The Ultimate Sorrento Guide: Best Things to Do & One Day Itinerary

Last Updated on 31st July 2026 by Sophie Nadeau

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Sorrento is a sun-soaked coastal town in southern Italy, renowned for its melon-sized lemons. Aptly nicknamed the ‘lemon capital of Italy’ , Sorrento is characterised by its narrow cobbled streets, bustling squares, breezy waterfront and friendly spirit of the locals.

Best visited over the course of a day or two, sunny Sorrento 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!

Introducing sunny Sorrento…

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?

Sorrento is easily accessible just an hour’s train ride away from Naples via the Circumvesuviana rail line and it’s also the best place to base yourself if visiting the island of Capri!

Sorrento is a coastal town that clings to the cliffs of the Sorrentine Peninsula in southern Italy, facing the Bay of Naples. Often mistaken as part of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is instead the first major settlement on the western edge of the famed coastline. It is a forty-minute drive from the renowned town, Positano.

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 perhaps most famously known for its citrus fruits, in particular,  Sorrento lemons, a variety of citrus that can grow as big as a melon. Described as “a charming Italian lemon town” Sorrento was traditionally made up of lemon groves, many of which can still be visited on the cliffside today.

The sweet scent of citrus lingers in the air and you’ll likely find you can spy the bright yellow fruits growing in all corners of the town. As well as this, shops in the centre sell all sorts of citrus-themed ceramics, clothing and food and drinks to buy (including the sweet Italian liqueur, Limoncello).

How long do you need in Sorrento?

One day is the perfect amount of time to wander around the sun-soaked streets, dine in one of the many restaurants in town and relax on the beach, giving you a taste of this pocket of Italy. That being said, to truly experience Sorrento life and soak up the scents, scenes and sunshine here, you’ll want to spend and least three days (or more!)

Sorrento is one of those destinations people so often rush through in favour of reaching the more popular spots like the Amalfi Coast or Capri. However, if you can, there are so many reasons why you should stay in Sorrento for longer than one day.

Suggestions for spending one day in Sorrento

For this itinerary, we’ve put together a collected variety of sights that will give you an introduction to Sorrento, delving into the town’s bustling squares, serene sacred spaces, traditional heritage and delicious cuisine.

8:30 AM — Start with an Italian breakfast

• Enjoy an espresso and a freshly baked pastry at a local café. Try a cornetto (Italian croissant), ideally filled with cream, jam, or chocolate.

9:30 AM — Discover the Valle dei Mulini

• Begin your day at the atmospheric Valley of the Mills, an abandoned medieval mill hidden in a dramatic volcanic ravine.
• A unique off-the-beaten-path spot where nature has slowly reclaimed the ruins.

10:15 AM — Wander Sorrento’s historic centre

• Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets and lively squares.
• Visit highlights including:
  • Sorrento Cathedral — admire its Renaissance architecture and peaceful interior.
  • Chiostro di San Francesco — a tranquil medieval cloister and one of the town’s hidden gems.

12:00 PM — Shop for Sorrento souvenirs

• Browse the artisan shops along Via San Cesareo and the old town lanes.
• Look out for:
  • 🍋 Limoncello and lemon products
  • 🎨 Hand-painted ceramics
  • 🪵 Intarsio Sorrentino (traditional inlaid wood)
  • 👗 Positano-style linen clothing
  • 👜 Italian leather goods

1:00 PM — Lunch by the sea at Marina Grande

• Head down to Sorrento’s traditional fishing harbour.
• Admire the colourful waterfront, fishing boats, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the restaurants overlooking the bay.

2:30 PM — Relax at Marina Piccola

• Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying the crystal-clear waters.
• Rent a sun lounger on the waterfront jetties or simply relax with views across the Bay of Naples.

4:30 PM — Enjoy a limoncello spritz in Piazza Tasso

• Return to Sorrento’s lively main square.
• Sip a refreshing limoncello spritz while people-watching at one of the cafés.

6:00 PM — Watch the sunset from Villa Comunale

• Head to this clifftop garden for one of Sorrento’s best sunset viewpoints.
• Arrive early in summer to secure a spot overlooking the Bay of Naples.

7:30 PM — Dinner: Taste Sorrento’s specialities

• Finish your day with classic local dishes, especially:
  • Gnocchi alla Sorrentina — potato gnocchi baked with tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
  • Fresh seafood paired with local wine.
• Recommended restaurants:
  • TavernAllegra
  • Il Buco
  • L’Antica Trattoria
  • Terrazza Vittoria
  • Trattoria dei Mori

9:00 PM — Evening stroll through Sorrento

• End your day wandering the illuminated streets, stopping for gelato or one last taste of Sorrento’s famous lemon treats.

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

Marina Grande is the main waterfront and fishing port of the town, where the pastel-hued homes shrine bright from the contrast of the sea and fishing boats bob in the water.

One of the most characteristic fishing ports of the coastline, here you can enjoy spectating the timeless tradition of fishing as the fishermen come in from their day’s catch or eat at one of the local restaurants that line the waterfront and gorge on delicious fresh seafood.

Although Sorrento isn’t known for its beaches, at Marina Grande there is a small patch of dark volcanic sand where, if the weather is warm, you can expect to see locals out by the masses.

To reach the port you either have to 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.

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.

Shop for souvenirs

So that Sorrento doesn’t feel like a “pinch me I’m dreaming moment” once home, shop for local souvenirs. Likely, you won’t find anywhere in the world that sells as many lemon-themed treasures. Some of the best souvenirs to look out for are:

• Ceramics – Sorrento and the wider area is famed for its ceramics, with a history deep-rooted in the ancient craft. One of the best souvenirs you can take home from your trip, the handmade, vibrant ceramics are sure to light up any room you keep them in.
• La Moda Positano –  A style discovered in the 1950s in the nearby town of Positano. Styled by loose-fitting lightweight clothing like linen or silk, which is perfect for the weather and just as colourful as the sunny surroundings of the Mediterranean.
• “Intarsio Sorrentino” (inlaid wood) – From furniture to smaller woodworks like jewellery boxes, this intricate style of working with wood has been popular in Sorrento for decades. If you’re lucky you might pass by someone carving wood on one of the cobbled streets outside of the shop.
• Limoncello – This sweet citrus-based liqueur is typically between 19-39% proof and can be found at almost every shop in the town! Some will even offer tasters to try.
• Leather goods – Italy is renowned for its premium leather and in Sorrento you can find some beautiful handbags, as well as wallets, belts, sandals and plenty more.

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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