Of course, I am a little biased. I was born here.
Sorrento is home, and even now, an evening by the sea or a familiar view of the coast can make me stop and appreciate it again. Growing up here has also taught me how different a journey can feel depending on where it begins.
There is Sorrento and its everyday town life, the coastline unfolding around Positano, the seaside setting of Nerano, and Capri seen from the water. Then come Naples, Pompeii and Herculaneum, the vineyards beneath Vesuvius, and the islands of Ischia and Procida.
My affection for this region extends inland, too: the villages around Benevento and their traditional trattorias, and south toward Cilento, a place I treasure for its landscapes, food and hospitality. These deserve time of their own, but they are part of why I never run out of ideas to share.
We help advisors find the places their clients will fall in love with.
Getting around
Getting to know Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast
Sorrento sits on the Sorrentine Peninsula, overlooking the Bay of Naples. Across the peninsula, the Amalfi Coast connects Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Ravello and smaller towns that reward a closer look. Nerano, on the peninsula’s southern side, brings another setting centered on the sea and waterfront dining. Capri lies offshore, while Ischia and Procida offer possibilities for extending the journey.
I think about this area through the experiences that connect it: time on the water, historic towns, archaeological sites, countryside lunches and evenings spent around a table.
But proximity on a map does not tell the whole story. The location of a property, access to a port and the time spent moving between places can shape the stay considerably. Our local knowledge helps us bring those details into the planning from the beginning.
the villages
Where to stay: Sorrento, Positano or Capri?
Before recommending a base, I like to understand how the guests imagine their mornings and evenings. Are they looking forward to exploring a different place each day, or enjoying the setting around their accommodation?
| Base | What I love about it | How I approach the choice |
|---|---|---|
| Sorrento | Beautiful views, lively evenings and a strategic position for exploring the region | A flexible base for families, friends and couples, with a broad choice of homes, villas and hotels |
| Positano | Iconic views and an intimate, jewel-like town set within the coastal landscape | Particularly appealing for guests who prefer to relax, enjoy the setting and take fewer excursions |
| Capri | Magical evenings, stylish beach clubs, time at sea and the different personalities of Capri and Anacapri | A lovely possibility for three days of la dolce vita, giving the island time beyond a day visit |
For me, Sorrento offers considerable flexibility. Positano and Capri have their own magic, especially for couples and honeymooners, but frequent excursions elsewhere require more thought about travel time. Nerano brings another possibility for guests who want the sea, good food and time to enjoy their accommodation.
The property can ultimately decide the recommendation. Our background as property owners and managers makes us attentive to steps, elevators, room arrangements, luggage access and pickup points, alongside comfort and views.
The experiences
The experiences that make me love Sorrento & the Amalfi coast
The experiences I most enjoy recommending usually involve people we know.
There is Massimo bringing Pompeii to life, followed by lunch and a tasting with Giovanni among the vineyards on the slopes of Vesuvius. There is Fabio sharing Naples through its streets and stories, with time for pizza. And there are coastal days with Toni or Salvatore, connecting towns and a carefully chosen lunch stop.
On the water, I love the possibility of exploring Capri by private boat and, when the route allows, stopping for lunch by the sea in Nerano. Around Sorrento, an evening cooking at our hillside farm offers another kind of memory: the sea in the distance, food prepared together and tomatoes picked when in season.
These are examples of how we approach the area. We choose the experiences around the guests, then connect them through sensible timing and local relationships.
For those returning to Campania or with more time available, my own interest in food and countryside also leads toward Benevento and Cilento. They can open a different chapter, with their own stays and routes, rather than another stop added to a coastal day.
Pompeii Ruins
Walk Pompeii’s ancient streets with a local guide and discover the everyday stories behind the ruins, with Mount Vesuvius rising in the distance.
Amalfi Coast tour
Follow the coastal road from Positano to Ravello with a private driver, leaving time to wander through the towns and linger over lunch in Praiano.
Capri island boat tour
See Capri from the water on a private boat, gliding past the Faraglioni and stopping for a swim when the sea is calm.
itineraries
How many days should the journey allow?
Three nights give guests a taste of the region. Five leave room for a day on Capri and a vineyard lunch after Pompeii. With a week, I like to give the Amalfi Coast two separate days and leave an afternoon free for lunch by the sea in Nerano.
3 nights in Sorrento, with Capri and the Amalfi Coast
5 nights in Sorrento, with Capri, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast
One week in Sorrento and on the Amalfi Coast
Extending the journey to Ischia & Procida
Ischia is one of my favorite islands in Italy. I like to give it a few nights for the thermal baths, gardens and long lunches. Procida pairs beautifully with it, especially for a walk around the harbor and lunch by the water. We check sea connections before deciding how to fit both islands into the trip.
Bringing the journey together
Growing up here gave me plenty of places I love to share. The pleasure is finding the ones that feel right for each guest, whether that means Capri from the water or an evening by the sea in Sorrento.
Travel advisors are welcome to contact My Exclusive Italy for help with stays, private transfers and experiences across the region, including longer journeys to Benevento and Cilento.
Map
Where it is
One sentence to introduce the map.
- Sorrento
- Positano
- Capri
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Yes. I often suggest Sorrento for a first visit because guests can explore the coast, spend a day on Capri and still come back to a town where they can walk out for dinner. A central stay is particularly convenient for families and groups who want some independence between outings.
I’d choose Sorrento for variety and day trips, Positano for the views and a slower stay, and Capri for evenings on the island after the day visitors leave. Nerano is a lovely choice for guests who want a quieter villa stay with long lunches by the water.
Three nights work for a focused first visit. Five give guests time for Capri, the coast and Pompeii without planning an outing for every available hour. With a week, I like to split the coast across two days and leave some time for Sorrento itself.
A day trip works well for guests who mainly want to see the island from the water and spend a little time ashore. I’d suggest staying overnight when the appeal is Capri itself: a beach club afternoon, dinner in town and an evening with nowhere else to be.
Yes, when sea conditions, timing and the route allow. It’s one of my favorite combinations. We coordinate the lunch reservation with the skipper so there’s still time to enjoy Capri from the water.
Yes, if the arrival time leaves enough room for a guided visit. We plan the stop as part of the private transfer and coordinate luggage arrangements. With a late arrival, I’d save Pompeii for another day and consider pairing it with lunch at a vineyard on the slopes of Vesuvius.
Want us to plan your trip to Sorrento, Capri, the Amalfi Coast or elsewhere in Italy?
