Crossroads of the world

“Ma nun me lassà, Nun darme stu turmiento! Torna a Surriento, Famme campà!”
"Don't leave me, dont' give me this pain! Come back to Sorrento, make me live!"

In a magnificent and strategic position, Sorrento has been a chosen destination for travellers since ancient times. It is well-connected to the city of Napoli and it's port, airport, and train station. Sorrento is the ideal bridge binding the Gulf of Napoli and the Gulf of Sorrento and a port, that in every season of the year, connects the mainland to the world-famous islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida. Sorrento is linked to the archaeological zones of Pompei, Ercolano, Stabia, Oplonto and Torre Annunziata by the fast and picturesque Circumvesuviano train that connects to Napoli and the entire continent. Its convenient location makes it an international crossroads and perennially crowded with tourists. In spite of this, Sorrento preserves its discrete charm and intrinsic elegance that is obvious in the exceptional politeness courtesy and openess of its inhabitants who are accustomed to living with and welcoming visitors of every class and race and from all over the world.
Sorrento, moreover, is a city of great navigators and sailors and many of the ships that travel the world have a commanding officer, a captain, or a sailor from Sorrento on board. Broad-mindedness towards other cultures is great and there are an infinite number of excellent hotels and tourist arrangements in every price-range. The best part of Sorrento, however, is retained for the celebrities who, year after year, visit and have made it their adoptive homeland. Among the most famous is Enrico Caruso, a regular guest of the magnificent hotels, many of which are fashioned from old residences and which dominate the promontory overlooking the picturesque port and the splendid bay of Napoli that is celebrated in so many famous songs. Sorrento is renowned for its very sophisticated gastronomic traditions. And without a doubt, eating in Sorrento (other than at the contaminated spots catering to the "eat and run" mobs that are imposed on the city by mass tourism) can be a real treat for the spirit and a temptation that is best given in to immediately. The city is not just a crossroads for travellers. It is also, and especially, a great gathering place for the typical local products that have earned the cherished DOP denomination. Dairy products and cheeses, flour, pasta and breads, extra-virgin olive oils, citrus fruits, world famous walnuts and highest quality fish and seafoods are every day ingredients in Sorrento cuisine. It isn't by chance that Sorrento and the Sorrento coast are rich in many-starred restaurants where world famous and highly esteemed local dishes are proudly listed on the menu. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, spaghetti with zucchini, lobster ravioli, or baba with limoncella, provolone del monaco cheese (a DOP brand), the local dairy products – treccia sorrentina (a braided cheese), caciocavallo or the pastas and breads from nearby Gragnano, the famous pizza served "by the metre"( which was invented in nearby Vico Equense) to give some idea of how difficult it is not to enjoy the foods of the area. It is also difficult to resist shopping while in Sorrento. The best of alta moda and Italian-style clothing shine in the many shop windows along Corso Italia, the main street of the city. But the best of Sorrento -as always- is hidden in the beautiful little lanes, especially those just off the very central Piazza Tasso. Among them, be sure to visit Vico S. Cesario, which is lined with handicraft and gastronomy shops specializing in spices, oils, dairy goods, limoncello, and other local delicacies. It is the ideal spot to pick up at least one jewel of Sorrento inlaid woodwork art. In this neighbourhood, especially if you go down towards the port (and after you have visited the marvelous Cloister of Saint Francis), you can discover great little restaurants with beautiful terraces shaded bypergolas scented by oranges, wisteria, jasmine and bourgainvilla. Eating under a natural dome that is so welcoming is a souvenir to keep in your heart, with the hope –as the song says– of returning to Sorrento any time you want.