After breakfast, we left our guesthouse and caught the 10:30am train out of Naples. A scenic hourlong train ride later, and we arrived in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast.
After the chaotic, urban atmosphere of Naples, Sorrento was so serene that it was almost jarring. Gone were the buzzing Vespas and the rampant graffiti; in their place we found a cloudless blue sky over an even bluer Bay of Naples, and a lovely little clifftop town.
Sorrento immediately reminded me of the turn-of-the-century spa towns we've visited in France.
Sorrento is famous for its picturesque harbor with houses clinging to the cliffside, and limoncello production. Both of those things are tourist catnip, and in summertime the town is overloaded with visitors, detracting from the very atmosphere people come to see. But now, in January, it's just as beautiful....but empty.
And weirdly, on January 9, it's also still Christmas here. The town tree and all the decorations are still up. And why not? The sparkly lights are purty.
Also: While it is sunny and beautiful, it is also COLD. As a Mediterranean girl, I am compelled to lodge my displeasure. I do not approve of this wintry chill. I'm just saying.
Sorrento is lovely, but unlike Naples, there's not a ton to do here, particularly in January. The town is so shut down for the winter that even the medieval city walls are closed until April. So after strolling the town, in the afternoon we did what locals do, and parked ourselves in the only harborfront restaurant still open for the season.
We spent most of the afternoon eating seafood pastas while gazing at a magnificent view of the Bay of Naples. I can confirm that while I still do not understand the human race's general love of pasta, it does taste better with a sea view and a bottle of Napoli wine.
After yesterday's ten-hour trek around Naples, it was nice to not do much of anything today beyond savoring the scenery. But tomorrow is another day of adventure and sore feet, as we visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii.
2025-02-13