A Guide to the Best Things to do in Sorrento

Last Updated on 2nd July 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Sunny Sorrento is an attractive village that acts somewhat as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast for visitors arriving in the Bay of Naples. Best-known for its own unique variety of lemons that are as large as melons, here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Sorrento, as well as what to know before you go!

In Ancient Greece, Sorrento was considered to be home to the sirens, sea creatures with the body of a bird and the head of a human and who lured sailors to their deaths with their beautiful songs.

The name Sorrento is actually derived from the Ancient Greek word for siren and still today lures people in, albeit for an entirely different reason: tourism.

If you’re on a budget but want to explore the Amalfi Coast, then Sorrento tends to be a little more affordable than towns further down the coastline. The city is particularly romantic and is definitely a spot to consider if you’re planning a honeymoon in Italy.

Where is Sorrento?

Though people often group the city of Sorrento as being part of the Amalfi Coast, this is not actually the case! Instead, Sorrento is around a forty minute drive away from the town of Positano, which is the first major settlement on the western edge of the Amalfi Coast.

Sorrento is actually on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. The town is easily accessible just an hour’s train ride away from Naples as it is the south-eastern terminus of the Circumvesuviana rail line. Please note that Sorrento is one of the best places to base yourself if you are looking to go on a day trip to Capri.

What is Sorrento known for?

Sorrento is more famous for its citrus fruits, and in particular, Sorrento lemons. There’s a variety of the fruit that can grow as big as a melon and all around the town you’ll find all sorts of citrus-themed food and drinks to buy (including a Limoncello Spritz). Those who want a souvenir should consider purchasing lemon themed clothing or lemon themed ceramics.

How long do you need in Sorrento?

If you want to wander around the sun soaked streets, dine in one of the many restaurants in town, and relax on the beach for a little bit then you’ll want to set aside a full day to explore Sorrento.

If you’re pressed for time, then you can skip out on the beach part and see the town over the course of half a day. For more inspiration, check out our suggested Amalfi Coast itinerary.

Best things to do in Sorrento

Old Town

As with many towns in Italy, one of the most charming things to do in Sorrento is to stroll around the old town. Known as the Centro Storico in Italian, this area of the city is characterised by its narrow lanes, cobbled streets, and pedestrianised nature.

As with other old cities in Italy, it’s forbidden to drive through this area unless you have special access. If you do drive through the ‘ZTL’ with your rental scooter or care, then you’ll likely receive a fine in the post several months later.

As such, the only real way to explore this part of the city is on foot and so comfortable shoes are advisable as there are lots of steps. If you’re visiting in the summer, I would also bring a bottle of water along as it can get pretty hot in those little side streets!

Marina Grande

After the Centro Storico, the number two attraction in Sorrento is the pastel hued homes and fishing boats bobbing in the water that make up Marina Grande. This area is accessed from the town in two ways.

You can either head down a steep flight of steps and through the Greek Gate (the oldest surviving example of Greek architecture in Sorrento) or take an elevator from the old town. I would personally walk down the steps and take the elevator back into town if it’s a particularly hot and sunny day!

Piazza Tasso

A relaxed piazza on the fringes of the old town, Piazza Tasso is a busy thoroughfare filled with shops, café terraces, and a never-ending stream of traffic (both on foot and on wheels). Several particularly popular cafés in this square include Fauno and ‘O Canonico 1898.

One of the most striking features of this Italian public square is the Santuario del Carmine, a Catholic church which you can visit for free during its opening hours (check ahead of time as they vary throughout the year).

Visit the cloisters of San Francesco

One of the more off the beaten path spots and therefore hidden gems of Sorrento is a little set of cloisters which are oh-so charming and completely free to visit.

Known as Chiostro di San Francesco in Italian, these cloisters are part of a larger ecclesiastical complex that was founded in the 8th-century.

The cloisters are not very well signed so are little-known and, at one point, we were the only people visiting the ecclesiastical structure, despite it being a hot day in mid August when we visited!

Sorrento Cathedral

Another place of worship that you won’t want to miss if you enjoy Italian Renaissance art is the Sorrento Cathedral. A church was founded on site during the 11th-century, though this was largely rebuilt in the 15th-century and it is this architecture which can be seen today. Admission to the cathedral is free but donations are always welcome.

Valle dei Mulini

One of the more off the beaten path attractions in Sorrento is the Valle dei Mulini, which is an abandoned and disused mill which was once used to grind wheat. Today, you can peer down into the ravine and see the dilapidated building, which is covered in moss and is slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Relax in Villa Communale Park

Hands down, some of the best views of the city can be found from the edge of Villa Communale Park, which is just a stone’s throw away from the cloisters of San Francesco.

From here, you can see people bathing in the crystal clear waters below and further out to the sea beyond. This is also the location of one of the sea elevators of Sorrento.

Drink a limoncello spritz

As I mentioned earlier, Sorrento is particularly well-known for its lemons. And once you’re wandering around the city, it’s not hard to see why! Lemon-themed ceramics, clothing, and even foodstuffs are piled high on shelves, spilling out from shop fronts and onto the street.

And don’t get me started on all of the Limoncello bottles for sale! This sweet citrus based liqueur is typically between 19-39 percent proof and is an excellent souvenir to bring home from your trip.

Many cafés across town sell their own version of a spritz: the Limoncello Spritz. We personally enjoyed ours served with complimentary snacks at D’Anton design & bistrot. Though a little on the pricey side, the people watching and views over the Basilica Sant’Antonino were unparalleled.

Indulge in local Cuisine

Pizza, pasta, pastries, and melt in your mouth desserts. There are no two ways about it: Italy is known for its food. Sorrento is no exception and even has a few specialty dishes of its own. The most famous of these is gnocchi alla Sorrentina, which you should be sure to try at least once during your trip.

Soft gnocchi balls are drenched in tomato and mozzarella sauce and lightly seasoned with basil. Savour this dish paired with a local glass of white wine and you’ll feel like you’re in Italian foodie heaven. For a greater insight into cooking in this part of Italy, consider booking a cooking class like this one.

Correale di Terranova Museum

Sorrento boasts a smattering of museums and one of the most popular is the Correale di Terranova Museum. Set against the backdrop of a patrician villa and set amidst a lemon grove, the cultural hub boasts archaeological finds and local artwork among its exhibitions.

Go for a swim

 There is a small beach in Marina Grande but, truth be told, Marina Piccola is where most people go to relax on sun loungers, paddle in the crystal clear waters, and soak up the sun’s rays. There is no beach per se, and instead there are jetties which are built onto the water and on which you can rent transats.

Please note that there are quite a few steps to get down to the Marina from the old town level. Alternatively, you can take the elevator at a cost of around €1 or just under €2 for a return trip.

As you can imagine, almost everyone in the summer has the same idea and so you can be waiting for quite a while to access the elevator in peak season!

Enjoy the sunset

Thanks to the west-facing nature of Sorrento, the city is one of the best spots on the Amalfi Coast to catch the sunset, particularly in the summer months when the sun going down can create quite the light show.

The best spot to enjoy the sunset is from Villa Comunale di Sorrento, but be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot as it’s the most popular place in town come golden hour!

Take a day trip to Capri

If there’s one destination that is probably sought out more than any other on the Sorrentine coastline, it’s Capri. This magical island lies in the Bay of Naples and is characterised by its high chalky cliff faces, verdant greenery, pastel hued fishing villages, and sweeping vistas of the sea.

Though some people opt to spend a night or two inCapri, the main highlights of the island can easily be seen over the course of a day, meaning that one of the most convenient ways to experience Capri is as a day trip from Sorrento. Check here for booking your exclusive Sorrento to Capri day trip in advance.

Take a day trip to Pompeii

One of the best day trips you can take from Sorrento is to the ruined city of Pompeii. This former Roman city was buried in ash during the last eruption of Mount Vesuvius close to two millennia ago and now a visit to the town is like stepping straight back in time due to the fact that the city is so well preserved! For more information, check out our guide for a day trip from Sorrento to Pompeii.

Take a boat trip

While visiting Capri may not be in your itinerary, booking to go on a boat tour from Sorrento definitely should be! Check here for one of the best-reviewed boat trips from Sorrento.

Where to stay in Sorrento

Before booking your trip to Sorrento, you should bear in mind that it is certainly not the cheapest destination in Italy! Indeed, Campania is one of the most expensive places to visit in the boot-shaped country, and the closer to the Amalfi Coast you get, the more the prices rise.

The most expensive and busiest time to visit the southern Italian city is in August so be sure to book your accommodation well ahead of time should you choose to visit then.

Grand Hotel Riviera: Those in search of a glitzy and glamorous stay while in Sorrento should look no further than this chic five-star establishment. As well as breathtaking views, other amenities of this accommodation include a pool, hot tub, and air conditioning. Check prices and availability here.

Ulisse Deluxe Hostel Sorrento: One of the more affordable options when it comes to staying in Sorrento is still on the pricier side of things but is much cheaper when compared with other places to stay in the area. Check prices and availability here.

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