Sorrento Travel Guide

Your comprehensive guide to Sorrento, Italy including the best things to do, attractions, where to stay, when to visit, and more.


Introduction to Sorrento

Sorrento is a picturesque Southern Italian town located in the province of Naples. It is famous for its stunning coastline, panoramic views, quaint streets, and orange and lemon groves. The town is perched atop high cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and the Isle of Capri.

Sorrento boasts a long history, and it has influenced the world greatly since ancient times. It was a favorite resort of Roman emperors, the inspiration for poets, and a hub for artists and musicians. Today, it attracts millions of visitors worldwide every year for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Sorrento

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Museo Correale di Terranova - An art and furniture museum housed in an 18th-century villa, featuring a collection of beautiful Neapolitan paintings, Murano glassware, and antique furniture.
  2. Sorrento Cathedral - A beautiful 15th-century cathedral with an ornate interior featuring frescoes, sculptures, and a stunning Neapolitan nativity scene.
  3. Vallone dei Mulini - An abandoned 13th-century flour mill located in a deep ravine, a short walk from Piazza Tasso, Sorrento’s main square.
  4. Chiostro di San Francesco - A beautiful 14th-century cloister with a stunning central fountain and lush gardens.
  5. Basilica di Sant’Antonino - A baroque church dedicated to Sorrento’s patron saint, housing a treasure trove of religious art and artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Sorrento: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Marina Grande - A small, colorful fishing village located on the edge of the town, with several seafood restaurants, taverns, and cobbled streets leading down to the sea.
  2. Villa Comunale - A public garden with panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples, featuring a clock tower, a music pavilion, and a terrace overlooking Mount Vesuvius.
  3. Baths of Queen Giovanna - A secluded cove with crystal clear waters, surrounded by lush vegetation and natural rock formations.
  4. Punta Campanella - A rugged headland with hiking trails, stunning views, and a restored watchtower.
  5. Valle delle Ferriere - A nature reserve with lush vegetation, waterfalls, and hiking trails, located in the nearby town of Amalfi.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sorrento

  1. The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) - A stunning 5-mile hiking trail that winds through the Lattari Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples, Capri, and the Amalfi coast.
  2. The great loop of Sant’Agata – A 12-mile hiking trail starting from Sant’Agata, offering beautiful views of the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and the Amalfi coast.
  3. Monte Faito - This mountain offers a range of different hiking trails, ranging in difficulty, that will take you through terraced vineyards, olive groves, and fantastical vistas.

Best Things to Do in Sorrento: Activities and Tours

  1. Cooking classes - Take a cooking class to learn how to make some of Sorrento’s famed local dishes such as pizza, limoncello, and pasta.
  2. Boat tours - Take a boat tour around the coast and experience Sorrento from the sea, you’ll get a unique perspective of the town.
  3. Swimming and Sunbathing – Sorrento’s stunning coastline has plenty of opportunities to swim or relax in the sun
  4. Wine Tastings – enjoy some local wine from Sorrento’s vineyards.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sorrento

Day 1: Explore the town – Wander the streets, explore the main square at Piazza Tasso, and shop for souvenirs.

Day 2: Pompeii – Take a day trip to the ruins of ancient Pompeii, located nearby.

Day 3: Explore the coast – Discover the many coves of Sorrento, and visit the beautiful island of Capri.

Day 4: Limoncello Tasting – Try some of the town’s renowned Limoncello in the various cafes of Sorrento.

Day 5: Hiking and Biking – Take a guided hike through the Sentiero degli Dei or make your way around the great loop of Sant’Agata.

Day 6: Visit the nearby sites- visit the towns of Positano and Amalfi for a day trip.

Day 7: Departure Day

Food and Drink Scene of Sorrento

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Neapolitan pizza - A delicious dish made with fresh mozzarella, fresh tomato sauce, and fresh dough and cooked in a wood-fired oven.
  2. Seafood dishes - From shrimp to seafood risotto, the towns fishing heritage has led to many delectable seafood dishes.
  3. Pasta dishes – classics like Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Spaghetti alle Vongole can be found in many of the local restaurants.
  4. Gelato - Sorrento boasts some of Italy’s best gelato

Local Beverages

  1. Limoncello - A sweet and tangy liqueur made from Sorrento’s famed lemons.
  2. Limoncello Sorbet – An alcoholic sorbet made with Limoncello.
  3. Local wines – the surrounding area is full of vineyards that provide some rare and delicious wines, perfect for wine tastings.

Where to Stay in Sorrento: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria – An opulent and elegant hotel with sea views.
  2. Hilton Sorrento Palace - A modern hotel with gorgeous views over looking the town and sea.
  3. Il Nido - A cozy bed & breakfast with stunning views of Sorrento.

What to Buy in Sorrento: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Limoncello liqueur - A bottle of the tangy and sweet liqueur made from Sorrento’s lemons.
  2. Hand-painted ceramics - Beautiful ceramics, painted in Sorrento’s signature colors, can be purchased in all the local shops.
  3. Leather sandals - stylish and comfortable, handmade sandals in Sorrento come in a variety of colors and styles.

Local Culture and Customs of Sorrento

Sorrento is a Catholic town with deeply religious roots, and like much of Italy, many shops and restaurants close on Sundays. Locals are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are encouraged to enjoy and respect the town’s beautiful heritage.

Best Time to Visit Sorrento

The best time to visit Sorrento is from April to June and from September to October when temperatures are mild, and the crowds are thinner compared to the summer months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sorrento

Do:

  1. Respect the local customs and dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites.
  2. Learn a few Italian phrases to communicate with locals.
  3. Try different local cuisines and wines.
  4. Visit the Sorrento coastline and appreciate its beauty.

Don’t:

  1. Wear swimwear outside of the beach or pool.
  2. Expect shops and restaurants to be open late.
  3. Touch or climb on historical sites or monuments.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sorrento

The crime rate in Sorrento is low, and the town is considered safe for tourists. However, like in any town with tourism, remain aware when in crowded areas and watch for pick-pockets.

Health in Sorrento

Tap water is generally safe to drink, and medical services in the town are excellent, with a hospital located nearby.

Getting to Sorrento: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sorrento

Naples International Airport is the closest airport to Sorrento, and it takes around one hour to travel. Public transportation is easily available from the airport terminal with buses, trains, and taxis available.

Bus Stations Near Sorrento

Sorrento has excellent bus connections to surrounding towns and cities- the Circumvesuviana service connects Sorrento to Naples, Pompeii, and Amalfi.

Other Options

Car rentals are also available and provide a great way to explore the surrounding countryside.

How to Get Around in Sorrento

The town is best explored on foot, while buses are available to travel to surrounding towns. Some hotels and tourist offices also offer bike rentals.

Where to Go Next from Sorrento: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Capri – a beautiful island with stunning sea caves and picturesque coves.
  2. Naples - Italy’s third-largest city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and some of Italy’s best pizza.
  3. Positano- A nearby town on the Amalfi coast, famous for its colorful houses and steep narrow streets.

Conclusion

Sorrento is a beautiful town ideal for anyone who loves history, nature, good food and wine, and stunning views. There is no shortage of things to do and see, and we hope this guide will help you plan your trip to this amazing town in Southern Italy.

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