POMPEII
Once a thriving community, Pompeii was buried under the ash of Mount Vesuvius when it erupted in 79 AD. I found Pompeii incredibly fascinating. You get a real sense of their day-to-day life and just how sophisticated they were in many ways, yet not so much in others.
The architecture, temples and amphitheaters were mind-blowingly impressive for their time. Pompeii was a well-planned city with a grid-like street layout, public spaces like forums, temples, and theaters, and a sophisticated water distribution system. It was a thriving community with theaters for entertainment, public baths for relaxation, and busy markets for food and wine. The Pompeiians had any eye for art and decoration, as you’ll see in the intricate frescoes, mosaics depicting mythological scenes, and detailed sculptures found throughout the city.
However, they were also quite unsophisticated when it came to sanitation and hygiene, and had some very unsanitary ways, which you’ll learn about when you visit.
It was also a society where patriarchal and class-based structures were dominant. Men enjoyed more rights and opportunities, and the wealthy had advantages like private tutors since there wasn’t a formal education system in Pompeii.
If you get the chance to visit Pompeii, it’s absolutely worth it. You can join a tour from Sorrento or Positano – there are plenty to choose from. Alternatively, you can hop on the train from Sorrento. It’s a quick 30-minute ride with a few stops, and you’ll want to get off at Pompeii Scavi station. From there, it’s just a short walk across the street. Easy peasy!
One tip if you’re visiting on a hot day: bring an umbrella. Trust me, when my mom and I went, it felt like we were being fried like eggs in that heat! There’s not much shade around, but we noticed all the tour guides using umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun. Smart move!
CAPRI
I’ve done the Capri boat tour twice and absolutely loved it – I’d do it again! It’s a beautiful day on the water where you’ll go through Lovers’ Arch, get up close to sea caves, visit the amazing Blue Grotto, and then spend several hours on your own in Capri. It’s truly a perfect day.
In Capri, you’ll arrive at Marina Grande. Just a short walk away are the Gardens of Augustus (Giardini di Augusto), which have incredible views of the Faraglioni rock formations and Marina Piccola. If you’re not too crunched for time, take a taxi up to Anacapri, a quieter part of the island, and browse the local shops offering items like olive oil, limoncello, leather goods, and souvenirs. You can also take the chairlift to the highest point on the island for panoramic views.
On the way back to Positano, the captain will stop for some swimming. You really can’t ask for a better way to spend the day on the Amalfi Coast.
Tips:
#1 – If you’re prone to motion sickness, be sure to take some now-drowsy Dramamine or something similar. Both times I went out, the seas were not bad at all, but I learned the hard way that Dramamine is a must for me ☹
#2 – I highly recommend Blue Star Positano for your boat tour because they have an exceptional team, well-maintained boats, and ensure the experience is a memorable one.
SORRENTO
A day trip to Sorrento is a must if you’re staying in Positano. Perched on cliffs overlooking the sparkling Bay of Naples, Sorrento has a unique charm that sets it apart from Positano (you can read my comparison of the two towns here). The historic center is a delight to explore, with its narrow cobblestone streets and quaint shops selling everything from handmade ceramics to locally made table linens. Piazza Tasso, the bustling main square, is perfect for stopping by for a coffee or an Aperol Spritz and indulging in some people-watching.
For lunch, I recommend heading to Marina Grande, Sorrento’s picturesque fishing village. Here, you can enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant while gazing at the colorful boats bobbing in the water.
Don’t miss a visit to the Cloister of San Francesco, with its beautiful gardens and ancient architecture. The Museo Correale di Terranova, housed in an 18th-century villa, offers fascinating exhibits on Sorrento’s past.
Sorrento is one of my favorite towns in the world. I love everything about it, and I think you will too. If possible, spend the evening in Sorrento. It’s magical after dark.
Tip:
The bus is a quick and inexpensive way to travel between Positano and Sorrento. However, if you plan to stay into the evening, you’ll need to arrange alternative transportation. I recommend asking your hotel to organize this to avoid the steep prices of grabbing a roadside taxi.
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