Views of Mount Vesuvius, Capri and the Bay of Naples. Squares teeming with Italian life. Friendly locals. Imposing cliffs dotted with colourful houses.
It could only be Sorrento. Lying on Italy’s famous Sorrento Peninsula, Sorrento is pleasing on the eye and packed with things to do.
Let’s explore Sorrento.
Live La Dolce Vita
Sorrento is all about the good life. After a short flight to Naples soon you’ll be traversing the Amalfi Coast and reaching the Costiera Sorrentina, sipping on a locally made limoncello (it’s famous round these parts), getting a zest for life in the lemon groves and practicing your Italian with a friendly local in Piazza Tasso. There’s history to be found at Pompeii or Paestum (the ancient Greek temples here are a thing of beauty) and islands to be explored whether you want the style of Capri or the thermal spas of Ischia.
La Dolce Vita is calling.
Things to visit in Sorrento and nearby
Swim in the sea. Head out to an island offshore. Drink in the Italian lifestyle. And sample culinary delights. There’s so much to see and do in Sorrento itself and so many amazing places to visit near Sorrento. These are some of our favourites, whether you want laid-back vibes or a little history.
Amalfi Coast
World famous Italian coastline
Stretching around 50km along the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi coast is postcard perfect and Insta-famous. Expect sheer cliffs, sparkling azure waters and pastel-coloured houses as far as the eye can see. The views are everything.
Insider tip:
If you’re driving it yourself bring your nerves of steel. There are hairpin bends, cliffside drops and super tight corners. Plus, it’s one road the whole way, so there’s no turning back.
Piazza Tasso
The heart of the city
People watching? Yes please. Aperitivo? Go on then. Piazza Tasso is the central square of Sorrento and the beating heart of the city. It’s the place to enjoy a limoncello or Aperol Spritz in the evening or cappuccino in the morning and watch the world go by. Its yellow buildings, statues and intricate archways will always catch your eye – it’s the real beauty of Sorrento.
Pompeii
Ancient Roman history brought to life
Yes, you read about Pompeii in Geography at school but seeing really is believing with this one. The ancient city of Pompeii was frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Today you’ll walk its ruined streets, explore its houses and take in its sights as they once were in Ancient Roman times. It’s just a 45 minute or one hour train ride from Sorrento.
Insider tip:
Don’t miss the ancient amphitheatre. It’s the oldest known Roman amphitheatre, dating back to 70 BC. It’s epic.
Capri
A little quiet luxury
All year you’ve read about quiet luxury and celeb brands you can’t afford. Now you can see them in action. Just across the water from Sorrento (it’s a 20-minute ferry) sits the island of Capri. It promises towering cliffs, a laid-back vibe and glistening waters. Plus, you’ll see A-listers around every corner, quietly enjoying the island’s luxury hotels, villas and restaurants.
Insider tip:
Yes, you can stay in Capri. But it will stretch your budget. A day trip from Sorrento is more than enough to sample the style and luxury without too much of the price tag.
Naples
Pizza, football and a slice of authentic Italy
You think you’ve had proper pizza. Not until you visit Naples. The city is the birthplace of pizza and prides itself on its history with this famous food. Today, you can get traditional slices at Sorbillo and chic and sophisticated offerings at 50 Kaló (plus everything in between). Naples is known for its vibrant (sometimes wild) atmosphere, tight streets, beautiful seaside views and love of football – and Diego Maradona. Hire a car, hop on the train or jump on the ferry.
Where to stay in Sorrento
The city centre is the main spot for tourists, but it’s not the only option to stay in Sorrento.
City Centre
Sorrento
A stay in the centre will see you strolling around lemon gardens and museums, eating al fresco at cafes and restaurants and enjoying aperitivos in Piazza Tasso. The view over the Gulf of Naples is spectacular and there are plenty of boutiques to while away your time in. Attractions include Villa Comunale, Saint Francis Cloister, Museo Correale and Piazza Tasso.
Marina Grande
Marina Grande
Head down to the water and enjoy the fishing village feel of Marina Grande. Take a stroll around the harbour to watch the wooden fishing boats come in. There are plenty of top restaurants and good hotels. You’re also just a quick bus ride or a walk along the seafront from the city centre.
Marina Piccola
Marina Piccola
Right below the city centre, Marina Piccola can be accessed by a lift or steps from the Villa Commune and is where you can hop on the ferry to Naples. Spiaggia Pubblica Sorrento is the free public beach and you’ll also find plenty of private beach clubs to spend the day.
Priora
Priora
Promising a more relaxed vibe from the often hectic city centre, Priora is located up in the hills above the city. The bus journey to the centre takes about 20 minutes. Priora is lush and green and offers great views over the Gulf of Naples from its higher vantage point. Restaurants, bars and hotels are often cheaper too.
Sant’Agnello
Sant’Agnello
Five minutes outside the city on the Circumvesuviana train (running between Sorrento and Naples), this village offers a real locals vibe away from the bustle of central Sorrento. It’s famous for lemon groves, tight cobbled streets and lovely squares. Head to Piazza Matteotti for a taste of local life.
Sorrento Hotels
Rest your head in family-run surroundings. Treat yourself to 5-star indulgence in amongst historic buildings. Or enjoy a view you’ll never want to leave. When it comes to the best places to stay in Sorrento, these are the pick of the bunch.
Hotel Michelangelo
Centrally located. Yes, an outdoor pool.
Right at the centre of Sorrento, this 4-star hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and air-conditioned rooms. It’s walking distance to Piazza Tasso and the Sky Bar on the fifth floor is not to be missed.
Hotel Savoia Sorrento
Family and budget-friendly
Just 150m from Piazza Tasso, this family-run 4-star hotel is family-friendly and perfectly located. The rooms are spacious and the breakfast is fantastic.
Hotel Lorelei Londres
What. A. View.
Come for the 5-star luxury stay for the stunning views. A stay in this small boutique hotel promises sea views from all angles, a garden, terrace and restaurant. Its central location ticks all the boxes too.
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Grand is an understatement
Situated on a rock overlooking the Bay of Naples, this 5-star luxury hotel features three historic buildings set in a private Mediterranean park. The views and rooms are spectacular. The entrance is in Piazza Tasso and there’s a lift linking directly to the harbour.
Sorrento Price Guide
Whether you’re eating out, taking in the sights or getting around expect to spend:
Local Cuisine (Pizza, Pasta, Seafood) – €10-€30 per meal
Limoncello – €15-€20 per bottle
Local Crafts and Souvenirs – €5-€50
Boat Tours – €40-€100 per person
Museum Entry Fees – €5-€15 per person
Public Transport – €1.50 per ticket
Accommodation – €70-€200 per night
Car Hire – €30-€60 per day
Guided Tours – €20-€50 per person
Coffee and Gelato – €1-€5
That’s your Sorrento sojourn planned. Soon you’ll be sipping a limoncello, gazing at the views across the Bay of Naples and joining the locals for aperitivo in Piazza Tasso. So let’s get that adventure on the Sorrento Coast booked and your itinerary sorted.
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