Sorrento is one of the most beautiful places on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. This coastal town overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is known for its panoramic views. Here are our top picks for the best things to do in Sorrento.
Top Things to See in Sorrento Italy
As Sorrento is quite a compact town at 3.8 square miles, it’s easy to fit in a visit to most of the main sights below. However, the best way to see Sorrento’s attractions and to tour nearby Amalfi Coast towns such as Ravello and Positano is to allow at least a week.
This region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great place to soak up Italian culture.
1. Basilica Sant’Antonino
Dating from the Middle Ages, Basilica Sant’Antonio is the oldest church in Sorrento. The basilica is named after the patron saint of Sorrento.
The basilica exterior is quite austere, however inside the basilica you’ll notice an ornate gilded ceiling and paintings by Giovanni Bernardo Lama. Also of interest are the silver medallions in the crypt. These were votive offerings by sailors who had escaped shipwrecks.
As this is a place of worship, it’s advisable to dress conservatively by covering your shoulders.
Address: 80067 Sorrento, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
2. Cannelloni at O’Parruchiano La Favorita
This beautiful Sorrento restaurant is the place where cannelloni was invented! The famous pasta dish was originally named strascinati.
O’Parruchiano is a very large restaurant, enabling lots of space between each table. You can dine in the Historical Rooms, with their stone walls, the Veranda Halls, the Sala degli Archi with its arched ceiling or the Lemon Garden.
The restaurant can also be hired out and is a popular Amalfi Coast wedding venue. Part of the Grand Hotel La Favorita group, it’s one of the best places to eat in Sorrento.
Address: Corso Italia, 71, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
3. Cathedral of Saints Philip and James
Also known as Sorrento Cathedral or the Duomo di Sorrento, this Roman Catholic place of worship was built in the 11th century. It was rebuilt again in the 15th century in the Baroque style.
Located just off Corso Italia, the cathedral has an impressive 16th century marble altar and Sorrento wood inlay choir.
Address: Via Santa Maria della Pietà , 46, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
4. Cloister of San Francesco
One of the most enchanting Sorrento attractions, Chiostro di San Francesco is a good place to escape the Summer heat. The Cloister of San Francesco was built in the 14th century on the site of a 7th century monastery.
In the Summer months, musical events are held in the courtyard. Civil weddings can also be arranged here. Next to the cloisters you’ll find the Church of San Francesco, which dates from the 16th century.
Address: Via S. Francesco, 12, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
5. Corso Italia
This pedestrianized road is the main street in Sorrento. There are many boutiques lining this busy Sorrento road, as well as ice cream parlours such as Momi Gelateria.
If you’re hoping to do some shopping in Sorrento, bear in mind that most of the souvenir shops in the old town close at lunchtime. The usual opening hours are from 9.30 or 10 am to 1 pm and then from 4 pm to 9 pm or 10 pm.
You can stroll all the way down Corso Italia to Piazza Tasso, or explore some of the cobbled little alleyways off the street. The best known is Via San Cesareo.
Address: Corso Italia, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
6. Take a Day Trip to Capri or Ischia
You can easily take a boat tour from Sorrento to the isle of Capri or Ischia. The ferry from Sorrento to Ischia leaves from Marina Piccola at Sorrento Port.
There are regular ferries, jet boats and hydrofoils to the island of Capri, as well as Ischia and Naples. In Summertime, you can also take ferries from Sorrento to Amalfi, Positano and Salerno. Another good option is to take a small-group or private Capri boat tour with a guide.
Address: Via Marina Piccola, 43, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
7. Gallery Raffaele Celentano
Tucked away above San Francesco Cloister, you’ll find Gallery Celentano. Specializing in Italian photography, this gallery showcases the work of Raffaele Celentano and others from the the Sorrento International Photo School.
Raffaele splits his time between Sorrento and Germany. His gallery has a charming roof terrace, with a swing overlooking the Bay of Naples and a cut out car that you can sit in for photos. It’s a nice place to see the sunset in Sorrento.
Address: Via S. Francesco, 12, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
8. I Giardini di Cataldo
The best place to buy limoncello in Sorrento, I Giardini di Cataldo is a family owned business using artisanal techniques. They have their own lemon grove in the heart of Sorrento.
I Giardini di Cataldo produce many delicious lemon flavored goods including liqueurs, jams, marmalades and lemon gelato. Sorrento lemons are renowned for their exquisite taste. Known as Ovale, they have an elliptical shape.
At I Giardini di Cataoldo you can see the production process on a guided factory tour. Afterwards, treat yourself to a lemon ice cream on their shady terrace.
Address: Via Correale, 27, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
9. Leonelli’s Beach
Taking its name from the Leonelli family who have run this bathing establishment for three generations, Leonelli’s Beach is located on Via Marina Piccola. Next to the Port of Sorrento, the color of the water is an incredible turquoise blue.
You’ll also find a water gym course, children’s swimming pool and water-polo field. It’s possible to rent canoes and pedalos too.
For refreshments, there’s a beachside restaurant, and also Snack Bar Piaggia.
Address: Spiaggia San Francesco, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
10. Marina Grande
Despite its name meaning large sea port, Marina Grande is actually a small but charming Sorrento harbour. Used by local fishermen for over 2,000 years, Marina Grande also has several good seafood restaurants.
To get to the port of Marina Grande, you can either take the Sorrento Lift down from Villa Communale on Via S. Francesco or walk down via the arched Greek Gate. It costs €1 per person one-way to use the elevator, or €1.90 return.
We suggest walking down and taking the Sorrento Elevator back up. Be prepared to queue at peak times.
Marina Grande is very atmospheric in late afternoon when the fishermen bring their boats in. It’s also a popular bathing spot when the boats are out, although there’s no sand or beach to speak of.
11. Museo Correale
This imposing building is the Summer residence of the Correale family. The Correale Museum was founded by brothers Alfredo and Pompeo Correale, Counts of Terranova.
The museum opened in 1924 in an 18th century residence. Spread over four floors, it showcases a collection of Italian and European porcelain, archaeological finds and antique furniture.
Head to the Belvedere terrace on the top floor for some of the best views of the Gulf of Naples in the area. There’s also a pleasant garden in the museum grounds.
Address: Via Correale, 50, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
12. Piazza Tasso
The main square in Sorrento, Piazza Tasso is a busy traffic thoroughfare during the daytime. At night, vehicular access is limited and this is a popular destination for a passeggiata or evening stroll.
Piazza Tasso was built in 1866. Named after the Italian poet Torquato Tasso, this spacious piazza is lined with brightly colored buildings and pavement cafes.
In the middle of the square, you’ll notice a statue of St. Antonino Abbate. Also on the piazza is the Baroque Church of Santa Maria del Carmine.
A white mini tourist train departs from Piazza Tasso, close to the Grand Excelsior Hotel. It takes you on a 30 minute trip around town and down to Marina Piccola.
13. Villa Fiorentino Park
This elegant neo-classical villa can be found just off Corso Italia. The former residence of Mr and Mrs Fiorentino, the three storey building was bequeathed to the town of Sorrento after their passing.
The villa is now managed by the Fondazione Sorrento as a center for the arts, with some interesting temporary exhibitions. In the basement there’s the fascinating Enrico Salerno collection of music boxes, while there’s a children’s playground to the rear of the property.
Address: Corso Italia, 53, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
14. Valley of the Mills
This abandoned valley near Sorrento Cathedral is known as the Vallone dei Mulini in Italian. Located close to Piazza Tasso, this crevasse houses a 19th century industrial mill.
It looks very atmospheric on photos and you can take a good one from Viale Enrico Caruso, above the valley. Sorrento municipality have voted to repair the buildings, however for now you cannot visit the site itself.
15. Villa Comunale
This clifftop square is the largest public garden in Sorrento. The views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples are stunning.
There are park benches and a cafe on the corner. You can take the lift down to Marina Piccola from Villa Comunale for €1, or €1.90 for the return fare.
To get to Villa Comunale from Piazza Tasso, take Via Luigi de Maio, then cross Piazza Sant’Antonino and walk down Via San Francesco. The entrance to Villa Communale is next to the Church of San Francesco.
Address: Via S. Francesco, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
16. Bagni Regina Giovanna
Bagni Regina Giovanna is a beautiful and historic beach cove located in Sorrento, Italy. It is situated along the cliffside overlooking the Bay of Naples, and easily accessible by walking from town or taking a short taxi ride.
The site dates back to Roman times and the ruins of a Roman villa can still be seen on site. It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes to walk down to the water’s edge.
Best Time to Visit Sorrento
The best time to visit largely depends on your preferences and what you’re looking to get out of your trip to Sorrento. In general, the months of April-June and September-October have pleasant weather and fewer crowds than summer, making them excellent shoulder seasons to visit.
However, Summer is very popular for those wanting to spend time at the beaches.
Where to Eat in Sorrento
Here are 3 restaurants in Sorrento that we have personally tried and would recommend:
- Acque e Sale – for some of the best pizzas in Sorrento, by the port.
- Bagni Il Delfino – fresh seafood dishes at Marina Piccola.
- Tiffany Restaurant – fine dining inside Grand Hotel La Favorita.
How to Get to Sorrento
The Sorrentine Peninsula is easily accessible from Naples or abroad. From Naples International Airport it’s a 50 minute transfer by car.
There’s also a train station in Sorrento, and you can take the Campania Express from Naples to Sorrento. This scenic Amalfi Coast train journey takes around 45 minutes.
Another way to get to Sorrento from Naples is to take a hydrofoil ferry. Those run by NLG take around 35 minutes and those by Alilauro take 45 minutes.
Where to Stay in Sorrento
There are some fantastic 5 star hotels in Sorrento, with panoramic sea views. These include:
- Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria – a historic hotel overlooking the Gulf of Naples with a fabulous spa.
- Grand Hotel La Favorita – with a lovely rooftop bar and swimming pool.
- Hotel Bellevue Syrene – a Relais & Chateaux 5 star hotel in the heart of Sorrento.
If you’re staying as a group, you might prefer to rent a Sorrento villa. The Sorrento Coast is a good base from which to explore the Campania region.
It’s a 45 minute drive from Sorrento town center to Herculaneum archaeological site.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Sorrento Italy
So there you have it, a list of exciting and interesting things to do when visiting Sorrento Italy! Despite its small size, Sorrento is jam-packed with enough fun-filled activities for all types of travelers – from culture vultures to thrill seekers.
Whether you want to explore the countryside and villages or check out the amazing beaches, the choice is yours! Plus, you get the opportunity to take in some world-famous Italian cuisine!
With so much diversity and history on offer, it’s not hard to see why Sorrento has been a popular destination amongst tourists for many years. Even if you’re only visiting for a week or two, you’ll be sure to remember your stay in this vibrant location.
And don’t forget…check out our other travel articles for more ideas on where to go and what to do before heading off on your next vacation!
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