My husband and I had been to the Italian coast on our honeymoon so I knew it might not be super ideal for us to go to a place like Sorrento with a baby. I wasn’t sure how to navigate witching hour, while having poolside cocktails. I thought it might be depressing because we’d have to retreat to the hotel and put our baby to bed while Sorrento partied all night. But I was totally wrong!!!  I’m the living testimony of survival of the Italian coast of Sorrento, Capri and Positano for a full two weeks of adventures with our toddler.  It was certainly such a major highlight and also the biggest travel learning curve but I’m so glad we did it.  I’m here to save you all the trouble and make your trip simple and memorable!

The first thing I typed into google was “top 10 beaches in Italy” which actually was helpful because I read quite a few articles and wrote up my list of beaches to attempt to visit with a Yo-Yo pram, baby, and multiple bags.  

We missed our opportunity to book the Hilton in Sorrento which was our favourite place, but actually, we were happy to make new memories and it turned out so well as we ended up in Meta De Sorento which was so close to 5 different beach clubs all accessible via lift (although, let me tell you, the first day we had no idea about the lift).  This would be my first recommendation – stay in Meta de Sorrento (with air-conditioning) where the beach clubs (and their restaurants) are so close, and where the bus comes so frequently to catch straight into the heart of Sorrento.  The 40-degree heat makes it quite a walk to town, so bus transport is key.  We quickly learnt to find a bus stop rather than attempting to walk.  Meta’s skinny coastal streets, with italian colourful houses and small food markets, make it such a fun experience.  It really feels like you are immersing yourself in the italian lifestyle of buying your mozzarella cheese, cold meats and tomatoes from the locals.  Taking the stop at Piano di Sorrento was one of my favourites, as we wandered the shops, stopped at the local Cafiero Cafè and then caught the train to Sorrento for our nights adventure. 

Every day in Meta De Sorrento was spent on a beach somewhere between Capri and Sorrento, where we ourselves found our own route to and from without a tour. It was super easy and absolute heaven once we got there.  We always found the bus or ferry transport which was always so easy to find and very regular from our hotel.  Some hotels/accommodations will also offer free transfers to and from the boat Port in Sorrento which no doubt leaves at certain times in the morning.  There are most certainly very popular times to catch the Ferry to Positano, Amalfi and Capri, so going slightly early to get your ferry tickets would be ideal.  If you are booking a private boat or tour even better, you will most likely be offered a transfer with a tour to the Ferry Port.  If you are catching the public bus to Sorrento Port to catch the Ferry, my advice is to get close to the centre of Sorento Piaza, make your way towards the Sorrento Beach Lift to catch down the cliff to the beachfront (lidos), and then walk down to the Port. Carry cash on you for all these journeys as most of them don’t take cards (especially the Sorrento lift).

My guide to family beaches (closest to Sorrento)!

1. Spiaffia Di Meta – Sorrento. A bus ride away from the centre of Sorrento, or Meta itself is a great destination to find accommodation (that’s where we stayed) because of the expansive beach nestled amongst the massive cliffs of Sorrento. The views are stunning, the sand offers kid-friendly beaches, and multiple restaurants day and night, and easily accessed by a public lift or bus right to the beachfront. You could happily set up here every day without needing any other beach recommendations ;). 
2. Marina di Praia– Amalfi Coast – is easily the prettiest, petite beach I’ve ever lashed eyes on. It’s nestled between two giant cliff faces and hidden below the highway bridge. A small but very quaint beach where you can hire umbrellas and chairs, a rock jumping area and a concrete jetty for sunbathing. It offers multiple restaurants to choose lunch/dinner. It’s what everyone dreams of when they talk about going to the Amalfi coast – something hidden you think no one has ever seen with the best pizza and pasta you can find. 
3. Marina di Puolo – Sorrento. A secluded Italian beach village down the bottom of the hill, we definitely freaked out about the steep hill but we were lucky cause it was a fully tarred car road, easy for pram access. There were lots of beach club options to hire an umbrella and an array of beautiful Italian restaurants lining the beach for lunch. Easily a great stop for an overnight stay or a day out. The calmest water and lots of it.  The food was an absolute highlight eating at La Tavernetta as it felt like the resort life for the day. We fluked finding a motorised bike that we paid 5 euros to get us to the top of the hill with all our things – straight to the bus stop which took us back to town.
4. Bagni di Tiberio – Capri. A very secluded beach, only accessible via boat or foot which sounds like a nightmare and unaffordable with a toddler, but I’m here to give you the good news.  It’s the best with a baby — Here’s why. You can catch the big ferry over to Capri from Sorrento which is short and easy, and then from Capri Port, you can either peruse the shops first or go straight to the small jetty (next to the bus ticket queue), avoid all the people and walk to the end of the jetty which is used for Bagni di Tiberio beach.  A private boat that leaves approximately every 20mins or so, with a small fee to catch the boat or a free trip if you pre-book the restaurant for lunch! So hot tip – Book lunch, and maybe a beach umbrella and chair while you are at it.  Or if you prefer, there is a free beach only a small walk next to the restaurant as well.  The restaurant is always packed in summer and I know why, as the seating overhanging the water is so stunning.  The food also matched the view and was as delicious as the water. 
5. Marina Grande – Capri.  The most accessible of all beaches for families as it’s positioned right next to the Port of Capri with a stunning view of the Capri town centre and is amazing for boat and yacht watching.  It’s the perfect beach for the no-hassle beach fan, with crystal clear waters and plenty of space to sit on the beach. Rock shoes are necessary though! 
6. Tonino’s beach Amalfi Coast – catch the ferry to Amalfi Beach and on the beachfront is this stunning beach club. Easy to hire your beach umbrella and chairs and set up for the day. We chose this one as it has the best views looking back on the Amalfi town centre, and so easy to access with prams, a short walk from the ferry and restaurants are so close. Also easy on your feet with the beach having the Amalfi soft stones. Best to take your rock shoes in your backpack. 

Why pay for Beach Clubs?

With every beach I’ve mentioned, there was always a beach club involved, where paying a fee for two chairs and an umbrella for a set day fare was charged.  In Australia, this is not a thing, but I promise you with a toddler, it’s necessary over in Italy if you are looking to spend a day on the beach, as you don’t travel with any extras to keep the sun off you, or your bum comfortable off the pebbly shore.  So I would factor in the small fee of the beach club package into your budget as you won’t survive long on the beach without it.  You won’t regret it, it feels like an absolute dream being shown to your umbrella-shaded deck lounge chairs, lying under the cliffs, dashing in and out of the crystal clear water back to get your Italian tan.  Most Italian kids are only dressed in either a top or bottom half of a swim set, not as much need for the full-length rash shirts as the Australian sun demands.  This offers a stress-less beach trip for a toddler, the parents not stressing over the fact their kid’s faces haven’t been plastered with zinc every 20mins or so.  Wins all around on the Italian beachfront.

Need tips on what to take with you?

The easiest way to get around the beaches for us was having two small, light backpacks that went on my husband’s and my own back which made it much easier to prepare for catching the bus.  Just like the road sizes (super skinny), the buses are unpredictable in size, some bigger some smaller and we never knew if we would have to quickly fold up our travel pram to fit it on the bus, so we didn’t travel with things underneath the pram for this reason.  We also carried cash on us for the bus, so we could just hand over the money for the trip.  Also, the buses were always busy (especially in summer) so no extra room to spread across the bus. They are not known for air-con, so you just got to stick it out in your cool summer gear.  Sandals for walking we found fine, but rock shoes are essential for going in the rocky ocean.  Most beaches are beautiful but stoney and much easier on your feet if you wear rock shoes.  I say this because we didn’t have any – and I most certainly felt the rocks on my heels.

Need an itinerary for your stay in Meta di Sorrento?

TOP TIP: Stay at Panorama Palace Sorrento. Spacious rooms and so close to the beach! Great breakfast every morning and we loved that it was close to the beach lift and the bus stop.

1. Day 1: Head to the closest Beach Club to your hotel – Spiaffia Di Meta – Sorrento. You’re probably feeling tired from a big commute from the airport yesterday so hit up the closest beach club and just relax. End up in the hotel pool for the afternoon.  Sunset: Catch the bus to Sorrento and end up at Hotel Bellevue Syrene for sunset drinks. Dinner: Book Diana Sofia for a delicious Pizza or pasta meal! The vibe is amazing, and a meal for everyone! GF meals are great too.
2. Day 2: Book the Ferry to Capri. You can book tickets on the ferry once you arrive at the Port.   We didn’t do a tour; we just booked the public ferry and then booked Bagni di Tiberio for the beach club, lunch and drinks.  Sunset & Dinner: Watch sunset from your Meta di Sorrento Balcony and wander down to the beach for takeaway pizza or book one of the beach club resturants.
3. Day 3: Choose Beach Marina Di Paulo, which is just one bus ride away on the other side of Sorrento. This is a perfect family-friendly beach, with plenty of Beach Club options and a strip of restaurants with plenty of variety.  Sunset: Catch the bus into Sorrento and stop at La Pergola Bar with its grand entrance and ocean views to enjoy sunset in all its glory. Order the delicious watermelon or lemon spritz cocktail.                              Dinner: Head to Ristorante ‘o parrucchiano la favorita for all your favourite Italian seafood dreams. Make sure to book!
4. Day 4: Catch the bus to Port Sorrento and book your ferry ticket to the Amalfi. Once you arrive walk down to the furthest beach club Tonino’s beach Amalfi Coast and book your seats and umbrella. Don’t miss out on gelato from ‘il Pianeta Gelato where the serving is as big as your head.

Don’t be afraid of Italy, it makes you feel like you could conquer the world. These hot tips will allow you to enjoy the beach, sip your cocktail and enjoy Sorrento with your toddler without missing out on anything! Imagine your memories (and photos) with your one-year-old in the prettiest of places in the world.