With all the traveling I’ve done in my life, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast still come in as my all-time favorite travel destination. One question I get quite often is “Which place is best to base ourselves, Sorrento or Positano?” My answer is always “BOTH if you have the time.” While I know changing hotels isn’t ideal, if you’ll be staying six nights or more, it’s worth the extra effort to split your time between each town.
The one thing that a day trip doesn’t allow you is the ability to experience a place after dark. For me, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Sorrento and Positano is to walk around in the evenings. You can stroll through the little shops, enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset, find a place that’s playing live music, and dine on local specialty dishes at a table under the stars.
If you only have a few days in the region, it’s best to select one town to base yourself. While Positano and Sorrento share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Let’s compare Positano and Sorrento in various aspects:
Accessibility
If you have any mobility issues, I’d recommend staying in Sorrento. While larger and more spread out than Positano, Sorrento is easier to explore on foot since it sits on a flat plateau. In contrast, Positano, due to its cliffside location, has more stairs, steeper walkways, and narrower roads.
Winner: Sorrento
Transportation
I don’t recommend renting a car and driving yourself in this area. I’ve seen a scooter, with a dog riding on its footboard, zigzagging through traffic. I was once on a bus that had to back up along the highway in order to allow another bus to pass on a curve, all while being just a couple of feet from an insanely steep cliff on the back end. It was 6 inches away from the other bus on the front end. I’m not going to lie, it scared me.
If you do opt to drive, be sure to check with your hotel about parking. Unless you have an assigned spot, finding a place to park in Positano would be really challenging.
The majority of people traveling to the region will be traveling from Rome or Naples. I’ve used a car service, as well as, the train lines. If it’s within your budget, I highly recommend hiring a car service. It’s convenient and you’ll get dropped off directly at your hotel.
Alternatively, you can take the train, which runs from these cities to Sorrento. However, there is not a train line that continues on to Positano. Your routing would likely look something like this:
- Train from Rome to Naples (1 hr)
- Change Train (15-30 min)
- Train from Naples to Sorrento (1 hr 45 mn)
- If opting to stay in Sorrento, a taxi from the station to an accommodation would likely be around 5-10 minutes.
- If opting to stay in Positano, there are a few ways to get there:
- Car hire or taxi from Sorrento station to accommodation (20-30 minutes)
- Bus from Sorrento station to appropriate bus stop in Positano (1 hour). If your accommodation is close by, you can walk from the bus stop. If not, you’d need to try and hail a taxi (there is no Uber here).
Lastly, you could make your way to the port in Naples, and then hop on one of the ferries that run from Naples to Sorrento (1h 15m) or Naples to Positano (1h 45m).
There is no clear favorite when considering proximity to popular day trip destinations, as Sorrento is closer to Pompeii and Herculaneum. Positano is closer to Amalfi and Ravello. It’s easy to reach Capri by boat from either destination.
Winner: Sorrento
Scenery
Positano is famous for its picturesque beauty, with colorful houses built vertically into the cliffs that surround it. The pastel-colored buildings create a striking contrast against the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Everywhere you turn in Positano, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the sea and the Amalfi Coast. Whether you’re strolling through the narrow streets or dining at a cliffside restaurant, the panorama of the coastline is simply unforgettable.
Sorrento is situated on a plateau overlooking the Bay of Naples and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Naples. The town has a more expansive and open feel compared to the narrow and vertical layout of Positano. Its elevated position provides visitors with panoramic vistas of the azure waters, the distant islands of Capri and Ischia, and the rugged coastline. Sorrento is famous for its lemon and orange groves, which add a vibrant touch to the landscape. On clear days, you can see Mount Vesuvius, the famous volcano that erupted in 79 AD, and the city of Naples across the bay.
While both towns are stunningly beautiful, Positano is a postcard-perfect destination and an unforgettable sight. It’s no wonder why this place has been an inspiration for artists, writers, and travelers seeking a slice of paradise.
Winner: Positano
Beaches
The main beach in Positano is Spiaggia Grande, which is a pebble beach with clear waters. Understandably, this beautiful beach can get crowded during peak tourist seasons. In spite of the crowd, relaxing on the beach with the towering cliffs as a backdrop is a truly mesmerizing experience.
While Sorrento has some small beaches, they are mostly rocky and less suitable for sunbathing. However, it compensates with a beautiful coastline and stunning seafront views.
Winner: Positano
Atmosphere
Sorrento’s charming old town is a maze of narrow streets, cobblestone alleys, and picturesque squares. The architecture reflects the town’s rich history, with ancient churches, Renaissance palazzi, and traditional houses adorned with flower-filled balconies.
The main square of Sorrento, Piazza Tasso, is a vibrant hub of activity. It’s surrounded by cafes, shops, and historic buildings. This main square is an excellent place to soak in the local atmosphere while sipping on a refreshing Limoncello.
Sorrento has a picturesque fishing village called Marina Grande, which is a delightful spot to experience the local maritime culture. Here, you’ll find colorful fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, small seafood restaurants serving fresh catches, and charming waterfront cafes.
Sorrento is known for its stunning sunsets, which paint the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. Watching the sun dip below the horizon from one of the cliffside viewpoints or the marina is a magical experience.
Overall, Sorrento’s scenery is a captivating blend of coastal beauty, Mediterranean charm, and historical richness.
The town’s unique setting, surrounded by nature and steeped in history, makes it a must-visit destination. It has a vibrant and lively ambiance with a mix of local markets, shops, and a variety of dining options. It is larger and has a more bustling atmosphere, catering to a broader range of travelers, including families and solo tourists. My favorite hotels in Sorrento are Bellevue Syrene and La Minervetta.
Positano’s layout is characterized by a network of narrow alleyways, staircases, and winding paths that lead up and down the cliffs.
As you explore these charming streets, you’ll encounter delightful shops, boutique hotels, and lovely cafes.
The area surrounding Positano is covered in lush Mediterranean vegetation. Olive groves, lemon orchards, and colorful bougainvillea vines add a touch of natural beauty to the already stunning scenery.
Fishing boats dot the azure waters, capturing a picturesque scene and the essence of this quaint fishing village turned tourist haven. The scenery is a delightful combination of natural beauty, Mediterranean charm, and breathtaking coastal vistas.
Positano is relatively small and intimate, making it a romantic destination favored by honeymooners and couples. The town has a laid-back and luxurious atmosphere, with upscale boutiques, charming cafes, and fine-dining restaurants.
Winner: Positano
Which town you choose depends on your preferences, travel style, and the experience you seek.
I hope this has been a helpful overview of Positano and Sorrento, both captivating towns with their own unique charm.
Which town is your favorite? Feel free to leave comments below.
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