“Located in the southern part of Italy on the picturesque Amalfi Coast,” Travel + Leisure says, “the town of Sorrento is very small in size, but big on culture” (Travel and Leisure). Last summer I had the incredible opportunity to visit the south of Italy for a week. From experiencing the most exquisite food, to staying at exceptional resorts, and discovering the most beautiful nature in the world, I experienced the highlights of a luxurious escape to the Italian oceanside.
Sometimes an incredible restaurant is a good enough reason to travel to a new place Savoring the exceptional cuisine is a memorable experience in itself. I believe that one of the finest and most delicious restaurants is in Sorrento, Italy; a fact by a Michelin Star. The elite restaurant, Terrazza Bosquet, offers an exceptional Mediterranean menu. From the first course to the last, this fantastic spot offers food that one will remember for a lifetime. The pre-fixed menu allows one to select from a plethora of exquisite options. I chose a sea bass carpaccio drizzled with truffle and a pasta accompanied with a glass platter that displayed the variety of tomatoes and basil used to formulate the delicious sauce for the dish. Overall, it was one of the best meals I have ever had, and this restaurant cannot be ignored.
For me, every great travel experience should include an extraordinary hotel accommodation. I had the privilege of spending my nights at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento, Italy. It has been categorized as one of the best resorts in the world, and lives up to its reputation. Located on a cliff 1000 feet above the water, the resort overlooks the expansive, turquoise Tyrrhenian sea. As I walked out of the tall French doors onto the expansive balcony, I inhaled the fresh smell of the salty water blending with the sweet fragrance of tulips and orchids. Each room in the Vittoria is stunning, with high vaulted ceilings, ornamented walls, and 19th century antique furniture. The night I spent at this stunning resort made me feel like royalty.
A trip to the Amalfi Coast would be incomplete without a day on the sea with Captain Marcello. As Captain Marcello’s fifteen-foot runabout cuts through the spray of the sea, Marcello described each cliff formation and island, enhancing the journey from Capri to Sorrento. Conde Nast Magazine writes, “The Sorrentine Peninsula juts into the Tyrrhenian Sea like a knobbly, pointing finger, its rugged shores sprinkled with some of Europe’s most spectacular beaches.”
As the sun set over the hillside of Sorrento, we watched as the night rose and Piazza Tasso prepared for the nightly carnival. The locals emerged from the alleys, each with their own musical talents and interests. A light tambourine mixed with the mellow sound of a Spanish guitar soothed our ears. Young teenagers roamed the streets in groups with their fellow companions, stopping at restaurants and bars to get something to drink.
Sorrento, Italy is the ultimate vacation spot for people who want a luxurious stay at a great hotel, dine at the finest local restaurants, and get a taste of life in a small town in the bootleg of Italy. While these luxurious hotels and restaurants are expensive, Sorrento also offers significant more affordable options for lower budget travelers, both in terms of hotel stay and restaurants. Many of these lower budget hotels are located on cliffs or are within walking distance to the beaches. As I strolled around, we found charming boutique hotels with friendly staff and clean accommodations with Italian warmth and hospitality. Numerous cafes where I stopped to eat at served great Italian seafood. The seafood is fresh from the local sea. We learned that a popular, local dish was a branzino cooked in salt water from the sea. We ordered this splendid dish and indulged in the soft, warm fish. Many small shops in town sold decorated bottles of limoncello. Limoncello is a lemon-based liquor that is made in Southern Italy. The adults ate around us and enjoyed sipping some limoncello after dinner. Sorrento’s incredible beaches provide entertainment for the young and adventurous children. My brother and I enjoyed jumping off short cliffs and playing in the ocean. Above us the high cliffs towering over the glittering Tyrrhenian sea. There were also numerous stand-alone islands providing endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Sorrento is the type of place that would offer an incredible experience for travelers with all budgets. Regardless of where the travelers choose to stay and dine, Sorrento leaves a memorable experience for those who venture to that region of the world. In fact, the experience is so unique that both the low budget and the elite travelers describe their trip as the best vacation of their lives. A unique travel destination, the Amalfi Coast represents the most incredible natural wonders of the world. And, according to the Telegraph, “With its mild climate and privileged perch above the Golfo di Napoli, Sorrento has one of the Mediterranean’s longest tourist seasons, meaning that people can appreciate it throughout the year. Ultimately, the Amalfi Coast is a vacation destination that I would love to return to year after year.
