Another gem of Campania that I visited is the “lemon” town of Sorrento, which stands directly on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples. Wondering why ‘lemon’?
Sorrento is home to many lemon trees and limoncello, a delicious citrus liqueur. The lemons here are even protected and must be grown only according to strict procedures to preserve their uncompromising quality. In this guide I will share Sorrento, Italy: 11 Best Things to Do and See. So let’s take a look together at what to see and do in Sorrento.
When to Visit Sorrento: Weather
In my opinion, the ideal time to visit Sorrento is spring and autumn, i.e., the months from April to June, and then September and October. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, temperatures are not too high, and tourist traffic is not as intense as in the summer months. Of course, you can also visit Sorrento in the summer months, but expect an overload of tourists and intense heat.
Best Hotels in Sorrento and Tips on where to Stay
If you want to be in the center of the action, I recommend accommodation near Piazza Tasso, where all the main sights will be literally at your fingertips. For a quieter stay, choose accommodation with sea views or in the hills around Sorrento, where you can enjoy beautiful nature and views of the Bay of Naples.
You can choose from:
- Hotel Desiree (cheaper alternative),
- Hotel Continental (luxury option),
- Hotel Nice (mid-range option).
How to get to Sorrento
The easiest way to get to Sorrento is by flying via Naples. There you can rent a car or use the EAV train connection, which will take you directly to Sorrento in about an hour and a half. Another option is a ferry from Naples.
You might be interested in: 32 tips on what to see and do in Naples.
Sorrento, Italy: 11 Best Things to Do and See
If you can’t miss a visit to enchanting Sorrento, then I’ve compiled 11 tips for you on what to see and do in Sorrento.
Piazza Della Vittoria
One of the most picturesque squares in Sorrento is Piazza della Vittoria, which offers a magnificent view of the Bay of Naples. You’ll find shops, restaurants, and cafes here.
Villa Comunale
The beautiful Villa Comunale park is just a few steps from Piazza della Vittoria and is ideal for a stroll with sea views. You’ll find beautiful gardens and terraces here with views of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius.
Marina Grande and Piccola
Marina Grande is an ancient fishing port where you can taste fresh seafood in local restaurants.
Marina Piccola is a more modern port from which boats depart for Capri or surrounding areas. Both ports have their unique atmosphere and are worth a visit.
TIP: What to see and do in Capri.
Corso Italia
For shopping and wandering through the streets, I recommend the main shopping street Corso Italia. You’ll find many boutiques, souvenir shops, and restaurants here. Also come here in the evening, when there’s a completely different atmosphere.
Piazza Tasso
The heart of Sorrento is Piazza Tasso, which is full of cafes, shops, and historic buildings. Don’t forget to have a coffee here and watch Italian life in full swing.
Museobottega Della Tarsialignea
This museum is dedicated to the traditional craft of intarsia, which is typical for Sorrento. If you are a fan of art and history, definitely visit this small museum.
Palazzo Correale
This historic palace is located in the center of Sorrento and offers exhibitions of Italian art. If you want to learn more about the history of the region and see magnificent architecture, definitely go here.
Basilica Di Sant’Antonio
This beautiful basilica is dedicated to Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Sorrento. It is one of the most important religious sites in the city and is worth visiting both for its history and its magnificent interior.
Cattedrale SS. Filippo E Giacomo
The Cathedral of Saints Philip and James is the main church in Sorrento. It will impress you not only with its beautiful facade but also with its richly decorated interior. If you appreciate religious sites, you definitely shouldn’t miss this place.
Le Ville Romane Di Puolo
If you are interested in history, visit the Roman villas in Puolo, located near Sorrento. These ancient structures are a great example of Roman architecture and offer an interesting glimpse into the past.
Excursions in the Surroundings
Sorrento is an excellent starting point for excursions around the area, for example, you can explore the Amalfi Coast or other beautiful places:
- Capri: Capri is one of the most beautiful islands in Italy and is just a short boat ride from Sorrento. I recommend taking a day trip here and visiting the famous Blue Grotto or strolling through the picturesque streets full of boutiques and cafes.
- Amalfi: The town of Amalfi is another pearl of the Amalfi Coast and is known for its majestic cathedral, winding streets, and breathtaking views of cliffs and the sea.
- Positano: Positano, with its colorful houses climbing the hillsides, is one of the most photogenic places in Italy.
- Pompeii: The ancient city destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.
TIP: For an organized trip, use the services of the travel portal GetYourGuide.
FAQ
How long does the journey from Naples to Sorrento take?
The train journey takes approximately an hour and a half, by ferry about an hour.
Is there a beach in Sorrento?
Yes, Sorrento has several smaller beaches, but for larger beaches, I recommend visiting Positano or Amalfi.
What are the traditional dishes in Sorrento?
Typical dishes include fresh seafood, gnocchi alla Sorrentina, and limoncello, a traditional lemon liqueur.
Can I get from Sorrento to Pompeii by train?
Yes, EAV trains are the easiest and cheapest way to get from Sorrento to Pompeii.
How long should I stay in Sorrento?
Sorrento is ideal for a half-day or full-day trip, as well as for a multi-day stay. However, I recommend staying at least 3 days.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
