A few weeks ago, we met Debbie and George in Sorrento, down on the Amalfi Coast. Grant and I both agree that Italy is probably our favorite European country, so we were thrilled to be heading that way for our first time since moving to London. And the fact that we were going to share the experience with Debbie and George made it that much better!
To put it simply, the Amalfi Coast was absolutely amazing! The views were incredible, food was delicious, and the Italians were as friendly and entertaining as ever :)
Grant and I flew in and out of Naples (more on that later...), then made our way up to Sorrento by bus. We were of course starving upon our arrival, and craving Italy's best, so we met D&G at Pizza Franco, popular with the locals. The Margherita pizza was TO DIE FOR!
After dropping off our bags at our hotel (with the most amazing sea views!), we ventured out to explore Sorrento. G & I had woken up at 2 am that morning, so we had to keep moving, or it was game over for us. We walked down to the Marina Grande for some coffee, then along the many side-streets that winded all throughout the town, and stopped by the few tourist must-see sites.
To put it simply, the Amalfi Coast was absolutely amazing! The views were incredible, food was delicious, and the Italians were as friendly and entertaining as ever :)
Grant and I flew in and out of Naples (more on that later...), then made our way up to Sorrento by bus. We were of course starving upon our arrival, and craving Italy's best, so we met D&G at Pizza Franco, popular with the locals. The Margherita pizza was TO DIE FOR!
Pizza Franco
After dropping off our bags at our hotel (with the most amazing sea views!), we ventured out to explore Sorrento. G & I had woken up at 2 am that morning, so we had to keep moving, or it was game over for us. We walked down to the Marina Grande for some coffee, then along the many side-streets that winded all throughout the town, and stopped by the few tourist must-see sites.
View from our hotel balcony...if only I could wake up to this view everyday...
Marina Grande
Finishing off dinner at Il Borgo (up the cliff from our hotel)...you always have to end your Italian dinners with a little limoncello :)
On Saturday, we took the bus to Positano...talk about an experience! The roads are tiny, windy, and right at the edge of the cliff...I probably wouldn't even feel comfortable driving a smart car on these roads. So, it's only fitting that we took the 40-passenger bus, which had to be driven by an ex-formula 1 driver. They take those curves like it's no big deal! It was intense, but pretty amazing at the same time. Plus, the views were absolutely spectacular! After surviving the bus ride, we explored Positano for a while, and then took a taxi up to Montepertuso to enjoy lunch at La Tagliata. Best restaurant experience EVER!!!! It's ranked #1 on Trip Advisor, and we all completely agree with that ranking. There are no menus...they just bring you out a ton of food (4 courses I believe), unlimited amounts of wine, and of course, limoncello and coffee at the end. The restaurant towers above Positano, so you're essentially dining "in the clouds", while overlooking a beautiful city on the coast.
Love this pic of the statue with Positano in the background...great job snapping this one, George!
6 out of the 8 appetizers...yes, that is a separate table that they have to bring out so that you can fit all the plates on your table...
Already starting to feel full...and we were only one course in!
Cheers to an AMAZING meal!
Mama Pasta!
View of Positano from the terrace at La Tagliata
We were so incredibly full after our late, huge lunch, that we decided to walk down to Positano from Montepertuso...a few fun things we saw along the way:
According to the legend, Montepertuso was the theatre of the eternal fight between Good and Evil, respectively personified by the Virgin Mary and the Devil, the latter snake-shaped. One night the Good won over the Evil and the hole in the rock is the visible everlasting sign of the Virgin Mary's presence.
Montepertuso's Patron Saint, Madonna St Maria delle Grazie
Positano!
According to George and Grant...this is the football pitch from hell
Back in Sorrento, taking cover from the rain...sitting among the locals, drinking wine in Piazza Tasso
Our last day in Sorrento was gorgeous...nice and sunny! We wandered around a bit, and then took a boat back down to Naples. G and I had an early flight the next morning out of Naples, so we decided to spend the night there, in order to catch some more zzzs. Well, let's just say I think we'll go a different route next time. Naples was shaaaaaaaaaady...sadly, the city is full of corruption. We were hoping to have a different outlook of the city after trying some of their famous pizza, but of course, we ended up there on a Sunday of all days, when EVERYTHING is closed :( We still walked around a bit (clutching onto our valuables), on a mission to find Dante. And that we did, which was a pretty amazing sight. A few not so great things we saw...a man looking for his next victim to rip off (seriously), prostitutes on every corner of the busiest square in Naples, on a Sunday night, and a mile-long stretch of what they consider to be a "yard sale" in Naples...people selling items out of other peoples' suitcases...yes, stolen suitcases were lining the streets, open, with valuables being sold to the highest bidder. Oh, and they don't believe in traffic laws over there...red lights, lane markers, etc. mean NOTHING...so, when Grant and I survived our taxi ride to the airport, we were more than relieved to be boarding our flight back to London :)
In all seriousness though, we had an absolutely amazing time in Sorrento/Positano. Such a beautiful area! Thanks Debbie and George for planning this memorable trip to Italy!
G and his favorite gals...Sorrento in the background on our last day
Passing by Mount Vesuvius on our way back to Naples
Dante
Probably discussing Dante's Divine Comedy...we're very educated like that :)
