We traveled to the Atlantic Palace with Thompson as an all-inclusive package flying in to Naples, please be aware that the transfer says approx. 1.5 hours however the roads are so small and congested at busy times it takes longer (inwards ours was 2.5 hours after landing around mid day) but a lovely coast line to see once your through the not so glamorous industrial airport area.
Sorrento is located on top of some cliffs and has stunning views, there are two main “beach” areas one linked to the port. These can be reached from the town area by a road or steps in to Marina Grand (the smaller – fishing village style port) or to Marina Piccolo by a lift, road or steps t (attached to the large port where the ferries and boat trips depart) “beach” is an Italian word for you can get in the sea here, yes there are a few pebble, rough sand areas but very view most “beach” areas are wooden platforms/ piers where they have lots of sunbeds and deck chairs these are all chargeable. These were all very busy but we was there in high season, the better option we found was to go to Sea Club which is a sister hotel to the Atlantic Palace, here you have the options of the Sun Loungers but also three swimming pools and two areas to get in to the sea, The complimentary hotel shuttle bus takes you door to door at no charge (just book it the day before at reception).
The shuttle bus became most useful to us, as the location of the hotel is not in the heart of Sorrento, some 15 to 20 minutes walk (up hill on the way home!) and its not the distance nor the hill it is part of the route has no foot path and whilst we did walk the route and drivers in the main were aware of us it’s tight bends do make the walk a bit nerve racking – so the shuttle bus is well worth booking.
The orange and blue local buses also stop right out side the hotel and pick up just along from where the shuttle bus drops you off, you have to purchase tickets in advance before traveling and then validate them on the bus in the machine. Tickets can be purchased from the shop or bar up the road (out of the hotel turn left – walk up the road and the bar is on the left after the garage and the shop is opposite the bar down a small road – this small road leads down to a roman villa and a rocky area that is also called a beach) the bus tickets were 2.50euros each way per person and were orange in colour, confusingly the locals can buy the same ticket that is blue for 1.25 euros per person – buses were busy but your only on them a few minutes. The same ticket takes you right through the middle of Sorrento and to the train or bus station.
We went to the train station to get the train to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius – bought tickets at the station from the little shop and paid about 2euros each way per person to go to Pompeii Scavi (rather than doing the Thompson tour) it was so easy – the train starts from Sorrento so is empty and we got seats no problem, it was a bit like the underground in London lots of stops and lots of time with the train cutting through tunnels so not excessively hot although not air conditioned.
On arriving at the station in Pompeii you exit the station and the entrance is right in front of you to enter Pompeii – we turned left and there was a stand selling guided tours for 2 hours, this worked out to be great value (12 euro each per adult and kids free – excluding the entrance fee to get in that was 11 euro each) as it was so hot is was well worth seeing the best bits in a short time and also the guide ticket queue was a lot less than the other lines. Pompeii was well worth seeing.
We chose to return another day and take the 4 x 4 bus to Vesuvius – again we took the train to Pompeii and turned left and the same company sells trips for 12euors adults. You wait opposite against the Pompeii wall and a coach collects you and takes you to like a base camp on the edge of the national park, these coach’s go every hour on the hour and were very full but again only for a few minutes whilst a guide explains in Italian and in English about the trip. We swapped on to the 4x4 (A team style buses) and headed up the volcano, they park with about a 15 to 20 minute hill to climb on gravel with amazing views – we had 1.5 hours at the top and enjoyed the pack lunch the Atlantic Palace had made for us on top of the world it felt.
We did a day cruise from the Harbor to swim off the rocks in Capri, and then visit Possitano (the boat goes on to Amalfi should you wish to stay on) but we loved this tiny fishing port and the children enjoyed the beach here. Again we booked this direct with the operator cost 28euros per adult and was a full day out, just take the shuttle bus to town and then use the lift down and turn right to the port.
We went to Capri on the fast Ferry, it is advisable to book in advance as we was limited to the times to travel when we booked on the day. Capri is for the rich and famous and the price tags go with it! If I returned I perhaps wouldn’t bother but if advising a first time traveler it may be worth doing the Thompson excursion as the queues were massive to use the cliff railway to get you to the top – we walked but this isn’t advisable if your not feeling like a session at the gym!
In the evening Sorrentos historic area of the little roads with shops and bars has a lovely feel and by the Cathedral street artists give it a Covent Garden feel.
The highlight of the holiday was the hotel, it’s people and food. Yes it’s quite old fashioned, yes the pool is fairly small, yes there was no entertainment for the children, yes it’s not the best of locations however they seem to have looked at these and made up for it with service- service was top notch – especially Pepe who runs the restaurants – he runs his area with charm but top efficiency and when he says anything you would like just ask he means it.
(Special mention to Lello – great waiter). The bed could of been more comfortable.
At the pool bar Catello serves Peroni on tap, and takes pride in his area even freezing wine glasses down to ensure they are cold. He is help full and a really nice guy.
Chef Alfonso offers a great variety of food cooked to a good standard and the evening meals are restaurant style (not buffet) with plenty of choice on the menu plus all the salads etc you won’t go hungry – they make pizza every day from scratch and taste amazing.
All the drinks were named brands not local replicas and the local Lemonchelo is a must to try.
We had a great time in Sorrento – great people – great food – great Atlantic Palace
