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After a whirlwind start to our Italian getaway, our second leg brought us to the enchanting Sorrento late on a Friday night. As we arrived in the charming town under the cover of darkness, we barely had time to catch our breath before venturing out to find a late-night bite to eat. The streets were alive with the promise of adventure. We quickly found ourselves planning the
next couple of days, knowing we were about to embark on an unforgettable journey.
A Day Trip to Capri: Walking Through the Buzz of the Island
After settling into Sorrento, we decided to spend one of our first full days on the island of Capri. The weather was perfect, so we caught an early ferry from Sorrento, sailing across the stunning Tyrrhenian Sea. As soon as we arrived at the Grande Port, we were greeted by crowds of tourists, mostly
American and the energetic vibe of the island was immediately apparent.
Capri is known for its upscale charm and we saw that firsthand as we wandered through the bustling streets. We were drawn to the beautiful window displays of the high-end designer boutiques - Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana, to name a few. While we didn’t venture inside (those price tags were eye-watering!), we admired the luxurious items on display. It was
fun to window shop, taking in the glamorous side of Capri without feeling the need to splurge.✨
Aside from the designer stores there were also more touristy shops, offering everything from hand-painted lemon ceramics to bottles of limoncello and locally made sandals. This mix of luxury and tradition gave the island a unique, albeit tourist-heavy, feel.
Although we had hoped to do a boat tour around the island, time was limited. Instead, we opted to explore Capri by foot, making the
most of our few hours. The funicular had long queues, so we decided to walk uphill instead. It was a bit of a climb, but well worth it for the views and the experience of exploring at our own pace. The island was undeniably stunning, with its narrow streets, Mediterranean atmosphere, and the constant hum of activity.
We walked from Grande Port across the island to Piccolo Port, dodging the crowds as best we could and soaking up the atmosphere. However, Capri was
extremely busy and at times, it felt overwhelming to navigate through the crowds. When we caught the ferry back to Sorrento later in the afternoon, we were tired but satisfied with our day of exploration.
As much as we enjoyed our time on Capri, we couldn’t help but reflect on how different it felt from Ischia, where we had stayed for four nights before traveling to Sorrento. Ischia had a much more relaxed, laid-back vibe - quieter and far less crowded, even at the height of summer.
While Capri was buzzing with designer shops and throngs of tourists, Ischia offered a slower pace, with more local charm and space to breathe.
We were so glad we had the chance to experience both islands, but for us, the peacefulness of Ischia was a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of Capri. Capri made for a perfect day trip with its breathtaking beauty and luxury appeal, but Ischia’s quieter, more authentic atmosphere left a lasting impression. It felt like a hidden gem, and we
were grateful to have experienced it before diving into the busier side of the Amalfi Coast.
We made our way from Grande Port to the quieter Piccolo Port, navigating through the crowds while taking in the stunning scenery. Though busy, Capri's natural beauty shone through. As our time on the island came to an end, we caught the ferry back to Sorrento, our feet tired but our hearts full.
For dinner, we were pointed in the direction of Del Franco, a local pizza
spot hailed as the best in Sorrento by our host. Fortunately, we arrived before the restaurant filled up, and the pizza did not disappoint. It was the perfect end to a long, exhilarating day.
A Perfect Anniversary on the Amalfi Coast
The next day was extra special, as it was our 20th wedding anniversary, and we had planned something truly memorable - a boat trip along the famous Amalfi Coast. We set off in the morning and though
the boat was busy, we were full of excitement for the day ahead. The coastline is breathtaking, with its dramatic cliffs, colourful villages perched along the hillsides, and the deep blue of the Mediterranean below. It felt surreal to be sailing along this iconic stretch of Italy, knowing we’d soon be stopping at two of the coast’s most famous towns: Amalfi and Positano.
Our first stop was Amalfi, a town known for its historic charm and connection to Italy's maritime
history. As soon as we docked, we were greeted by the stunning sight of Amalfi’s majestic cathedral, Duomo di Sant'Andrea, with its grand staircase and striking Arab-Norman architecture. The town itself felt like a step back in time, with narrow streets filled with charming shops and cafes. We wandered around, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the picturesque views of the harbour and hills.
Amalfi was bustling with tourists but it felt welcoming despite the crowds. We took our
time strolling through the streets, stopping for some gelato! My favourite! There were plenty of shops where you could sample some limoncello - the area’s famous lemon liqueur - and lots of shops selling souvenirs. The lemon groves surrounding the town added a fresh, citrusy scent to the air, making Amalfi feel like a slice of paradise. We had plenty of time there and our next destination was Positano.
When we arrived in Positano, we immediately understood why it’s
known as one of the jewels of the Amalfi Coast. The colourful buildings cascading down the steep hillside towards the beach created a postcard-perfect view. The town felt a bit more relaxed than Amalfi, with a chic yet laid-back vibe. The winding, narrow streets were lined with boutique shops selling everything from handmade sandals to ceramics, alongside upscale cafes and restaurants with stunning views of the sea.
We spent time exploring Positano at our own pace, enjoying the slightly
quieter and more intimate atmosphere. The town has a romantic charm with its flower-draped terraces, secluded corners, and picture-perfect views around every turn. We sat at a small café, enjoying a drink and taking in the beautiful surroundings. The beach, though crowded, was a dazzling stretch of pebbles, with sunbathers and swimmers enjoying the clear waters.
Positano, for us, had a different energy compared to Amalfi - it felt more like a place to linger, take in the beauty and relax.
The slower pace and the stunning backdrop made Positano our favourite of the two stops. It was less crowded than Amalfi, and we found it easier to soak in the views and ambiance without feeling rushed.
On our return journey, we were lucky enough to snag seats on the top deck of the boat, allowing us to take in the full beauty of the Amalfi Coast. The cliffs, dotted with pastel-coloured houses and the shimmering blue sea stretching endlessly into the horizon created a scene that was nothing
short of magical. It was the perfect way to end such a special day.
When we arrived back in Sorrento, we freshened up and headed out for an anniversary dinner to cap off what had been a truly unforgettable day. Sailing along the Amalfi Coast, with its stunning scenery and beautiful towns, felt like the perfect way to celebrate 20 years of love, adventure and memories together.
A Slow-Paced Sorrento Sunday
The next day, rain was forecast, so we
decided to stay close to our accommodation in Sorrento. It was a much-needed slower-paced day after the excitement of Capri and the Amalfi Coast. Sorrento’s quaint streets and harbour made for a lovely, relaxed day of exploring. We wandered through the shops, visited the marina and enjoyed the luxury of not needing to rush anywhere.
In the evening, I enjoyed my first pasta dish of the trip - simple yet delicious. I don’t like creamy sauces, of which there lots in Italian cuisine but I
found a pasta that had a tomato and spicy sauce!
Pompeii & Herculaneum: Stepping Back in Time
Monday took us to Pompeii, a site I had been eager to explore. After catching a packed local train with no seats available (standing for nearly an hour!), we finally arrived. Pompeii was everything I had imagined and more. We spent over five hours walking through its ancient ruins, marvelling at how much history had been uncovered after the eruption
of Mount Vesuvius.
The sheer scale of Pompeii was impressive, but after a long day on our feet, we were happy to return to Sorrento and rest.
The following day, we visited Herculaneum. It’s much smaller than Pompeii but incredibly well-preserved, allowing us to see even more of daily Roman life. I’m so glad we decided to visit both sites - each offered its own unique window into the past.
Winding Down in Sorrento and Farewell to
Italy
Our last full day in Italy was spent in Sorrento. After several days of packed itineraries, we wanted a more laid-back experience before heading home. We treated ourselves to another fantastic meal at Marina Grande, this time savouring fresh fish that rivalled any dish we had tried so far. It was our second time eating there, and it didn’t disappoint - so good we had to go back!
On our final day, with a late flight out, we had a relaxed morning strolling around
Sorrento one last time. We indulged in gelato, grabbed a casual lunch and soaked in the warm Italian sun. The journey to Naples airport was anything but relaxed - traffic was chaotic and we were so thankful we hadn’t attempted to drive ourselves.
By the time we arrived home in the early hours of Saturday morning, we were exhausted but filled with memories of an incredible trip. It was wonderful to reunite with Mitzi and catch up with family, though I immediately missed Italy's
warmth (it felt so cold back home!).
Our Italian adventure was truly unforgettable, from the bustling streets of Capri to the awe-inspiring ruins of Pompeii and of course, celebrating our 20th anniversary on the Amalfi Coast. It was the perfect way to mark such a special occasion and we’ll carry these memories with us forever.
Until next time, Italy!
Love,
Nicki xx
