Sorrento and Vicinity Facts
Extracted from Hunter Travel Guides, Naples, Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast

Immigration Formalities

For short visits (up to three months) no visas are required for citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada and New Zealand. A valid passport (or an ID card for EU citizens) must be carried at all times.

Property

Since petty crime is a problem in Naples, it is wise to take out travel insurance for valuables. Do not walk around the city with expensive jewelry or cameras on display. Drivers should leave cars in supervised car parks. There is a lost property office at the Central Railway Station in Naples. In case of theft or loss, a report should be made to the local police station (Polizia di Stato or Carabinieri).

Money

The currency of Italy is the Euro. Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants and hotels, but carry some cash for bars and cafés.

Telephones

Public telephones are located in main streets of towns and in many bars. Telephone cards can be purchased from a tobacconist or bar. Telephone calls from hotel rooms will be charged at well above standard local call rates.

Health Issues

International travelers are entitled to free emergency health care, but private treatment for non-urgent medical problems is expensive and it is advisable to take out a travel insurance policy that covers doctors’ bills. EU citizens are entitled to the same health care as Italian nations, provided they the necessary (E111) forms.

Pharmacies (farmacia) are open during normal shop hours, and late at night by rotation (a list of on-duty pharmacies is usually posed on the door.) Advice on minor ailments will be given, but over-the-counter drugs are more expensive than in the UK or USA, so take adequate supplies with you.

Main Types of Food Shops

A salumeria is equivalent to a delicatessen.
An enoteca sells wine.
Bread is bought from a panetteria.
Cakes and sweets are obtained from a pasticceria.
Buy fruit and vegetables from a fruttivendolo.
A pescheria sells fish.
Red meat is sold in a macelleria.
White meats like chicken and rabbit can be bought in a polleria.

The Sorrento Peninsula

A gateway destination since Roman times, the magnificent sea views and fragrant citrus groves of the 100-KM/60-mile peninsula, dominated by the Lattari hills, continues to attract tourists today. Well situation for excursions to Pompeii and the ever-popular island of Capri, Sorrento is also a base from which to explore Naples and the Amalfi Coast. The name Sorrento is thought to derive from the Greek, meaning “Land of the Sirens.” Known as a destination for sun-worshippers, the peninsula offers up cultural clues to its long history in the ruins of sumptuous Roman villas described by many celebrated visitors and now incorporated into some of the grand hotels. The hordes of young tourists who vacation here are today more interested in the lively bars, restaurants and nightclubs of the coastal resorts, but visitors can also enjoy walks along the craggy coastlines, and into the mountainous interior, or sailing trips around the Bay of Naples from one of the small ports of the peninsula.

The charms of the historic town of Sorrento, which continue to attract the bulk of visitors to the region, more than make up for the crush of tourists in the summer months.

The Amalfi Coast

Thirty miles of jaw-dropping magnificence; this remains one of the most dramatic and exciting stretches of coastline in Europe despite the ever increasing numbers of tourists. The picturesque villages clinging to sheer mountainsides that drop into turquoise waters are certainly a dazzling sight that you can scarcely believe, and that you will never forget. The spectacular scenery provided by the Lattari limestone cliffs and the terraced groves and vineyards, is further enhanced by the colorful, tiled domes of the churches that grace these picture-postcard tourist resorts, and the white sails of pleasure boats skimming along the shore line.

Capri

This 4.3 square-mile island has two towns, and is off the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula. A popular tourist destination since the 19th century, Capri is busy all year round, and terribly so in summer. If possible, avoid making your visit on weekends in the high season when the hordes of foreigners are joined by Neapolitans. But, with its largely car-free roads, it is always a delightful excursion. The limestone island is notable for its stunning residences, gardens and Roman ruins. If you can afford to stay for the sunset, Capri reveals a different ambiance after all the day-trippers depart on the early evening ferries back to Sorrento and Naples.

Pompeii

Such is the fame of Pompeii, certainly the most important classical archeological site in Europe, that it scarcely needs an introduction. By the same token, Pompeii is always busy. Fortunately, the area of excavations is large enough to afford plenty of room for the crowds who surge through the barriers every day. Tiring at any time of year, in the summer months, this is a hot, dusty, exhausting excursion. Pompeii covers and area of 123 acres and a whole day or more is needed to visit it properly, so you should prioritize. There is a café within the grounds for lunch, but carry a bottle of water with you.

Entertainment

The Sorrento Peninsula is a magnet for young and lively tourists, with several nightclubs; in summer people gravitate to beach spots rather than town. There are also classical concerts, annual music and cinema festivals, and theatrical and cultural shows that are more family-oriented.