Best things to do in Sorrento
We recently visited Sorrento during our road trip to the Amalfi Coast this Spring. Sorrento is a town hosting a great view of the Bay of Naples. It is considered a highly popular destination, due to its antique, small shops housed amongst colorful buildings, its rich history, and lemon-based products. It is a beautiful city with a lively atmosphere. Let’s explore together the best things to do in Sorrento.
How to Get To Sorrento
You can reach the town of Sorrento in many ways. The quickest one, is by plane, with the closest airport to be the Naples International Airport. It is located about 50 km away from Sorrento and from there, you can use a bus, train, or even a ferry. By bus or train, the route lasts about an hour while the ferry lasts 45 minutes, and it crosses the Naples coastline offering an amazing view. Besides the plane, you can also reach Sorrento by train, from different cities in Italy, by using the Italian national railway.
Rent a Car Amalfi Coast
The best way to experience the Amalfi Coast is to rent your own car! Driving there has its challenges but it is a unique experience. We recommend booking well in advance using price comparison sites like rental cars if traveling in the peak summer season.
Where to park in Sorrento
Parking in Sorrento is a bit challenging due to its limited free parking spots and the restrictions in the historic center. However, you may find one, especially in locations like Via Rota and Via Parsano. The free parking spots are marked with white lines, while you can park in spaces with blue lines, where you must pay a price of 3 € per hour. If you don’t want to bother yourself with seeking a parking spot, there are also parking lots and garages in the area, that have a range of 2 € to 3 € per hour. Otherwise, a great way to navigate in the town could be renting a scooter that has free parking inside the town or a motorcycle. You can find more easily parking with these. If you want to know more about driving in Italy, make sure to check out the ultimate guide for driving in Italy.
Things to Do in Sorrento
There are many things to do and see in Sorrento, from simple ones to others more active. Every experience in this town is unique and creates core memories.
Marina Grande
Connected by a stone staircase to the historic center, you will find Marina Grande, a small fishing village ideal for escaping the loud center. Marina Grande is best to be explored on foot to see every detail of it. There are a lot of shops and restaurants with inside and outside dining options. The located beaches have volcanic sand and clear waters, where you can relax or rent equipment for water sports activities. This beach is known to be one of the few beaches that are free to the public in Sorrento. However, you can rent an umbrella and a deckchair as well.
Jump Off the Cliff at Bagni Della Regina Giovanna
The famous cliff at Bagni Della Giovanna also called the Baths of Queen Giovanna, is located on Capo di Sorrento. There, you will find the ruins of a Roman Villa and a natural pool surrounded by cliffs. It is said that in that natural pool, Queen Giovanna used to meet her lovers. Today, you can reach it by walking a 30-minute distance from the center of Sorrento. Once you find the ruins of the villa, a spot that stands as a great viewpoint, follow the path and the staircase. You will find yourself on the famous cliff where you can dive like the Queen did.
Go Shopping
What is considered a trip without shopping? Sorrento has the ideal places for that, and even if you don’t prefer shopping, you can still wander and have a good time. The main area in Sorrento, that people visit is the Piazza Tasso. The main square of the town, which took its name from the poet Torquato Tasso, is the place where people gather, shop, and dine at restaurants.
By crossing the Corso Italia and Via San Cesareo you will meet a variety of shops, some of them sell souvenirs while some others sell natural products that the monks used in the past. As previously said, the town is known for its Limoncello, so there is no way you will not find it there. There are also many leather goods, in the shops of Sorrento. Some of the shops are family-run with a lot of experience in the process of making leather products.
Visit the churches
Sorrento hosts several magnificent churches to visit. One of them would be the Basilica Di Sant’Antonino, one of the oldest churches in town where the outside, being simple and minimal, has no connection with what you will meet on the inside. A baroque style, with details on the wall paintings, contrasts, and a sense of magnificence being evoked. Nowadays, the saint Antoninos’ bones are in a crypt inside the church.
The Cathedral Di Sorrento is another popular destination and it is the main Catholic Church in the city. It was first constructed in the 11th century, dedicated to the Virgin Mary but in 1210 it was changed by Cardinal Pietro Capuano who donated the relics of the Saints Apostles Philip and James, and the church considered dedicated to them. Some of the highlights that you will notice are the bell tower, the marble altar, the wall paintings, and a Nativity scene from the 18th century.
Take a stroll in the old town of Sorrento and feel the vibes
One of our favorite ways to experience the vibes and atmosphere of a new place is by walking through it. Dedicate some time in your trip to Sorrento to slow the pace and live like a local. Start from the Piazza Tasso, the main square of the town, decorated with the statue of St. Antonino in the center. Grab a coffee or a gelato and wander in the historic streets, admire the architecture of Palazzo Correale and the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà.
A must-see is the Cathedral, a structure of the 11th century which is the main church in Sorrento. Continue your walk in the Corso Italia, the main shopping street of Sorrento and finally end your day at the Marina Grande or the Villa Comunale, both places with a great view that can make you appreciate the little.
Correale Museum di Terranova
The museum Corealle has operated since 1924 and it contains archeological finds but also runs as a gallery. It has 24 exhibition rooms, each of them offering a unique experience. Some of them display the art of antique watches, ceramics, and Murano glassware items. The Hall of Mirrors is also housed inside the villa and it is a place with white and gold details, ideal for concerts. The museum operates every day from 9 to 18:00 and on weekends from 9 to 14:00 while the entrance ticket ranges from 7 € to 15 €.
Visit Villa Comunale
Villa Comunale is a public garden in Sorrento with a great view of Vesuvius and the Marina above. Located at the top of a cliff, you will enjoy your time there, by watching the great view of the town. A place, surrounded by small gardens, paths with many trees as well as flowers, statues, and fountains. In the summer months, Villa Comunale hosts many events, from weddings to concerts. Schedule a 2-hour visit there, to have a relaxing walk and rest on a bench looking at the sunset in the evening. You can also have access to the beach below through a paid elevator if preferred. The entrance to the park is completely free.
Try Limoncello
Sorrento, as a town popular for its lemon-based products, also creates the Limoncello. Limoncello is a liqueur that locals prefer to drink after a meal. It is best served cold, and sometimes it can replace the desserts or accompany it. It was first founded on the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri, produced by families or small businesses. As the years went by, people added their own ingredients, and it finally became the drink that we taste today, ideal to help with digestion. You can find it everywhere in Sorrento, from shops to restaurants.
Enjoy the sunset
Due to its location, at the top of a hill, Sorrento offers many places with great views of the Sunset. Do not miss visiting one of them! The Villa Comunale, a place full of parks, offers many benches to sit on and enjoy the view of the Bay of Naples as the sun goes down. Near the piazza Tasso, you will find piazza della Vittoria a square with a charming garden at the center where you can sit and enjoy the view of the area in the evening. The fishing village, Marina Grande, is also a great spot to admire the sunset. Hosting many restaurants, it offers the option to dine at one of them or even grab a drink while relaxing at the sunset view.
Go to the beach
Sorrento has many beaches in the area. Marina Piccola is one of them. A beach located on the southern side of Capri Island with a great view of the Faraglioni Sea. It is a beach, protected by the winds, due to the surrounding cliffs, that secure that the clear waters are always warm. You can either reach the beach on foot or by taking a bus. Both ways offer a pleasant route. When arriving, cross the stone-built staircase that leads you to Scoglio delle Sirene cliff, the place where it is said that the Sirens seduced Odysseus. This stone separates the marina into two smaller ones, the Marina di Mulo, and the Marina di Pennauro, both free to the public that were used in the past as ports by the Romans.
Another popular beach is Cala di Puolo, located in Massa Lubrense near Sorrento. On this beach, you will enjoy the warm sand and the blue clear waters, a place ideal for families as well. Once you get into the sea, it is a bit rocky but becomes sandy quickly. You have the option to choose between establishments like umbrellas and chairs or relax in the free space near them. The available parking near the beach will take approximately 3 € for the day. The beach also provides several restaurants with a great view nearby.
Valle dei Mulini
Valle dei Mulini, known as the Valley of Mills, is a magical valley in Sorrento. It was created by a huge volcanic explosion combined with the two rivers called Casarlano and Sant’Antonino. The flour mills hosted there, are stone-built structures from the 13th century while sawmills were later added to aid the woodworking industries. In the 20th century, the activities in the valley stopped due to the lack of water. Since then, the valley has been abandoned and today visitors can only see it from above. The best spots to admire the valley are Piazza Tasso and the railing along Via Fuorimura.
Ischia and Capri (blue grotto)
The blue grotto is a cave that has an opening where the sunlight enters and creates a natural light inside it. It was for many years forgotten while the Romans believed that it was hunted, and no one visited it. It was discovered, though, in 1800 and since then it became one of the most popular sites in Capri. You can reach blue grotto by hiking and then take a boat, or completely by a boat that has access to the narrow entrance. It is likely the man who drives the boat to sing something to make clear the musical qualities of the cave. Keep in mind to visit the blue grotto in a day when the weather is sunny and the sea calm, otherwise the boat won’t enter the cave.
Vesuvius
The first thing that comes to our minds when we hear about Naples, is the Vesuvius. A volcano, that is considered one of the most dangerous in the world, since it is active today and there is also a huge number of residents living around it. The volcano has erupted many times in the past, causing damage to whole cities like Pompeii and Herculaneum and the death of many people as well. The scientists estimate a cycle of 20 years that the volcano erupts and have evacuation plans arranged for the next one. The biggest explosion that has happened till today was in 79 AD when it destroyed the city of Pompeii amongst others. Nowadays, it stands as a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors every day who attempt to hike it and reach the crater. It is a unique place with a stunning view of the Bay of Naples, perfect for some photos.
Visit Herculaneum
Herculaneum is an ancient Roman town, located in the town of Ercolano, near Naples. Traveling from Sorrento to Herculaneum is a straightforward journey, primarily using the Circumvesuviana train. Start your adventure at the Sorrento train station, where you can catch a train heading to Ercolano Scavi, the station closest to the archaeological site. The ride takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes. Upon arrival at Ercolano Scavi, it’s just a short 500-meter walk downhill to the entrance of the ancient ruins.
There, you will find many objects like wooden items, roofs even food and papyrus that are preserved due to the volcanic ash and the eruption that carbonized them. Amongst the highlights, you will see the Suburban Baths, a private bathing complex that used to contain cold, warm, and hot rooms and amazing wall paintings of the Roman era.
Take a Day Trip to Pompeii
You can reach Pompeii from Sorrento by train, bus, or even a taxi, even though it is a more expensive option. Some of the highlights of that city include the Amphitheater, one of the oldest Roman amphitheaters that still exists, even though it was buried by the Vesuvius eruption.
The Lunapar of Pompeii is the ruins of an ancient Roman brothel, a structure decorated with erotic wall paintings that relate to Venus, the ancient goddess of love, sex, and fertility. Another must-see in Pompeii is the Villa of the Mysteries, known for its impressive wall paintings in a room that shows the introduction of a bride in a Greco-Roman mystery cult.
Do not forget to visit the Civil Forum, the main square of Pompeii, which shows the daily life of the city. After an earthquake the revival efforts began and what we see today, is the result of the remains. An interesting visit would be the Thermopolium, a fast-food store of that time. Archaeologists have discovered that it operated in ancient times to serve the poor Roman families that didn’t have a kitchen in their homes.
Take an Italian Cooking Class
A perfect, creative way to feel like an Italian is by joining some cooking classes. Most of them, guide you to make plates like pizza, pasta, seafood, or desserts and of course taste them along with a glass of local wine. La Cucina del Gusto by Chef Carmen is a highly-rated cooking school located in the center of Sorrento. Chef Carmen teaches you with passion and fun the way that the food must be cooked. All the lessons are specially designed to assist you learn the secrets of the various dishes, including the secrets for preparing an authentic Neapolitan specialty. Every course lasts about 4 hours, and the prices range from 100 € to 200 €.
Fattoria Terranova Cooking Class offers another unique experience, located outside the Sorrento in the countryside. With a visit there, you will be guided to collect the ingredients fresh from the garden before starting cooking. You can choose a cooking class based on the difficulty but in every way, the chef will guide you. At the end of the process, you can taste your plate with a glass of local wine or even try a coffee or liqueur that are homemade!
Visit Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a popular destination since it offers an outstanding view of the sea and the colorful buildings placed on the hills that surround it. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 since it is considered a historic cultural landscape and must be protected. There are many things to do and see in the surrounding area. Starting from Positano where you can admire the colorful houses facing the sea, you can continue to the Amalfi town, exploring the narrow streets and the Cathedral. After that, a trip to Vietri sul Mare is ideal to get informed about its ceramic tradition and enjoy its beauty. If you are interested in knowing more about the things to do in Amalfi Coast, please check out our ultimate guide.
How to get around Sorrento
The best way to explore it is on foot. The historic center is pedestrian-friendly, hosting the Piazza Tasso, the main square which is close to the most popular highlights, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande.
Besides that, you can also visit the surrounding area in a very affordable way. Buses are very frequent, crossing the town every 20 minutes and reaching places such as Meta, Piano, Sant’Agnello, and Massa Lubrense. The ticket is about 1.20 euros. The Circumvesuviana train, which runs between, Naples and Sorrento, is also a great option for a day trip, making many stops between.
Now, if you prefer to be more independent on your trip, you can always take a taxi, or rent a car or a scooter. The scooter is the most affordable, starting from 30 euros.
Day Trips from Sorrento
As we already said, Sorrento is an amazing city, but it’s also small and can be explored in a few days. If you prefer to see more things during your trip, you can organize day trips in the area around Sorrento.
Positano
Positano, for example, is a town, 30 minutes away from Sorrento. It is known for its colorful buildings and the Amalfi Coast. Don’t hesitate, to grab a gelato and walk in the narrow streets, visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, or even have a boat tour where you can explore the caves in the nearby beaches and reach Capri. You can get to Positano by car, bus, taxi or train.
Amalfi
Amalfi could be a place for you, hosting many beach clubs that run till night. The town of Amalfi features the historic center, stunning buildings, and places like the Paper Museum, and the Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea. You can walk along the waterfront promenade, appreciating the beauty of this town, and reach the nearby Atrani, the smallest town in Amalfi Coast, characterized by a cultural atmosphere and authentic formation. You can also reach Amalfi by car, bus or ferry.
Naples
Naples, being the capital of Campania, has a combination of culture, history, and cuisine making it fairly a popular destination. The town is more than an hour away by train but a visit there is worth it for sure. Visit the magnificent churches, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale featuring ruins from Pompeii and Herculaneum and Castel Nuoco amongst other activities. The city holds a rich culture when it comes to coffee, so do not miss tasting a traditional espresso, while also trying their street food. Several gardens and parks are also available for a relaxing walk, with the most popular being the Vesuvius National Park. If visiting in September, search for the Festa di Piedigrotta, a traditional event celebrating San Gennaro holding music, dancing, and local food.
Sorrento on a budget
Sorrento can be considered an affordable town compared to other towns, especially on the Amalfi Coast, but it still is a very popular tourist destination, which tends to increase the prices.
While this town offers a variety of luxurious hotels, you should consider staying in a town nearby, less popular, that allows you still to have quick access. Maiori and Minori, are towns that have a more local character accompanied by affordable rooms and convenience at the same time. Otherwise, you can also stay in a hostel or a guest house. Atrani, for instance, a small town located near Amalfi, offers dorms and private rooms with breakfast. Still a great option.
Avoid renting a car, if you are on a budget, since it can be a bit expensive. The bus, on the other hand, is a more economical way to navigate around towns and most of the time, it is also frequent.
Of course, by staying in a part of Italy, you will desire to eat local food. You can find some restaurants with low prices in towns nearby or visit a market and make your own snack with local ingredients. Since Sorrento’s prices are formed based on the crowd, keep in mind that in Spring and Autumn, the town has fewer people, and the prices are more convenient.
Where to Eat in Sorrento
Food in Sorrento is a whole experience itself. There are many local delicacies you should try, that will enhance your experience there, from pasta and pizza to seafood.
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a popular traditional plate, consisting of gnocchi baked in a tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese on the top. You will find it in most restaurants, but we recommend Ristorante Tasso which is located at Piazza Tasso.
Located in a coastal area, Sorrento has a huge variety of seafood. Some of the most known plates are spaghetti alle vongole, which is spaghetti with clams and frittura di pesce, mixed fried seafood. The best restaurant serving seafood is the Trattoria da Emilia, located in the Marina Grande.
While Naples is popular for its pizza, in Sorrento you can also enjoy it, with the most known to be the pizza Margherita. After a great meal, you can end your dinner with traditional Limoncello liqueur or Delizie al Limone, a dessert with lemon-flavored cake on its base.
Where to stay in Sorrento
Sorrento offers a variety of options based on budget and preferences. If you are looking for something affordable, consider staying in the nearby towns called Maiori and Minori. They maintain the local beauty while offering the amenities that someone needs. Albergo Riviera is a family-run business in Maiori offering rooms and B&Bs by the sea and Italian local breakfast. The town is only 5km away from Sorrento. Hotel Caporal, located in Minori is also a family-run business operating since 1860. The rooms there are comfortable and the staff very friendly while the beach is only a few steps away.
For mid-range options, Sorrento can provide you with many choices. Combining the luxury of a hotel with low-price amenities, Hotel Plaza Sorrento, could be a nice choice. It is in the center of the town, really close to many attractions, and it also holds a terrace for the nights that you don’t feel like going out. Hotel Michelangelo could be a very convenient option since it is located near the train station. It offers comfortable rooms, a warm atmosphere, and a welcoming feeling. It is also very close to restaurants, shops and the Marina.
If you can afford a luxurious hotel, Sorrento has many, with a great view of the Bay of Naples, premium amenities, and fine dining serving. Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria features elegant rooms, a garden, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving local authentic food. It has a view of the Bay of Naples and the Vesuvius, while it is also near popular sites of the town. Le Sirenuse could also be a great option. A five-star hotel known for its elegance, comfortable rooms, and stunning view of the Positano and the coast.
The Best Time to Visit Sorrento
The best time to visit Sorrento is Spring & Summer to visit this town. Summer is the most popular season so expect higher prices and a larger crowd. It’s ideal for beach activities and hikes, maybe early in the morning or late in the evening. Keep in mind that the temperatures are high, especially in July. Autumn and Spring are great seasons to enjoy your holidays there. While Spring has pleasant weather, there is less crowd and the flowers are blooming, you can have fun visiting Amalfi and other towns as well as go hiking or transport by scooter.
Autumn, also has pleasant weather, and It’s less crowded, but since it’s the harvest season you can try local food and attend wine festivals.
In Winter, you can easily find low-price accommodation, a quiet atmosphere, and fewer tourists. The days are colder, but some restaurants and cafeterias remain open.
FAQ about Sorrento
What is Sorrento best known for?
People mostly visit Sorrento for its stunning views, the local cuisine, and the fact that is close to Amalfi Coast. However, Sorrento still has many free beaches to be visited like Puolo Beach one of the best beaches in the area. Villa Comunale is a great spot that many choose to relax due to its gardens. And for history lovers, the town offers monuments in the historic center but also hidden gems such as the caves on the nearby beaches.
Which is nicer Sorrento or Amalfi?
When comparing Sorrento and Amalfi, both towns have many things to offer, from great culinary experiences to great sightseeing. Sorrento is a town more active, offering various activities and experiences as well as frequent transportation, making it the getaway to Amalfi. On the other hand, Amalfi offers a quieter atmosphere besides its beach bars. Holding a rich history and a great view, it’s preferable if seeking more relaxing holidays. Keep in mind that it has less transportation than Sorrento.
Is Sorrento a walkable town?
Sorrento is a walkable town, ideal for travelers who prefer to explore areas on foot. Being small and having the historic center of it with narrow streets, you won’t find easily cars crossing it. Especially, in Piazza Tasso and the shopping streets nearby, cars are forbidden.
Which part of Sorrento is best?
One of the most energetic areas in Sorrento is the center of it. Besides the cathedral and the Piazza Tasso, it also has many restaurants and shopping streets in the surrounding area. For visitors who love the sea, the Marina Grande would possibly be the best spot. A fishing village with a calm vibe. Speaking of a calm vibe, Capo di Sorrento could be the best place for seekers of natural beauty and peace, also ideal for hikers.
What is the famous street in Sorrento?
Corso Italia is the most known street in Sorrento, due to the fact that it is near the center of the town and has a variety of shops cafés, and restaurants. There are many boutiques, artisan shops, and stores selling local products such as Limoncello. The best part of it is the fact that it is pedestrian friendly and can be explored on foot.
What fruit is Sorrento famous for?
Sorrento is famous for lemons, and specifically the Sorrento lemon variety. These lemons are larger than the common ones, more yellow, and have an intense taste. Sorrento has many products based on lemon, with the most known to be the Limoncello liqueur. Playing the main role in the town, lemons are also used in desserts and other dishes.
How many days in Sorrento is enough?
Sorrento can be explored in 3 days, enough to see all the details of the city.
What is the main center of Sorrento?
Piazza Tasso is the center of Sorrento. The main square hosts a statue of Torquato Tasso, and a garden surrounding it. The piazza showcases the culture of the town, is easily accessible on foot, and has all the suitable facilities around it, from restaurants to shops with local products.
Is there a beach in Sorrento?
There are many beaches in Sorrento where people can enjoy their time and have fun. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, you can find the perfect spot for you. Marina Piccola, one of the most popular destinations, has a free space, or you can rent equipment like umbrellas and chairs. It’s the closest beach to Sorrento and its smooth sand is ideal for kids to play.
Marina Grande is the town’s main fishing village hosting a small beach surrounded by restaurants, a great spot to dine after a day at the beach. Puolo Beach is located a bit further from the town center, popular with locals and tourists, the shallow waters are ideal for families.
Is Sorrento an expensive city?
Sorrento can be an expensive city, especially in peak season when the crowd is larger. Even though it’s more economical than Amalfi, the accommodation is mainly high-priced. A visitor can spend approximately 150 euros per day to stay, eat, and have activities there.
Is Naples worth a day trip from Sorrento?
The Circumvesuviana train, connects Sorrento to Naples very often, making it easily accessible. Naples is worth a visit since it holds a rich history, including the Castel Nuovo, Castel dell’Ovo, and the historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to the National Archaeological Museum could be a great choice while it hosts artifacts from Pompeii Herculaneum.
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