Ok, you may be thinking, why in the world is this woman writing about New Year’s Eve three months after the fact. The answer is simple – all of my dreams for this year started in Sorrento on New Year’s Eve. I had been there for the first time earlier in the spring and decided there and then that I wanted to end and start the next exciting chapter of my life over the Bay of Naples.
Solo travel dreams to start the New Year
Ladies, if you want to get your feet wet in solo travel in Italy, then Sorrento is definitely the place to dip your toes in the water. No matter the season, the waters of the Amalfi Coast are unlike anything you will ever experience. The blue of the sky meets the turquoise of the ocean in a seemingly endless bond so that it is difficult to know where one starts and the other begins.
My first bit of advice is that if you are flying solo to Italy from the United States, then fly into Rome and NOT into Naples. Unfortunately and sadly, Naples Airport is not the safest place to pass through for most people, let alone single women. Pick-pockets work their magic without you ever feeling a thing and your suitcases may not make it off the loading dock. Therefore, fly into Rome and drive down to Amalfi. The three hour drive on the Autostrada frees your mind of the agita you left behind. However, if you do not have the driving skills of a NYC cabbie, as I do, then perhaps arrange for a transfer car service (not cheap) or bus. If you opt for the train I would again advise you to mind your belongings since the pick-pockets who prey on tourists do so by the young children who stroll through the train cars, looking innocent but making their marks. Don’t fall for it.
Once in Sorrento you will not need a car since it is very easy to explore all parts of the Amalfi region with centrally located public transportation. The Circumvesuviana train line is a 10 minute walk from the heart of the city center, the Piazza Tasso, and it can easily take you to Pompei or Herculaneum. Just outside the train station you can also catch a tour bus to Positano, Ravello or Salerno.
And ladies, do not let any imagined language barrier keep you from visiting this Eden on Earth. Everyone speaks fluent English in Sorrento and in many of the neighboring tourist spots. They thrive on tourism and make it a point to cater to English-speaking tourists, especially single women travelers.
If you are flying solo, be prepared that there is not much night-life in this area. Going to dinner later in the evening can occupy much of the night and then a late espresso in one of the many vibrant cafes. Be open to Italian men approaching you in conversation. They are charming, friendly and can be very flirtatious; afterall, they are Italian! Enjoy!
There are too many good restaurants to list them all but my personal favorites are Zi’Ntonio and La Lanterna in Sorrento and most definitely Torre Normanna further down the coast in Maiori. Also, don’t hesitate to travel away from the Piazza Tasso for dinner. Just ask the front desk at your hotel because many of the distant restaurants have a private car that will come pick you up for free.
Dreams truly happen here and if you are ever lucky enough to visit Sorrento for Capodanno, be sure to book a room with a view of the Bay because the fireworks and magic are unparalleled. E una bella vita.
Ciao Lisa! Great new blog you started! That video was fun. Who is it? I heart heart heart Amalfi! Having flown into Rome and Naples many time the last couple of years, I would say the Naples airport isn’t all that different than Rome. And that transfer from Rome by train or bus can be pretty tricky in itself. I often fly into Rome just because it is much more affordable though. I second that as woman traveling alone one must always keep the eyes wide open no matter where you are. But travel we must!! Come back to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast soon!