Realise your dreams of an idyllic Italian holiday with citrus groves, villas and the sparkling Bay of Naples at the gateway to the stunning Amalfi Coast.v
Perched on soaring cliffs dotted with colourful buildings, Sorrento sets a scene you expect of postcards. According to Greek mythology it was home to the enchanting sirens luring sailors onto the rocks. These days, enchantment is a given in narrow streets lined with fairytale architecture and enticing restaurants. Watch the sun set over the Bay of Naples and you might never want to leave.
Visit Sorrento during the sunny, balmy summer months that host the Sorrento Summer Music Festival. The scent of blossoms from orange and lemon trees lingers in the air during spring. Winter temperatures are mild, with crowd-free streets to explore across Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast towns.
Things to do in Sorrento
Get happily lost in the jumble of medieval alleyways of Centro Storico. From the pedestrianised Corso Italia, intriguing, cobbled side streets lead to atmospheric pizzas and trattorias wedged between souvenir stores in the historic centre. Visit the Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea to see Sorrento’s traditional inlaid woodwork within an 18th-century palazzo.
Sorrento’s churches are photogenic gems, and the Cathedral of Saints Philip and James also contains 18th-century paintings. See the romantic cloister of the Church of San Francesco and stroll through the neighbouring gardens. In Santa Maria della Pietà alley, step back in time among historical palazzos.
Overlooked by magnificent buildings such as the 14th-century Palazzo Correale, Piazza Tasso is the beating heart of Sorrento. Meet here at any time of day for coffee or an aperitif with people-watching at restaurants and bars. Nearby is the natural mountain cleft of Vallone dei Mulino, viewed from Viale Enrico Caruso. This gorge formed from a volcanic eruption more than 35,000 years ago and features ruined 13th-century stone mills.
Outdoor activities in Sorrento
Enjoy panoramic views at Villa Comunale, Sorrento’s public park perched high on the cliffs. Buy an ice cream and stroll among the sculptures while spotting Mount Vesuvius across the bay. Then, take the lift down to the dazzling sea. Rather than beaches along the plunging cliffs, privately owned piers jut into the sea with beach clubs for sunbeds and snacks in Marina Piccola.
Take a dip among bobbing fishing boats at Marina Grande and laze on the wide strip of dark sand. Set sail on a range of boat trips to explore the Amalfi Coast and Capri, and snorkel in crystal clear grottoes. Pack your walking shoes for a hike to the natural swimming hole of Bagni della Regina Giovanni below the ruins of a Roman villa. In the hills of Sorrento, take tours of ancient olive groves and vineyards with scrumptious tastings on estates.
Dining and nightlife in Sorrento
Sip limoncello and eat seafood risotto from cliff-top restaurants as the sun sets. Sorrento is dotted with charming places to dine, from Piazza Tasso to the main shopping street of Via San Cesareo with lively bars between stores. Watch fishermen unload their catch each morning in Marina Grande, then dine at restaurants along the water’s edge.
The narrow streets of Centro Storico feature nightclubs and bars to keep the party going well into the night. Many hotels feature romantic terraces for drinking and dining, as well as concerts and folk shows during the summer months. Otherwise, join the locals for passeggiata, relaxing strolls with socialising and shopping at stores that open late.
Getting around Sorrento
Fly into Naples International Airport and rent a car or take the bus for a trip of about an hour to Sorrento. Trains are available from Napoli Centrale to Sorrento’s train station. Take ferries and boat tours to explore the Sorrento and Amalfi coasts, along with public buses or taxis. There’s no need for transport between hotels and attractions in Sorrento, as walking is the best way to explore.
