The town of Sorrento is nestled tightly against the sheer cliffs of Italy's Amalfi coast. Perched above the Gulf of Naples, travellers are treated to breathtaking views by day and fiery sunsets at night. There aren't many prettier places to watch the world go by, with colourful lemon trees and fragrant wisteria and jasmine in the air during spring and early summer. Of course, it wouldn't be Italy without delicious coffee, rich food and a lively bar scene, and Sorrento lives up to the country's reputation.
Sorrento hostels include a restored 18th-century building, resorts surrounded by lemon trees and ultra-modern stays with a fresh and airy feel. You can also find campsites with plots to rent if you want to sleep beneath the olive trees. Many of the hostels in Sorrento have free breakfast, while others have swimming pools for cooling off after a day under the strong Italian sun. Pick a Sorrento hostel with an on-site bar to make it easy to meet fellow travellers.
The centre of Sorrento is the city's historic heart. Visit the market in Via San Renato on Tuesdays to witness true Italian haggling – or give it a go yourself if you're feeling up to the challenge. Marina Grande, the town's calm fishing port, is perfect for slowing your pace, soaking up the coastal air and trying some fresh, local seafood. To get away from it all, a visit to Sant'Agnello di Sorrento can't be beaten. It has all the beauty of Sorrento with none of the crowds.
The magnificent view of the ocean and Italy's curving coastline is one of the main attractions here, but if you can drag yourself away, there's plenty more to see. Wander the streets around Piazza Tasso to take in pastel-coloured buildings and enjoy the laid-back buzz with an espresso in hand. Get a taste of local history at the Romanesque Cathedral of Sorrento, rebuilt in the 15th century. The cobbled streets of Via San Cesareo are lined with colourful shops, bustling bars and atmospheric restaurants – don't miss out on a shot of locally made limoncello. A true bucket-list item, Pompeii is just an hour away by train.
The closest airport is Naples International, which is around 2hrs from Sorrento by train. Naples is also your best bet if you're coming by train from farther away. When you get to Stazione Napoli Centrale, switch to the Circumvesuviana line. Walking is the best way to get around once you're in Sorrento, though you can look up the local bus timetable if you're journeying up and down the coast.
