12 Best Things to Do in Sorrento (By an Italian)

Sorrento has lemon gardens, a lovely old town, and sea views around almost every corner. It is also busy, touristy, and hardly cheap in summer. I still enjoy spending time here, especially when I can leave a little room in the day for a coffee or a walk by the water.

I sometimes stay in Sorrento when I visit the Amalfi Coast. It has a good choice of hotels and restaurants, and connections to Capri, Pompeii, and the coast. It can also be better value than Positano, although summer stays here are hardly a bargain!

Technically, Sorrento isn't on the Amalfi Coast. It sits on the other side of the Sorrentine Peninsula, facing the Bay of Naples. But it deserves some time of its own, so don't fill every day with excursions and miss the town you're staying in!

Below you'll find my picks for the best things to do in Sorrento, from the main sights to food experiences and swimming spots. I've kept trips outside town in a separate section so you can plan both without confusing the two.

Best Things To Do in Sorrento

1. Stroll Through the Old Town of Sorrento

Sorrento's Centro Storico is a maze of narrow streets lined with boutiques and cafes, restaurants, and artisan workshops. It's a lovely place to wander without much of a plan, especially if you want to do a little shopping along the way.

Start with Via San Cesareo, where you'll find shops selling ceramics, sandals, and just about every lemon-themed souvenir imaginable. It gets busy, so duck into the smaller lanes when you want a breather. Corso Italia is the wider main street, with more shops and cafes.

Look out for Sedile Dominova on Via San Cesareo. This open loggia was a meeting place for Sorrento's noble families. Its painted walls and colorful tiled dome deserve a proper look, even if you're mainly here to browse the shops.

Stop at Sorrento Cathedral on Corso Italia, too. Its plain exterior doesn't prepare you for the decorated interior. Visit between services, and dress appropriately for a church.

Near Piazza Tasso, take a quick detour to the viewpoint over Vallone dei Mulini. The old mill ruins sit in a deep, green gorge below the street. This is a look from the railing, so don't plan on walking down to the ruins.

You can explore the center on your own, but a guided walk is useful if you'd like a bit more context about the buildings and squares you're passing.

2. Have a Coffee in Piazza Tasso

What to see in Sorrento besides the views? People. And you can do that at Piazza Tasso, Sorrento's main square. It's a lively piazza on the edge of the old town, named after Torquato Tasso, the Renaissance poet born here.

There are plenty of bars and cafes around the square. Stop for a coffee or an Aperol spritz, rest your feet, and watch life go by.

This is a prime tourist spot, so expect to pay for the location if you choose a table on the square. In Italy, a quick espresso at the counter often costs less than sitting down. Check the menu first if you're watching your budget.

3. Visit Sorrento's Cloister and Church of San Francesco

The Cloister of San Francesco is one of my favorite stops in the center. I love how quiet the courtyard can feel after the busy shopping streets. It's small, so you don't need to make a big project of visiting it.

Take a look at the arches and columns as you walk around. They don't all match, which is part of the cloister's charm. The courtyard brings together medieval architecture and elements reused from older buildings.

Right beside it is the Church of San Francesco d'Assisi, which I also visited. The church dates to the 16th century. Inside, look for the painting of St. Francis receiving the stigmata above the main altar.

The cloister hosts weddings, concerts, and art exhibitions. Access can change when an event is taking place, so allow some flexibility. It's right beside Villa Comunale, making the two easy to visit together.

4. Soak Up the Views from Villa Comunale

Villa Comunale is one of the easiest places to enjoy Sorrento's sea views. This small park sits above the waterfront, with a terrace looking across the Bay of Naples toward Mount Vesuvius.

Come for a quick look after visiting the cloister, or linger toward sunset. There are stairs down toward Marina Piccola and the bathing platforms. The elevator is another option when it's operating, but check its current hours and fare on site.

5. Visit a Lemon Garden in Sorrento

Sorrento is known for its lemons. You'll notice lemon-themed shops, souvenirs, gelato, and limoncello almost as soon as you arrive. Visiting a garden gives you a closer look at the fruit behind all those products.

My recommendation is La Limonaia. I took its lemon garden tour and preferred the calmer atmosphere to Giardini di Cataldo, which I found much more crowded on my return visit. You walk beneath the trees, learn about the lemons, and taste some of the products made with them.

For a longer outing, La Masseria is a working farm in Massa Lubrense, outside Sorrento. Its farm and food experience includes lemon and olive groves, tastings, and a meal. I'd choose La Limonaia for a garden visit in town, or La Masseria if you want to give the countryside half a day.

You'll find more details and alternatives in my guide to Sorrento food and limoncello tours.

6. Take a Cooking Class in Sorrento

No introduction is needed for Italian cuisine, is it? But learning to make a local dish adds something extra to a trip, especially when you get to eat the results afterward.

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is the dish to look out for here. The gnocchi are served with tomato and basil sauce, mozzarella, and grated cheese. It's proper comfort food, and a good recipe to take home with you.

Choose a class by what you actually want to learn. A full cooking class gives you more time in the kitchen and a meal of several dishes. A pizza class is shorter and focuses on one recipe. Check the location, too, as many take place in the hills outside the center.

For more menus and locations, see my guide to cooking classes in Sorrento.

7. Eat Your Way Through Sorrento on a Food Tour

Food in Italy is important, and eating your way through Sorrento is a pretty good use of your time. A food walk lets you try several local dishes and products without having to choose a full meal at every stop.

Come hungry, and tell the operator about allergies or dietary restrictions before booking. My Sorrento food tour guide compares food walks, lemon garden visits, and longer farm experiences.

8. Try Campania's Wines in Town

There's more to drink here than limoncello! Campania, the region where Sorrento is located, produces wines such as Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, and reds made with Aglianico. Trying a few local wines is an easy way to branch out from your usual order.

You don't have to leave town for a wine tasting. The Tasting of 5 Wines with Typical Products in Sorrento takes place at Vrasa in the historic center. Allow about 2.5 hours for the wines and food pairings, which include cold cuts, cheeses, and bruschetta.

If you'd prefer to visit a vineyard, compare the longer excursions in my guide to Sorrento wine tastings and tours. Those trips take you outside town, so plan them separately from sightseeing here.

9. Have a Spritz or Dinner at Marina Grande

Marina Grande is Sorrento's colorful fishing harbor, west of the center. It's a great spot to watch the evening unfold, with boats bobbing in the water and restaurant tables close to the sea.

The best thing to do here is sip a sundowner as the day comes to an end. Or stay for dinner by the water. Just remember that the walk back to the center is uphill!

For dinner, look at La Finestrella or Ndulì Osteria di Mare. Soul & Fish is another waterfront option, with a more contemporary restaurant setting. Reserve ahead for a summer evening, especially if you want a table by the water.

10. Relax at a Sorrento Beach Club

Sorrento doesn't have long sandy beaches, let's start with that. Much of its waterfront sunbathing happens on platforms over the sea. But if all you want is a good book, a sunbed, and an Aperol spritz, that can work very nicely.

• Marameo Beach: A beach club near Marina Piccola with sunbeds, changing cabins, sea access, and a restaurant. Its advertised season runs from April to October.
• Leonelli's Beach: A small beach and sunbathing terraces near Marina Piccola, with loungers, umbrellas, a bar, and a restaurant. Worth considering if you prefer some beach alongside the platforms.
• La Marinella: A nearby alternative in Sant'Agnello, with beach and platform areas below the cliff. Reach the waterfront by the footpath or municipal elevator during its operating season.

Book a sunbed ahead in summer, and check the current rate for your date and position. Beach club prices and packages vary, and a restaurant reservation doesn't automatically include a lounger. For La Marinella, check the elevator's seasonal operation and fare as well.

11. Visit Bagni Regina Giovanna Near Sorrento

Bagni Regina Giovanna is a beautiful swimming cove at Capo di Sorrento. Rocks and the remains of a Roman villa surround the water, giving it a very different feel from the beach clubs nearer the center.

I've been twice, in May and September. I found the water too cold to swim both times, although my friend went in. I still loved the setting, so don't write it off if you're not planning to swim.

It's a small spot and can get very crowded in summer, so go early if you can. The approach includes uneven paths and steps. Wear shoes with grip, bring water, and only enter the water when conditions are suitable. This is a natural cove, rather than a managed beach club.

I took the bus on both visits. From Sorrento, look for a SITA service toward Massa Lubrense via Capo di Sorrento. Check the current route 5070 timetable and confirm the Capo di Sorrento stop with the driver. Don't take a service going via Priora instead.

From Capo di Sorrento, follow the signs toward the Roman villa and Bagni Regina Giovanna. The final approach is on foot, with a downhill path and steps to the cove. Allow extra time to climb back up and catch the return bus. A taxi still leaves you with the final walk.

For a different approach, the Paddleboarding Tour to Bagni Regina Giovanna takes you along the coast to the cove. The roughly two-hour outing includes a board, life jacket, and dry bag, with swimming time when sea conditions allow.

12. Go on a Sorrento Coast Sunset Cruise

Sunsets are something else on the peninsula, and seeing the coastline from the water makes for a lovely end to the day. A short cruise is also easier to fit around sightseeing than a full-day boat trip.

Boat outings depend on sea and weather conditions.

Where to Eat in Sorrento

I would make room for a proper meal in town, even if you're staying busy with day trips. Look for gnocchi alla Sorrentina, seafood dishes, and delizia al limone, the local lemon dessert. You don't need to eat every meal on Piazza Tasso to enjoy Sorrento!

• Addu Mamma: I ate here and really enjoyed it. It's a tiny restaurant with few tables and a warm welcome. This is the one I'd book early rather than leave to a last-minute walk-in.
• Just Made (Fatto Mo Mo): A casual option on Via San Cesareo for lunch, with salads, sandwiches, and bruschetta. Worth checking if you want vegetarian choices.
• Mari Gastronomy Bar: An easy stop for a quick bite, with options such as pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and arancini.
• O' Parrucchiano La Favorita: Consider this for the setting, with tables among citrus trees in the center of town. It's a well-known tourist choice, so go expecting a busy restaurant rather than a hidden local find.

For a meal by the sea, use the Marina Grande recommendations above. Check opening days and the current menu before making a special trip, particularly outside summer.

Day Trips from Sorrento

Sorrento is a useful base for exploring the region, but these are full excursions outside town. Here are three worth considering.

For more options, including Naples, Ischia, Procida, and the Path of the Gods, see my full guide to day trips from Sorrento.

Capri

Capri has gorgeous scenery, seaside viewpoints, and towns to explore. Fast ferries can make the crossing from Sorrento in about 25 minutes. Check current ferry schedules for your date, as services vary by season and weather.

Use my Capri day trip itinerary to plan an independent visit, or compare Capri boat tours from Sorrento. The crossing is only part of the day, so allow time to get around the island and reach the return ferry.

Positano and Amalfi

Positano and Amalfi are two of the coast's best-known towns, with beaches, narrow streets, and plenty of sea views. Seasonal ferries and SITA buses connect them with Sorrento. Check the route and return departure before setting off, especially outside summer.

I'd leave a full day for this, rather than squeeze it between activities in Sorrento.

For more options, check out my guide to Amalfi Coast tours from Sorrento, or compare Amalfi Coast boat tours if you’d prefer a day on the water.

Pompeii, With Optional Mount Vesuvius

Pompeii is one of the most interesting places to visit in Southern Italy. Buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, its excavated streets, houses, and public buildings offer an extraordinary look at Roman life.

Take the Circumvesuviana to Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri, the station near the archaeological site. Allow roughly 40 minutes on the train, and check EAV's current timetable.

I recommend a guide for the historical context. For more options, check out my guide to Pompeii tours from Sorrento.

Vesuvius is an optional addition that needs separate transport and a crater reservation. Vesuvius is an active volcano, and visits follow the national park's access rules. Reserve online, wear shoes with grip, and check for weather closures.

Practical Tips for Visiting Sorrento

Getting to Sorrento

From Naples, the Circumvesuviana runs from Napoli Garibaldi to Sorrento. Allow around 1 hour and 15 minutes for the train journey, plus time to reach the station and wait.

Check EAV's timetable before traveling. If you have lots of luggage, compare a direct transfer with the cost and effort of changing transport.

Getting Around Town

You can explore most of central Sorrento on foot. The old town, Piazza Tasso, cloister, and Villa Comunale are close together. The waterfront sits below the center, so expect steps or uphill walks. For Capo di Sorrento, hillside hotels, and neighboring towns, use local transport or a taxi.

Marina Grande is the fishing harbor with waterfront restaurants. Marina Piccola is where you catch ferries. They're different places, so check which one you need before heading down to the water.

How Long to Stay

One full day gives you time for the main sights and an evening at Marina Grande. With two days, you can add a lemon garden, cooking class, beach club, or cruise without rushing. Add more nights if you're using Sorrento as a base for day trips.

Where To Stay in Sorrento

For a first stay, a central location makes evenings and sightseeing easier. A hillside property can offer lovely views, but check how you'll get back after dinner. These picks suit different budgets and styles. Prices vary a lot by season.

Things To Do in Sorrento FAQs

Is Sorrento worth visiting?

Yes. Its old town, lemon gardens, sea views, and waterfront restaurants make it worth exploring in its own right. I would leave at least one full day for Sorrento, even if you're mainly staying here for day trips.

What can you do in Sorrento for free?

Walk through the old town, see Sedile Dominova, enjoy the views from Villa Comunale, and wander down to Marina Grande. These give you a good feel for town without booking a tour or beach club.

Can you swim in Sorrento?

Yes. Beach clubs offer sea access from the waterfront, and Bagni Regina Giovanna is another option when conditions are suitable. Expect rocky areas and bathing platforms rather than a long sandy beach.

Do you need a car in Sorrento?

You don't need a car for the center. Walking, trains, buses, ferries, and selected tours cover many visitors' plans. A car also means arranging parking and dealing with traffic, so choose one only if it suits your wider route.

When is the best time to visit Sorrento?

I'd consider May, June, September, or early October for a mix of sightseeing and time outdoors. July and August are hotter and busier. Outside the main season, check beach club opening and ferry or boat tour availability before building your plans around them.