Should you stay in Sorrento or Positano?
Are you planning your ultimate Amalfi Coast itinerary and don’t know if you should stay in Sorrento or Positano? Or perhaps you should consider staying in the smaller town of Amalfi?
After visiting the magnificent region several times, I have my preferences and can guide you in making the best choice for your needs.
Let’s dig in!
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Table of Contents
- Sorrento
- Where to stay in Sorrento
- The best things to do and see in Sorrento
- 1. Visit the Piazza Tasso
- 2. Explore Marina Grande
- 3. Take a boat ride to Capri
- 4. Discover the ruins of Pompeii or Herculaneum
- 5. Relax on Sorrento’s beaches
- 6. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Corso Italia
- 7. Hike up Monte Faito for amazing views over Naples and Vesuvius Volcano
- 8. Go wine tasting in Massa Lubrense
- 9. Admire art at Museo Correale di Terranova Museum
- 10. Enjoy some delicious Italian Gelato! Or learn how to make it yourself!
- Positano
- Where to stay in Positano
- The Best Things to do in Positano
- 1. Visit Spiaggia Grande Beach.
- 2. View the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano.
- 3. Take a Boat Tour from Positano to Capri!
- 4. Sample Local Food at LaTagliata Restaurant.
- 5. Go Shopping for Souvenirs on Via dei Mulini.
- 6. Hike Montepertuso Trail & Explore Faraglioni Rocks.
- 7. Lounge at Fornillo Beach.
- 8. Enjoy an Aperitivo by the Sea at Chez Black Café Bar.
- 9. Climb Steps & Discover Hidden Paths Around Town.
- 10. Attend Music Events At Villa Eva in Ravello.
- Sorrento or Positano?
- The verdict: Sorrento or Positano?
- Other FAQ
Sorrento
Sorrento is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. From its stunning views over Naples Bay to its cobblestone streets and ancient ruins, there’s something for everyone here.
Simply put, the Sorrento area has it all, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled holiday.
Spend your days exploring the vibrant Piazza Tasso, strolling along Marina Grande beachfront promenade, taking boat trips to Capri Island, or discovering the archeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
You can relax on pristine beaches with crystal clear waters or go wine tasting in Massa Lubrense. Don’t forget the delicious Italian gelato!
With so much beauty and culture around every corner, Sorrento is an ideal destination that will leave you with lifelong memories.
Moreover, unlike Positano, Sorrento is easily accessible by train, bus, boat, and car.
By the way, if you plan to rent a car, Discover Cars helps you save up to 70%. Moreover, they have a pretty good Cancellation policy in case your flight or travel plans change.
Where to stay in Sorrento
Before anything else, you need a place to stay.
Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget-friendly stays in Sorrento, you’ll find something that suits your needs!
Here are a few of my favorite options in Sorrento.
If you are looking for more budget-friendly accommodation options, please read my article about where to stay on the Amalfi Coast on a budget by clicking here.
4* and 5* hotels in Sorrento
Set right next to the main beach in Sorrento, this amazing 5* hotel has a private beach as well as a beautiful outdoor swimming pool.
After a long day of exploring, you can relax at the hotel’s spa or enjoy a delicious meal at their restaurant with a sea terrace. Rooms have air conditioning, a minibar, and free luxury toiletries.
Previous travelers have rated the hotel as exceptional and found everything about the hotel to be perfect, from the friendliness of the staff to the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean and the Vesuvio.
If you stay at this hotel, you’ll be rewarded by the stunning views of the Bay of Sorrento and Mount Vesuvius.
The place has a lovely pool, and you can arrange an airport shuttle and a bus to Sorrento’s city center. Previous guests praised the hotel’s restaurant and the enchanting views from the rooms.
Mid-range hotels in Sorrento
The property has an excellent score, being located only 350 m away from the Sorrento Train Station.
The hotel is perfect for those who want to travel extensively on the Amalfi Coast and enjoy a good night’s sleep—many guests were delighted by the comfy beds.
A few kilometers from the city center, the hotel offers private parking for those who drive to the Amalfi Coast.
One of the main attractions is the property’s small terrace, which offers breathtaking views, sun beds, and jacuzzis.
Villa Fiorita provides free shuttle service to/from Sorrento Center at scheduled times.
Apartments in Sorrento
Located minutes away from the city center and the central station, here you can find apartments for 2 or 4 people.
Whether you’re traveling with friends or with your kids, the place is perfect—it has a kitchen and breakfast option.
I particularly loved the terrace; nothing beats having breakfast overlooking the mountains and the city.
If you choose to stay here, you will be only steps away from Corso Italia. Moreover, you can have your morning coffee under a lemon tree while enjoying the beautiful garden.
On top of that, an Italian breakfast is available at the location.
Booking.comThe best things to do and see in Sorrento
1. Visit the Piazza Tasso
Piazza Tasso is the main square of Sorrento and one of the most popular attractions in town. Located in the heart of the town, it’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere. In fact, this vibrant piazza has been a meeting point for locals since medieval times and is still bustling with activity today.
It is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants offering everything from pizza to gelato. There are also plenty of historic buildings to explore, as well as monuments dedicated to famous figures from Sorrento’s past.
2. Explore Marina Grande
Located on the northern side of Sorrento’s coastline, this picturesque port is one of the most popular spots in town.
The vibrant colors of the buildings along the waterfront are sure to captivate visitors, and taking a stroll along its cobblestone streets provides an authentic taste of Italian life.
At Marina Grande, you can also find plenty of restaurants serving traditional dishes and gelato stands where you can cool off by sampling some delicious ice cream.
With its crystal clear waters and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder why so many people come to enjoy this beautiful destination.
3. Take a boat ride to Capri
Located just off the coast of Naples, Capri is one of Italy’s most beautiful and iconic islands. So much so that, after spending some time there, Emperor Tiberius refused to return to Rome and ruled the realm from Capri for more than a decade.
Most tours and ferries depart from Naples or Sorrento, so choosing Sorrento as your base on the Amalfi Coast will ensure that you are perfectly located.
4. Discover the ruins of Pompeii or Herculaneum
These are must-do activities for anyone visiting the area. Just make sure to book your tour in advance, or you’ll risk missing out. These attractions are often sold out since they are very popular. Book your tour here.
Pompeii and Herculaneum were two Roman towns destroyed and buried under ash and pumice during a volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The ruins are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing visitors with an incredible window into the lives of the ancient Romans.
Visitors can explore the well-preserved streets and buildings, see artifacts from everyday life, such as pottery and jewelry, or join guided tours to learn more about this fascinating place.
5. Relax on Sorrento’s beaches
Sorrento and its surrounding area are packed with both free public beaches and private ones. While you won’t find many sandy beaches, the crystal blue waters will lure you in.
Marina Piccola in Sorrento is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas for rent.
The beach in Puolo is best for families traveling with children and for those looking for a bigger, free public beach.
Nerano is another option for those looking for a large pebble beach.
6. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Corso Italia
7. Hike up Monte Faito for amazing views over Naples and Vesuvius Volcano
8. Go wine tasting in Massa Lubrense
9. Admire art at Museo Correale di Terranova Museum
10. Enjoy some delicious Italian Gelato! Or learn how to make it yourself!
Positano
The place is a painting-like seaside town on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. It offers a unique combination of colorful Mediterranean architecture, quaint local shops and restaurants, breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and rocky cliffside trails perfect for exploring.
Whether you’re looking for sun-drenched days relaxing on the beach or exciting nights in town, Positano has something for everyone. The views from the top of Monte Tre Calli will take your breath away.
With its abundance of hotels and villas, Positano offers plenty of comfortable accommodation options.
Where to stay in Positano
Choosing the right place to stay in Positano depends on several factors. So, I wrote a post dedicated to this topic alone. You can read it here.
For a quick glance, I’ll highlight a few accommodation options below.
4* and 5* hotels in Positano
Le Sirenuse is one of the iconic places in Positano, a posh place with everything a discerning guest might need.
A honeymoon or a special anniversary could be just the perfect occasion to stay here.
It is a luxurious hotel, ideal for guests who would like to enjoy the best Positano has to offer.
Mid-range hotels in Positano
It is a family-run hotel with a great location and great views. Book in advance since they have only a few available rooms.
Hotel Villa Delle Palme in Positano
This is a bright and colorful place with authentic Italian interiors, balconies, and terraces.
Apartments in Positano
This rather large apartment has a nice view. It is fully equipped for longer stays.
A central, 3-bedroom villa, ideal for when you are traveling with friends or family.
Booking.comThe Best Things to do in Positano
1. Visit Spiaggia Grande Beach.
Mostly covered with sunbeds and umbrellas, the Spiaggia Grande beach in Positano is lined up with popular restaurants and bars where you can spend your day. Don’t expect to find too much space to use if you are looking for a free public beach.
2. View the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano.
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano is a breathtaking landmark that stands out among the picturesque landscape of the Amalfi Coast.
The church is home to an iconic colorful majolica-tiled dome, which can be seen from almost anywhere on the coast. Inside the church, you can marvel at Byzantine-style frescoes, amazing statues, and artwork.
3. Take a Boat Tour from Positano to Capri!
4. Sample Local Food at LaTagliata Restaurant.
5. Go Shopping for Souvenirs on Via dei Mulini.
6. Hike Montepertuso Trail & Explore Faraglioni Rocks.
7. Lounge at Fornillo Beach.
8. Enjoy an Aperitivo by the Sea at Chez Black Café Bar.
9. Climb Steps & Discover Hidden Paths Around Town.
10. Attend Music Events At Villa Eva in Ravello.
Sorrento or Positano?
Beaches
When it comes to beaches, Sorrento is the winner in my book. Even though neither of the two locations has sandy beaches, Sorrento and its surrounding area have a larger variety of public beaches.
Access from the airport
Because of its location, Sorrento is closer to the main airport in the region, the Naples International Airport.
While getting from the airport to Sorrento by public transportation is much easier, cheaper, and faster than going to Positano, there are plenty of private transfer options.
From Naples Central Station, you can take the Circumvesuviana train and arrive in Sorrento in roughly one hour. However, if your final destination is Positano, you must take a boat or a bus for another hour from there.
The easiest and fastest way to go from Naples to Positano is by renting a car or booking a private transfer.
Access to popular sights and activities
Since Positano is such a popular destination, there are plenty of tour options departing from the hotels in this city.
That being said, Sorrento is well connected by public transportation, and there are plenty of available guided tours to places like Capri Island, Pompeii, Vesuvius, Herculaneum, Ischia, and Procida Islands.
Getting around
Sorrento is flat, thus making it much easier to get around than hilly Positano. On the other hand, the city is also larger, and you might need to use public transportation to get around.
The verdict: Sorrento or Positano?
So what should it be? Sorrento or Positano?
Both destinations are amazing and would make a perfect vacation destination.
However, Positano has more expensive hotels and accommodation options. Perhaps you should consider it for special occasions, such as a honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast.
Sorrento would make the best base if you are planning an itinerary on a budget or if you are traveling with children or a larger group. It is also the perfect place to stay when you want to skip the crowds.
If you are still unconvinced, check out our 2-day Amalfi Coast itinerary.
Other FAQ
Is it difficult to walk around Positano?
Not really. Many of Positano’s streets are narrow and winding, but there are also plenty of paths that make it easy to get from place to place. Plus, as a pedestrian-friendly city by the sea, beautiful scenery rewards those who take their time exploring its hidden gems!
