From Dramatic Cliffs to Quiet Lemon Streets: Positano and Sorrento

I spent a few relaxed days in Rome this time, and April’s weather was simply delightful. The sun was warm and comforting most of the time, with occasional light showers that kept the air fresh without ever feeling stuffy. Since I had already explored Rome’s main sights three years ago, I wanted something different this visit. I joined a day tour to the Amalfi Coast to see Positano and Sorrento.

The weather was clear and perfect for admiring the famous coastal scenery. When people think of Europe’s lemon towns, Menton in France often comes to mind first, but southern Italy has its own gem — Sorrento, a town filled with the sweet fragrance of lemons.

We gathered at eight in the morning in central Rome. The coach journey took over four hours to reach Positano, with two stops along the way for snacks and toilet breaks. I still remembered my disappointing day trip to Pompeii three years ago. It started with chaotic roll calls, and unclear instructions from the tour guide that nearly made me miss the bus after lunch. This time, I didn’t have high expectations, but the tour pleasantly surprised me. The communication was much better: I received WhatsApp reminders beforehand, our female guide spoke fluent English, and she occasionally cracked jokes that had some members of the group laughing heartily.

Positano and Sorrento each have their own charm. One is dramatic and romantic, the other gentle and serene. If I ever have the chance, I would love to return and explore them at a much slower pace, perhaps starting from Naples to avoid the long coach ride. We set off back to Rome around 4.30pm and arrived back in the city centre just after 9pm. It was a long day, but my heart was filled with the golden sunlight and fragrant lemon scent of southern Italy — memories I know I’ll cherish for a long time.

We finally arrived in Positano around 1.30pm. The guide thoughtfully sent messages in advance with information about the meeting point and pickup time, so I didn’t have to worry like before. With only about an hour and a half of free time, she reminded us not to miss the beautiful beach. As soon as I got off the coach, I followed the narrow path downhill. About fifteen minutes later, I reached Positano Beach, passing the stunning Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta along the way.

Positano is a cliffside village on southern Italy's Amalfi Coast. Rows of pastel-coloured houses cascade down the hillside like a colourful waterfall, all the way to the soft sandy shore. This ‘vertical town’ feels like a living painting. Its narrow stone alleys and countless staircases twist and turn, offering breathtaking views at every corner. Legend says the town’s name comes from the sea god Poseidon. It was already a favourite holiday spot for Roman nobles, later became part of the prosperous Amalfi Maritime Republic in the Middle Ages, then quietly turned into a peaceful fishing village, before blossoming into the dreamy resort we see today in the mid-20th century. Walking through the town, the sea breeze felt refreshingly cool and soothing.

Many little shops along the way were themed around lemons, their bright yellow displays instantly lifting my spirits. Some even placed cute lemon-shaped mirrors at the entrance, perfect for a quick photo. Although there were quite a few tourists, I still enjoyed the laid-back European small-town atmosphere. I stopped at the popular Collina Bakery and bought a lemon tart. The filling was smooth, tangy and sweet. A simple bite of this refreshing treat was enough to fill my stomach and lighten up my day.

Afterwards, we continued to Sorrento. Known as the ‘Lemon City’, Sorrento is famous for its plump, fragrant local lemons that grow on terraced orchards clinging to the cliffs. The whole town carries a gentle citrus scent in the air. These lemons are not only used to make the world-famous Limoncello, but you’ll also find adorable lemon-themed products everywhere.

Compared to the dramatic romance of Positano, Sorrento feels quieter and more intimate, with a gentler pace and more reasonable prices. I wandered slowly through its streets and alleys, picking up a few souvenirs. When I started to feel tired, I chose a simple, unassuming gelato shop. There were no flashy display cases. The gelato was quietly kept in metal tins, which is actually the sign of authentic Italian handmade gelato. Keeping it in tins protects the ice cream from too much air and light, preserving its flavour and freshness. The lemon flavour was incredibly cool, sweet with a pleasant tang. The orange chocolate was equally wonderful: rich chocolate taste without being overly sweet. Just perfect.