it.

isabel

I'm surprised so many people are so anti-Sorrento. Liking Sorrento doesn't take away from Capri, Amalfi or Positano, all of which are wonderful. But the OP is trying to decide how to spend 2 days (one night) which also has to include Pompeii. For that, Sorrento makes the most sense. Many of the other suggestions mentioned above are also good, but there is nothing wrong with the original plan. The description that blueeyedcod just posted is not at all my take on Sorrento (been three times). True, hotels along the cliff mean that some of town does not have unobstructed views. But there are plenty of places that DO have nice views. Every town has mediocre food, including Capri and Amalfi and Positano. But they all, including Sorrento have good food as well. And to say that Sorrento has 'gazillions' of tourists - well yeah it does, but not any more than Capri or Positano. In fact, since it's slightly larger than those towns I felt it was better able to absorb the crowds.

Blueeyedcod

Capri is not drowning in tourists - maybe at the marina and in Capri Town but I've done hikes around the ancient forts - and you literally see no one. Positano also isn't as touristy as Sorrento - no English pubs litter its streets. I think it attracts less English speaking tourists as it doesn't have many cheap hotels - you can get a room in Sorrento for under 70 euro per night in high season - you can't get that in Positano.

Anyway, am sure the OP knows what they are in for.

cfc

OK, nominations are now in for Most Discriminating Traveler as well as Lousiest Taste in Italian Coastal Towns.

In the meantime, hope you have a great time, jshores1! Would love to hear how it went, but if you end up going to Sorrento and liking it, just keep in mind what a shabby group of us you're be joining.

jshores1

Thank you to all that posted! I think there is enough positive in this plan to make the best of it. Will be sure to update all afterwards, and please pray for good weather!