Vico Equense and Sorrento

After surviving our stressful drives near Positano, we headed along the coast to Sorrento.    The area has views of Naples, Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri.  Sorrento is also well known for the production of Limoncello, which I happen to be a big fan of!

Driving into Sorrento, you see the same beautiful views of the Tyrrhenian Sea as the rest of the Amalfi Coast.  We parked in town and grabbed some quick breakfast before heading over to check out the Valley of the Mills.  Located next to Piazza Tasso, it forms the natural edge of the historic center of Sorrento. On the floor of the gorge is an old flour mill, the structure that gives the valley its name. This stone building from the 900s was used for grinding wheat for nearly a thousand years before it was abandoned.  The humidity in the valley is perfect for fern growth, which is covering the structure.  It’s so odd to me that somewhere so magical looking is right next to a busy intersection.  One of the things I love the most about Italy – the juxtaposition of the past right next to the modern world.  

After checking out the Valley of the Mills, we walked to the Notturno Inlaid Wood Factory.  I have a friend who recommended this place so I was delighted to spot the sign to their location while we were admiring the Valley of the Mills.  Thankfully the shop was still open for about 30 minutes (they were closing early since it was a Sunday) so I was able to pick up a couple of items for myself.  Their work is absolutely stunning and if you are in the area, they are definitely worth checking out!  Michael was wonderful and got my order all prepared and assured me that my items should arrive to my home by Christmas.  Happy Holidays to me!

We then made the short drive to our apartment in Vico Equense for the evening.  Vico Equense is a great destination for people wanting to be close to the action, but not so close you feel as if you are suffocating.  The apartment we rented was so nice we all commented we would like to live there and the wraparound patio offered some amazing views of Naples across the bay.  We had to deal with some rain and a cold wind so we weren’t able to explore this little gem of a city as much as we would have liked to but I would definitely return here when I make another visit to Italy.

The next morning we woke to more rain but were hopeful we would be able to escape the rain as our next destination, Tivoli, showed no rain in the forecast.  But before escaping the rain, I fell victim to a slippery staircase on the way from our apartment to the breakfast room.  While I expect some bruising and am a little stiff, the real damage was limited to my ego.  Clumsy girl for life!

Until next time…..