Sorrento, Italy: 20 Years, One Carry-On and a Lot of Limoncello

Twenty years is a long time. Long enough to forget how steep the streets are, how loud the scooters get, and how good a glass of limoncello tastes when you're sitting on a terrace watching the sun drop behind Vesuvius.

I first visited Sorrento in my early thirties. I was a first responder, I had more energy than sense, and I packed like I was moving there. Two checked bags, a carry-on, and a backpack. I came home with half of it unworn and a customs receipt I'd rather forget.

This time: one carry-on. That's it. Twenty years of travel will teach you that.

Why Sorrento?

People ask me all the time why I recommend Sorrento over the more famous Amalfi towns. The answer is simple: it's a real town. People live there. They go to work, argue about parking, and eat lunch at noon. Positano is beautiful, but it sometimes feels like a stage set. Sorrento feels like Italy.

It's also the best base for the Amalfi Coast. The ferry connections are excellent, the train to Naples runs all day, and you can get to Pompeii in under an hour. If you're planning a week on the coast, stay in Sorrento and day-trip everywhere else.

What Changed in 20 Years

The limoncello is still excellent. The views haven't moved. The streets are still steep enough to remind you that you skipped leg day.

What's different: the crowds are bigger, the prices are higher, and the good hotels book out months in advance. Twenty years ago you could show up in June with a vague plan and find a room. That's not the case anymore. If you want to stay somewhere worth staying, you need to plan ahead.

That's where I come in.

Planning Your Own Sorrento Trip

I've helped clients plan Italy trips at every budget level. The Amalfi Coast in particular has a wide range of options — from small family-run pensioni to five-star cliff-side hotels with infinity pools. The right choice depends on what you want out of the trip, not just what you can spend.

If you're thinking about Italy — Sorrento, Rome, the Cinque Terre, anywhere — reach out. I've been there. I know what works and what doesn't. And I'll make sure you pack lighter than I did the first time.