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Sorrento Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

Sorrento is a small city in southwestern Italy , surrounded by a dreamy landscape of rolling hills, deep valleys, and the Lattari Mountains.

In the town itself, there isn’t a whole lot to do, but Sorrento makes an ideal starting point for numerous excursions to nearby cities and islands around the famous Amalfi Coast, like Capri and Ischia.

And while Sorrento makes for a nice stop for a couple of days to enjoy the Mediterranean vibes, I think it’s best used as a gateway city to the rest of the region. I especially love driving along the winding coastal roads overlooking the sea. The area is the perfect place for a road trip.

You can use this Sorrento travel guide to help you plan your visit, save money, and make the most out of your time in this beautiful slice of Italia.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Sorrento

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Sorrento

1. Head to Capri

Just a quick (20-minute) ferry ride from Sorrento, the island of Capri has beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, small villages to explore, and hiking trails. It’s been a resort destination since the Roman Empire and you can still visit the Roman ruins scattered across the small island, including a 1st-century villa. Make sure you also go to the famous Blue Grotto, a small cave on the sea where the light turns the water neon blue. Since a one-way ferry from Sorrento to Capri costs 20 EUR, you might be better off taking a day tour with Get Your Guide . Entrance to the Blue Grotto is 14 EUR. Keep in mind that it can get quite crowded in the high season.

2. Visit Castello Aragonese

This castle is located on a tiny rocky islet connected to the larger island of Ischia by a 15th-century stone causeway. The castle, which takes up nearly the entire rocky islet, dates to the 5th century BCE and at various points in time has served as a defensive stronghold, a noble’s court, and even a convent. Admission to the site costs 12 EUR. A one-way ferry from Sorrento to Ischia is 23 EUR and takes around 1 hour (you can check routes and prices via FerryHopper ).

3. Tour the Convent di San Francesco

Originally founded as a monastery in the 7th century, three buildings form Sorrento’s Convent di San Francesco: the church, the convent, and the famous cloister. The convent preserves important works in wood and its unique 14th-century architecture incorporates styles from pagan temples and ancient settlements. It’s a very popular spot for weddings, and in the summer there’s almost always one going on. There’s also often live music here on summer evenings. It’s free to enter.

4. Hit the beach

The beaches around Sorrento are beautiful. Marina Grande and Marina Piccola are two popular spots, though you’re better off heading to Bagni Regina Giovanna for a more relaxing and local spot that has fewer crowds. This isn’t a traditional sandy beach, but rather a natural swimming hole that’s connected to the sea by a rocky archway. It’s located right next to the ruins of a 1st-century Roman villa, showing that this idyllic spot has been a favorite place of relaxation for centuries.

5. Visit the Museo Correale

This museum in the historic center of Sorrento is located in an 18th-century villa overlooking the Bay of Naples. The collection here is extensive and includes Japanese, Chinese, Neapolitan, and European art dating from the 15th-19th centuries. There are also some antique furnishings, ceramics, and Roman and Greek artifacts. Admission is 8 EUR. Every Tuesday and Saturday evening, the Three Tenors in Sorrento perform famous Italian opera arias and Neapolitan classic songs. Tickets start at 45 EUR and you also have the option to enjoy a wine tasting in the garden beforehand.

Other Things to See and Do in Sorrento

1. admire the duomo.

The simple Romanesque exterior of this 15th-century cathedral is very misleading. The main doors to the cathedral are from Constantinople and date to the 11th century, and while the outside looks plain, the interior is lined with beautiful original furnishings, including wooden choir stalls and the original marble bishop’s throne. There are several stunning frescoes too. Admission is free.

2. Head to Sorrento Cape

Here you will find sandy beaches and the archaeological site of the villa of Pollio Felice. Back in the 1st century BCE, elite Romans started building vacation villas along the coast. Pollio Felice was one such person. He was a member of the Pozzuoli noble family, and while there are a few remains left behind from his villa, there’s also a reconstructed model of his villa in the Georges Vallet Archeological Museum. The cape and villa are just 3.5 kilometers (2.1 miles) outside Sorrento, next to the secluded swimming hole mentioned above, Bagni Regina Giovanna. Admission is free.

4. Explore Marina di Puolo

This picturesque seaside village used to be a popular hideaway for Pollio Felice (mentioned above), and modern-day Marina di Puolo still has just a couple of hundred inhabitants. Most people come here to escape the crowds and lounge around on the beach, which is one of the few sandy beaches in the area. Here you’ll also find Punta Campanella, a protected coastal nature reserve where you can do some short day hikes. Legend has it that the cliffs here are the ones from the Sirens sung their song to Ulysses in Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey . Both the village and the nature reserve make nice side trips from Sorrento.

5. Explore Ischia

Ischia is just like the island of Capri — but without all the tourists. It’s cheaper, and though it lacks the Blue Grotto, I think it’s a better island to visit because it sees far fewer crowds. Inhabited since the Bronze Age, here you’ll find secluded beaches, thermal spas, and Castello Aragonese (which dates to 474 BCE). The mountainous island is quite small, measuring 10 kilometers (6 miles) by 7 kilometers (4 miles), so it’s perfect for a day trip. The ferry from Sorrento costs around 20 EUR (you can check routes and prices via FerryHopper ).

6. Learn about the art of marquetry

Sorrento is known for its marquetry handicrafts, a term that refers to inlaid objects (like pearls or other decorative materials) on wood. You can visit the Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea to learn about this art form, which was particularly popular in the 19th century. Located in a bright red, 18th-century palace, the museum also hosts paintings and prints from the 19th century that showcases what the region looked like at the time. Admission is 8 EUR.

7. Visit the Archaeological Museum

The Territorial Archaeological Museum George Vallet is located in a Neoclassical building. The collection consists of archaeological artifacts and art unearthed along the Sorrento Peninsula. They have temporary exhibits often too and there are some pieces from ancient Greece as well. Entry is free, though it’s temporarily closed due to COVID.

8. Eat your heart out

Italy is a country for foodies, and Sorrento is no exception. To take in all that Sorrento has to offer, take a food tour. Sorrento Food Tours offers tasty tours around the city that introduce you to the best the city has to offer (they have a food and wine tour too in case you get thirsty!). Tours cost around 75 EUR per person.

9. Visit Pompeii and Herculaneum

Although Naples is usually the hopping off point for exploring Pompeii and Herculaneum, it’s easy to do so from Sorrento as well. Both Roman towns were buried in layers of ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in in 79 CE, creating fascinating snapshots in time. Exploring the incredibly well-preserved ruins of these ancient towns is a must. Entry to Pompeii is 16 EUR and Herculaneum is 11 EUR.

10. Try limoncello

While it was only recently invented (at the turn of the 20th century), limoncello is one of Italy’s most famous liqueurs. Made from lemon zest soaked in alcohol and mixed with simple syrup, limoncello is normally served as an aperitif (before dinner) or digestif (after dinner). It’s mainly produced in Southern Italy, in and around Sorrento, with lemons grown directly in the region. Learn more about this popular drink by touring a lemon grove and doing a tasting. Tours are 20-25 EUR.

  For more information on other cities in Italy, check out these guides:

• Cinque Terre Travel Guide
• Florence Travel Guide
• Milan Travel Guide
• Naples Travel Guide
• Pisa Travel Guide
• Rome Travel Guide
• Venice Travel Guide

Sorrento Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostels are limited here. A bed in a dorm with 6-8 beds costs 33-40 EUR per night in peak season and 17-25 EUR per night in the off-season. Private double rooms start at 100 EUR per night in peak season and 67 EUR in the off-season. Free Wi-Fi is standard and some hostels include free breakfast.

There are a handful of campgrounds nearby for those traveling with a tent. A basic plot for two costs 28-35 EUR per night for a pitch without electricity. Many of these campgrounds also offer glamping-style tents and cabins from 60-70 EUR per night.

Budget hotel prices – There aren’t a lot of options for a two-star budget hotel in Sorrento. For a three-star budget hotel, prices range from 125-175 EUR per night in peak season, and 60-90 EUR in the off-peak season. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and AC. Many of the hotel options are bed and breakfasts that also include free breakfast.

On Airbnb, you can find private rooms for 60-90 EUR per night. You can also rent entire homes for 100-200 EUR per night. Expect to pay double those prices if you don’t book early.

Average cost of food – Italian cuisine is beloved around the world, though every region in Italy offers its own distinct flavor. Tomatoes, pasta, olives, and olive oil form the backbone of most meals, with meat and fish and various cheeses rounding out the menu. In Sorrento, pizza is a must, owing to its invention in nearby Naples (locals actually argue they have better pizza than Naples). Seafood, too, is a huge staple here. Local favorites are gnocchi alla Sorrentina (potato gnocchi), spaghetti e Vongole (spaghetti with clams), octopus casserole, sauteed shrimp, and of course gelato and limoncello.

A casual meal of pizza or pasta shouldn’t cost much more than 12 EUR. Seafood dishes start at 15-17 EUR. If you want to splash out, a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 30 EUR.

For street eats, sandwiches and pizza by the slice are usually just 2-7 EUR. Fast food (think burger and fries) costs around 7 EUR.

Beer is around 4-5 EUR while a latte/cappuccino costs around 1.25 EUR. A glass of wine is around 3-4 EUR, though you’ll more often find it offered by the bottle, with a bottle of house wine at a restaurant costing 12-15 EUR. Bottled water is less than 1 EUR.

If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, a week’s worth of groceries costs 45-60 EUR. This gets you basic staples like pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat or seafood.

Backpacking Sorrento Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 55 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and stick to mostly free activities like the beaches and visiting the cathedral. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 155 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, cook most of your meals, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting museums and day-tripping to the islands.

On a “luxury” budget of 255 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need per day. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day, who knows!). We just want to give you a general idea of how to budget your money. Prices are in EUR.

Sorrento Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Sorrento is a popular destination that caters to more upscale travelers. During the summer, it gets very crowded and pricey so you need to watch your budget. Here are some ways to save money when you visit Sorrento:

• Get off the beaten track – Consider visiting Ischia instead of Capri to save some money and beat the crowds, or stay in one of the small neighboring villages at a bed and breakfast instead of in the center of Sorrento.
• Eat pizza and paninis – It may not always be the healthiest option, but you will find pizzas and paninis at most restaurants for a much more affordable rate than the main dishes. Most pizzas cost under 10 EUR.
• Drink the tap water – When at a restaurant, ask for tap water or you will automatically get expensive bottled water included on your bill instead.
• Buy your own alcohol – You can buy a great bottle of wine for 6-10 EUR at the grocery store. It’s much cheaper than going to a bar.
• Stay with a local – Accommodation here can be expensive so use Couchsurfing to find a local who can host you for free. It’s the best way to save money while connecting with someone who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Sorrento

There are only a few hostels in Sorrento. My recommended places to stay when you visit the city are:

• Seven Hostel
• Florida Hostel and Hotel
• Village Camping Santafortunata Campogaio
• Resort Campogaio

How to Get Around Sorrento

Public transportation – Sorrento’s city center is very small and walkable (only 17,000 people live here), but if you want to get up into the hillside or explore any neighboring areas you have to take public transportation.

Buses around the city cost 1.20 EUR and tickets must be purchased at kiosk shops or the train station (you can’t purchase tickets onboard). Buses run between Sorrento and Meto, Sant’Agnello, Piano, and Massa Lubrense.

If you want to get to the other major towns on the Amalfi Coast (like Salerno and Positano), you can take the SITA buses. These buses cost 1.30-6 EUR, depending on the distance.

Train – The Circumvesuviana railway connects the towns along the Amalfi Coast, but it’s not connected with the national rail, so you can’t purchase tickets on Trenitalia. You have to purchase tickets at the station, and most take cash only. Tickets from Naples to Sorrento cost about 4.50 EUR.

Ferry – If you want to visit Capri, there are frequent ferry services from Sorrento. Tickets cost between 15-20 EUR. A ferry from Sorrento to Ischia costs between 20-22 EUR and takes about an hour.

Taxi – Taxis are costly in Sorrento. If you must take one, the starting fare is around 4 EUR and they go up by around 1.40 EUR per mile. Skip them if you can! Uber is not available in Sorrento.

Bike rental – If you don’t want to walk or bus, you can rent a bike here for as little as 5 EUR per day.

When to Go to Sorrento

Summer in Sorrento is the best time to visit but it’s also peak season. The beaches are busy, the waters are warm, and the sun is endless! Peak season is from June to August, with July and August being the busiest months. Temperatures hover around 31°C (88°F) so you can enjoy plenty of beach time. Expect accommodation to fill up and prices to rise.

Even spring and fall are busy here too, with crowds lingering around Sorrento until mid-October. The weather is still warm, and some people swim until the end of September (or even later). In October, the average daily temperature is 23°C (73°F). Spring tends to be drier than fall, however.

The average temperature in the winter is 11°C (53°F) daily. It’s quiet around here this time of year; summer is definitely more exciting so I’d likely skip a winter visit.

How to Stay Safe in Sorrento

Sorrento is very safe to visit as violent crimes here are incredibly rare. As in other destinations in Italy, scams and pickpocketing are common so keep your valuables secure and out of sight when on the bus or when in crowded tourist areas.

Don’t leave any valuables on the beach when swimming either as they might get snatched.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you’re worried about getting scammed, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Sorrento Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Sorrento Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Italy and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Neighborhoods For Your Visit

Where to Stay in Milan: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Milan

The Best Walking Tours in Florence

The 8 Best Hotels in Rome

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Sorrento: a Tourist & Holiday Guide

A visitor’s guide to this picturesque seaside resort

Sorrento, perched picturesquely on a plateau above the sea with spectacular views over the Bay of Naples, has been a popular tourist destination for almost two centuries. Traditionally the town is one of the favourite resorts of British visitors to Italy, and over the last few decades it has ruled as Italy’s leading package-holiday destination for English-speakers. The historic seaside town has learned to live with, and make the most of tourism, and in return it offers a classic ‘Mediterranean summer holiday’ atmosphere – but without losing all of its Italian character and charm. The key attraction of Sorrento is that it can offer a variety of holiday experiences to suit different visitors, from rural walks through lemon and olive groves to a choice of excursions by land or sea. Pompeii, Herculaneum and Naples are accessible in one direction, and the Amalfi Coast in another. Days out can include Roman ruins, low-key seaside resorts, traditional villages and breathtaking scenery. Being well-connected and easy to get to makes this a straightforward and practical holiday choice. > How to get to Sorrento

Sorrento guide

• Sorrento – an introduction
• Where to stay
• Travel practicalities
• The best hotels and B&Bs
• How to spend a week in Sorrento
• Eat, drink, shop

About Sorrento

Facing north over the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is situated towards the end of the mountainous Sorrentine peninsula, over the hills from the famous resorts of the Amalfi Coast. In mythology, this area is often identified as the land of the sirens, beautiful maidens of the sea whose song lured mariners to their doom. Sorrento is built on a historic site settled from prehistoric times onwards; there was a Greek town here, and then the Roman town of Sorrentum. A few relics of these times can be seen in the town museum. This was an obvious site to build a settlement; surrounded by low cliffs on one side and ravines on the other, it had a natural ring of defences, as well as access by sea and a fertile hinterland. Nowadays parts of the ravine are filled in – a bridge and town gate were demolished to make way for the modern town’s heart, Piazza Tasso. But even without these physical defences, Sorrento has managed to keep its historic town centre reasonably intact. Although many properties are now converted to tourist businesses, the mellow old buildings still help create the delightful authentic atmosphere which gives Sorrento a big advantage over modern beach resorts.

Sorrento and its sister towns, Sant’Agnello, Piano di Sorrento and Meta di Sorrento now spread all the way along the large plateau that was once primarily agricultural. The towns are all separated from the sea by low cliffs, and there are hardly any beaches – one of the most important things to realise for travellers planning a summer holiday. Sea access is mostly from wooden boardwalks built out over the water, although there are a few scraps of sandy beach along the coast, and enterprising visitors can find attractive coves and pebble beaches around the peninsula.

Sorrento is a pleasant town for pottering around; its pedestrian lanes, little tourist boutiques, limoncello tastings and restaurants all make it an easy and enjoyable place to dawdle and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Tourists line the railings in the Villa Comunale park to enjoy grand views towards Vesuvius, Naples and Ischia and watch fiery sunsets behind the headland. Most visitors will catch a ferry for a day trip to Capri, or take a bus or boat to Positano or Amalfi. The more curious visitors will find their way down to old fishing quarter, Marina Grande, where you can eat seafood next to the harbour or take a boat trip with fishermen. There is a good range of things to do and sights to see – a few places of interest in Sorrento itself including the old town walls and a couple of museums, and more attractions a bus, train or boat ride away. Walkers will find a network of old mule paths and lanes across the peninsula which give the chance of enjoying the landscape close up.

Sorrento is just about unique in Italy for being both a highly-developed package-holiday-type resort as well as a historic town. Unlike other Italian seaside resorts, Sorrento caters overwhelming for the English-speaking market (though of course other foreigners and a few Italians do visit, too). Menus are in English, businesses are geared towards English-speaking travellers, and the throngs of cheap-and-cheerful British tourists do give Sorrento a somewhat less cultural and more blandly ‘summer holiday’ vibe. It is probably true that some visitors don’t care especially whether they are in Italy or Spain or Greece. However, there is more to Sorrento than this, if you care to look for it. Visiting out of the peak July-August period helps if you want a little peace and more atmosphere. And of course, the tourism success of Sorrento offers advantages: hundreds of hotels means a good choice of rooms and prices, especially out of season; the tourist and travel infrastructure is better than some other places; the levels of service and types of business are more satisfactory to international travellers; and English is almost universally spoken.

I visited Sorrento once, briefly, and thought it was a tourist trap overwhelmed by Brits. Years later I visited again, and thought the same for the first few hours. Then I relaxed, explored, got to know the town and visited some of the countryside and villages around. There’s no denying Sorrento is touristy. But I’d recommend it as a reassuring resort for Italy first-timers, a well-serviced destination for an easy holiday in the sun, and a practical base for visiting the sights in the area. You can enjoy different types of holiday here depending on what you’re looking for, where you stay and what you decide to do, from an elegant five-star honeymoon sipping cocktails on a panoramic terrace to a family vacation in a hotel with a swimming pool. It’s an amiable good-tempered town and retains an impressive amount of ‘Italian-ness’ for such a visited place.

> Where to stay in Sorrento

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SORRENTO TRAVEL GUIDE

Introduction to sorrento travel.

A popular coastal resort since Roman times, Sorrento is found on a perfectly positioned peninsula to discover some of the best sights in Italy. Many visitors use Sorrento as base to explore the Campania region and why not? The Amalfi Coast, Capri, Naples and Pompeii are within east reach.

With all those temptations on its doorstep, it’s easy to see why the city could be seen as a bit of a transit hub. So we encourage you to spend at least a day in Sorrento exploring its many charms, like joining a food tour or simply taking in spectacular views over the Tyrrhenian Sea.

What to see in SORRENTO

Sorrento is a place to relax, enjoy lazy days at a beach club and take an afternoon stroll with a gelato. Wander the old town and shop for beautifully made artisan wares or enjoy a leisurely lunch by the sea. Perfetto!

PIAZZA TASSO

Marina grande, marina piccola, day trips from sorrento.

Information on skip the line tickets to the major attractions, the best tours of the city and unique activities that are sure to make your trip memorable.

AMALFI COAST

Sorrento accommodation guide.

Choose the best area and hotel for your trip with our guide to the best accommodation and hotels in Sorrento. Whether you want views of the Bay of Naples, a swimming pool or both, there is a perfect hotel or AirBnB to suit your trip.

best hotels in sorrento

Airbnbs in sorrento, getting to sorrento.

There’s a variety of options to get you to Sorrento from the capital city of Rome – by train, bus, car rental and by private transfer.

SORRENTO PODCAST EPISODES

Episode #108: day trips from sorrento, episode #067: exploring the amalfi coast by road and by sea, episode #021: savoring sorrento – a food lovers guide to italy’s city by the sea, episode #014: amalfi coast highlights, italy city guides.

Visit Sorrento | Complete Travel Guide 2024

Complete Guides , Destinations , Sorrento , Travel Planning

by Giuseppe Morvillo

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and this perfectly encapsulates the beauty of Sorrento. Nestled on rocky cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, adorned with lemon groves, and boasting a breathtaking view of the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is a charming small town waiting to be explored. Discover everything you need to know about visiting Sorrento with our Complete Guide for 2024.

Complete Guide to Sorrento in 2024

With it’s spectacular views , delicious food, pristine beaches and fantastic scenery, it’s no wonder Sorrento is one of the most visited destinations in Europe. It’s also very budget friendly and great for a good day trip or as an ideal base for exploring the fascination region of the South of Italy from Naples to the Amalfi Coast, to Capri and the Pompeii ruins.  

Sorrento is also known to be very safe and more pleasant compared to any other town in the area as the city offers both charm and enjoyment with a numerous amount of places for you to admire natural beauty, feed your historical interest and explore the cultural sites. In this guide we have put together for you a complete guide of the absolutely must-see parts of the town.

• Sorrento | Marina Grande
• Sorrento | Cloister of San Francesco
• Sorrento | The Old Town
• Sorrento | Villa Comunale
• Sorrento | Baths of Queen Giovanna
• Sorrento | Food and Culture
• Sorrento | The Old Churches
• Sorrento | Piazza Tasso and Corso Italia
• Sorrento | Museums and Cultural Events
• Sorrento | The Valley of the Mills

Marina Grande in Sorrento

Considered an absolute favourite spot by many of our guests, Marina Grande is definitely worth a visit. The colourful and picturesque fishing village sits on the edge of the bay and is a great place to enjoy a drink on the side of the dock as well as enjoying something delicious to eat from one of the many seafood restaurants.

You will be able to find a variety of local trattorias with amazing traditional Italian meals and very reasonably priced, all on the waterfront with an amazing and buzzing atmosphere. During the summer, especially on the weekends, evening can become very busy for dinner.

You can also find here the tiny church of Sant’Anna which is well worth a visit and if you’re lucky enough to be in Sorrento during the month of July there is the Festival of St Anna that takes place where you’ll be able to see the whole of the Marina Grande lit up beautifully. The cafes, hotels and restaurant on the edge of the sea often host special dinners and parties for the firework show at midnight on this day.

Cloister of San Francesco

Just a five minute walk from Piazza Tasso , you will find the most popular spot for weddings and concerts in Sorrento’s city centre. Situated near the Villa Comunale park, a serene environment surrounds the small thirteenth-century cloister of the Church of San Francesco. One of the most dreamiest places with a mixture of style from different periods, with its vines and bright bougainvillea, the Cloister of San Francesco its a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Sorrento.

We can’t think of anywhere else in the world that could be a better setting for a wedding ceremony that the courtyard of the cloister, there is such a romantic and peaceful atmosphere here and its perfect for an intimate venue.

The Old Town

Considered the heart of Sorrento , the Old Town is a mixture of little streets anchored by Piazza Tasso and Via Capo at end each and nestled between Corso Italia and the coastline. This area is mostly pedestrianised and it even still preserves some of the medical buildings, Antichi Palazzi with facades typical of the 13th century, original decorations and ancient churches. The main streets are lined with hundreds of lemon related products and leather shops.

In the centre of the Old Town, at the junction of Via San Cesareo and Via Padre Reginaldo Giuliani you will find the Sedil Dominova, a 17th century grand building that used to be a meeting place for the towns nobles and now is a retreat for retired working class men. The Old Town buzzes with life and warmth of the locals, the craftsmen still work in the traditional way with their hands, the smell of lemon and orange scents linger in the air and in the evening music from the bars, cafes and restaurant bring the streets to life and you’ll see the beautiful mixture of local people and its visitors mingle and socialise.

Villa Comunale

Considered ‘Sorrento’s Room with a View’ , Villa Comunale gardens sit on the clifftops of the Peninsula and its the perfect place to relax and take some pictures of the most beautiful scenery. This public park greets you with all of its beauty from the stunning views of the Bay of Naples to the Sorrento Coastline and Vesuvius, an absolute must visit when in Sorrento.  The park is situations on a hilltop next to the Cloisters of San Francesco and is also near the Hotel Tramontano.

It’s a small area with a few benches but a lovely area to take a stroll through the garden filled with beautiful flowers or to have a drink or ice cream in the cafes and restaurants overlooking the sea. Inside the Villa Comunale garments you will find the lift that takes you down to the Marina Piccola harbour and its beach clubs, it’s located on the left corner of the garden and only costs €1 for a single trip. You can also walk down the steps from where you will see the most incredible views , we suggest to walk down by these stairs and then return back up using the lift.

villa comunale

Villa Comunale, 80067 Sorrento NA +39 081 8072543 www.sorrentolift.it Ticket €1 | Return Ticket € 1,90 | Disabled € 0,50 | Children Free

Baths of Queen Giovanna

If you’re wanting to get away from the busy beaches of the Amalfi Coast, I would highly recommend visiting the Baths of Queen Giovanna, a stunning spot with a Roman Villa and an exclusive natural swimming pool. You can enjoy a tranquil swimming experience as well as a picturesque walk around the cliff tops which will give you the best views of the bay, from May until the end of September.

If you walk along the other side of the ruins and follow the wooden pier around the rocks you will find an a mazing waterfront restaurant and bar called Lo Solara, perfect if you’re wanting to spend the whole day there. La Solara is one of the most popular place in Sorrento and a fantastic spot where you can enjoy delicious meals and a glass of wine while watching the sunset right over the water, you can also swim until late, don’t miss out!

Food and Culture

Food in Italy is a very serious topic and in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast there are many wonderful and delicious meals you can enjoy, we guarantee you will eat like a King or Queen. A strong part of Italian Culture, our food has many amazing options and varieties, it can often be very hard to decide what you want to eat first and where to dine. From traditional local restaurants and Michelin star to romantic settings and unique locations, Sorrento offers it all.

The most common feature you will find in all of the places you dine is the quality of its fresh produce and traditional values. In our magazine you can find our reviews on the best restaurants to enjoy fresh fish, seafood, traditional pasta dishes, tasty desserts and amazing pizza.

You must not forget to try the most famous liquor of Sorrento, Limoncello, produced using only the peel of the lemons grown locally. Via San Cesareo is Sorrento’s Old Town is lined with many s hops selling lemon products from biscuits, pasta and perfume to chocolates and even soap but of course you can also find these in supermarkets and grocery stores.

The Old Churches

Besides the Cathedral of Sorrento that is located on the main street Corso Italia and considered the main Church of the Peninsula there are also many other holy places with also deserve to be visited, not just for their architectural beauty but also for the amazing history and their artistic masterpieces. In fact, churches are a core part of the culture and the history of Sorrento , they are very well preserved and during Holy Week the host many events, rituals and processions to keep the religion and traditions alive.

Piazza Tasso and Corso Italia

Piazza Tasso can only be described as the heartbeat of Sorrento and Corso Italia is it’s main artery. When looking for a place to stay its best to consider this main square as a point of reference to find well located accommodation, situated close to the train stations, restaurants and the Old Town. Bordered by bars, cafes and restaurants where you can relax with a drink and watch the hustle and bustle of Sorrento or enjoy a good pizza in the square.

All roads lead you through Piazza Tasso that separates the pedestrian area of the Corso Italia from the areas which allows traffic. If you are travelling with luggage we recommend you look for accommodation on the first part of Corso Italia, where cars and taxi’s are allowed to stop there for limited times.  

Museums and Cultural Events

Set in a lovely garden in Sorrento’s City centre you will find the Museum Corrale di Terranova, born from a private foundation commissioned by the Counts of Terranova who arranged for their art collections, ordered in the Correale Villa to create a museum named after them. The collections are displayed across three floors, with a total of twenty-four rooms including an attic recovered now used as an exhibition space, the museum is also described as ‘the most beautiful provincial museum of Italy’. The gardens of the villa are very beautiful and also open for the public to visit.

Sorrento is also famous for the historical craft of the marketing and inlaid wood and in the Old Town there is also a Museum of Inlaid Wood with a collection of art pieces, a painting gallery featuring scenes of last century, maps and portraits. It’s highly recommended for those who love ancient art and craft who want to learn why Sorrento was featured on the Grand Arts Tour of Europe in the 1800s.

The Valley of the Mills

This stunning valley is recognised as one of the most fascinating abandoned sites photographed in the world. You can find this hidden treasure walking through the city of Sorrento, just behind the central Tasso Square. It’s outstanding to see this beautiful old mill nestled into the valley below, known as the deep Valley of the Mills (Il Vallone dei Mulini). You will see an old flour mill which was used for grinding wheat for nearly a thousand years before it was abandoned during the 19th century.

Now the ruins’ roof is covered in a tangle of plants and branches, as if nature is trying to consume the building. Today, access to the valley floor is discouraged, so we advise you to take in the views from the street high above. To see the ruins and vegetation in more detail, bring a set of binoculars with you or a camera with a good zoom lens to see its beauty in depth.

LIDO LA SOLARA

Calata Punta del Capo, 80067, Sorrento, Italia +39 081 1965 4830 www.lidolasolara.com Italian, Seafood, Beach Bar

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14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Sorrento

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The little town of Sorrento (you'll hear it called Surriento in the local dialect) sits amid lemon and orange groves on the south side of the Bay of Naples, surrounded by craggy cliffs that rise 55 meters above the sea. Sorrento is worth a stop for its laid-back holiday air, beaches, and its old streets lined by noble houses.

The heart of the town is busy Piazza Tasso , surrounded by little streets where you'll find shopping and places to eat. It's a delightful town for strolling, relaxing, and enjoying a bit of la dolce vita. And with all the major attractions around it, there are plenty of opportunities for day trips from Sorrento .

In its history, Sorrento has been ruled by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, French, and Spanish, and it was sacked by the Turks. You'll see these influences in its architecture and even hear hints of Spanish in its dialect. As you stroll, look especially for the early 16th-century Sedil Dominova, 14th-century Correale Palace, and the rare 13th-century Veniero Palace with flourishes that reflect late Byzantine and Arab styles.

On a more modern note, be sure to stop in a pastry shop to sample the local confections – especially the Caprese almond cake. You can easily find the best places to visit with this handy list of the top attractions and things to do in Sorrento.

1. Marina Grande and Marina Piccola

2. cloister of san francesco, 3. swim at bagni della regina giovanna, 4. take a ferry to capri, 5. day trip to pompeii, 6. cathedral and bell tower, 7. basilica of sant'antonino, 8. tour the amalfi coast, 9. villa comunale, 10. correale di terranova museum, 11. museo-bottega della tarsia lignea (wooden marquetry shop-museum), 12. museo archeologico (archeological museum), 13. city walls, 14. kayak through the punta campanella natural marine reserve, where to stay in sorrento for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in sorrento, sorrento, italy - climate chart, more things to see and do.

The two harbors, Marina Grande and Marina Piccola, extend along the steep coast. In terms of boats arriving and departing, Marina Grande, which means large, is actually smaller than Marina Piccola (small), but more interesting for tourists.

Its waterfront has a boardwalk atmosphere, lined by seafood restaurants with terraces overlooking the water, and if you step away from the beach and swimming piers lined with sunbathers, you'll find a little fishing village. Fishermen still unload their boats here in the morning to supply the restaurants.

From busy Piazza Tasso, Sorrento's commercial hub, a road runs down to Marina Piccola, where the tourist boats come in. Here, you'll find ferries and boat tours to Capri (20 minutes), Naples (30 minutes), the Amalfi Coast, and the islands of Ischia and Procida. Several of the Sorrento coast's nearly two dozen beaches are close to the Marina Grande.

The monastery dedicated to St. Francis dates to the early eighth century, and its highlight is the vine-covered cloister dating from the late 13th-century. On two sides are crossed arches of tufa, and the other two have round arches above octagonal columns.

As in other Sorrento buildings, look for pieces of earlier structures - three of the corner columns were once part of pagan temples. In the summer, concerts and art exhibits are held in the cloister. In the adjoining church, which dates from the 16th century, are several Renaissance chapels.

At the point of Capo di Sorrento are the ruins of a Roman villa, the Villa Pollio Felice , dating from the first century BC, and one of the unique things to do in Sorrento is to swim in the beautiful natural pool below it. Separated from the sea by a rock arch, the pool is surrounded by steep rock cliffs.

You can get here by boat or by a path from the road (a bus will bring you from the center of town or it's a half-hour walk); a walkway leads across the bridge formed by the natural arch. Although there are plenty of beaches in Sorrento, swimming here is an unforgettable experience.

One of the favorite things to do in Sorento is take the ferry from the Marina Piccola to the fabled island of Capri . High-speed ferries depart from the Marina Piccola port (an elevator will take you between Villa Comunale and the port, or you can take a bus).

Ferries are frequent and take 20 to 30 minutes to reach Capri's Marina Grande. Once here, you can reserve a boat trip to the Blue Grotto or take a funicular to the island's main town of Capri. Or you can book a full-day Capri and Blue Grotto Day Tour from Naples or Sorrento that includes round-trip transport to the island by jetfoil and a minibus transfer to Anacapri. With a small group, you'll see the island's highlights and stop for shopping and sightseeing at Anacapri and the village of Capri. A visit to the Blue Grotto is included.

Sorrento is a good base for visiting the ancient sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum , two thriving Roman cities that were destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 CE. Under the lava-scorched slopes of the volcano that buried it, the excavated streets and homes of Pompeii show Roman everyday life.

To visit Pompeii independently, take the Circumvesuviana train that runs from Sorrento to Naples, stopping directly across from the entrance to the archaeological site. (To get to Herculaneum, get off at the Ercolano station, about 40 minutes from Sorrento, and walk about a quarter mile to the site.)

To see Pompeii with an expert guide, who will meet you right at your hotel, you can take a Half-Day Pompeii Sightseeing Trip from Sorrento. Your guide will lead you to the forum, the ruins of the Thermal Baths, Vetti's House, and other Pompeii highlights, while explaining the history of the eruption that destroyed the city.

From its early 15th-century beginnings through the early 20th century, Sorrento's Cathedral of San Filippo and San Giacomo has been remodeled and updated repeatedly, but the 1474 Renaissance side door remains. So does the 12th-century base of the older bell tower, where you can make out classic and Byzantine capitals on the columns.

The upper tower was rebuilt or cut to its current dimensions in the 15th century. Inside, the art also represents the continuation of many eras, featuring paintings from the Neapolitan school and outstanding wood marquetry - a Sorrento specialty - by contemporary artisans. Look for these in the door panels and the pictures for the Way of the Cross.

The ninth-century oratory dedicated to Sorrento's patron saint Sant'Antonino - St. Anthony Abbot - developed into a church in the 11th century. Today, you can find Roman columns and other pieces recycled from earlier buildings.

Don't miss seeing the crypt, where grateful people have brought silver votive offerings, and others, primitive paintings in thanks for being saved from disasters at sea. Perhaps St. Antonino's fame for sea rescues stems from the story of his saving a Sorrento child who had been swallowed by a whale; inside the church, you'll see bones that are believed to be from the same greedy whale.

Address: Piazza Sant'Antonio, Sorrento

One of the top tourist attractions in Italy , and one of the world's great drives, is the route along the steep coast of the Amalfi Peninsula. This beautiful coast is close to Sorento, which makes a perfect base for exploring it. Candy-colored towns spill down the steep slopes to a rocky shoreline interspersed with beaches.

While you can drive the narrow, winding route yourself, you'll get to enjoy the scenery more on a Full-Day Amalfi Coast Experience from Sorrento, traveling in an air-conditioned minibus as you enjoy the spectacular views from the coastal roads. Leisurely stops allow time for strolling through the three most popular and beautiful villages: Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit on the Amalfi Coast

One of the most enjoyable experiences, and certainly one of the most romantic things to do in Sorrento, is to watch the sunset from the terrace by the Villa Comunale, a park near the cloister of San Francesco. The park is directly above the Marina Grande, and views are down into the busy harbor filled with colorful boats.

Beyond, looking east across the Gulf of Naples is Mount Vesuvius . Looking west, the view is toward the rocky point of Capo di Sorrento. A lift will whisk you from Villa Comunale down to the marina below, or you can take the winding pathway.

The museum that began with fine arts collections from the many houses of the Correale family in Naples and Sorrento has been described as "the most beautiful provincial museum of Italy." Especially strong in 17th- and 18th-century paintings, its collections are also known for European porcelains (including Meissen, Sevres, and Capodimonte), as well as Bohemian and Murano glass.

Reliefs from the Augustan era, furniture of several periods, and Neapolitan paintings round out the collections. Many of these treasures are shown in room settings that give a sense of what life was like in aristocratic homes. The gardens of the villa are beautiful and also open to visit.

Address: Via Correale 50, Sorrento

Official site: http://www.museocorreale.it

Detailed wood inlay is an art with a long history in Sorrento, and you'll see examples in its churches (especially the cathedral) and in shops throughout town. In this 18th-century patrician mansion - itself richly decorated in frescoes and hand-painted wallpapers - you'll find inlaid wooden furniture, boxes, and pictures created by Sorrento's 19th-century marquetry masters, as well as exhibits on the art.

The art is not a lost one: in the shop on the ground floor, you can see and buy contemporary examples, including signed works.

Address: Via San Nicola, 28, 80067 Sorrento Napoli

In the Neoclassical Villa Fiorentino, set in its own gardens, the archaeological museum displays finds uncovered in Massa Lubrense, a little town southwest of Sorrento, and at other sites in the Sorrentine Peninsula.

The focus of the collections, which feature sculpture, architectural elements, decorative arts, and artifacts of everyday life, are the centuries from prehistory to the end of the Roman era. Highlights to look for include a detailed scale model of the Villa of Pollius Felix, terra cotta vases, and a huge marble statue discovered in Sorrento in 1971.

Address: Villa Fondi, Via Ripa di Cassano 1, Piano di Sorrento

Sorrento was fortified with walls built as early as 400 BC and later strengthened by the Greeks. During the Roman era, the walls were extended to surround the city, entered by five gates. These remained in use through the Middle Ages.

They were rebuilt again between 1551 and 1561, as the city was repeatedly attacked by Turkish pirates. Parts of all these remain today: you can see a section of original Greek walls at the Marina Grande gate and below Porta Parsano Nuova. You can visit the reconstructed walls at the Porta Parsano bastion.

Address: Via Sersale, Sorrento

See the magnificent rocky coastline of the Amalfi Peninsula from the sea as you paddle a kayak through the protected waters of Punta Campanella Natural Marine Reserve. On the Sorrentine Peninsula west of Sorrento, the reserve covers the waters and about 30 kilometers of coastline from Punta del Capo on the Gulf of Naples to Punta Germano, facing the Gulf of Salerno.

On the rocky coast are inlets, coves, and sea caves to explore, and beaches that can be reached only by boat. Divers find multicolored seaweed and rich marine life on the small reefs off the coast. You can also kayak into the beautiful natural pool of Bagni della Regina Giovanna.

We recommend these charming hotels in Sorrento, with easy access to the top tourist attractions and beautiful bay views:

Luxury Hotels :

• At the boutique hotel Maison La Minervetta , a short walk from Marina Grande, rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows to bring the spectacular bay view inside.
• The four-star Grand Hotel Capodimonte stands on a hillside overlooking the harbor and Mt. Vesuvius, a five-minute walk from restaurants. Guests relax by the cascading pools and in the poolside restaurant to savor the views.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Guests love the superb complimentary breakfast. Grand Hotel Aminta also overlooks the Gulf of Naples, about 3.5 kilometers from the center of Sorrento, but a free shuttle makes connections easy. Breakfast is complimentary, as is parking.
• Overlooking the sea and groves of lemon trees, Villa Oriana Relais has bright rooms an excellent complimentary breakfast; parking is free as well.
• Grand Hotel De La Ville Sorrento is in the center of town, near restaurants and all the attractions, with a rooftop pool and a second, larger pool. Breakfast is included.

Budget Hotels:

• In the main square and five minutes from the train station, Hotel Plaza Sorrento has been completely refurbished with eco-compatible materials. Breakfast is included, as are luxury amenities such as bathrobes and blackout curtains.
• Breakfast is also complimentary at the family-friendly Hotel La Vue D'Or. On a hillside high above the city, the hotel has spectacular views, a pool, a rooftop terrace, and an hourly free shuttle to take guests into the center for sightseeing.

Where to Go near Sorrento: A direct train makes it easy to visit nearby Pompeii , destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79. The same train will take you to Herculaneum , engulfed at the same time, where you'll get a more intimate picture of daily life at the time of the city's destruction.

Places to Visit from Sorrento: The Amalfi coast, on the south side of the peninsula, is one of the best places to visit in Italy , and you can continue south by bus or car to see the outstanding ancient Greek sites of Paestum , south of Salerno. Or heading north, you'll find plenty of things to do while visiting the many tourist attractions of Rome .

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Visiting Sorrento and the Amalfi Peninsula

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

The charming town of Sorrento sits on a long cliff amid lemon and olive groves overlooking the sea on the Amalfi Peninsula south of Naples. A ravine divides the town with the old town on one side and suburban area with hotels on the other. The old town, still retaining its Roman grid of narrow streets, was an important trading post in the middle ages.

Its many hotels and restaurants, as well as easy access and good public transportation, make Sorrento a good base for taking day trips to explore the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Vesuvius, and other Bay of Naples attractions.

Where to Stay in Sorrento

Sorrento has more hotels than the other Amalfi Coast towns so it makes a good base, especially if you're traveling by public transportation. 

Shopping in Sorrento

Pictures in inlaid wood is a centuries-old local craft that you'll find in many shops and Limoncello , the popular lemon liqueur is produced and sold here as well as other lemon products and good olive oil. See suggestions for 6 good places to shop in Where to Shop in Sorrento.

For more about the foods of Sorrento, book the food walking tour through Viator. This three-hour tour will bring you to eight spots to try delicious, local eats like pastas, cheeses, paninis, cured meats and more.

What to See and Do in Sorrento:

• Via San Cesareo is the main street of the old town. Here's where to go for the lively evening passegiata. Wander around the narrow streets of the old town.
• Sedile Dominova is one of the most impressive buildings. Built in 1349, it has a 16th-century trompe l'oeil cupola.
• Church of San Francesco, in piazza San Francesco, is next to a 14th-century arched cloister. In summer there are free art exhibits and occasional concerts.
• Public gardens, along the clifftops, offer great views of the sea and Vesuvius in the distance. From the gardens you can take a lift down to the seaside.
• Stabilimenti has piers and along the sea, they have beach and lounge chairs for rent. There are no real beaches so this is as close as you'll get. There are several lifts from town that take you down to the sea or back up.
• Walking paths with nice views take you to the ruins of the Roman Villa di Pollio or Massa Lubrenese, a small fishing village.
• Correale Museum has an interesting assortment of Neopolitan exhibits (closed Tuesday).
• Museo Bottega della Tarsialignea , the woodcarving museum and workshop is open in the mornings.
• From Sorrento you can visit the stunning towns along the Amalfi Coast on the narrow but very scenic Amalfi Drive. Take a bus or taxi. Or take a boat ride along the coast if you prefer to travel by water.
• It's also easy to visit Pompeii, Vesuvius, and other Bay of Naples attractions by train or the popular island of Capri by ferry from Sorrento.
• Take a guided tour of Capri by boat from Sorrento with a Capri Small Group Tour offered by Viator.

Getting Around Sorrento

The Circumvesuviana train travels between Naples and Sorrento arriving in Piazza Lauro , 2 blocks east of Piazza Tasso . Book your train ticket in advance at raileurope.com. From Sorrento, ferries go to Naples and the island of Capri as well as other Amalfi Coast villages in summer. Buses also run to Sorrento, connecting the town with other Amalfi Coast villages. The closest airport is Naples, 45 km away. From Naples airport, there are three direct buses a day.

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Sorrento Peninsula

Known as the land of the sirens, in honour of the mythical maiden-monsters who were said to live on Li Galli (a tiny archipelago off the peninsula’s southern coast), the area to the west of Sorrento is among the least developed and most beautiful in the country.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Punta Campanella Marine Reserve

A popular diving destination, these protected waters are part of an 11-sq-km reserve that supports a healthy marine ecosystem, with flora and marine life…

Baia di Ieranto

A spectacular beach at the tip of the Punta Penna peninsula south of Sorrento, Ieranto is reached via a walking path that starts in the village of Nerano…

Museo Correale di Terranova

East of the city centre, this wide-ranging museum is well worth a visit whether you're a clock collector, an archaeological egghead or into delicate…

Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea

Since the 18th century, Sorrento has been famous for its intarsio (marquetry) furniture, made with elaborately designed inlaid wood. Some wonderful…

Chiesa & Chiostro di San Francesco

Located next to the Villa Comunale Park, this church is best known for the peaceful 14th-century cloister abutting it, which is accessible via a small…

Basilica di Sant’Antonino

Named after Sorrento's patron saint, the town's oldest church barely looks like a church at all from the outside. The interior paints a more ecclesial…

Marina Grande

Noticeably detached from the main city and bereft of the hydrofoils and ferries that crowd Marina Piccola, this secluded former fishing village has a…

Centro Storico

A major hub for shops, restaurants and bars, recently pedestrianised Corso Italia is the main thoroughfare shooting east-west through the bustling centro…

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Sorrento Peninsula and beyond

Sorrento Tourist Office

The visitor information office of sorrento, italy.

The Sorrento tourist office is at Via L. de Maio 35, inside the Circolo dei Forestieri club, just down from Piazza S. Antonio ( tel . +39-081-807-4033, Sorrentotourism.com ).

Also handy—particulalrly for events—is the city's civic site, Comune.sorrento.na.it .

Also useful: If you are visiting the nearby Amalfi Coast, check out the that area's provincial tourism website: Turismoinsalerno.it and the private site Amalficoast.com .

Tips & links

Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno e Turismo di Sorrento-Sant'Agnello Via L. de Maio 35 (inside the Circolo dei Forestieri club, just down from Piazza S. Antonio) tel . +39-081-807-4033 Sorrentotourism.com

Also useful: Comune.sorrento.na.it (city civic site)

Planning your time : Sorrento has maybe 2-3 hours of mediocre sightseeing . To be brutally honest it is probably the least interesting town in this area. It is only famous for its location.

Sorrento makes an ideal base for exploring Campania thanks to its location at the nexus of regional public transit —pretty much the only place from which you can get anywhere without having to change mode of transportation: Trains direct to Pompeii and Naples ; ferries to Capri ; buses or ferries down the Amalfi Coast .

If you prefer the home-base style of travel, Sorrento is the perfect base. Figure on three days/two nights here (hit Pompeii on the train ride down from Naples —you can store your luggage temporarily at the Pompei train station—then spend one day each visiting Capri and the Amalfi Coast ).

If, however, you prefer to travel from town to town, just treat Sorrento as a way-station to switch from train to bus or ferry; skip Sorrento entirely and sleep in a more interesting locale on the Amalfi Coast or Capri .

» Sorrento itineraries

• Cruises, activities & tours
• ContextTravel.com
• SelectItaly.com
• Intrepid.com
• City-discovery.com
• Multi-day packages
• Gadventures.com
• Sights & experiences
• Local tourist offices
• Turismoinsalerno.it (official; entire area)
• Amalfitouristoffice.it (Amalfi)
• Aziendaturismopositano.it (Postiano)
• Ravellotime.it (Ravello)
• Sorrentotourism.com (Sorrento)
• incampania.it (regional)
• Useful private sites
• Amalficoast.com
• Amalficoast.it
• Museincampania.it
• Theamalficoast.net (abandoned, but some everrgreen content still useful)
• Booking.com
• HotelsCombined.com
• Priceline.com
• Hostelworld.com
• Bedandbreakfast.com
• Bed-and-breakfast.it
• Bbitalia.it
• Karenbrown.com
• Apartments & villas
• Rentalo.com
• Homeaway.com
• Belvilla.com
• Interhomeusa.com
• Villasintl.com
• Craigslist.org
• Hostels & campgrounds
• Hostelbookers.com
• HostelsClub.com
• Hostelz.com
• Residence hotels
• Biz-stay.com
• Agriturismo (farm stays)
• Terranostra.it
• Turismoverde.it
• Agriturist.it
• Public transit
• Bus: Unicocampania.it , Sitasudtrasporti.it
• Circumvesiviana train (Naples-Sorrento): Eavsrl.it
• Italian rail (Naples-Salerno): Trenitalia.com
• Ferries: Alilauro.it (Sorrento-A.C., Naples-A.C., Capri-A.C.); Alicost.it (Sorrento-A.C.; Salerno-A.C.); Coopsantandrea.com (Sorrento-A.C.; Salerno-A.C.; Capri-A.C.); Travelmar.it (Salerno-A.C.)
• Napoli-Capodichino: Aeroportodinapoli.it
• Roma Fiumicino: Adr.it
• Airport transfers (Naples):
• Bus (€10 to Sorrento; 75 min): Curreriviaggi.it
• Private (€19 to Sorrento, €22–€25 to Postiano, Amalfi, or Ravello): Viator.com
• Taxi (€100 to Sorrento, €120 to Positano, €130 to Amalfi): Aeroportodinapoli.it/taxi , Comune.napoli.it/servizinondilinea
• Airport transfers (Rome):
• Bus (total: €28–€30; 5+ hr): Marozzivt.it (bus Sorrento-Roma Tiburtina; €20–€22; 4 hr) + Trenitalia.com (train Tiburtina-airport; €8, 48 min)
• Private (€65–€120; 3 hr): Viator.com (note: Rome airport or hotel to Sorento or any Amalfi Coast town)
• Momondo.com
• AutoEurope.com
• CheapOair.com
• Cheapflights.com
• CheapTickets.com
• Regional rail & access points
• [The Amalfi Coast itself has no rail service, only bus and boat. Sorrento is the closest train station to the most popular A.C. towns, and the over-the-sea Sorrento-Salerno bus ride is more spectacular than the cliff-hugging Salerno-Sorrento reverse route.]
• ItaliaRail.com
• Raileurope.com
• Trenitalia.com
• Autoeurope.com
• RentalCars.com
• CarRentals.com
• AutoSlash.com
• Europebycar.com
• Renaultusa.com
• Short-term leases
• Car resources
• Emergency service/tow: tel . 803-116
• Highway agency: Autostrade.it (traffic info, serivce areas, toll calculator, weather)
• Italian automotive club (~AAA): Aci.it
• ZTLs: Ztl-italia.blogspot.com (lightly outdated, but handy, links to cities' traffic-free zones)
• Amalfi Coast buses
• Unicocampania.it
• Sitasudtrasporti.it
• Regional & long-distance bus (coach) info
• Orariautobus.it
• Italybus.it
• Oraribus.com
• Ferries & hydrofoils
• Alicost.it (Sorrento-Positano-Amalfi; Capri-Positano-Amalfi-Salerno)
• Travelmar.it (Positano-Amalfi-Salerno; Amalfi-Minori-Maiori)
• Alilauro.it (connecting Sorrento and Naples, Amalfi, Positano, Capri, or Ischia; also connecting Amalfi, Positano, or Salerno with Capri or Ischia)
• Gescab.it (connecting Capri with: Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Salerno)
• Coopsantandrea.com (Sorrento-Positano-Amalfi-Minori-Maiori-Salerno; Amalfi-Capri)
• Caremar.it (Sorrento-Capri; Naples-Capri)
• Private boat transfer (Naples-Sorrento, Naples-Amalfi)
• Coastal cruises & island excursions
• Viator.com (from Sorrento, Amalfi, Poistano, or Praiano)
• SelectItaly.com (from Positano)
• Lucibello.it (from Positano)
• Coopsantandrea.com (from Amalfi)
• Multi-day sailing trips & yacht charters
• Transport between Naples train station and Molo Beverello port
• Bus/tram (€1): Anm.it (Tram 1; bus 151)
• Taxi (€11): Consorziotaxinapoli.it
• Private car to docks (€7–€35): Viator.com
• Private car from docks (€5–€28): Viator.com

Related pages

• Sorrento planning FAQ
• Sorrento homepage
• Amalfi Coast homepage
• Campania homepage

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STO – LICENSED TRAVEL AGENCY

Sorrento Tourist Office (STO) is an experienced tour operator specializing in promoting stays and tours to the most prestigious destinations on the Sorrento Coast, Capri and the Amalfi Coast. Founded in 2014, the agency offers a wide range of services, including excursions, guiding services, accommodations, transfers and more. Our goal is to develop a new kind of high-quality tourism.Campania is a region rich in cultural and historical heritage as well as natural beauty. From a historical point of view, visiting some of the most important archaeological sites such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Paestum will allow you to travel back in time and understand the customs and dress of some of the most important people of the ancient past. But Campania is not just Pompeii and Herculaneum; you should definitely not miss the historic city of Naples, the birthplace of pizza, whose narrow streets filled with churches, history and stores will amaze you. From a natural point of view, Campania offers some of the most beautiful views in the world. You can reach the summit of Mount Vesuvius, from which you can admire the breathtaking view of the Bay of Naples and Sorrento, the Island of Capri, famous for its many caves, shopping streets and the well-known Faraglioni rocks. Thanks to this wide variety of scenery, Campania could be the right choice for planning a special event or spending a relaxing vacation. Rely on our experienced, professional and multilingual staff and let your dream vacation become a reality! We can arrange weddings, villa rentals, boat tours, culinary experiences and more. Take a look at our website and see the wide range of products we can offer and find what's right for you. Of course, any special requests you may have will be taken into consideration to fulfill your wishes. If you need more information or would like to request anything, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We are at your complete disposal. We will provide a customized travel product that will meet every possible need at the best prices. Roberto Giusti, Office Manager, is waiting for you to make your experience unforgettable! 

Roberto Giusti

Office Manager

A pluriannual experienced tour operator specialized in the promotion of stays in the most prestigious destinations on the Sorrento , Capri and Amalfi coast territory with the aim of promoting a “Tailored Tourism” that will meet the individuals needs with a particular focus on value for money.

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CAPRI VIP AND BLUE GROTTO

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Here is the tour that beats them all: with the Capri boat tour from Sorrento you will feel expertly guided during this unforgettable day of [..]

POMPEII AND VESUVIUS & WINE (Experience Fast Track)

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Description: A real history fest, this tour first takes you to Pompeii, which lay buried under volcanic ash for centuries. Amazingly, you can [..]

POSITANO AMALFI RAVELLO SHARING (MAX 8 PERSONS)

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most picturesque and dramatic coastlines in Europe. An unforgettable drive along the winding road [..]

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There are a lot of benefits to using Sorrento Tourist Office to plan your trip, tours transfers hotel or villas accommodation, all of which saves you a lot of time and money. By using Sorrento Tourist Office the stress is taken out of planning and traveling, which enables you to focus on the task at hand.

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Our reviews

My mother and I stumbled upon the Sorrento Tourist Office while shopping in Sorrento. We wanted to see the coast while we were staying in Sorrento for our holiday. Upon entering we were greeted by Pico and Roberto. They were very helpful and friendly while helping us choose the right experience. We settled on a full day Amalfi Coast Tour by van (8 tourist total) with stops in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. The booking process was very easy and less expensive than other options we were looking into. Flavio, our guide and driver, picked us up in front of our flat, on time. The van was clean and spacious once everyone was accounted for. During our drive, Flavio provided us with lots of information about the area and pointed out many fun landmarks that we would have missed otherwise. We made quite a few little stops on our journey, mostly for beautiful photo ops. He was able to answer all of our questions and provide us with recommendations (like lunch, if it is not included in your tour). Flavio was very personable and funny. We cannot say enough great things about him, he was the perfect guide!! On the trip, we were given an hour in Positano, about 2 hours in Amalfi (we took the optional boat tour about 40 minutes, had lunch, AND had time to walk around) and an hour in Ravello. The Sorrento Tourist Office provided us with a wonderful memorable day, that we will remember for a lifetime! Pino and Roberto were so helpful in fact, that we went back to ask about a good transfer service to the Napoli train station, well it turns out they do that too! We happily booked our transfer with them, which was also less than other quotes we received. Highly recommend! If I find myself in Sorrento again I will seek them out! To find them in person, go to the clock tower in Sorrento and walk down the pedestrian shopping area towards the water, they will be a little more than half way down, look for the seahorse logo. Show less

Very friendly and caring people. Tours were explained thoroughly and with a sense of humor. This was one of the tours we decided to go on, the views were spectacular and the tour guide was very friendly and talked us through the views as we drove around the beautiful coastline towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. The 9 seater bus that we were on was fully air-conditioned and very comfortable. The experience was so good and affordable that we decided to go on another tour to Capri. Cannot speak highly enough of the Sorrento tourist office, we will definitely be back for tours in the future, top class!

We booked three excursions with Pino and Roberto. All three were excellent days out and went exactly to plan. Much better value than trying to plan days out ourselves with every trip starting and finishing at our hotel or very nearby. Our trips were to Capri. Walking tour of Naples and the Amalfi coast. I would not hesitate to book excursions with this company they explained everything clearly we left confident our days out would be a success and they were. If anyone is visiting Napoli then we would recommend the walking tour as this gives a taster of Napoli. Coaches minibuses and boats they use are all very good.

Wir waren für 5 Tage in Sorrento und haben über Sorrento Tourist Office zwei Ausflüge nach Capri und an die Amalfi-Küste gebucht. Roberto und Pino haben uns perfekt beraten und die Ausflüge wurden professionell ausgeführt. Die Beschreibung der Touren entsprach exakt der Realität und wir können diese Agentur nur weiterempfehlen. Wir waren sehr zufrieden und würden jederzeit wieder hier buchen. Ein Top-Team!

Alexandra33333

We spotted this excursion on the Internet on Sorrento Tourist Office web site and it soon caught our attention! We decided to book it and we are glad having done it! The excursion was simply awesome we visited Capri and also the Blue Grotto that was amazing! The skipper was a friendly person and we spend a really pleasant day. Now we understand why they call Capri the pearl of the Mediterranean sea!

Robert Campbell

We booked two trips one to Capri by small boat and a second a drive along the Amalfi coast – Positano. Both days were very enjojable , small groups and local guides who were friendly and very informative. Barbara and John Johnstone from Scotland April 2019

Barbara Johnstone

We loved Roberto and his team! They are so kind and personal. We took a Capri tour and everything was as described to us. We enjoyed our guide and spent a lovely day in Capri.

Everything well organized, from the time we got the tickets, to arrival in Naples and departing for Capri: boat in very good and very welcoming and kind skipper. Capri is amazing and I advise everybody to visit it, particularly at this time of year, when it is not very busy (but beware of the Blue Grotto, which was closed due to the slightly choppy sea). The final touch was the limoncello tasting, offered by the skipper. Wonderful day, highly recommended!

We booked this tour through the web site of Sorrentotouristoffice.com and it was totally worth it! We spend a great day cruising to Capri Island and swimming around the grottoes, the skipper was very informative and friendly; we really enjoyed all of the services they offered on board. The island was simply amazing and we are really thankful to the guys of the agency for having recommended this amazing trip! We totally recommend it!

Michael Hinks

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• Via Padre Reginaldo Giuliani 46, Sorrento
• +39 339 1230908
• https://www.sorrentotouristoffice.com

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Free Sorrento Guidebook

Welcome to our dedicated Visit Sorrento webpage for exploring the enchanting town of Sorrento, Italy. Here you can download our comprehensive Sorrento travel guide in PDF ebook format, absolutely free. Crafted by local experts, our guide will help you make the most of your time in this captivating Italian destination in the region of Campania.

Download free guide PDF format, 24.5 MB It's truly free; your email is not required to download.

Inside this Italy travel guide focusing on Sorrento, you'll find a wealth of travel tips on various topics, including how to get there (ferries, Circumvesuviana, train station), where to stay, and how to spend a perfect day discovering the cafes of Piazza Tasso, the Mediterranean lemon groves, and other local highlights.

This ultimate guide gives you travel tips on the best restaurants, shopping spots, and beaches along the Sorrentine Peninsula in southern Italy’s Bay of Naples, including must-see attractions like the Bay of Ieranto, Mount Faito , and Punta Campanella .

In addition, our guide offers invaluable insights on day trips to nearby locations, such as Pompeii , Mount Vesuvius , Herculaneum , Capri , the Amalfi Coast , Naples , the Royal Palace of Caserta , Paestum , Ischia , and Procida .

Download our free guide now and start planning your unforgettable Sorrento adventure today!

Where to stay in Sorrento

Getting to Sorrento

Getting around Sorrento

A day in Sorrento

Restaurants in Sorrento

Shopping in sorrento.

Beaches on the Sorrentine Peninsula

The Bay of Ieranto

Mount Faito

Punta Campanella

Day trips nearby

Should I visit Pompeii or Herculaneum?

Day trip to Capri from Sorrento

Day trip to the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento

A day trip to Naples

The Royal Palace of Caserta

Day trips to Ischia and Procida

Day trip to Procida, Italy’s 2022 Cultural Capital!

The authors

This Sorrento guide was written by passionate local experts who live and work on Capri and the Amalfi Coast. Our comprehensive travel guide boasts unparalleled insights into Sorrento’s hidden gems, top attractions, and exceptional service providers, guaranteeing an authentic and truly memorable experience during your stay in this beautiful gem of southern Italy.

Instant download

Download the guide in PDF format on any device and take it with you!

eBook in Italian version

More free guides: Free Amalfi Coast Guidebook Free Capri Guidebook Free Pompeii and Herculaneum Guidebook

A glimpse of Sorrento's magic

Sorrento's allure lies in its rich history, cascading cliffs, vibrant city center, and strategic location, giving easy access to surrounding areas. The famous melody "Torna a Surriento" encapsulates the town's captivating charm, making it a must-visit spot in Italy.

Arriving in Sorrento

Reaching Sorrento is relatively easy thanks to its accessible location. Whether you're coming by plane, train, or car, there are several routes to choose from, each offering a unique travel experience. Sorrento is easily reachable from Naples by train and bus. If you arrive from Naples Capodichino airport, you can take a direct bus to Sorrento. If you prefer the train instead, the Circumvesuviana line connects Naples to Sorrento in about an hour. If you're traveling by car, the A3 highway will take you straight to Sorrento.

Exploring Sorrento

Sorrento invites exploration at a leisurely pace, whether it's strolling through the historic center's narrow paths, sipping coffee in the lively Piazza Tasso, getting some sun on the beaches , or admiring a fiery sunset from the Villa Comunale terrace.

The town's historic streets are lined with shops and artisanal workshops, displaying monumental churches like the Cathedral and Basilica of Sant'Antonino, historical buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, and remnants of ancient city walls.

Sorrento is also a great jumping-off point for day trips in the area of the Bay of Naples, such as Pompeii and Vesuvius , Sant'Agnello , or Vico Equense .

Museums in Sorrento

Three museums stand out in Sorrento, each offering a unique glimpse into the town's culture and history:

Museo Correale : This museum houses a collection of artworks from the counts of Terranova, still hosted in the family residence. Paintings, archeological findings, and Capodimonte porcelains are displayed among original 1700s furniture.

Museo della Tarsia Lignea : Wood carving is one of the oldest traditions in the Sorrento Peninsula. This museum displays a wide array of objects decorated with this technique.

Villa Fiorentino : In this 1930s villa, the Sorrento Foundation organizes modern art exhibitions and theme-based shows dedicated to local crafts.

Sorrento offers a delightful shopping experience, with its main street, Corso Italia, hosting boutiques and fashion stores. The historic center's alleys (Via San Cesareo and its side streets) are home to inlay workshops, leather product stores, small limoncello factories, and food and wine shops.

What to buy in Sorrento

If you're looking for a unique souvenir, Sorrento will not disappoint. Here are some suggestions of what to buy in Sorrento:

Limoncello : Limoncello is a world-renowned Italian liqueur, and Sorrento's local version is particularly famous. It makes for a perfect gift or a souvenir for yourself, to bring the taste of the lemon groves back home with you.

Inlaid wooden box : Wood inlay is a traditional art form in Sorrento. An inlaid wooden box is a great souvenir representing this ancient craft.

Leather goods : Sorrento's artisanal workshops produce a variety of high-quality leather goods.

Eating in Sorrento

From restaurants and cafès to ice cream parlors, rotisseries, bakeries, and wine shops, Sorrento offers an almost infinite choice of places to stop for food and drink. For coffee or an aperitif, the most popular bars overlook Piazza Tasso, the town's main square. Stop in for a pleasant moment to relax and watch the world go by.

Sorrento is home to a variety of restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience. Here are some suggestions:

Ristorante Tasso : Located behind its namesake square, this restaurant is always a good choice, with its spacious rooms suitable for groups and a curated menu catering to all tastes.

Zi' Ntonio : This historic establishment in the city center offers traditional dishes prepared with excellent fresh ingredients. The staff is very courteous. The "Sorrento Gnocchi" is a must-try.

Ristorante Caruso : This restaurant is dedicated to the famous opera tenor Enrico Caruso, who spent his last days at the nearby Excelsior Vittoria hotel. It is adorned with memorabilia and offers a warm atmosphere.

More information on Restaurants in Sorrento

Getting around in Sorrento

Sorrento is often chosen as a base for visiting the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Capri, so it's important to plan in advance how you'll get around once you're there. The town center is quite small and easily walkable. However, areas like Marina Piccola and Marina Grande are located below the center of town, so it can be helpful to take a bus, especially for the climb back up.

Useful travel tips for Sorrento

Finally, here are some additional travel tips for your trip to Sorrento:

Don't forget to bring a hat and sunscreen.

Remember that most of the shops in Sorrento close for siesta in the afternoon.

If you plan on doing a lot of excursions, consider purchasing a tourist card, such as the Campania Artecard, which offers free or discounted entry to many attractions in the region.

Make sure you try Sorrento's famous limoncello.

We hope this guide will help you plan a wonderful stay in Sorrento. No matter what you decide to do, we're sure you'll fall in love with this charming city!

Sorrento Italy Tourist Information

Sorrento Italy Tourist Information and Vacation Guide

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Landmarks in Sorrento Italy

Famous landmarks in and around Sorrento include the Piazza Tasso, the Sorrento Cathedral and the Mount Vesuvius volcano.

Sorrento Tourist Attractions

Popular tourist attractions in Sorrento Italy include its parks, gardens and interesting shops.  Make sure to explore the back streets!

Day Excursions from Sorrento

Sorrento is the gateway city for excursions to the Amalfi coast, Capri and Pompeii.  Positano and Salerno are also easily accessible.

Hotels in Sorrento Italy

Sorrento Italy is a popular tourist destination and consequently has a wide assortment of hotels and other tourist lodgings.

Sorrento Transportation

Frequent ferry service operates from Sorrento to Naples, Capri, Positano and other communities on the Gulf of Naples. The Naples Airport is not far away.

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Sorrento and its Lemons

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10 Truly Unique Things You Can Do In Sorrento, Italy

L ocated 30 miles south of Naples (which offers amazing attractions and activities) on the picturesque Amalfi Coast of Italy, Sorrento is a dream destination for travelers seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and charming culture. The region is known for its dramatic cliffside views, stunning beaches, and delightful local cuisine. But beyond the usual tourist attractions, Sorrento is home to a plethora of truly unique experiences that will make one's visit unforgettable.

From exploring underground ruins to cooking traditional Italian dishes with local chefs, this article lists some of the truly unique things to do in Sorrento, offering a variety of one-of-a-kind experiences that will leave a lasting impression. So, get ready to discover the hidden gems of Sorrento and add some extraordinary adventures to that travel bucket list.

Related: These Scenic Islands May Be Some Of Italy's Best-Kept Secrets

Visit The Lemon Grove

The Lemon Grove in Sorrento, Italy, is a must-visit attraction known for its lemons, which are larger and sweeter than those grown in other parts of Italy. The lemon trees in Sorrento are typically grown in groves or terraces and are an integral part of the local economy and culture.

Visitors to the Lemon Grove, one of the lesser-known attractions in Sorrento, can take a guided tour of the lemon trees, learn about their history and cultivation, and even sample some of the delicious limoncello liqueur made from Sorrento lemons. The tour also includes a visit to a traditional lemon distillery, where visitors can see how limoncello is made using the peel of the lemons.

Explore The Villa Comunale Di Sorrento

The Villa Comunale di Sorrento is a beautiful public garden in the heart of Sorrento, originally built in the 19th century, featuring a variety of trees and plants, including palm trees and cypresses. One of the highlights of the garden is the panoramic terrace, offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, making it a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon.

The garden also features a small children's playground, cafe, and a small amphitheater where concerts and other cultural events are held.

Visit The Museo Correale Di Terranova

Founded in the late 19th century, the Museo Correale di Terranova is a museum in Sorrento, Italy. The museum is a beautiful example of Neoclassical architecture, featuring a wide range of collections, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, ceramics, and other decorative arts. The collections are arranged across several floors of the building, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the area.

One of the main highlights of the museum is the collection of ceramics which includes pieces from the 16th century decorated with colorful designs and patterns reflecting the local landscape and culture.

Related: 10 Unique Experiences You Can Only Have In Italy

Take A Cooking Class In Sorrento

Sorrento is known for its delicious food, including fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and mouthwatering desserts. Taking a cooking class is one of the best things to do in Sorrento for exploring local cuisine and culture in an interesting and fun way. There are a number of cooking classes available in Sorrento, ranging from half-day classes to multi-day courses.

During a typical cooking class in Sorrento, one will have an opportunity to learn to prepare several different dishes using fresh, local ingredients. In addition to cooking, these culinary classes also help interact with locals, learn about the history and traditions of Sorrento cuisine, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of food in Italian culture.

Visit The Basilica Di Sant'Antonino

The Basilica di Sant'Antonino is a beautiful church in the heart of Sorrento, dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, one of the most popular saints in Italy, known for his miracles and healing powers. The church is among the top attractions in Sorrento and was built in the 10th century on the site of an ancient Roman temple. It has since undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries.

The church is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, with its ornate facade and intricate decorations, including frescoes, paintings, and sculptures. One of the main highlights of the place is the Chapel of the Madonna del Rosario, featuring a stunning marble altar, a true masterpiece of Baroque art.

Explore The Underground Ruins In Sorrento

Visiting the underground ruins of Sorrento is one of the best things to do in Italy . These ruins are a fascinating and little-known attraction located beneath the historic center of the city, providing a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture. These ruins consist of a series of tunnels, cisterns, and passageways that were used for a variety of purposes over the centuries.

These ruins are believed to date back to the 4th century BC when Sorrento was a flourishing Greek colony. Visitors can take a guided tour of the ruins, offering an opportunity to see the ancient artifacts and structures, including Roman columns, medieval arches, and Byzantine frescoes.

Attend The Sorrento Musical

The Sorrento Musical is an annual music festival held in Sorrento, Italy, that celebrates the rich musical traditions of the region. The festival is one of the best events in Sorrento, featuring a variety of performances ranging from classical music to jazz and contemporary pop.

The festival typically takes place in the summer months in various locations throughout the city, including the historic town center and the beautiful Villa Fiorentino. Some of the most popular events of the festival include concerts by world-renowned musicians, opera performances, and outdoor concerts showcasing local talent.

Take A Sorrento Boat Tour

A boat tour is one of the most popular activities in Sorrento, providing an opportunity to explore the stunning coastline of the Sorrentine Peninsula and the various gorgeous islands in Italy , including the Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Boat tours typically depart from the harbor in Sorrento and offer a range of different options, depending on one's interests and preferences.

Among the most popular boat tours in Sorrento are the sunset tour options , which cruise along the coast as the sun sets, providing a spectacular view of the colorful sky and the shimmering sea. During a boat tour, one can also swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters and explore the hidden coves and nearby secluded beaches.

Visit The Vallone Dei Mulini

Nestled in the heart of Sorrento, Vallone dei Mulini, also known as the Valley of the Mills, is one of the many must-see places in Italy and among the country's most beautiful historical sites. The site consists of a deep ravine, surrounded by steep cliffs and lush vegetation, once home to a thriving mill industry.

In the 19th century, Sorrento was a hub of industrial activity, with dozens of mills operating in the valley. The ruins of the mills and their surrounding buildings can still be seen in the valley, giving visitors a glimpse into the area's rich industrial heritage, making Vallone dei Mulini a must-see for anyone interested in history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Related: A Guide To Italy's Lesser-Visited (Still Stunning) Tourist Spots

Explore The Best Hiking Trails In Sorrento

The Sorrentine Peninsula is known for its stunning coastline, rugged cliffs, and lush vegetation, making it an ideal destination for hikers of all skill levels. There are several hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy and leisurely strolls to challenging treks that require a higher level of fitness and experience.

Some of the most popular hiking trails in Sorrento include Path of the Gods, Punta Campanella, Monte Faito, and Sorrento Coastal Path, passing through picturesque villages and hidden coves along the way.

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Rome, Naples and sorrento area with young grand kids - Italy Forum

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Rome, Naples and sorrento area with young grand kids

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5 replies to this topic

Given their ages I'm assuming you'll be travelling in the summer, during the school break, correct?

Be sure to either rent a villa or find a hotel with a pool, at midday you'll appreciate the break from the heat.

Also, since you'll likely be flying in and out of Rome, I would put Rome at the end of your trip and start in Sorrento, even though that means a longer arrival day. With kids I always look to minimize moving hotels.

It is for June 2025. Kids will be out of school

Yes kids will be out of school. Planning June 2025. Didn’t think of a home base sort of … thank you!!!

For most of your itinerary it would be a waste of money, because you can't drive in any of the cities. In both the Sorrento/Naples / Amalfi Coast area and Rome you have excellent public transit which will get you most places faster than road transport due to traffic.

Renting a villa in Sorrento usually means needing a car , however, so that's one thing to think about. There are lots of hotels within walking distance of downtown Sorrento.

The oldest boy will likely have learned about Pompei in school, that's an easy local train ride from Sorrento. Naples is a quick 45 minutes away by ferry. There is also a local train but it takes nearly twice as long and is pretty uncomfortable, the ferry is a lot more pleasant.

One learning from many years of traveling with kids to places very different from home was that if I could make the start of the day seem as normal as possible, they were a lot more willing to try new things the rest of the day. Whenever possible I chose to rent apartments or houses so I could give them a breakfast experience as close to "normal" as possible. Maybe it was our kids, but I noticed a difference when we stayed in hotels and they had to all get up, dressed and out of the room at the same time for breakfast.

Also, with an apartment or house some could be eating while others were showering, making the bathroom usage more efficient.

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