What are your top tips for visiting Sorrento?

[Frangipane]

Dh and I are spending a week in Sorrento. Dh is leaving the planning to me which is fine by me but I could do with some insider knowledge.

So far, I am thinking of a trip to Capri. Can this be done in one day or would it need longer? Top things to see/do on Capri?

Definitely going to visit Pompeii and Herculanium. Do each on separate days or together?

Thinking about visiting Amalfi. Is there a coast path or some way of seeing this at its best? We visited the Cinque Terra a few years ago and it was sadly a bit of a disappointment owing to half of the paths being closed and the sheer number of people there. I am hoping Amalfi might make up for this.

Also thinking of visiting Naples but you hear so many takes of the awfulness of Naples. It can't be that bad, can it? What are the best things to do in Naples and how many days would it take?

Also thinking about a trip up Vesuvius but don't know how feasible that would be.

Everything would be via public transport. I know there is a useful train line, but any tips for using it would be appreciated.

Anything else in the area that is worth doing?

TIA

Eeebyegummiebear was the best pizza in St Angelo? Da Pasquale?

Big fan of Naples here, so if you do venture in I would suggest going up to the Museo Di San Martino, if only for the incredible views over the whole of Naples, you can clearly see SpaccaNapoli (a road that runs dead straight through the city) and all of the beautiful bay.
In addition if you like art/sculpture then I would visit the Capella Sansevero to see the Cristo Vellato sculpture.
And like someone said upthread, you can't beat just 'being' in Napoli. It's busy, bustling and the people are amazing. Yes, like all cities you need to keep your wits about you - but don't be put off by scaremongering, it's a fabulous city.
If you're going at the height of summer, Vesuvius is a welcome cool place to head. However at peak season you get to park half way to summit and then either shuttle bus or walk to the entrance to the actual summit/walkway around the mouth (can't think if that's the correct word?!) of the volcano. Again from up there you get some incredible views both ways up and down the coast.
Enjoy, we go back for a few days in September and I can't wait

When you go to Capri you may want to book your ferry ticket in advance (even if just a day in advance). We turned up at about 930 and all the return ones had been prebooked except the 1430 return, so we were limited in when we had to come back.

(This was last week by the way, so definitely a current issue!).

V helpful thread. Are there any towns on the coast just along from Sorrento that might be a little cheaper? Someone said on another thread that it can be quite pricey?

We don’t drive though so Sorrento would need to be accessible by bus or on foot for eating out etc.

The Circumvesuviana line runs frequently between Sorrento and Naples. Cheap, but basic, and watch your belongings.
Both Pompeii and Herculaneum are on the line. iIRC you need Pompeii Scavi. Then walk up the hill. Herculaneum you walk down the hill. I wouldn’t attempt both on the same day. There is little shade so you need hats, water and sunscreen.
Go to Naples. Visit the museum, as most of the artefacts from Pompeii are there. Also as suggested above, if you like art, go and wonder at the sculpture of the Veiled Christ in the Capella Sansevero. It takes your breath away. And eat the pizza. This is where it was invented. Go to Da Michele or Trianon. Basic but so good. No cutlery needed. Tear, fold and eat. No fancy toppings either. Naples is edgy and fabulous.
Ravello is worth a trip. It’s where all the guidebooks take their iconic photos and the views are breathtaking. Capri also worth a trip. Get out of the port up to the square on the funicular , then look for the chairlift to take you to Anacapri for the views. There is a little church in Capri with an amazing tiled floor, the Chiesa San Michele, with a walkway so that you can see it properly. Definitely worth seeking out. If there are a lot of cruise ships in Naples, Capri can be heaving, so book your return ferry as soon as you arrive. Positano is also beautiful. See if you can do a coastal boat trip, as these places are best approached from the sea.

We splashed out on a car/guide rather than a bus to do the Amalfi coast tour. Was amazing and he could stop at certain photo opportunities buses couldn't.
Amazing place with loads to see and do as Pp have suggested. Have a great holiday

Mohair we stayed in a rental in Vico Equenze just along the coast, and travelled everywhere on the Circumvesuviana. We didn’t like Sorrento much, too touristy, and preferred the coastal towns. Plenty of places to eat, or cater for yourself quite cheaply.

You mentioned you were hard core walkers . May I suggest you look up the Phonecian Steps in Capri .
Not particularly well known and you will be told they are dangerous or don’t exist but they are fabulous. 900 odd steps up to Anacapri ans astonishing views .
Phonecian Steps

When we had recovered we took chair lift and then a wonderful walk around coast .

Pompeii can take longer than half a day. Go early or mid afternoon to avoid heat. It is sometimes open in the evening with events in theatre. Herculaneum is more shaded and takes a couple of hours. There are other sites to explore which are well preserved and quieter such as in Stabiae. Fish restaurants are down by the small beach away from main town. Nice view across the bay. There is also remains of a villa on the promontory between Sorrento and the Amalfi drive, you can take a bus up and walk down to a cove.

Allow a whole day for Pompeii and when you get back treat yourself to an ice cream at David's near the station. Get to Pompeii early so you can see the forum before it gets crowded.

Again thanks for all the tips. I hope to make use of them all. 900 steps doesn't phase us at all. Though maybe wiser to go down them in July heat? Are they instead of the chair lift I have heard of? I do love a good chair lift ride....

@Frangipane .
Weirdly they are easier on the legs to go up than down ( I have heard ) . We went July / August on a tour from Sorrento . Chair lift is different area completely . Most tourists go up to Anacapri in little taxi carts but the climb is fabulous .

Once the only connection between the port of Marina Grande and Anacapri, the town located on the slopes of Monte Solaro, the Phoenician Steps are now a major tourist attraction: 921 stone steps from where to admire the island of Capri in all its glory.
Until only a few years ago, it was believed that the steps had been built by the Phoenicians (hence the name). Recent historical research has revealed that the steps were, in reality, constructed by the Ancient Greeks, between the 7th and 6th century B.C.
Up until 1874, the year in which the carriageway between Capri and Anacapri was completed, the steps represented the only connection between Anacapri and the rest of the world. Anacapri had no wells and the only source of fresh water on the island was the Truglio spring, in the vicinity of the port. As a consequence, the town's womenfolk were obliged to walk down the near 1000 steps and climb back up them (with a heavy vase of water balanced on their heads!), each and every day.
In the same way, only this time with the help of donkeys, building material, correspondence and the cumbersome trunks belonging to the first travelers to visit Anacapri were transported up the steps.
An insider tip from the islanders

We recommend you walk up rather than down the Phoenician Steps. A number of the steps have very high risers, making it much easier to ascend than descend
The Phoenician Steps start here

The Phoenician Steps begin in Marina Grande, close to Palazzo al Mare. To reach them from the port, you'll need to walk 400 meters or so along Via Palazzo a Mare until you come across a brick ramp and a majolica sign indicating the start of the steps, to your right.
Whilst the first set of steps are shallow and easy to climb, they quickly become steeper . As you make your way up the steps, you'll notice a series of crosses carved into the stone: the crosses were ordered by the Bishops of Capri so as to ask for divine protection against the frequent rock falls which landed on the steps.
Worried? Don't be! The steps were meticulously restored in 1998 and scrupulously maintained wire nets now do what only God could do in centuries past.
Other treasures you'll come across on route include the ancient chapel dedicated to Sant Antonio of Padua, the patron saint of Anacapri. At the end of the steps, you'll soon spy a stone archway, which once marked the border between the towns of Anacapri and Capri.
How long will it take to climb the Phoenician Steps?

Just how long you take to reach the top will, of course, depend on how fit you are. Sporty types can expect to complete the stairs in less than 40 minutes; chronic couch potatoes or anyone who hasn't climbed up quite so many steps before, should take it easy and give themselves a couple of hours - after all, with views like these, who wants to rush?
Once you arrive in Anacapri, makes sure you visit Villa San Michele: the panoramic museum-house built by Axel Munthe, at the top of the steps.

Ok I will stop now ! Can you tell it was the highlight of our holiday !

Sounds great @Trumpton. Particularly useful to have the little explanation of where to find the start as my guidebook (of Italy as a whole, not Capri, so understandable they can't include everything) makes no mention of it.

It is great to get personal recommendations. I know we are all different and like different things, but it really helps to know someone else has enjoyed something.

@Frangipane
The first one is me staggering up the steps the second one is nearly at the top looking back down to Capri harbour .

Have you gone yet, OP?

In case not, I’ll just add:

Do pay extra for a guide round Pompeii. They help bring it all to life much more rather than just feeling that you’re gazing at a load of crumbling ruins. Worth the money.

If you or your partner is a teacher, bring a card as proof (eg union membership card or badge from work) for discount into Pompeii and likely other historic sites too.

I found the large boat to Capri was fine but felt very queasy on the little boat to blue grotto.