9 Days of Coastal Charm and Island Magic

Our Route: Distances and Travel Summary

Italy never fails to deliver, and this time it was the sun-soaked southern coast that stole our hearts. For nine unforgettable days, we explored some of the most beautiful parts of Italy, from vibrant Naples to charming Sorrento, the cliffside beauty of Positano, the elegance of Capri, and finally the serene shores of Ischia. Our journey blended city energy, coastal elegance, island escapes, and all the pasta, pizza, and gelato we could ask for. Staying in cozy apartments and beautiful villas gave us an authentic taste of Italian life, this truly was amazing.

Naples to Sorrento (Drive)
Sorrento to Positano (Day trip by car)
Sorrento to Capri (Day trip by ferry)
Capri to Blue Grotto (Boat stop on the way back)
Sorrento to Ischia (Ferry, 2-night stay)
Ischia to Naples (Ferry)
Naples to Home (Flight)

Naples – Pizza Heaven

We began our adventure in Naples, a city that’s as raw and real as it is historic. We explored the buzzing streets of the old town, visited famous piazzas, and sampled the local cuisine, especially the pizza. Naples is bold, chaotic, and bursting with character. It set the tone for the rest of the trip with its unmatched energy and authenticity, it was amazing for nightlife.

Sorrento – Our Base on the Amalfi Coast

After leaving Naples, we headed to Sorrento, which became our home base for exploring the region. The town is incredibly beautiful, with sweeping sea views, colorful streets, and sunsets that light up the coastline. It has a lively, welcoming feel, with cobbled lanes, pastel buildings, flower-filled balconies, and piazzas buzzing with cafés and gelato shops. Sorrento is also known for its beaches like Leonelli’s and Marina Grande, where you can swim in calm turquoise waters or relax by the shore. The town’s location makes it easy to take day trips to Capri, Positano, and Amalfi Coast. One of the most unique things about Sorrento is its lemons. The local climate and soil create lemons with an intense flavour and fragrance. You can smell citrus in the air and find everything from fresh granita to handmade limoncello all over town. With its natural beauty, charm, and convenience, Sorrento felt like the perfect place to experience the surrounding areas.

While in Sorrento, we highly recommend:

Spending a relaxing afternoon at Leonelli’s Beach Club, lounging on sunbeds, swimming in the sea, and soaking up the views,
Enjoying dinner at Nino’s, with classic Italian dishes in a warm, friendly setting.
Taking a hands-on pasta-making class, a fun experience you can book through my Viator link.
Strolling through the old town, browsing local shops and sampling sweet treats.
Ending the day with an incredible meal at Hotel Rivage, known for its great food and cozy atmosphere.

Day Trips – Positano and Capris

We drove from Sorrento to Positano, which took around 40 minutes. When you arrive, you’ll be directed to park in one of several paid car parks. Try to drive as far down as you can, because if you park too high up, the walk back is far and uphill. Positano is absolutely stunning. We had lunch at a beautiful restaurant called Rada Beach Ristorante where I ordered lemon pasta, and it was delicious. After that, we spent the day wandering through the shops, relaxing by the beach, and soaking in the views.

Another favourite from the trip was a boat day tour to Capri, which we booked through my Viator link in my bio. It was a seven-hour boat trip with incredible views, snorkeling in crystal clear water, and stops at beautiful caves along the way. Once we arrived at Capri, we had about four hours to explore. We grabbed lunch, browsed the shops, and walked around the island. On the way back around 4 PM, we visited the Blue Grotto. It cost 36 euros for two people, and they do ask for tips in cash. Luckily, the line had cleared up by then, earlier in the day, the wait was hours long. The grotto was absolutely worth it. After that, we cruised back to Sorrento just in time to catch the evening light.

Ischia - Final 3 days

For the last part of our trip, we spent a few days in Ischia. Since we had a car, we drove to Naples and caught the ferry from there, which made sense since we were flying home from Naples. The ferry ride took about an hour and twenty minutes.

Ischia has two main areas where most people stay: Ischia Porto and Forio. We chose Ischia Porto, but one evening we drove over to Forio for dinner, which was definitely worth the trip. The island has a really calm and peaceful vibe, with beautiful beaches and incredible sunsets. It’s perfect for relaxing, though it’s not the best spot if you're looking for nightlife. There’s a lot to see and do on the island. You can explore historic sites like Castello Aragonese, spend time on beaches like Spiaggia dei Maronti, or unwind at one of the island’s famous thermal spas such as Poseidon Thermal Gardens. There are also boat tours, scenic hikes up Mount Epomeo, and charming towns like Ischia Ponte and Sant'Angelo to wander through.

We stayed at Ischia Blu Resort, which has its own private beach. It was a lovely place, although the space felt a bit small for our group of six. The food on the island wasn’t our favorite unless you really enjoy seafood, but the atmosphere and natural beauty made it a great way to end the trip.

Wandering the South of Italy