Lecce or Sorrento?
 

I only have four nights at the beginning of October 2018. Flying in from Gatwick. I was planning on visiting Lecce but I haven't been to the Amalfi coast. I would really appreciate some informed input. Which would you recommend? I am interested in food and lovely scenery. I have visited Naples twice before and love it. I have never been to Puglia. I would not hire a car but would be happy to do train journeys. Please help!

We have based ourselves in Sorrento several times and in Lecce once. We love them both. But they are two very different places. Sorrento and the Amalfi coast are more touristy and polished. Lecce, a beautiful and vibrant city, offers more of the old world Italian flavor. You wtypoill find good food in both places. I think most would agree that the Amalfi coast is one of the most scenic places anywhere. From Sorrento, you can go to Pompeii by train; Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello easily by bus. Ferries will get you to Capri/Annacapri and Ischia Island among other places.

If you are considering Puglia, please see our trip report from the fall of 2016: https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...uglia-1149921/

Several questions:

Would you fly into Brindisi for Lecce and Naples for Sorrento, or would you need to fly into Naples for either? (Lecce is a long train ride from Naples for such a short trip.)

Your title mentions Sorrento, but your post mentions the Amalfi Coast. Which destination is it?

Have you investigated what exploring you can do from Lecce using only public trans? If so, how do those sightseeing options compare with what you would want to see/do in the Sorrento/Amalfi Coast area? Do your personal interests favor one over the other?

Have you been to Pompeii, Herculaneum? Paestum? Do these even interest you?

I visited and enjoyed both, and I visited each by public transportation. But they are so very different, that without knowing more of your interests, I don't see how I could comment in any meaningful way! And I haven't been to either in early October, which is (I believe) a bit off season.

You've been asked some great questions already -- I'd encourage you to do some more research and to answer the questions we've asked -- and provide any additional information you can -- if you want further comments from us at this time.

For lots of info on Italian trains check Acquista il biglietto con le nostre offerte - Trenitalia - booking long-distance trains as early as possible can save money but local trains are dirt cheap and same price if bought at stations. I stayed in Lecce and took trains all around -some are non-Trenitalia trains too - anyway for loads on Italian trains check also www.seat61.com - BETS-European Rail Experts and www.ricksteves.com. Amalfi has no trains but can take train from Naples to Sorrento or Salerno and take buses or ferries around. Amalfi is easeier I think as many neat things are in a compact area and Sorrento a great base for ferries and buses around.

We were in Sorrento last fall. We loved it there. There are definitely many things to easily see within a short amount of time including Sorrento itself, Pompeii, Capri, olive oil tour, mozzarella cheese factory tour. I would describe the Sorrento/Amalfi coast experience as "touristy". I am now researching Lecce for our next trip this September. It will be a different experience for sure. In my communication with B&B hosts etc, I have found everyone to be very welcoming and anxious to help with our plans. If you decide on Lecce and find accomodations, I believe they would be a great resource for you. Lecce looks wonderful by itself but I am also finding many daytrip interests, i.e. masseria/winery tours, beautiful towns like Ostuni, Locorotondo and Martina Franca. This area of Italy seems far less touristy and it will most definitely be less expensive than our last trip. Like the other posters have stated, it all depends on the experience you are looking for - touristy vs authentic Italy. Either choice is a good one. Let us know what you decide.

I loved Lecce itself - a really neat town but again I was going by train and found it difficult to get around - I'd suggest a car if that area. Sorrento is so easy - getting to by train and getting around by ferries and buses and trains. Tough choice but with just 4 days I'd do Sorrento for sure - you need much more for Lecce and Puglia, esp if going by public transit. But if you want to just do Amalfi then stay in Positano or such on Amalfi Peninsula proper - Sorrento nice town but not smackdab on sea (though it is but views of sea IME of basing there are few from town, high above the sea, due to built up areas -but again great utilitarian base for Capri, Pompeii and Amalfi coast foray.

Whether a car would be necessary really depends on what one wants to experience. As noted upthread, I found it perfectly reasonable to use public transportation in the area for MY interests and for that length of time.