Sorrento guide | Sorrento attractions and things to do

Overlooking the Bay of Naples in southern Italy, Sorrento is an area of breathtaking natural beauty that has been a hugely popular tourist destination for decades. Boasting orange and lemon groves, ancient vineyards and a perfect climate, Sorrento’s organic attractions are complimented by its man-made charms, which include elegant palazzos and piazzas at every turn, quaint gift shops and cosy family-run restaurants.

Sorrento is also an ideal base for furher exploration of the region, with popular excursions including Capri, Ischia, Pompei, Amalfi, Positano, Ercolano, Paestum and Vesuvius. In addition to its tourist appeal, Sorrento is also famous for the production of limoncello, an alcoholic digestif made from lemon rinds, alcohol, water, and sugar.

How to get to Sorrento

The closest international airport to Sorrento is Naples Airport, which is around 55km away, and serves worldwide destinations including London, Manchester, Athens, Budapest, Dublin, Geneva, Hamburg, Moscow, New York and Paris.

There are several ways to travel into Sorrento from Naples Airport, including by private transfer, taxi, bus or rail.
 
An alternative and popular way of reaching Sorrento from Naples, as well as other coastal locations, is by ferry or hydrofoil.

When to visit Sorrento

If you don’t mind the heavy crowds and often uncomfortable heat, summer is unquestionably the most vibrant time to visit Sorrento. Various events are laid on at this time of the year, including a summer music festival and open-air cinemas. However, visitors should be aware that due to increased demand during the peak summer months, many hotels fill up quickly and price hikes are common.

Alternatively, large numbers of tourists choose to visit Sorrento in both springtime and autumn. The spring climate is especially favourable, whilst the city’s landscape also takes on a new appearance, with lemon and orange trees in bloom.

Things to do in Sorrento

Sightseeing

One of Sorrento's most important landmarks is the Sorrento Cathedral - also known as the Duomo. Whilst its architecture is relatively understated and unassuming, the cathedral is a must-visit for its rich history and impressive interior.

A pleasant way to spend an afternoon in Sorrento is simply to stroll through the winding lanes around the old historical city centre, which remain relatively untouched by tourism, and feature a number of beautiful churches and monasteries. Noteworthy churches include the Basilica di San Antonino and the Chiesa di San Francesco, while there is also plenty to see around the Piazza della Vittoria, the Piazza Tasso and along the Corso Italia.

For some of the best coastal views in Sorrento, visitors should head to the Villa Communale park, which is located next to the 16th-century church of San Francesco, which also holds regular classical-music concerts.

Museums and Galleries

Situated inside the Palazzo Correale and known for its grand murals, Sorrento's Museum Correale di Terranova features an an impressive mix of both Roman and Greek artefacts, as well as Neapolitan paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

There are few art galleries in Sorrento, and serious art buffs may want to consider heading to the nearby city of Naples on the mainland, which has an established arts scene including several art museums.

Shopping

Sorrento is blessed with an array of atmospheric markets and local gift stores, but for high-end shopping, it is worth making the 20-minute hydrofoil trip to the island of Capri, which offers boutique stores and all of the big international fashion labels.

Eating Out

Restaurants and cafes offering al fresco dining in the summer can be found around the Piazza Tasso and the Piazza San Antonio. To the east and off the Via Correale, the Piazza Angelina Lauro is another good area for dining options.

Of major gastronomic significance, the O'Parrucchiano restaurant on the Corso Italia is said to be the actual place where cannelloni originated many years ago.

Nightlife

Sorrento nightlife can be fairly lively around the Piazza Tasso, where bars and night clubs stay open until the early hours. During July, there is a season of classical concerts often held outdoors.

Day trips and Excursions

The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is a scenic trek along the cliffs of the Amalfi coast, with plenty of excellent local scuba-diving sites to explore.

For sea-lovers who prefer to stay above the surface, how about a boat trip with Nautica Sic Sic, who offer boat rentals and excursions around the region?

On the island of Capri, you can explore dramatic scenery or shop in luxury boutiques, while the ancient city of Pompeii makes for an extraordinary day trip from Sorrento, attracting over two million tourists each year who come to experience the spectacular historical ruins.

Positano is a picturesque coastal town offering a number of beach areas, as well as the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, a stunning church with classical architecture.

What’s on in Sorrento

February

The patron saint of Sorrento, St Antonio, is remembered with an array of different events and celebrations, including processions, bright costumes and plenty of partying.

March – April

Easter Week sees a number of processions including the parade of a Madonna known as “Our Lady of Sorrows”, carried high above the crowds.

July - September

The Sorrrento Music Festival runs throughout the summer months and includes performances of classical and jazz concerts, in traditional and contemporary styles, at venues throughout the city.

November

The Sorrento Film Festival is amongst Italy's most important film festivals, showcasing both local and international movie-making talent.