The wonderful Sorrento peninsula

Discover Sorrento peninsula and its wonderful landscapes touring along one of the most spectacular scenic drives

Country sightseeing tour - Scenic Drive - South Italy - Campania

Itinerary: Castellammare di Stabia, Vico Equense, Piano, Sorrento, Masa Lubrense, Ieranto Bay

The wonderful scenery of the Sorrento Peninsula (pic n°1), which overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and almost touches the island of Capri, stretches from Castellammare di Stabia (north-west) and Vietri sul Mare (south-east) to Punta Campanella, which lies on the stripe of land that divides Gulf of Naples from Gulf of Salerno.

The coast of the Sorrento Peninsula that overlooks the Gulf of Naples is called 'Costiera Sorrentina', while the other part of the coast, washed by the waters of the Gulf of Salerno, is called 'Costiera Amalfitana', one of the most popular and visited coastlines in Italy and in the world.

More about:

Amalfi Coast, Vietri to Amalfi, a breathtaking scenic tour

Also:

Walking tour in Positano, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast

Driving is the best way to explore the Costiera Sorrentina. This scenic drive runs along the whole coastline, characterized by breathtaking views, picturesque fishing villages, and lush nature.

Your tour will start from Castellammare di Stabia, where you can stroll along the promenade or visit its squares, the cathedral or the beautiful archeological site. From this town, you can drive or take a cable car to get to Monte Faito (pic n°4), whose peak at 1100 meters above sea level will allow you to enjoy a wonderful view of the surrounding coast.

Getting back to your journey, you can stop at Vico Equense, a nice village along the seaside dominated by Castle Giusso (pic n°3), an impressing military and residential castle built in the thirteenth century at the request of Charles II of Anjou. From here keep on driving until you get to Sorrento.

Sorrento (pic n°2), perched on a tuff hill and washed by the water of the gulf, is one of the most charming towns of the whole area. Do not miss the historic town center, Piazza Tasso, Corso Italia, the Cathedral (pic n°5), the Monastery of St. Francis, its small museums dedicated to the local craftsmanship, and Marina Piccola, its picturesque port. In the heart of Sorrento, there is Vallone dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills), an impressive gorge characterized by wild nature and ancient ruins.

Continue driving towards Massa Lubrense and the beautiful Ieranto Bay (pic n°6), which is a protected area. Massa Lubrense is consists of many smaller villages, and it represents one of the most suggestive places in the area with a rocky coastline and beautiful spectacular scenic views. The Peninsula is cut down by Monti Lattari, a mountain range that gently slopes down to the sea towards Punta Campanella, beyond which Costiera Amalfitana begins.

Breathtaking views during the whole tour!

Departure town: Castellammare di Stabia
Arrival town: Ieranto bay
Length of tour: 32.7 km
Some pics of Sorrento peninsula:

The Sorrento peninsula (pic n°1); The beautiful Sorrento (pic n°2); The Castle Giusso (pic n°3); View from Mount Faito (pic n°4); The altar of the Sorrento Cathedral (pic n°5); The wonderful Ieranto bay (pic n°6)