Are you traveling to Italy and looking for the best things to do in Sorrento ? The city is a renowned seaside resort located south of Naples. Its geographical position at the gateway to the Amalfi Coast makes it a great base for visiting the entire region, with the island of Capri just across the water, the ruins of Pompeii, and Mount Vesuvius to the north.
In this travel guide, I explain how to visit Sorrento and its surroundings, how to get around, where to find the most beautiful beaches for swimming, as well as the best places to stay in Sorrento.
Best things to do in Sorrento : the historic center
Sorrento’s old town is easy to explore on foot. If you would like to take a food tour with a French-speaking guide to discover the delights of local street food while strolling through the city, I recommend booking this walking tour with local guide.
Via Luigi de Maio viewpoint
This iconic Sorrento panorama is located at the entrance to the historic center. To enjoy it, head north of Piazza Tasso toward the sea (where all the flags are). From here, you get a view of the very winding Via Luigi de Maio. This street provides access to Sorrento’s ferry port at Marina Piccola. We visited Sorrento in April, with beautiful wisteria in bloom on the pergola.
Piazza Tasso
If you arrived by car, this is probably the first place you will visit in Sorrento. Piazza Tasso marks the entrance to the old town and the beginning of the limited traffic zone. All parking lots are therefore located just before this charming square (something to keep in mind if you arrive by car).
Piazza Tasso is Sorrento’s main square. It is surrounded by numerous cafés with terraces, ideal for having a drink or an aperitivo. In the center of the square stands the statue of Sant’Antonino Abate, Sorrento’s patron saint.
Basilica of Sant’Antonino
This basilica, whose construction dates back to the 11th century, is dedicated to the city’s protector Sant’Antonino. The Romanesque-style façade is quite simple, but the interior is worth visiting for its gilded ceilings and paintings. A marble staircase leads down to the 18th-century Baroque crypt, where the saint’s remains rest.
Church and Cloister of San Francesco
This charming church with a white marble façade (rebuilt in 1926) is located just opposite the Villa Comunale. The interior is fairly simple and the visit will be quick. The church of San Francesco is mainly known for its 14th-century cloister. It was built on the ruins of a 7th-century monastery. It features a classic square structure with a central garden and an Arabic-style portico. In addition to its religious function, it also hosted Sorrento’s administrative events.
Street art lovers will appreciate the mural painted by Tvboy on the wall directly opposite the church. It depicts three artists associated with Sorrento : Lucio Dalla, Sophia Loren, and Enrico Caruso.
Villa Comunale viewpoint
The terrace located at the Villa Comunale garden offers a magnificent panorama of the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and Sorrento’s cliffs. Just below lies Marina San Francesco and Sorrento’s ferry port, which can be reached by stairs or elevator (€1.20, cash only). In early April, the atmosphere is fairly quiet, with empty beaches and pontoons. In summer, however, it is completely filled with sun loungers and umbrellas.
Streets of the historic center
Sorrento’s historic center is made up of a main pedestrian street, the Corso Italia, and small alleyways. Here you’ll find bars, restaurants, cafés, and numerous shops. If you want to bring back souvenirs from Sorrento, you’ll be spoiled for choice. It’s the perfect place for an evening passeggiata.
Sorrento Cathedral
The Duomo, whose real name is Cattedrale dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo, is located on Corso Italia. This 11th-century cathedral underwent many transformations over the centuries, including a complete reconstruction in 1573 after the Turkish invasion. The current Baroque-style version dates from the 18th century; only the façade, rebuilt in 1924, features a Neo-Gothic style. The interior, composed of three naves in the shape of a Latin cross, is decorated with paintings depicting Sorrento’s martyrs. If you don’t have much time to visit Sorrento and are looking for a religious building to see, the cathedral is undoubtedly the finest example.
Marina Grande
This former fishing village located a 10-minute walk from the historic center (coordinates) offers a picturesque setting with its pastel-colored houses and fishing boats. It’s not quite the Cinque Terre, but the marina is worth a visit if you’re looking for things to do in Sorrento. You’ll also find some good fish and seafood restaurants here. Marina Grande is less crowded than the historic center. If you want to find a bit of peace and quiet, this is the place to come.
The beaches of Sorrento
The historic center has a few small beaches that are mainly private, with sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent. Expect to pay €20 per day for a sun lounger and €8 for an umbrella. If you want to enjoy the beach for free (which is quite rare in Italy), there is a section of public beach located here. The beaches are made up of a mix of black sand and small pebbles.
A little farther from the center but still easily accessible on foot, Marina Grande beach is larger and less crowded. Here too, most of it is private. The presence of many boats (it is a former fishing village) does not make swimming very pleasant.
If you’re really looking for a paradise spot for swimming in Sorrento, you should head to Bagni Regina Giovanna (coordinates). This is a wild beach with crystal-clear water next to the ruins of a Roman villa. On foot, it’s quite far from Sorrento’s center (about 45 minutes), so I recommend taking the bus. Take bus no. 5070 and get off at the Caposorrento stop. By car, you can park in this private parking lot (payable only in summer at €10 per day). Then walk 10 minutes along a path leading to the beach. If you need a sandwich for lunch, there is a small grocery store next to the parking lot and bus stop (coordinates) that makes very good fresh sandwiches. Don’t hesitate to stop there (we tested it).
Cooking class
Why not take advantage of your visit to Sorrento to join a cooking class ? It’s an opportunity to learn the region’s authentic culinary specialties. A great way to surprise your guests when you return from vacation with delicious dishes from Campania. Here are a few classes I suggest.
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine
- Half-Day Pizza Making, Wine, Limoncello & Pick-Up
- Pizza Making Class
- Pizza Lesson, Wine, and Limoncello at a Local Farm
What to do around Sorrento and nearby ?
One of Sorrento’s advantages is that the city is very well located for exploring the surrounding area. In addition, using a car is not essential thanks to the train and boat connections. If you have limited time and no rental option, I recommend taking guided excursions, which help optimize travel and allow you to enjoy the jewels of the Bay of Naples with a guide.
Amalfi Coast (Positano and Amalfi)
There’s a good chance you came to visit Sorrento as part of a trip to the Amalfi Coast. If not, you absolutely must go ! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the coast features perched or colorful villages interspersed with beaches and gardens. The two best-known villages are Positano and Amalfi. The road along the coast is narrow and winding, and in summer there are frequent traffic jams. Rather than going by car or bus, I recommend taking a boat. It’s more expensive, but it offers spectacular panoramas from the sea.
I particularly recommend this excursion departing from Sorrento with a English-speaking guide. Pickup is from your hotel or the location of your choice, followed by transfer to the port to take the boat and discover the many gems of the Amalfi Coast from the sea. The boat stops in Amalfi and Positano, where you’ll enjoy 1.5 hours of free time. The excursion includes swimming breaks and snacks on board. It’s the best option to discover the Amalfi Coast in one day from Sorrento.
Capri
The Bay of Naples has three islands, the most famous of which is Capri (the other two are Procida and Ischia). Capri lies directly opposite the tip of Sorrento, making it easier to reach than from Naples. You should definitely include it in your itinerary if you’re looking for things to do in Sorrento. Ferries depart from Sorrento’s port to take you directly to the island, where you can then explore at your leisure. I recommend reading my article what to do in Capri.
Another option is to choose a tour. I particularly recommend this one departing from Sorrento. It covers the island’s main points of interest, including the famous Blue Grotto.
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
The Roman ruins of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius are two of the region’s most important tourist sites. They are must-sees for anyone looking for things to do in Sorrento. You can easily reach Pompeii from Sorrento by the Circumvesuviana train, but to get to Mount Vesuvius you then need to take a bus. Some excursions allow you to visit both in the same day, saving time and optimizing travel.
I particularly recommend this excursion departing from Sorrento, which includes a guided tour of Pompeii in English with skip-the-line entry and a 30-minute hike to reach the summit of Mount Vesuvius.
If you simply want to visit the ruins of Pompeii without going to Mount Vesuvius, I recommend this Pompeii tour with a English-speaking guide, which includes round-trip bus transfer from your hotel (4-hour duration).
Naples
The vibrant capital of Campania deserves several days of exploration. But if you have limited time during your stay in Sorrento, I recommend spending at least one day there. The train from Sorrento station reaches Naples in 1 hour. Once there, wander through the historic center to see its churches, don’t miss the Duomo, and then head up to the Vomero district to admire the view.
Renting a boat in Sorrento
This is an excellent way to visit Sorrento and explore the small coves along the coast. It’s a chance to discover secret beaches that are difficult to access from land. With a bit of luck, you might even spot dolphins at sea. For your boat rental, I recommend using Click&Boat. This leading online rental company for sailboats, catamarans, and motorboats offers the best prices and a wide selection of boats from private owners and professionals. You can choose a boat with or without a license and with or without a professional skipper—the options are numerous for spending one or more days at sea.
Where to stay in Sorrento ?
Accommodation prices vary greatly throughout the year because Sorrento is primarily a seaside destination. Prices peak in July and August, a period I advise against due to the crowds. The high season runs from Easter to the end of September. In any case, book several months in advance to stay in Sorrento. This will allow you to secure the best places and get better rates.
Here are some accommodations I recommend for staying in Sorrento :
- 137 € : Il Rivolo, this apartment located on the heights of the city has excellent guest reviews. It’s one of the cheapest places to stay in Sorrento. Allow about a 15-minute walk to reach the old town.
- 148 € : Agriturismo Primaluce, if you prefer countryside accommodation, this agriturismo should suit you. Located 3.5 km from the center, it offers rooms with a terrace (superb view) and breakfast included. Private parking included.
- 156 € : B&B DA CHIARA SEA SIGHT, this bed and breakfast offers rooms for 2 to 5 people, ideal for large families, with sea views and breakfast included. Free street parking. A 20-minute walk from the center.
- 157 € : Hotel Desiree, a 15-minute walk from the historic center. It offers breakfast included and free private parking, very convenient if you want to explore the region by car during a road trip.
- 181 € : Patriziella 4 Rooms, the deluxe rooms in this accommodation are perfect for those looking for a modern setting in the heart of the historic center, close to nightlife and the port for getting around.
- 192 € : Casa Astarita, to stay in the historic center (more expensive than other areas), the rooms in this B&B are very good. The breakfast, rated fabulous, is included in the price. Very well located and close to everything.
Travel tips for visiting Sorrento
How to get to Sorrento ?
From Naples Airport, there are direct buses to Sorrento with the company Curreri Viaggi (journey about 1 hour 15 minutes). The stop is located in the bus parking area a few minutes’ walk from the terminal. Departures run every two hours between 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and the fare is €13 one way. You’ll find all the information on the company’s website. If you want to take a taxi from Naples Airport to Sorrento, there is a fixed fare of €125.
From the center of Naples, you have two options to reach Sorrento :
Take the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centrale station (level -1) with the company EAV. Trains depart from Naples from 5:41 a.m. to 10:11 p.m. every 20 to 40 minutes. The ticket costs €4 and the journey takes about 1 hour. For exact schedules, check the company’s website.
Take the ferry from the Molo Beverello port. Several companies operate the crossing to Sorrento; expect to pay around €34 for a 45-minute journey. You can compare companies and prices on this site.
Where to park in Sorrento ?
We came to Sorrento by car from Naples Airport. We wanted the freedom to move easily along the Amalfi Coast to see all the villages. Since a vehicle is not necessary to visit Sorrento and its small historic center, you need to park it in one of the parking lots outside the limited traffic zone.
Sorrento has several parking lots ; I had noted two that were well located : Parcheggio Vallone dei Mulini Chiomenzano and Parcheggio Comunale Achille Lauro (the one we used). The rate is €2 per hour for the first three hours, then €3 per hour thereafter.
How much time to spend in Sorrento ?
Allow half a day to one full day for the best things to do in Sorrento. This will give you time to have a coffee on a terrace, go shopping, eat an ice cream, have lunch at a restaurant, and see all the must-see sites in the historic center. There aren’t many things to do in Sorrento from a heritage or museum perspective. However, if you plan to explore the surroundings, enjoy the beach, or experience the Italian dolce vita, you can easily spend a week on vacation in Sorrento.
You now know what to do in Sorrento and which must-see sites to visit. If you have any questions, feel free to use the blog comments.