10 Things to Do in Sorrento, Italy
What to do in Sorrento, Italy?
Well, glamorous Sorrento is the place to be seen in the Bay of Naples a heady mix of stunning coastal views, designer boutiques and fine restaurants - not to mention limoncello, the moreish local liqueur.
Another key attraction of Sorrento is its location,
Sorrento can offer a variety of holiday experiences to suit different visitors; To the North of Sorrento you’ll find Pompeii, Herculaneum and Naples whilst the Amalfi Coast is little more than an hours drive to the South East.
Asides from all of this, there are plenty of things to do in Sorrento.
Whether you’re planning to spend much of your visit in the Sorrento Old town or further explore the Sorrento coast, here are 10 things to do in Sorrento and the surrounding area when you visit...
1. Piazza Tasso
Named after the Sorrento born Italian poet Torquato Tasso, Piazza Tasso is Sorrento’s main piazza.
Located on the edge of the Old Town, this pretty open square is often filled with people - dining, sipping espresso or taking pictures.
The Piazza Tasso is a great location to people watch – Enjoy the complimentary nibbles you receive any time you order a drink in Italy, and watch the world go by.
When it comes to Sorrento tourism, a tourist trap it may be, but it's still rather beguiling. Best enjoyed on a horse-drawn carriage.
Piazza Tasso was built above one of the many small gorges, which have been carved out over time by streams rushing from the hills behind Sorrento, down to the Mediterranean sea.
Behind Piazza Tasso near the Hotel Antiche Mura, you can look down to The Valle dei Mulini or 'Valley of the Mills'
2. Sorrento's Old Mill in The Valley of the Mills
The Sorrento Gorge of the Valley of the Mills, over 30ft deep and formed over 35,000 years ago.is where you will find the ruins of a saw mill and flour mill that date back to the 10th century.
Peer down the fern-covered gorge in the town's centre to see these dramatic ruins, which have been abandoned since the 1940s.
It's a sheer drop and can cause a bit of dizziness for vertigo sufferers so tread carefully!
The confluence of water made the area perfect for running mills; unfortunately, it was also the perfect environment for ferns.
3. Sorrento Old Town
The characteristic Old Town, Sorrento Italy is rich in history and culture.
Take the time to visit the church of San Francesco with its beautiful cloister. Dating from 1300 the cloister has made for a stunning backdrop for many wedding photos!
The Old Town is also the ideal location to pick up those holiday souvenirs.
Whether you're seeking a bottle of limoncello, lacework, or a ceramic fridge magnet of Sorrento, you'll have numerous opportunities to purchase all three in the bustling Old Town.
Although the Old Town of Sorrento is not quite as tranquil as the rest of the Bay of Naples, but you'll soon warm to the good-natured chaos.
4. Basilica of Sant'Antonino
Also located in the Old Town of Sorrento you will find the Basilica of Sant’Antonino.
While much of Sorrento is focussed on money-making, the Old Town mercifully has a little more depth.
Named after the city’s patron saint, the Basilica of Sant’Antonino. is a Sorrento must-see.
One of the things that makes this church unique is the whale ribs crowning the entrance in the lobby which proceeds the church
The inside of the church is spectacular, with gilded ceilings and marble columns, some of which are believed to have come from villas built in the area by the Romans, which were eventually abandoned.
In a crypt – remade in 1753 – the tomb of Saint Antonino is located. It is here that you will find many paintings and gifts offered by sailors to fulfil vows they made after they believed their lives had been saved, thanks to the intervention of Sant’Antonino,
Among the winding, cobbled alleys are numerous old churches, but few are as beguiling as Basilica of Sant'Antonino.
After visiting, pop into one of the traditional trattorias for an authentic Campanian dish.
5. Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea
Since the 18th century, Sorrento has been famous for its intarsio (marquetry) furniture, made with elaborately designed inlaid wood.
This small museum, housed in an 18th-century palace complete with beautiful frescoes, showcases the history of this famous craft of Sorrento.
The museum is also home to an interesting collection of paintings, prints, and photographs that depict the city and its culture during the 19th century.
6. Marina Grande
This fishing village has maintained its charm, despite the inferno of tourism occurring nearby.
Perfect for relaxing after the madness of Piazza Tasso, Marina Grande is the best place to visit in Sorrento at sunset.
Marina Grande is also the place to come for authentic seafood antipasti, or the famed gnocchi Alla Sorrentina, available in one of the many family-run restaurants.
7. Frantoio Gargiulo
Lemons may be Sorrento's most famous produce, but olives come a close second.
Visit the traditional olive farm of Frantoio Gargiulo, just 10 minutes out of Sorrento, for an authentic look at this quintessentially Italian fruit (that's right, it is a fruit!).
Things to do in the Sorrento area?
Whilst the town has plenty to offer the traveller on their trip to Italy, there are many amazing attractions on the Sorrento coast and elsewhere nearby that are certainly worth the short trip to discover.
8. Amalfi Coast
Of the things to see in the Sorrento area, the Amalfi Coast should certainly be on your list of places to visit.
The hairpin bends on this world-famous route will give you goosebumps, but so will the exceptional vistas - for different reasons.
Arguably one of the world's most stunning coastal areas, the 50km stretch of the Amalfi Coast features colourful houses that seem to tumble down the hillside; sheer white cliffs; and dense olive groves.
With no other connecting backroads, you'll need to commit to the entire route once you begin.
Amalfi coast boat tours from Sorrento
Alternatively, take a boat tour of the Amalfi coast from Sorrento.
For example, book a trip with Golden Charter Sorrento and, navigating along the Amalfi Coast, you’ll pass the beautiful village of Praiano, the fjord of Furore, Conca dei Marini, and pass through the famous Emerald Grotto.
These boat tours also offer the chance to explore Amalfi and Positano, as well as swimming and snorkeling stops in beautiful bays.
9. Capri
Adored by A-listers and tourists alike, the glamorous Island of Capri is one of Italy's most beautiful islands.
While Sorrento is hardly cheap, it's nothing compared to the celebrity-magnet of Capri.
Sorrento to Capri ferry trips
The ferry trip to Capri from Sorrento takes just 25 minutes, so time shouldn't be an issue. However, hunting down a good deal on the ticket could be trickier.
If your budget is tight, just go for a day trip.
Boat tour from Sorrento to Capri
Alternatively, you may opt to take one of the organised boat tours from Sorrento to Capri.
These offer the chance to see some of the stunning coastal features of the area, free time in Capri, as well as stops for swimming and snorkeling.
Capri’s Blue Grotto
The most famous sight on Capri, organised boat tours from Sorrento to Capri often offer the chance to visit the Blue Grotto for additional charge (14Euro).
This natural cavern is 25 meters wide and 60 meters long, with a tiny entrance less than a meter high.
Wooden rowboats enter the grotto via the low cave mouth, which opens up to reveal the most incredibly blue water.
10. Pompeii
"Must visit" gets a little over-used in the world of travel, but Pompeii deserves the epithet and as such, sits at the top of many tourists list of things to see in the Sorrento area.
Explore the ruins of the city destroyed by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
An unequalled snapshot of ancient Roman life, Pompeii is a short journey North from Sorrento.
The easiest way to visit Pompeii from Sorrento is via the Circumvesuviana train. The journey takes less than 30 minutes since there is no traffic and the Pompei Villa dei Misteri stop is directly across from the entrance to Pompeii.
Accommodation in Sorrento
There are accommodation options in Sorrento, to suit a wide range of budgets. Some of the top picks are:
Budget - Ulisse Deluxe Hostel
Ulisse Deluxe Hostel is not your standard hostel. This Sorrento hostel offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms.
There’s even a wellness centre and spa!
It is also handily located just a 10-minute walk from the main square, Piazza Tasso and the Marina Grande.
Mid-Range - Hotel Villa Di Sorrento
Villa Di Sorrento Hotel boasts a fantastic location in the heart of the town, just a few hundred metres from both the port and the Circumvesuviana Station.
Get a real flavour of Sorrento in this elegant property, which dates back to 1854.
Stays include a buffet breakfast.
Luxury - Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
For a truly luxurious hotel stay in Sorrento, book a stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria.
On a rock overlooking the Bay of Naples, the Vittoria includes 3 historic buildings set in a private Mediterranean park.
The property's entrance is in Sorrento’s main square and a lift links directly to the harbour.
Getting around Sorrento
Credit: Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash
By foot
The centre of Sorrento is quite small and can be easily explored on foot.
If you’re relatively fit, even reaching the Marina Piccola and Marina Grande is easy enough by foot.
Bus
Buses do however operate from the centre of Sorrento, from Piazza Tasso to the Marina Piccola and Marina Grande and cost around 1 Euro each.
Sightseeing train
With an audio guide headset provided, the Sorrento train tour offers the opportunity to see some of Sorrento’s top tourist attractions.
The train tour lasts around 40-minutes and is a great way to get a feel for Sorrento.
You can catch the train from Piazza Lauro, opposite the train station.
By Car
For those visiting Sorrento by car, there are a number of car parks in Sorrento, which always cost €2,7/hour and €27/day.
There is no free parking.
Eating out in Sorrento
Fish? Pizza? Pasta?
You’re certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to culinary delights in Sorrento.
Some of the top restaurants in Sorrento include:
Il Buco
Michelin rated, you’re in for a real treat with a visit to the El Buco restaurant.
Located in the cellars of an old monastery in the heart of Sorrento, Il Buco has long been one of the town’s leading restaurants
Choose from a tasting menu, traditional menu, à la cart, or you can even let the chef devise a meal for you.
With food that tastes as good as it looks, you won’t be disappointed with whatever you choose.
Bagni Delfino
Located at the Marina Grande, the Bagni Delfino, managed by three generations of the Gargiulo family, has long been a popular restaurant in Sorrento.
With a stunning setting with views across the Bay of Naples, the Bagni Delfino is particularly renowned for its super-fresh seafood dishes.
O’Parruchiano
Founded in 1868, character and cannelloni go hand in hand at O’Parruchiano.
This restaurant offers a range of exquisite dining options including the Hall of Arches, the Historical rooms, The Verandas Rooms, and, externally, the sublime lemon garden.
Given that cannelloni was invented here over 100 years ago, it offers the perfect dish of choice when enjoying a wonderfully romantic meal surrounded by lemons.
What about desert?
Gelateria Davide is known as the best place to get ice cream in Sorrento.
A vast array of flavours on offer, the shop has been serving gelato since 1957.
The crepes and waffles are also very tempting!
Shopping in Sorrento
Surrounded by lemon groves, it’s little surprise that lemon themed souvenirs are available in an abundance throughout the shops of Sorrento.
From lemon sweets to lemon printed t-shirts and bags and lemon shaped fridge magnets, you can find a lemon based souvenir for any member of the family in Sorrento!
The best lemon themed gift though (for adults only), surely has to be the locally produced limoncello. And the best place to go for a bottle of this traditional, tasty liqueur is Limonoro.
Limoncello and Limoro
In a land abundant with lemons, it's no surprise the locals used them to create an alcoholic imbibe.
This sweet, citrussy tipple comes in at 32%, so take care.
While you'll be given a complimentary thimble of the stuff after most meals, to learn more about how it's made, pop into Limonoro, where the limoncello is made on the premises.
You’ll be offered plenty of samples, and you can also pick up a bottle or two, naturally.
Leather goods
Aside from lemons, another popular Sorrento souvenir is handmade leather goods. Sandals, bags and belts will all tempt you to treat yourself to an additional accessory for the wardrobe.
The Christmas Shop
If you’re one of those people who wishes it could be Christmas every day, in Sorrento you’re in luck!
Located on Via degli Archi, the Christmas Shop sells an array of festive themed ornaments, and you guessed it… lemons!
Corso Italia
For further shopping options in Sorrento, take a stroll down Corso Italia.
Just off of Piazza Tasso, Corso Italia is lined with chic boutiques, as well an enticing selection of restaurants.
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