Sorrento

Sorrento sits on dramatic cliffs 50 meters above the Bay of Naples, serving as your gateway to the Amalfi Coast's famous SS163 coastal road. The town itself offers walks through lemon groves, clifftop views of Vesuvius, and a historic center with ceramic shops and limoncello tastings. Most visitors use it as a day trip base, but the real prize is the scenic coastal drive to Positano's pastel houses, Amalfi's cathedral square, and Ravello's 350-meter-high Villa Rufolo gardens overlooking the Mediterranean.

Your morning starts with the spectacular descent along hairpin curves carved into vertical cliffs, where every turn reveals another breathtaking view of azure water and terraced villages. In Positano, you'll navigate steep pedestrian streets to reach the pebbly beach, while Amalfi offers flat cathedral squares perfect for gelato breaks between exploring the Duomo's Arab-Norman architecture. Ravello provides the day's highlight with Villa Rufolo's gardens, where Wagner composed and celebrities still marry against panoramic backdrops.

Most guides won't mention that driving yourself is genuinely stressful, not enjoyable. The roads barely fit two cars, parking costs 25-30 EUR when available, and summer traffic turns scenic drives into stop-and-go ordeals. SITA buses from Sorrento cost 10 EUR roundtrip, run every 30 minutes, and let you appreciate those cliff views instead of worrying about steering. Skip the expensive lemon grove tours (15 EUR for a short stroll) and save your money for decent restaurant meals in each village.