Things to do in Sorrento

A few kilometres from Naples lies the charming town of Sorrento. It is difficult to remain indifferent in front of its perfectly preserved historic centre, citrus groves and cliffs overlooking the sea.

Despite its small size, there is much to see and do in Sorrento. It has been a popular holiday resort since ancient Rome and is a perfect destination in any season.

Like so many churches, Sorrento Cathedral also had a rather turbulent life. It was originally located elsewhere and was rebuilt in its present position in the 15th century.

A few years later, the Duomo was damaged during a Turkish invasion. Finally, a cyclone ruined its façade in 1904.

Fortunately, the Sorrentines always set about rebuilding the church. They did not limit themselves to restoring the structure, but also commissioned work to beautify it.

Thanks to their devotion, today we can admire the ceiling painted with floral motifs and the palette of Silvestro Buono depicting the Madonna together with St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist.

• Address: Via Santa Maria della Pietà 44, a stone's throw from the central Corso Italia.
• Price: free. If you prefer to visit with a guide, you can book one of the best tours of Sorrento.

A whirlwind holiday or a three-day trip to Sorrento necessarily starts from here. It is the heart of the city and is surrounded by monuments such as the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine and the Museo Correale, an art gallery commissioned by the brothers Alfredo and Pompeo Correale.

To start the day with energy, I recommend breakfast at Bar Fauno. It is a traditional pastry shop and if you want a tip, I recommend ordering a sfogliatella riccia, a delicious puff pastry with a sweet ricotta filling.

• Address: Piazza Tasso
• Price: free

In the Middle Ages, the most important Italian municipalities were administered by a "sedile", i.e. a congress of nobles. The wealthiest men of Sorrento held their meetings in a building called Sedile Dominova, a name that comes from the Latin expression "domus nova" (new house).

The Sedile Dominova is the only surviving building in the region. Its walls and ceiling are adorned with the coat of arms of the city and the heraldic symbols of the nobles who financed its construction.

If you fancy a sweet treat on the way out, I recommend you try the gourmet chocolate shop Nino and Friends (Via San Cesareo).

• Address: Via San Cesareo 70, a stone's throw from the cathedral.
• Price: free

The cloister dedicated to San Francesco d'Assisi is a perfect fusion of different architectural styles. It is dominated by 14th century architecture although there is no lack of elements from later periods. It is a quiet place, a small oasis of peace in which to rest after an excursion or a visit to a busy place.

During the summer, the Chiostro di San Francesco becomes the stage for the Estate Musicale Sorrentina, a series of live concerts that enliven Sorrento's evenings.

On leaving, you can extend your moment of relaxation at Marameo Beach, a very scenic beach club. Parasols and deckchairs occupy a spit of land just a few metres from the coast. If you're looking for things to do with kids in Sorrento, they'll love this one.

• Address: Piazza Francesco Saverio Gargiulo
• Price: free

The most evocative attraction is hidden a few metres from Piazza Tasso. It is a small valley that takes its name from a 17th century mill that used the waters of a stream to grind grain. Closer to the town was the best preserved building: an old sawmill.

Towards the middle of the 19th century, the site was gradually abandoned and nature gradually took possession of the place. It is a steep, very humid area with abundant vegetation. Trees and plants have enveloped the old mill, creating a fairytale postcard.

• Address: you can take a panoramic photo from the railing of Via Fuorimura.
• Price: free

Locals and tourists are in no doubt: the best views of the city are to be enjoyed from the Villa Comunale of Sorrento. The residence dates back to the 19th century and is surrounded by a large park with orange trees, holm oaks, pine trees and camellia plants.

It can be visited every day of the week from 8:00 to 23:00. Personally, I recommend going up at sunset to watch the sunset.

The flagship of the Villa Comunale is the terrace overlooking the sea, from here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius.

The two towns are not far apart and the regional capital is easy to reach by train on the Circumvesuviana line. If you are interested, I advise you to read the post that explains what to see and do in Naples.

• Address: Via San Francesco, reached by climbing a flight of steps. Alternatively, you can take a lift from the Sorrento Lift company. Connects the Villa Comunale with the port
• Price: access is free of charge. If you decide to take the lift, a single ticket costs around €1.

The Amalfi Coast is famous for its lemons. The plantations on the steep slopes facing the sea are the most typical postcard and it would be a shame to return home without having seen a grove up close.

In Sorrento there is a charming farm where you can sip a glass of limoncello in the shade of a pergola. Its name is I giardini di Cataldo and it is located at Via Correale 27, about a 10-minute walk from the port. The Esposito family has been tending this land since 1800.

The lemons are the protagonists of this urban orchard, the sight of them suspended in the air, with their branches resting on the metal structure is very evocative.

You can take the opportunity to buy a souvenir. You can choose a babà al limoncello (the typical sweet of Naples with a different filling) or a lemon marmalade.

• Address: Via Correale 27
• Price: free, minus what you can spend on the spot.

Sorrento has been a tourist destination for many years and one of the most illustrious guests was the Queen of Naples, Joan II of Anjou. During her stay in the city, the aristocrat used to take baths in a splendid natural swimming pool near Punta Campanella.

There are no tourist facilities or restaurants in the Bagni della Regina Giovanna. It is a completely natural environment that requires a walk of about thirty minutes through the Mediterranean patch.

To enjoy the experience, two things should be kept in mind: take snorkelling shoes (there are rocks) and beware of the currents.

• Address: Punta Campanella
• Price: free

The star dish in town is gnocchi alla sorrentina, potato pasta with tomato, creamy mozzarella and fresh basil. It is a dish known all over the world and its origins date back to the early 17th century.

According to legend, potatoes first appeared in Sorrento in 1600. A cook who ran a tavern in Piazza Tasso began experimenting with them and discovered that by boiling them he could obtain a dough by adding water and a pinch of flour.

He then made a dish with another ingredient from the Americas, tomatoes, and local mozzarella.

It was an immediate success and a few centuries later it is still a hit not only in Sorrento, but all over the world. To taste the gnocchi alla sorrentina I recommend you book a table at the Cantinaccia del Popolo (Vico Terzo Rota 6) or at the restaurant Zi'Ntonio Mare (Via Marina Grande 180).

• Address: both restaurants are located in the old part of town
• Price: both establishments are suitable for all wallets.

Sorrento is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and just a few kilometres from Capri, Ischia and Procida. There is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing a mini cruise, especially if you visit this area in spring or summer. For more information, read our post on the best boat trips in Sorrento.

• Address: In Sorrento, boat trips usually start in the nearby port of Massa Lubrense. Don't worry, most excursions include a transfer from your hotel.
• Price: from € 60 per person

Yes, the Transvesuviana railway line regularly connects the two towns. Travel time varies slightly: 1 hour and 10 minutes if the train stops at all stations or 50 minutes (trains marked with the abbreviation DD do not stop at all stations).

The ticket costs around €4. For more information, read the post on how to get to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast from Naples.

Yes, although I recommend staying at least one night. Leaving the city when night envelops it is a bit sad. In fact, Sorrento is a good alternative if you want to visit the area.

Sorrento is also a good basefrom which to climb Vesuvius or explore Naples, the capital of the region.

Another beautiful town just a few kilometres from Sorrento is Vico Equense, the first town on the Sorrento peninsula. It is known above all for the Terme di lo Scrajo, a complex born at the end of the 19th century that exploits the sulphurous water springs.

If you decide to visit, I recommend you try a local delicacy: provolone del Monaco, a sweet and spicy cheese made from the milk of local cows. You can taste it at the De Gennaro cheese dairy on the heights of Vico Equense (Via Raffaele Bosco 956).

If I had to choose just one bar, it would be Vista Sky Bar, the panoramic lounge of the Hotel Mediterraneo (Corso Marion Crawford 85). Here you can end the day with a glass of Champagne in your hands.

You can enjoy the views from May to October and opening days are subject to weather conditions. Here are some other recommended options:

• Bar del Carmine, a good selection of dishes in the heart of Sorrento(Piazza Tasso 38).
• Prosit, ideal if you want to taste local hams and cured meats. Order a wine to accompany these delicacies (Corso Italia 8).
• Syrenuse, a bar and restaurant open for most of the day, from breakfast to dinner. From here you can enjoy a view over the city's harbour (Via Sant'Antonino 14).

In the warmer season, Sorrento has a lot to offer. One recommended activity is paddle surfing or SUP. It is an outdoor activity that consists of a way of moving over the water by paddling standing up on a board. It was born on the famous Waikiki beach, Hawaii, and has spread to every corner of the planet.

On the doorstep of the Amalfi Coast, you have several options for this discipline. My recommendation is Sorrento SUP, which organises 2-hour routes to the famous Bagni della Regina Giovanna. It also has some very suggestive sunset trips (Via Marina Grande 90).

If you prefer a more traditional means of transport, I recommend renting a pedal boat or a canoe. In this case, you can go to the Cooperativa Azzurro Sorrento which is located in the marina (Via Marina Grande 192).

At the beginning of December, lights and garlands adorn the streets of the old town and the big tree in Piazza Tasso captivates the eyes of locals and tourists alike. Some 500 metres further on, Piazza Veniero hosts Christmas markets while the nearby Villa Fiorentino comes alive with themed nights.

You can also take advantage of your stay in Sorrento to visit Naples at Christmas. The city of Vesuvius is known for the handicraft shops of San Gregorio Armeno. This street concentrates the workshops that make crib figures, lucky horns and statuettes that reproduce the characters of the Neapolitan tradition.

All you need to do to visit the city is to walk. Some areas are pedestrianised and are therefore the easiest way to get around. The old town is characterised by narrow streets; you will appreciate it especially during the summer thanks to the shadows cast by the historical buildings.

If you want to explore the surrounding area, however, I recommend two options: hire a tour - for example, an excursion to Pompeii from Sorrento - or book an excursion along the Amalfi Coast with a visit to Positano. Another great option is to do one of the excursions to Capri from Sorrento.

Of course, if you prefer to go on your own, you can rent a scooter and tour the Amalfi Coast on your own.