The 12 things to do in Sorrento

Visit Sorrento: what are the best things to do and to see on this peninsula that reflects South Italy in all its splendor?

Perched by a cliff, the city of Sorrento is a pure wonder to discover. Located southwest of Italy, at the gates of the Amalfi Coast, with a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Naples and the Vesuvius and facing the island of Capri, Sorrento, nicknamed the “city of the sirens” is a true door open to what Italy has better to offer. Visiting Sorrento is visiting much more than a simple city!

Quieter than its Neapolitan neighbour, you will quickly fall under the charm of this city with an exceptional and rich panorama of a historical heritage where there is a sweetness of living well on it. Are you wondering what to do in Sorrento? This is where:

1. The historic centre of the city of Sorrento

Visiting Sorrento is like discovering a city full of treasures: start with a visit to the ancient city centre where the narrow and authentic alleys are full of surprises. You will undoubtedly fall under the charm of its steep little streets filled with history, its beautiful houses or its Renaissance and baroque architecture.

2. Piazza Tasso

The Piazza Tasso, a must-have place in the city for its many cafes and restaurants, is a must-see during your stay. You can admire the statue of the writer Torquato Tasso whose place owes his name.

A true crossroads of Sorrento, Piazza Tasso, built in 1866 and the unmistakable place to imbue with the art of living so special of this city.

3. The Church of Saint Francis and its medieval cloister

Located a 5-minute walk from Piazza Tasso, the church of Saint-François is a much more sober church than some other churches in the city but still in charge of History. You will appreciate the quality of its frescoes, its paintings or its statues, but what you like most is the courtyard of the adjoining cloister, a charming little corner of greenery!

4. The Valley of the Mills

An extraordinary place in the heart of the city, do you believe it? Located close to Piazza Tasso, the Valley of the Moulins ( Il Vallone dei Mulini ) is a picturesque place worth the detour. From the street (it is not recommended to go down), look down and discover the ruins of an old mill with abandonment nestled at the bottom of a ravine. The building, covered with ferns, gives this place a magical little side.

5. La Villa Comunale

Visiting Sorrento is also discovering the public gardens of Villa Comunale, the opportunity to enjoy a nice walk! Perched at the top of the city's cliffs, you can admire a magnificent view of the Bay of Naples. Small tip: an elevator allows you to reach Marina Piccola port!

6. Saint-Philippe-et-Saint-Jacques Cathedral

A passage through the cathedral is necessary if you visit Sorrento. Its campanile, its clock, its interior door while marquetry or its baroque nave are worth a visit. A moment of calm and serenity awaits you during the visit of this beautiful 15th century cathedral.

7. The gastronomy of Sorrento

What to do in Sorrento? A visit to the streets of the city will make you discover the specialties of the Peninsula. I can't leave town without having tasted a Limoncello , lemon liquor from this region. The “ Via San Cesareo”, a very lively pedestrian artery, is full of small regional producers or typical groceries where you can order a panino garnished with mozzarella, “pomodori” (tomate) and other “prosciuto” (jambon). Also uncontournable, a dinner in a brewery to taste "cannelloni" or "gnocchi alla sorrentina", and finish with a "sfogliatella", delicious almond cake. One thing is certain, your taste buds will fall backwards!

8. The islands of the Gulf of Naples

From the port of Sorrento, board for a crossing and discover three magical islands that complement the picture of this dream setting: Capri Ischia and Procida. Veritables small jewels of the Mediterranean, each of them has a unique historical identity...

9. Il Capo di Sorrento

Capo di Sorrento is a small village located a few kilometers from Sorrento. From a small street in the centre, which then turns into a path, attack a magnificent ballad to the end of the cape in the middle of the mimosas and cactus down to the sea.

At the end, a pretty little cove "I Bagni della Regina Giovanna" awaits you, as well as a splendid view of the bay of Naples.

10. The Port of Marina Grande

This small traditional fishing port nestled under the cliffs is as pleasant in the day for a swim as in the evening at sunset to observe sinners clean their nets. An atmosphere and simplicity emerges from this charming hidden port, as there is little.

11. A boat ride

And since we speak of the port, let’s stay there. Because visiting Sorrento is also enjoying its coastline. Indeed, very nice excursions are to be made by boat.

For example, you could navigate to the beautiful Amalfi Coast , but also discover Capri or even Naples . It would be a shame not to rent a boat in Sorrento , and not enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean setting to move you.

12. Things to do in the vicinity of Sorrento

Are you still wondering what to do in Sorrento? The peninsula is also a privileged place to radiate around:

• Visit Naples and everything around her
• The archaeological site of Pompeii
• The Vesuvius
• And the whole Amalfi Coast

How do I get to Sorrento?

To get to Sorrento, you will have to land in Naples, located about 50 kilometers away. From there, three choices are available to you: the train (1h15 journey), the road by bus or by car (between 1h and 1h30) or, and surely the nicest alternative, the boat! Cross the Gulf of Naples in 40 minutes, overlooking the Vesuvius. To find cheap flights to Naples, you can search our partner's website Ulysses .

One of the practical and costly solutions is certainly to rent a car when you arrive in Naples. This will offer you considerable freedom not only to visit Naples, but also the Vesuvius, Pompeii, Herculanum , Capri, Sorrento of course, and all that you can do more depending on the duration of your stay. You can compare car rental prices in Naples or Sorrento on the website Rentalcars .

Where to stay in Sorrento?

In this small town, the most convenient is house in the historic centre of Sorrento and it is highly recommended to book in advance. However, prices are fairly high, especially in high season, i.e. from June to September. You can find a cheap hotel in Sorrento by looking for this Compare hotels ..