Scenes of Sorrento

“You may have the world if I may have Italy”

-Giuseppe Verdi

Sorrento is a coastal town located near the bay of Naples in south-western Italy. With a population of under 17,000, it possesses a small town charm but also opportunities to enjoy delicious cuisine, high quality wine and oils, shopping for beautiful clothing and accessories, vibrant night life, and of course, a breathtaking view at every angle. I am fortunate enough to be spending 5 weeks here while studying abroad. Here are some facts about this sun-drenched town.

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Sorrento and the Sirens. Sorrento got its name from the Sirens – mythical creatures of the sea that would seduce sailors with their lovely voices and then lead them to their demise. Before the Roman age, Sorrento was home to the Greeks between 474 and 420 BC. Throughout the town, you can see influence from both Romans and Greeks, especially in the architecture.

Gazing over Marina Grande, one of two ports in Sorrento.

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Oh, of course! Limoncello! One of the main things Sorrento is famous for includes their lemons! From that, limoncello is made! Limoncello is a liquor made from lemon peels, vodka, and sugar. In Sorrento, lemon trees can be seen left and right. This is because the ground here has layers of tufo and limestone, which creates the perfect soil for the cultivation of the lemons.

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Relaxing Shaded Streets. When the ancient Greeks designed Sorrento, they intentionally included narrow streets surrounded by buildings. This shades pedestrians from the powerful sun as they stroll through this charming town. In fact, during the summer months, Sorrento temperatures can reach as high as 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).

An arch walkway to shade pedestrians near Piazza Tasso.

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Reachable Nearby Destinations. Thanks to its desirable location, Sorrento serves as a great starting point for traveling elsewhere. Whether it be by the Circumvesuviana train that runs from Sorrento to Naples or ferries at Marina Piccola, anyone wishing to travel to a nearby destination can easily do so. Areas within traveling distance from Sorrento include Naples, Pompeii, Capri, Positano, Amalfi, Ischia, and any of the other 10 stops on the train.

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Economy Supported by Tourism. Sorrento has been a favored vacation destination since the Imperial Age. By offering high-standard accommodations, a rich restaurant selection, and some of Italy’s most famous fashion brands, this sea-side town attracts tourists from all over the world. In fact, a large majority of Sorrento’s businesses shut down in January and re-open in March to prepare for the busy season (April-December). Sorrento’s economy depends on tourism, and if anything were to affect travel into Italy, Sorrento would feel it. 

The main drag of Piazza Tasso.

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Nourishing Soil. Thanks to nearby Mount Vesuvius, the soil within and all around Sorrento is extremely mineral rich. The ash and lava is full of minerals and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. Because of this, Sorrento’s farmers, business and restaurant owners, locals, and tourists taste some of the freshest fruit and vegetables there is.

The almighty Mount Vesuvius seen in the distance.

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Transportation by Vespas or Minuscule Vehicles. Because Sorrento was built by the Greeks who intentionally created narrow paths, walking is the favored mode of transportation. However, mostly locals get around on vespas (mopeds) or minuscule vehicles. The most common manufacturers in Italy are Fiat, Ferrari, BMW, and many more.

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Outrageously Beautiful. Overall, Sorrento is a true gem of southwestern Italy. With over 90 million arrivals into Italy annually, it’s apparent great deal of these tourists are headed to Sorrento to experience the one-of-a-kind culture, mouth-watering cuisine, and surreal views that will make one never want to leave.

Sources:

Cain, Jayne. “Limoncello: When Life Gives You Lemons…” Rick Steves’ Europe. https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/limoncello-when-life-gives-you-lemons.

“What makes the Bay of Naples such a strong agricultural area and how have locals taken advantage of this?” Discover the World Education. April 15th, 2015. https://www.livingplanetblog.co.uk/2015/04/what-makes-the-bay-of-naples-such-a-strong-agricultural-area-and-how-have-locals-taken-advantage-of-.html.

“History of Sorrento, Italy,” Ciao Italy. https://ciaoitalytours.com/blog/history-of-sorrento-italy/.

“Tourist Flow into Italy,” Istat, 2016. https://www.istat.it/it/files//2017/10/Tourism2016.pdf.

“Visiting Sorrento in July,” Sorrento Insider. https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/m/sorrento-in-july.