Sorrento Travel Guide: Top Things to See and Do
Are you planning things to do in Sorrento and don’t know where to start? Our guide will show you where to go and what to do.
The coastal town is the perfect base from which to tour Campania in southwest Italy and visit the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Pompeii.
It’s not all about visiting historical sites. See yourself sipping limoncello in a piazza or watching the setting sun over Mount Vesuvius. Enjoy a stroll along cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops, chapels, and cozy trattorias.
Its dramatic coastal setting and authentic local culture make Sorrento a top choice when planning things to do in Italy.
Sorrento’s must-see attractions
Many ask, “what to see in Sorrento?” The best way to know a city’s past is to visit its historical sites, and these spots showcase Sorrento’s rich heritage.
Piazza Tasso
Piazza Tasso is Sorrento’s buzzing main square, with the statue of its patron saint, Saint Antoninus at the center.
Visit the Baroque Carmelite Church del Carmine to admire its artistic treasures, including a beautiful painting of the Virgin Mary and angels. Then, head to the Museum Correale for more works of art and historical artifacts.
Take a break and have an espresso or gelato at a street cafe. It’s an ideal spot to chat and watch the locals go about their day.
The shopping street Via San Cesareo is where you get souvenirs for yourself and the folks back home.
Historic Center
From Piazza Tasso, head to Sorrento’s historic center for a trip back in time. Ancient monasteries like the sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine date as far back as the 3rd century.
Architecture buffs will instantly identify the Baroque influence in the 14th-century Chiesa di San Francesco.
After sightseeing, wander the cobblestone streets for food and local wares. You’ll find many artisan workshops, souvenir shops, and trattorias. Make sure you have space in your luggage for Sorrentine handmade gifts.
Villa Comunale & Cloister of San Francesco
No Sorrento itinerary is complete without stunning photos of the Bay of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius on the horizon. Head to Villa Comunale for breathtaking views of the blue sea and boats in the harbor. Go at sunset for pictures that’ll be the talk of the town.
Villa Comunale is around the corner from the Chiesa di San Francesco. The peaceful park is an excellent place to escape the summer heat. The shade from the olive trees provides a cool respite from hours of sightseeing.
Museo Correale di Terranova
After an espresso at a Piazza Tasso cafe, head to the Museo Correale di Terranova for fine art appreciation. The museum and art gallery’s 24 exhibition rooms host Neapolitan paintings, porcelain, and furniture.
Opera fans should mark their calendars as the gallery holds Opera e Lirica concerts from April until October.
Before you leave, take a walk in the gardens of this gorgeous villa and enjoy scenic sea views.
Bagni della Regina Giovanna
Looking for a swim but don’t like crowded beaches? Take a short hike to Bagni della Regina Giovanna, a natural cove favorite of swimmers and snorkelers.
Irresistible clear green waters beckon as you walk down a stony path. As you immerse in the lagoon, imagine when Queen Giovanna of Naples bathed here.
If you can’t get enough history and architecture, walk among the ancient Roman ruins at the lagoon’s edge.
Piazza Tasso, the historic center, Villa Comunale, Museo Correale, and Bagni della Regina Giovanna extend your Italian journey from the Colosseum to Sorrento’s shores.
Hidden gems & authentic spots
No vacation is complete without checking out the hidden gems in Sorrento. Add these places to your itinerary.
Marina Grande
While the name suggests grandeur, Marina Grande is a laidback fishing village where life slows down. Tucked along Sorrento’s coastline, it’s where wooden boats bob in the bay and local fishermen mend nets by hand.
Pop into a seafront trattoria for fresh seafood and enjoy spaghetti alle vongole while watching fishermen sing. Local festivals are a joy to celebrate with the villagers and visitors.
Valley of the Mills
Il Vallone dei Mulini is one of three valleys surrounding Sorrento and the only one visible. Running behind Piazza Tasso, you can only view its natural beauty from a lookout near the square.
The valley’s name comes from the wheat mills that once stood here. All that’s left now are the ruins of one building, covered with greenery. Peering through nature, you get a surreal reminder of Sorrento’s past.
Limoncello tasting tours
You can’t say you’ve been to Sorrento without tasting limoncello. The lemon liqueur, made in many southern Italy regions, is part of the local culture.
Go on a tasting tour at a family-run lemon farm and walk through groves and observe the age-old production process. The highlight of your visit is tasting the liqueur.
These family-friendly tours are relaxed. You’ll gain knowledge and leave with a few bottles of limoncello.
Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi
Looking for a break from crowds? Head to Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi, a peaceful hilltop village with incredible views of Naples and Salerno gulfs.
Enjoy a meal with a view at any of the restaurants on the hill. Better still, have a Michelin-star treat at Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890. It offers an innovative menu that reflects Sorrento’s old traditions and food culture.
After an idyllic experience, you’ll agree that Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi is one of the best places to visit in Sorrento.
Food & drink in Sorrento
What would a Sorrento vacation be without eating like a local? Here are some recommendations to kick-start your gourmet experience.
Seafood pasta & Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
Sorrento doesn’t disappoint when it comes to pasta, specifically seafood. Most traditional trattorias in the historic center or along Marina Grande proudly serve these dishes.
A must-try is spaghetti alle vongole, with its delicious blend of fresh clams, garlic, and olive oil. For more seafood delights, sink your teeth into scialatielli ai frutti di mare, with a generous portion of mussels, prawns, and squid.
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina offers a simple, hearty meal, perfect after a long sightseeing day. Your taste buds will thank you.
Lemon-based specialties
Did you know that lemons are in many drinks and desserts in Sorrento?
Top on the list of must-try treats is limoncello. Delizia al limone will delight anyone with a sweet tooth.
Reach for a lemon granita on a hot day, or bite into a zesty lemon risotto for an energy boost.
Marina Piccola restaurants
Marina Piccola is a haven for seafood fans, with restaurants offering fresh catches in a picturesque setting.
Ristorante Vela Bianca offers waterfront dining with a view. Savor traditional recipes prepared with fresh local ingredients.
Molo ‘52 Sorrento is another marina restaurant serving classic Italian food. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a meal with the sounds of the waves against the harbor.
Best local spots for aperitivo
An excellent way to immerse in Sorrentine culture is to enjoy aperitivo. Head to rooftop bars with sea views to grab a drink and snacks.
Vista Sky Bar at Hotel Mediterraneo or the Hotel Bellevue Syrene rooftop are popular choices for an evening cocktail.
Bar Fauno is where you can grab a spritz and dig into pasta and pizza as you wind down for the day.
Refer to our Sorrento food and wine guide, your companion to the city’s finest dining experiences.
Day trips from Sorrento
Day trips are key features of any Sorrento travel guide, as you can visit without traveling far and staying overnight.
Capri
An adventure awaits you 20–30 minutes away by ferry in Capri. The island is famous for its natural beauty, the Faraglioni rock formations, upscale shopping, and the Blue Grotto.
Take a boat ride to the grotto, known for its magical light show. Sunlight fills the sea cave openings with an enchanting blue glow.
Next, take the chairlift to Monte Solaro for stunning views of Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples. When you’re done, browse designer boutiques and relax in the Piazzetta.
Pompeii & Herculaneum
Ancient walls in Pompeii with volcano Vesuvius in the background
A visit to Pompeii or Herculaneum takes you back to 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius buried the two cities under ash and lava. The preserved ruins may evoke an intense emotional response, as you reflect on the sudden tragedy and the lives lost.
Prepare for a lot of walking and bring water and sunscreen. Choose to visit Herculaneum if you have less time to spare, as it’s smaller than Pompeii.
Naples & Amalfi
Colorful houses and boats in the port of Procida town, island of Procida, Gulf of Naples, Italy
Sorrento makes it easy to get to Naples, pizza’s birthplace. Grab a slice before strolling through the city’s vibrant streets and historical sites. The adventurer in you will find hiking to Mount Vesuvius to enjoy panoramic views a thrill.
Buses and ferries head to Amalfi daily, but the latter offers stunning views of the coast and villages as you approach.
Looking for a complete journey through the region?
******
Don’t miss this experience from the Colosseum to Sorrento’s shores.
******
Practical tips for visiting Sorrento
Here are some tips to complete your list of things to do in Sorrento. They’re essential to have a pleasant trip.
The best time to visit
Do you like relaxed vacations? If so, visit Sorrento in May and September. You enjoy cheaper hotel rates and avoid large crowds and long queues at attractions. The temperature is comfortable for sightseeing.
Summer may sound ideal, but only if you like the heat and crowded places. You also pay more for accommodation and meals.
Winter offers excellent deals, but most cafes and restaurants close for the season. The best time for your Sorrento itinerary is in spring and fall.
Transportation tips
Getting around Sorrento is easy. Touring the historic center won’t cost anything if you’re willing to browse the churches, cafes, and shops on foot.
Buses, trains, and ferries take you to the marinas, hilltop villages, or nearby towns. Taxis are convenient but expensive. You can also rent a scooter if you’re comfortable with local driving conditions.
The Circumvesuviana commuter train can be crowded and sometimes delayed, but it’s an affordable way to get to Naples, Herculaneum, and Pompeii.
Take a ferry to coastal towns, as you avoid traffic and enjoy the scenery.
Shopping for local products
The artisan shops and local crafts are excellent sources of Sorrentine memorabilia. Most stores carry hand-painted ceramics, bottles of limoncello, leather sandals, and inlaid woodwork.
If you plan to buy limoncello, get them from the family-run groves. Their products are superior to mass-produced versions.
Side alleys are usually where you find real treasures. Check the labels to ensure the souvenirs are local-made.
Cultural etiquette
Understanding and practicing local etiquette go a long way toward making your trip enjoyable. A smile and a “buongiorno” go a long way with the warm and friendly Italians.
Although you’re on vacation, don’t wear sleeveless tops and shorts when visiting churches.
While tipping isn’t required, leaving a few Euros or rounding up the bill for good service is customary.
Discover Sorrento with Exoticca
With so many things to do in Sorrento, you’ll leave the city with many memories. One visit may not be enough to take in the sights and enjoy its hospitality.
Imagine enjoying fresh seafood on a harbor, watching the fishermen and the boats bringing more to shore. If you’re not a fan of lemons, you will be after indulging in the zesty desserts and refreshing iced drinks.
How many people can brag about swimming in the same pool as a legendary queen? These and other stories will have your family and friends turn green with envy.
Contact us for flexible Italy vacation packages. We take care of all arrangements, making your trip hassle-free.
