Travel: Sorrento, Italy. April 21-25
- Apr 26
- 8 min read
A continuation of a trip which started on April 14th
London 04/15-20 (here)
South West Italy. 04/20-21 (here)
As was mentioned in my previous post we visited Sorrento several times in the past,
last visited and stayed in Sorrento was in Oct 2023 ( see post) just days prior to Oct. 7th Hamas massacres executed
against Israeli citizens, and those heinous Gaza atrocities, have rippled into the Israel/US wars also against Iran. (butterfly effect..)
The war had engulfed many Middle East regional countries, and its devastating outcome culminated in enormous loss of lives, in thousands displaced and wounded, as well as in global energy/oil crisis and shortage due to spiral peaks of market prices..
End of conflict's negotiations between the US and Iran, so far have led to only dead-ened, While Trump's disapproval ascends, China has been suffering, it seems that main emerging winner from the ongoing brinkmanship blockade of the Hormuz Strait, is Russia of Putin..
Trump's Disapproval Rate
On the backdrop of this on–going conflict, and due to the fact that BA canceled the London-TLV flight segment, instead of spending time in Israel, we end up driving along the enchanting Southwestern coastal part of Italy (here) returning once again to the Amalfi coast and staying in Sorrento
Since I extensively wrote about Sorrento in my previous post from 2023, (here) in this post what is mainly mentioned are special villas, attractive hotels, restaurants and stunning views, which we encountered during the 5 days stay in town.
The sight of the volcanic Vesuvio across the Bay of Napoli from Capodimonte Hotel
An outstanding elegant property carved into the hill top, with panoramic breathtaking views of Sorrento, and Vesuvio, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, above the historic town, and grand Marina, It is located within a 10 minutes walk from the old center
It is the only 4 Star Superior Hotel in Sorrento to boast five fantastic cascading pools . surrounded by the natural landscape and lush greenery..
Breakfast which is served at the hotel's open terrace, with its amazing views, is
very good.
The hotel is part of Manniello Hotels a luxury hotel brand comprising two 5-star and two 4-star superior properties, all centrally located in Sorrento, with breathtaking sea views and exclusive services. +39 081 8073434 info@manniellohotels.com
Via Corso Italia
Corsa Italia is a pedestrian main road through the historic center of Sorrento, a busy shopping street dotted with bars and restaurants. it particularly comes alive during the evenings when locals and visitors alike take their passeggiata.
stroll
The vibrant Piazza Tasso named after the 16th-c poet Torquato Tasso (1544–1595) is found in the middle section of Corso Italia and next in its further section is set the Romanesque 15thC Sorrento Cathedral The poet Torquato Tasso, the best known citizen of the town, was baptized in the church's baptistery.
On Via Corso Italia at the town's historic part also Villa Florentino can't be missed
Villa Fiorentino - Museum
Corso Italia 53. +39 0669 358515 + 39 3515057608
The beautiful white villa is in the Neoclassical style with neo-colonial influences, typical of 19th-c southern American architecture.
Vila Fiorentino was built in the 1930s as the home of the Fiorentino-Cuomo family, historic weavers of handkerchiefs with the finest and most sought-after embroidery. using the rooms on the ground floor of the villa precisely as a display venue for their work.
Today it is the headquarters of the Sorrento Foundation, a cultural promotion organization,
The Red Tree's Roots installation in front of the villa's building is by the Israeli-American sculptor, Dalya Luttwak, living and working in the Washington, D.C. area.
Her works consist primarily of large-scale, vividly colored steel structures derived from various plant roots.
The first Tropical Mangrove was commissioned from the artist for the 16th
Venice Architecture Biennale in 2018
An Opera Concert -From Opera to Neapolitan Tradition performances in the villa, are given every Wednesday and Sunday at 21.pm and tickets are sold at the villa up to when the concert starts.
It is set in the villa's outdoors garden and the chairs are uncomfortable, as is the inflated unjustified price (55 Euro per person) considering this arrangement.
Piazza della Vitoria- "Victory Square"
The quiet, panoramic square, situated between the 2 main marinas in Sorrento, Marina Grande and Marina Piccola is known for its stunning, peaceful views of the Gulf of Napoli and Mount Vesuvius.
In the middle of the square there's a lovely small garden shaded by palm trees
This area also lies between two of Sorrento's most famous hotels,
Hotel Tramontano (in which we stayed in 2023) and
Piazza della Vittoria, 5
Built on the remains of a luxurious villa from the Roman times. overlooking the Gulf of Napoli, the relaischateaux luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Sorrento since 1820, with ancient frescoesa is a charming chic mix of modern and traditional decor
Views from the hotel
The ancient Roman walkway that directly connects the hotel to the beach below is a fascinating path carved into the rock, leading to the sea,
Also the main route leading from the area of Hotel Syrene (behind it) down to Marina Grande is Via Marina Grande.
The Via Marina Grande. pathway is accessed by walking from the cliff-top behind the hotels, combined with set of steep steps,
Along the upper part of the pathway one encounters also the entrance to the following villas, locked behind massive gates but better seen from the sea
Villa Pompeiana
Villa Astor
Villa Pompeiana - Wedding Venue
Built on the foundations of an ancient 2nd-c BC Roman villa, possibly the residence of Emperor Augustus, Villa Pompeiana is a historic 20th-century wing of the Bellevue Syrene Hotel , designed as a faithful reproduction of Pompeii’s House of the Vettii. Built between 1905–1907 by Lord William Waldorf Astor, it features Roman-inspired frescoes and columns, providing a luxurious, panoramic terrace overlooking the Bay
Lord William Waldorf Astor, a British enthusiast of Roman history, commissioned the Villa Pompeiana section to replicate the opulence of Pompeiian homes, It features detailed frescoes, classical architectural elements, and sharp colors, aiming to mirror the House of the Vettii. >>> >>>
The surrounding site was a 1750s residence, later converted into the Bellevue Syrene hotel in 1820
The Villa Pompeiana serves as a premier romantic, sea-view location for wedding banquets, breakfast, and events within the 5-star hotel, often featuring contemporary art curated by the Russo family owners.
Villa Astor
Villa Astor, located on the cliff-top is a historic, lavish estate, originally dating back to the 1st century A.D.. Purchased in 1905 by Lord William Waldorf Astor,
it was transformed into a paradise adorned with priceless classical antiquities and a renowned botanical garden. The site was originally inhabited by Agrippa Postumus, (12 BC – 14 AD) grandson of Emperor Augustus (63 BC – 14 AD) in the 1st century A.D
The Astor family maintained the property until 1919. It changed hands over the decades and in the 1970's was bought by Rita Vessichelli Pane
During her 30-year tenure, she and her husband maintained the villa, turning it into a famous destination that hosted many intellectuals, artists, and diplomats.
She contributed to the book Villa Astor: Paradise Restored on the Amalfi Coast (published by Flammarion),
Astor Era (1905-1919): William Waldorf Astor, one of the world's richest men at the time, purchased the property (then known as Villa Tritone) and turned it into his passion project. He added a "Pompeiian" villa, decorated with Neo-classical frescoes by artist Mario Spinetti, and filled the grounds with over 1,000 botanical species and thousands of archaeological finds.
During WWII (1943–1945), the villa served as the Dutch embassy, and the Italian philosopher Benedetto Croce resided there.
in the 1970s, the villa became a social hub for famous guests including Princess Margaret, Sophia Loren, Gregory Peck, and Gianni Agnelli.
Following its sale in 2012, the French designer Jacques Garcia restored the home and gardens The villa is currently a premier luxury rental and wedding venue, frequently described as one of the most beautiful spots on the Amalfi Coast
At our previous visit in Sorrento we stayed as I wrote in my previous post from 2023 (here) at this great hotel
Via Vittorio Veneto, 1
Just off the busy shopping streets of the historic center
On one of the roads leading off piazza della vittoria, square is the house where the Norwegian playwright- Henrik Ibsen wrote his play "Ghosts" in 1881. after taking a self-imposed exile in 1864 when he settled in the beautiful resort of Sorrento.
The house is the one at the corner of the square and Via Vittorio Veneto and has a commemorative plaque on its wall.
Another upscale hotel in the same area of the historic center is Grand Hotel La Favorita
Via Tasso 61/63 +39 081 8782031. info@hotellafavorita.com
Located in the historic center across from Imperial Hotel Tramontano this new (2010) elegant neo-classical decor, paired with high end, modern oriental touch offers a breathtaking rooftop views and a pool.
Palazzo Marziale Hotel
P. Francesco Saverio Gargiulo, 2, 8
This elegant small boutique hotel set in a restored 15th-c mansion with a pink stucco facade and Catalan-Durazzo architecture and which retains many of its period features was the Savarese family residence for centuries It is situated in the historical center and much more affordable then the other hotels in the same area.
Marina Grande
Marina Grande in Sorrento is a 650-foot-long traditional charming fishing village
Marina Grande is reachable by foot in about 10 minutes from the center of Sorrento walking along the ancient Via Marina Grande and crossing the ancient pre-Roman gate. The selection of restaurants along the Marina's seafront offer fresh seafood
and are a better value then in the center.
This corner of tranquility offers colorful houses, moored boats, panoramic views of the bay and waterfront sea food restaurants. with rustic atmosphere
Also the beach of Marina Grande is small but welcoming . It has received the Blue Flag for the quality of its waters and services. It is composed of volcanic sand and pebbles, with calm and shallow waters
On the way to the marina and close to it there is another affordable Hotel de Mare
and at the far left corner of the marina, right by the water, and next to Bangi Delfinoa restaurant (we like the best at the Marina) there is a quint Hotel Admiral
nestled between a cliff facing the bay.
Another popular restaurant we sampled in town's center is
L' Antica Trattoria - In Sorrento old town center since 1930
Via P.R Giuliani 33. 081 807 1082 info@lantictrattoria.com
The rocky Backdrop of Sorrento
Valle dei Mulini - Valley of the Mills
The historic valley of about 37,000 years old consists of verdant grouping of modern ruins nestled at the bottom of a deep crevasse. located behind Piazza Tasso.
The valley is carved by two rivers: Casarlano-Cesarano and S. Antonino
The ancient six-story abandoned mill building is located far down in a deep ravine and the end of a street
The unique geological formation that emerged thousands of years ago following volcanic eruptions is about 35 m deep, making the view from above truly breathtaking. Built from stone as far back as the 13th c its name derived from its beginning function: to grind grain.
Also a sawmill was providing swan wood. The building was closed and abandoned in the 1940s.
Bye Bye Sorrento
To Be Continued...
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