The wonderful thing about
Sorrento is that you don't feel like you have to see or do too much when you're
in town. This place is about kicking back and enjoying the stunning views out
across the Bay of Naples to the brooding Mount Vesuvius in the distance; about
pottering around its atmospheric little lanes; and about finding a good pizza
restaurant and watching the world go by. We did all three today.
Actually, I don't
think that I've ever encountered Sorrento when it's been busier. Being a
Sunday, there were lots of local families promenading around; but, there were
lots of large groups of international tourists too. Maybe they were coming for
some early season sun – it was gloriously sunny, if a little bit on the cool
side. Maybe it was because many of the other spring sunshine destinations are
largely off limits these days (like Turkey, Egypt, or North Africa). Whatever
the reason, Sorrento was BUSY.
So, we decided to
escape the crowds and walked down to the Marina Grande for a coffee. It was
only a 20-minute walk away, but this was like another place entirely – no big
tour groups, no souvenir shops, and a little beach where it was just about warm
enough to attract a few sunbathers.
After enjoying the
chilled out atmosphere, we headed back to Sorrento to join the crowds perusing
the shops, before heading to meet up with some friends for a delicious pizza
and a bit of La Dolce Vita.
After 114 days on the
world cruise, you need relaxing days like this.