Another gem of Campania that I visited is the “lemon” town of Sorrento in Italy, which sits right on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples. Wondering why “lemon”?
Sorrento is home to countless lemon trees and to limoncello, that delicious citrus liqueur. The lemons here are even protected and must be grown according to strict methods to preserve their consistent quality. So let’s take a look together at what to see and do in Sorrento.
The full destination guide: Naples and Amalfi — guide and what to see
When to Visit Sorrento: Weather
For me, the ideal time to visit Sorrento is spring and autumn — the months from April to June, and then September and October. During these periods the weather in Sorrento, Italy is pleasant, the temperatures aren’t too high and the crowds aren’t nearly as intense as in the summer months. You can of course visit Sorrento in summer too, but expect throngs of tourists and serious heat.
Best Hotels in Sorrento and Tips on Where to Stay
If you want to be in the middle of the action, I recommend staying near Piazza Tasso, where you’ll have all the main sights literally within reach. For a quieter stay, choose accommodation with a sea view or up in the hills around Sorrento, where you can enjoy stunning nature and views over the Bay of Naples.
You can choose from:
- Hotel Desiree (the budget-friendly option),
- Hotel Continental (the luxury choice),
- Hotel Nice (the happy medium).
How to Get to Sorrento
The easiest way to get to Sorrento is to fly into Naples. From there you can rent a car or hop on the EAV train, which will take you straight to Sorrento in about an hour and a half. Carriers like Ryanair, easyJet and Lufthansa serve Naples airport from major European hubs. Another option is the ferry from Naples.
You might also like: 32 things to see and do in Naples.
11 Things to See and Do in Sorrento
If you can’t miss out on a visit to fairytale Sorrento, I’ve put together 11 things to see and do in Sorrento just for you.
Piazza della Vittoria
One of the most picturesque squares in Sorrento is Piazza della Vittoria, which offers a gorgeous view over the Bay of Naples. You’ll find little shops, restaurants and cafés here.
Villa Comunale
The lovely Villa Comunale park is just a few steps from Piazza della Vittoria and is perfect for a stroll with sea views. You’ll find beautiful gardens and terraces overlooking the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius.
Marina Grande and Piccola Marina
Marina Grande is an old fishing harbour where you can sample fresh seafood in the local restaurants.
Piccola Marina is the more modern harbour, from where boats set off to Capri and the surrounding areas. Both harbours have their own unique atmosphere and are worth a visit.
TIP: What to see and do in Capri.
Corso Italia
For shopping and wandering the streets, I recommend the main shopping avenue, Corso Italia. You’ll find plenty of boutiques, souvenir shops and restaurants. Come back here in the evening too, when the atmosphere is completely different.
Piazza Tasso
The heart of the Sorrento town centre is Piazza Tasso, packed with cafés, shops and historic buildings. Don’t forget to grab a coffee here and watch Italian life in full swing.
Museobottega della Tarsialignea
This museum is dedicated to the traditional craft of marquetry (intarsia), which is typical of Sorrento. If you’re a fan of art and history, this small museum is definitely worth a visit.
Palazzo Correale
This historic palace sits in the centre of Sorrento and hosts exhibitions of Italian art. If you want to learn more about the region’s history and admire beautiful architecture, be sure to stop by.
Basilica di Sant’Antonio
This beautiful basilica is dedicated to Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Sorrento. It’s one of the most important religious sites in town and is worth a visit both for its history and its stunning interior.
Cattedrale SS. Filippo e Giacomo
The Cathedral of Saints Philip and James is Sorrento’s main church. It will captivate you not only with its beautiful façade but also with its richly decorated interior. If you love sacred sites, you definitely shouldn’t skip this one.
Le Ville Romane di Puolo
If you’re interested in history, visit the Roman villas at Puolo, located a short distance from Sorrento. These ancient structures are a great example of Roman architecture and offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Map of points of interest for your phone
Day Trips Around Sorrento
Sorrento is a fantastic base for day trips around the area — you can set off to explore the Amalfi Coast or other beautiful spots:
- Capri: Capri is one of the most beautiful islands in Italy and lies just a short boat ride from Sorrento. I recommend planning a full-day trip here to visit the famous Blue Grotto or wander the charming lanes full of boutiques and cafés.
- Amalfi: The town of Amalfi is another pearl of the Amalfi Coast, famous for its majestic cathedral, winding lanes and breathtaking views of the cliffs and sea.
- Positano: Positano, with its colourful houses cascading down the mountain slopes, 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 organised excursion, use the travel platform GetYourGuide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 trip, full-day trip, or even 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.
🚗 Car rental on the roadVerified rental cars in Naples and on the Amalfi CoastSearch with the DiscoverCars comparison engine — it compares prices from dozens of local and international rental companies, and most bookings come with free cancellation.
Compare car prices in Naples and on the Amalfi Coast →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!
