I have just started out walking up mountains, and so far have done Snowdon and Scafell Pike. I'm off to Sorrento in italy next week and wondered if anyone new of a decent walk i could do while over there.
Hi. Vesuvius is the obvious thing. You could walk all the way up from the bottom or drive as far as just below the summit and stroll up the dusty path. It's a bit smaller than Ben Nevis, but nowhere near as nice a walk unless you can find a way that doesn't involve the road. The best bit is obvously the view of the caldera and over to Capri.
To be honest, I preferred walking on Capri when I stayed in Sorrento. It's only a few Euros and less than an hour away. The walk along the west coast is really stunning. You get the bus to Faro, then wander up the rocky coast, past old forts, before arriving at the Blue Grotto. Absolutely gorgeous.
I initially thourght about Vesuvius, however from what i have read you have got to stick to the road which is a shame, we will still do it but I would have prefered no road.
I found out last night my girlfriend has already planned the whole week, but she did mention Capri so that walk you mentiond could be done
All i have to do is make room in my suitcase for some of my kit.
It ain't walking, but the bus-ride to Amalfi from Sorrento is spectacular. I presume the GF has planned a trip to either Pompeii and / or Ercolano? You simply cannot go to Sorrento and not visit at least Pompeii. And the villa at Oplontis (Torre Annunziata on the Circ.) is a wonderful little oasis of calm in the bustling Neapolitan metropolis.
Best way to get around is the Circ. - the Circumvesuviana overland railway. Cheap and cheerful. Don't wear jewellery openly in the Napoli area, tuck in, or leave at home, necklaces cos they'll get nicked, even crucifixes. And if the GF has a handbag, leave that at home - even if she wears it satchel-like across her body, if it gets nicked by a scum-bag on a vespa she'll get pulled with it. Having said that, it's an amazing region of Europe. Have PIZZA - it's where it was invented .
btw, if you're under 25, you get reduced entry to National Monuments and Museums, so take the passport with you.
On Kate's theme, if you've a car and like ancient history, I would definitely recommend Paestum, which you can get to by driving along the Amalfi coast and down past Salerno. It has 3 gorgeous, majestic Greek temples in a really good state of repair, and the relative peace and quiet is a welcome respite after the crowds and hawkers of Pompeii.
I wouldn't bother with any gear other than a small rucksack and approach shoes. Anything else is overkill, as it's mostly just easy coastal or gentle hill walking.
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