Have you heard about the beautiful Sorrentine Peninsula and the astonishing Amalfi Coast and you don’t know which destination to choose for your Italian holiday? The good news is that you won’t need to choose at all. Despite some confusion about it, the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast may not be exactly the same thing but they are not two completely different destinations. In fact, the Amalfi Coast is right next to the Sorrentine Peninsula, encompassing towns like Amalfi, Positano and Ravello. Read on to find out more about these unique places to make sure you don’t miss anything of one of the most beautiful and rich Italian locations.
What the Sorrentine Peninsula
The Sorrentine Peninsula is a small protrusion of land extending into the Tyrrhenian Sea, located in the Campania region and divided between the cities of Naples and Salerno. The northern coast faces the Gulf of Naples and is known as the Sorrento Coast. The southern coast, on the other hand, is the famous Amalfi Coast and overlooks the Gulf of Salerno.
The peninsula is crossed by the Lattari Mountains, which slope down towards the sea, ending at Punta Campanella. This promontory serves as a watershed between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno, and in front of it lies the Island of Capri.
What to see on the Sorrento Peninsula
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Sorrento
Right across from the Bay of Naples lies Sorrento, a city built on the cliffs. Famous for its panoramic views and the maze of narrow streets filled with cafes, Sorrento is also rich in culture and architecture.
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Vico Equense
A still-intact medieval village surrounded by the wild nature of Mount Faito, one of the peaks of the Lattari Mountains. Here, history, culture, and architecture merge with gastronomy. A must is a visit to “da Giggino”, where you can enjoy real pizza by the meter.
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Punta Campanella
The name refers to the tower with a bell that served to warn citizens when enemy ships were approaching the coast. Punta Campanella is best visited on foot, by taking the path that leads from Nerano to Marina del Cantone.
What is the Amalfi Coast?
As we have just seen, the Amalfi Coast is a long stretch of coastline on the Sorrento Peninsula. Specifically, it is the section of coast to the south of the peninsula that extends from Punta Campanella to Vietri sul Mare. At the eastern end lies the city of Salerno.
The coast takes its name from the city of Amalfi. However, with an extension of no less than 40 kilometers, it encompasses 13 villages: Amalfi, Atrani, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Scala, Tramonti e Vietri sul Mare.
What to see on the Amalfi Coast?
If you are on the Sorrento Peninsula, after visiting the northern coast, you must head south to spend some time on the Amalfi Coast. With an unrivaled gastronomic tradition, towns perched on the cliffs, and a unique historical and cultural heritage, the Amalfi Coast is among the most visited areas in Campania. But as we mentioned earlier, the coast stretches over 40 kilometers of beaches and cliffs: where should you start, what should you prioritize, and what do you need to know?
- Positano: small churches, colorful houses, tiled roofs, and narrow streets perched over the cobalt blue sea.
- Amalfi: having long held a monopoly on trade in the Tyrrhenian Sea with Eastern markets, the city has been influenced by this culture. This is evident in its urban design, with closely packed houses climbing steep slopes, a labyrinth of alleys, and staircases.
- Ravello: Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, and the Terrace of Infinity are must-see stops.
- The Path of the Gods: a natural trail about 9 kilometers long that goes from Agerola to Positano.
Things to Know Before Visiting the Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast
If you want to fully enjoy your vacation on the Sorrento Peninsula, there are a few things you should know before you go:
- The Amalfi Coast is not the only point of interest on the Peninsula. It’s certainly the most famous, but the northern coast offers just as many surprises.
- From the Amalfi Coast, you can reach other destinations that would be a shame to leave unexplored: Pompeii, Sorrento, and Naples, for example.
- Be prepared to walk… a lot. The Amalfi Coast is best explored on foot. Not only to fully enjoy breathtaking views and have the opportunity to meet special people, but also because some places are hard to reach by other means of transportation (entrust us with it!)
- Venture out to sea. Not only the coast and beaches are destinations to visit. The sea itself offers just as many surprises. Boat trips, for example, can take you to discover the Blue Grotto and Capri.
- Venture into the inland areas. Just 50 kilometers from the peninsula lies Mount Vesuvius with its National Park. It’s an active volcano, one of only two active volcanoes in Europe. The territory of the National Park is a concentration of unique natural riches in the world, not to mention the breathtaking landscapes and views.
Explore Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast with Iamme Ia!
If you were confused between the Sorrentine Peninsula and Amalfi Coast, now you are no more.
Who better to help you navigate this area than Iamme Ia!, your expert companion. Connecting with us is easy. For more information on our tours, to make bookings, or to discuss your upcoming travel plans, please visit our tour pages or contact page on our website.
If you find yourself wandering the charming streets of Sorrento, feel free to stop by our office at Piazza Torquato Tasso 16, where our friendly staff is eager to help you plan your next unforgettable adventure. As a proud Gray Line licensee, Iamme Ia! has been committed since 2014 to not only showcasing the stunning landscapes and rich culture of the Amalfi Coast but also to providing a narrative that weaves together breathtaking views, diverse experiences, and memorable moments.
With Iamme Ia!, your journey through Italy will be more than just a visit—it will be a profound engagement with the heart and soul of the region. Let us turn your trip into an experience of a lifetime.