How To Spend One Perfect Day Savouring Sorrento

Last Updated on 22nd August 2024 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. Here’s your guide on how to spend one perfect day savouring Sorrento!

In Ancient Greece, Sorrento was considered to be home to the sirens, mythical sea creatures who lured sailors to their deaths with their beautiful songs.The name Sorrento is derived from the Ancient Greek word for siren and still today lures people in, albeit for an entirely different reason: tourism.

Where is Sorrento?

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 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!

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.

Suggested 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.

Breakfast the Italian way!

Espresso is the most consumed beverage in Italy and is also an essential part of Italian culture. When asking for “un caffè, per favore”, you’ll be greeted with a shot of espresso. Alongside your espresso, you can enjoy a freshly baked pastry, like a local!

Pastries are one of the main staples of an Italian breakfast and you can find them in all shapes and sizes. Many cafés have small versions of each kind of pastry, meaning that you can often mix and match two or three different ones to make up a good portion for breakfast. The pastries are typically plain or filled with cream, jam, or chocolate.

Visit Valle dei Mulini

A little more off the beaten path is the Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills), which is located in a deep mountain cleft that dates back millions of years from a volcanic eruption.

Peering down the ravine you can see the abandoned weed-covered mill which was once used to grind wheat. As time goes on, the dilapidated building is slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Stroll around the old town

As with most places around the globe, one of the best ways to experience the charm of the town is to simply stroll around. By wandering along the narrow cobbled lanes Sorrento’s layers will reveal themselves through the architecture, serene religious sights, bustling squares and locals going about their business – everyday life pulses through its streets.

It’s worth noting, 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 car, then you’ll likely receive a fine in the post several months later.

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.

Admire boats and traditions at 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.

Cloisters of San Francesco

The Chiostro di San Francesco are cloisters found in the open-air romantic gardens which are part of a larger ecclesiastical complex that was founded in the 8th century. This hidden gem is free to visit and not too well known about, so you’ll likely have the pocket of peace all to yourself!

Sorrento Cathedral

The main place of worship in the town stands in the form of a piece of Italian Renaissance art, 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.

Swim at Marina Piccola

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, instead, there are jetties which are built onto the water and deck chairs which you have to pay a small fee to rent.

There are quite a few steps to get down to the Marina, however, there is also an elevator which you can take down to reach the waterfront (though this can get super busy during peak season).

Have an aperitivo on Piazza Tasso

Piazza Tasso is a central gathering space and cafe-lined square, considered the beating heart of Sorrento, it’s one of the best places to sit back and relax while you people-watch and soak up the day-to-day life of the town.

Similar to that of an Aperol spritz, but with limoncello instead, one of the most refreshing beverages you can enjoy is a limoncello spritz!

Indulge in Italian cuisine for dinner

There are no two ways about it: Italy is known for its food and Sorrento is no exception. It even has some delicious dishes which are native to the town.

The most famous of these is gnocchi alla Sorrentina. 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.

Watch the sunset

Is there anything more magical than ending the day by watching the sun melt into the horizon? Of course, it means another day in Sorrento is over, so you may as well counteract those sad feelings with a bit of beauty.

Sorrento is west-facing, meaning it is one of the best spots along the coastline of southern Italy to catch a sunset, particularly in the summer months. 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!

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