Studying Abroad in Sorrento: 5 Easy Side Trips

Hello everyone,

I am Annalisa, ASA’s Sorrento site director.

I am in love with my town and I would like to gradually introduce it to everyone in all its glory because I believe it is really a place worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

In addition to being stunning in its own right, Sorrento is also a strategic point from which to visit beautiful and famous places located at a short distance and easily accessible from it.

Here are five of my favorite places that are easy to get to from Sorrento:

1. CAPRI.

It seems incredible how many natural, scenic and historical wonders there are on this small Mediterranean island. The island of Capri is divided into two towns: Capri and Anacapri. Capri has a twofold beauty: the charm of an island with characteristics uniquely its own—different from that of the mainland—and the glamor of a place at the center of the world—not at all isolated, but a crossroads of life and worldliness. It is a universe unto itself and at the same time an international meeting point.

2. POSITANO.

Perched above the sea (literally), Positano is a town on the Amalfi Coast recognized as a resort since the time of the Roman Empire, as evidenced by the numerous artifacts found not only in the town but also in nearby localities. Famous for its typical landscape, Positano is a maze of narrow streets filled with the citrus-fresh scent of local lemons and where small stores alternate along the steps leading down to the sea. You’ll find a mix of artisan stores, take-outs, art galleries and cafes. It is also a tourist destination for the international jet set.

3. AMALFI.

Amalfi is the town that gives its name to the entire coast. It’s a living treasure chest full of history all to be discovered by walking slowly through the narrow streets that start from the sea and climb towards the hills. There’s just over three square kilometers of poignant beauty at the outlet of the Valle dei Mulini. Amalfi is the oldest of the Maritime Republics and one of the oldest towns in Campania. Amalfi and its entire coastline have been declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site'.

4. POMPEII.

Pompeii is an ancient Roman city destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which devastated the entire city in seconds. In the ancient world, the city was simply a trading post. Because it was located on the southeastern slope of the mountain, it suffered severe losses. Gradually, the lost city was unearthed and rediscovered by engineer Rocque Joaquin de Alcubierre. Today, the ancient Roman site attracts millions of visitors for its lingering beauty and architecture.

5. NAPLES.

Naples and its surroundings are immensely beautiful and complex with 2,500 years of history making the area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a true open-air museum. Naples makes variety its richness: the Mediterranean climate, the beautiful landscape, the proverbial hospitality, the famous food and wine with the many D.O.P. and I.G.P. denominations, the many centers of excellence in research, art and sports, the lifestyle and the high quality of the offerings for tourists are among Naples most important and distinguishing features.