Check out the best things to do in Sorrento + a few incredible day trips to Pompeii, Capri, and more in this guide written by an Italian.
Sorrento is one of the prettiest towns on the Sorrentine Peninsula, perched atop striking cliffs that overlook the Bay of Naples and featuring a charming historical center with stunning architecture, cute cafés, and awe-striking views.
Technically, Sorrento is not part of the famous Amalfi Coast, but it acts as a gateway to it, as it’s within easy reach of Italy’s major cities and has great connections to the rest of the area.
In fact, I usually stay in Sorrento when I visit the Amalfi Coast. Accommodation here tends to be cheaper, and Sorrento is located in a strategic location that makes it easy to go on day trips to Capri, Amalfi, Positano, Naples and Capri.
Plus, it’s a bigger town than Amalfi or Positano, which means you have a bigger choice when it comes to restaurants and cafes. I personally enjoy spending time in Sorrento as it’s never as busy as the neighboring towns on the Amalfi Coast.
Sorrento is known for its lemon groves, delicious food, and interesting culture, and below you’ll find out why you should add it to your Amalfi Coast itinerary. Read on to discover the best things to do in Sorrento!
Table of Contents
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SORRENTO, ITALY
Stroll Through the Old Town of Sorrento
Sorrento’s Centro Storico is a maze of cobblestone streets lined with charming boutiques and cafes, restaurants, and artisan workshops. Most of the buildings in this part of town are Medieval or date back to the Roman Empire, so it’s a spectacular place to take a stroll and admire the architecture and history of the area.
The 14th-century Sedile Dominova is a magnificent restaurant that’s worth checking out, along with the Sorrento Cathedral and Piazza Tasso.
If you want to go shopping in Sorrento, you’ll find amazing shops and boutiques in the old town as well.
➤ Secret Walks of Sorrento is a fabulous tour that enables you to explore the Centro Storico with locals. You’ll walk around Sorrento’s main streets and squares, learn about its architecture and history, and indulge in gelato and street food tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Visit Positano and Amalfi
Positano and Amalfi are the gems of the Amalfi Coast, and Sorrento is a great base for exploring them.
Positano is the most famous cliffside town in the area, featuring picturesque alleys with jaw-dropping views, very instagrammable shops, and postcard-picture scenery all around. It also has a lovely pebble beach, and colorful houses perched on the rugged cliffs that provide a stunning backdrop to your beach activities.
Amalfi Town is smaller and quieter than Positano, situated in the heart of the Amalfi Coast. It’s the most historical town along the coast and boasts interesting museums, Medieval architecture, and a port that played an important role in the Mediterranean trade routes back in the day.
Both towns also offer good shopping opportunities and awe-striking viewpoints from where to take some good pictures.
The best way to get from Sorrento to Positano is by ferry, which takes 30 minutes and costs around 15€. You could also take the SITA bus to travel by land, but the journey can take up to 2 hours when there’s traffic! You have the same options to get to Amalfi.
You could otherwise join a tour from Sorrento to explore the Amalfi Coast.
➤ The Amalfi Coast Full-Day Trip takes you to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, and includes a guided tour of the first town. You’ll then have free time to explore the villages on your own and enjoy an exhilarating speedboat ride. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ With the Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour you’ll glide along the stunning Amalfi Coast, admiring its landmarks from a unique perspective. You’ll sail around Li Galli island and visit both towns, which you’ll explore at your leisure. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ This Private Amalfi Coast Tour lasts a full day, and it’s a very personalized experience, tailored for you and your group. The trip includes visits to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, live commentary from your guide, and all the transfers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Have a Coffee in Piazza Tasso
What to see in Sorrento besides the views? People. And that you can do at Piazza Tasso, Sorrento’s main square. It’s an open, vibrant piazza that’s busy at all times, and a great place to rest your feet for a while as you sip an Italian coffee (or an Aperol spritz!)
Named after Torquato Tasso, a Renaissance poet born in the city, the piazza is located in the heart of Sorrento, on the edge of the old town.
There are many bars and cafés around the square strategically positioned to allow fabulous people-watching. Since the piazza is an attraction on its own – and a very lively one – be sure to stop here for a few hours to relax with a drink and see life go by.
Join a Cooking Class in Sorrento
No introduction is needed for Italian cuisine, is it? Renowned around the globe and absolutely delicious, Italian fare is good in pretty much every corner of the country. But there are some cities, like Sorrento, that have their own specialty, and there’s no better place to try the dish – and learn to make it! – than there.
Sorrento’s star dish is Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, a mouth-watering recipe that qualifies as comfort food both in Italy and abroad. The gnocchi are covered in a richly flavored tomato and basil sauce and topped with mozzarella and grated cheese, and tastes heavenly.
Because of its location by the sea, Sorrento is also famed for its seafood, and dishes like Spaghetti alle Vongole, Fritto Misto, and Linguine allo Scoglio are very popular.
But why stuff on these delicious dishes at restaurants when you can learn to make them yourself? Attending a cooking class is one of the most unique things to do in Sorrento. Read on to find my top picks!
➤ The Home Cooking Class is a half-day experience that takes place in a local’s house, where you’ll learn the secrets behind many Italian dishes. You’ll try your hand at making gnocchi from scratch, eggplant parmesan, and tiramisu for dessert, all of which you’ll get to relish after! ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ The Pizza School Experience is a great alternative if you’re a pizza lover (aren’t we all?!) A pizzaiolo will let you in all the techniques of pizza-making, from the selection of ingredients to learning how to toss the dough. Eating the best pizza in Sorrento – your own! – is also part of the deal, along with transfers from your hotel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Take a Day Trip To Capri
Capri is one of the most popular islands in Italy, and undeniably the most glamorous one. It’s the place where tourists, celebrities, and jet-setters from all over the world converge, all of them going after the ridiculously gorgeous landscapes, delicious food, and splendid social scene.
Capri has a lot to offer but it’s relatively small, so it can easily be visited on a day trip from Sorrento. Ferries depart from Sorrento’s Marina Piccola Port every 30 minutes during the high season and arrive at Capri 1.5 hours later. Tickets at the time of writing cost 25€ each way.
I’ve written a whole post with specific information on the best way to visit Capri in one day, and the ideal itinerary to follow to make the most of your day there.
Otherwise, you could join a tour to visit the island with a guide and have all the transfers – to and from the island and between attractions – arranged for you.
➤The Capri and Blue Grotto Day Trip starts with a magnificent cruise to the island, where you’ll board a minibus to check out its main attractions. It also includes a visit to the famous Blue Grotto and a funicular ride. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ Capri Island and Blue Cave is a full-day private boat tour from Sorrento. You’ll sail around the island, visit the Roman ruins and the grottoes, and enjoy 4 hours to explore Capri at your own pace. Snorkeling at Punta Campanella is also included! ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Visit A Lemon Grove in Sorrento
Sorrento is known, primarily, for its lemons. You’ll see how important they are as soon as you step foot in town and spot the great number of lemon groves and lemon-themed shops and souvenirs scattered all over.
These particular lemons, known as Femminello, are oval-shaped and quite large, different from other citruses in the region due to their specific cultivation process and techniques, all of which you’ll learn when you visit a lemon grove.
The Femminello lemons are used to make limoncello, the most celebrated liqueur in the Sorrentine peninsula, and all kinds of other goods that go from marmalade to gelato and juice, besides sauces for pasta and seafood.
▶️ I Giardini di Cataldo is the best place to visit for a lemon experience. Besides boasting very instagrammable gardens (that’s how I first learnt about this place!), the place offers tours around the lemon groves. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the popular citrus and all the products made with it! Visiting the shop and orchard is free, but you can pay to go on a tour.
Otherwise, for a more immersive experience, check out these farm experiences in Sorrento!
➤ The Sorrento Farm Experience is a very comprehensive tour in which you’ll visit a cheese factory, a pizzeria where you’ll learn to make Neapolitan pizza, and a local farm. There you’ll enjoy food tastings and coffee, along with lemonade and limoncello. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ You could alternatively book the Lemon Garden Tour to spend a couple of hours among the famous lemon trees. You’ll taste a variety of lemon products, learn about their production, and discover the culture and history of Sorrento in the meantime. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Have a Spritz or Dinner at Marina Grande
Marina Grande is a charming harbor in the west of Sorrento, a former fishing village around which the city then was built. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset, and it offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples and the colorful boats floating in the sea.
The best thing to do at Marina Grande is to sip on a sundowner as you watch the day come to an end. The harbor also has fantastic restaurants with outdoor tables, so you could alternatively have dinner by the sea.
▶️ Da Giniello is a bar with splendid sea views where you can get an Aperol or Limoncello Spritz (or any other international drink you fancy) and tasty snacks to munch on.
▶️ Bagni Delfino is one of the best places to eat in Sorrento. It’s a highly-rated seafood restaurant with waterfront seating, a full bar, delicious cuisine (which offers more than fresh fish!), and top-notch service.
Visit the Pompeii Ruins & Climb Mount Vesuvius
Pompeii is possibly one of the most interesting places to visit in Southern Italy. Buried in ash and pumice in 79 AD, the city remained hidden until the 18th century, therefore preserved as it was before the tragedy.
Pompeii features an amphitheater, public baths, houses’ ruins, and the incredible Villa dei Misteri. The most impressive attraction, though, is the plaster casts of Pompeii citizens.
Looming in the distance is Mount Vesuvius, a still-active volcano that’s actually safe to climb, as it’s been dormant since its last eruption in 1944. The trail takes you all the way up to its rim, and it’s quite an experience!
To get to Pompeii you’ll take the Circumvesuviana train, which departs from Sorrento every half an hour. The train takes 30 minutes to reach Pompeii and the station is right in front of the ruins. To visit Mt. Vesuvius you’ll also head to Pompeii, and find the ticket office next to the station.
You can visit the Pompeii ruins on your own (but I still recommend hiring a guide in Pompeii if you do so to learn about the extraordinary history of this place), or you can join one of these tours.
➤ The Pompeii Guided Tour from Sorrento is a half-day trip that includes skip-the-line tickets to access the archaeological site, and an experienced guide who will lead you around the ruins and tell you about the history of the city. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ For a full-day excursion from Sorrento, you can join the Pompeii Tour & Mt. Vesuvius. You’ll enjoy a guided visit around the city’s ruins, and then climb all the way up the infamous volcano. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Relax at a Sorrento Beach Club
Sorrento doesn’t have great beaches, let’s start with that. I recommend heading to Positano or some other of the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast for a beach day.
However, if all you want is to relax with a good book and an Aperol spritz in hand, then you can check out these beach clubs (that are mostly not on beaches!).
▶️ Marameo Beach is a waterfront beach club that offers access to the sea via beach entry and a ladder. It features fabulous views and a terrace with tables where you can enjoy a tasty meal or a drink. There are also floating sunbeds, changing cabins, and leisure areas with sofas.
▶️ La Marinella is a full-service beach club with a bar & restaurant exclusive to bathers, tables overlooking the sea, and sunbeds both at the beach and the pier. There’s a solarium, changing cabins, games for children, and lifeguards available, along with pedal boats and kayaks.
Swim at Bagni Regina Giovanna
Bagni Regina Giovanna is one of the main Sorrento attractions. This natural wonder is a beautiful swimming cove surrounded by rocks and the ruins of a Roman Villa from the 1st century BC.
The cove offers very inviting crystalline waters and stunning scenery, besides being a gateway into the sea for kayakers.
It’s one of the best swimming spots on the peninsula, so I highly recommend the visit. You need to know, though, that in the high season it can get very crowded, as it’s one of the popular landmarks in the Sorrento peninsula and it’s rather small.
You can easily get from Sorrento to Bagni Regina Giovanna via public transportation. The bus number 5070 drops you off at Caposorrento, a 10-minute walk from the attraction.
➤ This Paddleboarding Tour is another fantastic option to visit Bagni Regina Giovanna. You’ll paddle along the coast and through the cove, where you’ll spend some time swimming. It includes life jackets and dry bags, besides the equipment. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
OTHER COOL THINGS TO DO IN SORRENTO
Visit the Cloister of San Francesco
The Cloister of San Francesco is one of the must places to visit in Sorrento. Comprising the Church, Cloister, and Monastery, it features architectural styles from various centuries and a very interesting history.
The cloister offers a very peaceful atmosphere, and hosts a great number of weddings during the summertime, as it’s one of the most romantic locations in town. It also offers concerts and art exhibits that are worth checking out.
Join a Food Tour
Food in Italy is important, and stuffing yourself with local delicacies while in Sorrento is pretty much a requirement. Unless you’re attending one of the cooking classes – or on top of that! – I recommend joining a food tour, which is a fabulous way to relish the region’s best dishes and learn about them.
➤ The Walking Food Tour is a half-day experience that enables you to eat your way through Sorrento. You’ll visit markets, local restaurants, and delis and sample a wide variety of snacks that include gnocchi, gelato, buffalo mozzarella, and prosciutto. You’ll also sip on limoncello, wine, and beer. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Hike the Path of the Gods
For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s no better thing to do near Sorrento than hiking the Path of the Gods. The 5-mile trail connects Bomerano with the hamlet of Nocelle, and it used to be the only way to get from one town to the other on the Amalfi Coast.
It’s an ancient path that passes by shepherd’s houses and small villages and offers breathtaking views of the coast. Make sure to start the hike very early in the morning if you’re there in the summertime, as there is hardly any shade.
You’ll find water supplies along the way, so don’t forget to bring your reusable water bottle along with a hat, sunscreen, and camera. ➤ The Path of the Gods hike can also be enjoyed with a guide if you prefer to do so. You’ll learn about the history of the trail, check out its best spots, and enjoy roundtrip transportation from Sorrento. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Go on a Sunset Cruise from Sorrento
When you visit Sorrento, you can’t miss going on a sunset cruise. Sunsets are something else in the peninsula, and there’s no better place to see the spectacle than from the water.
➤ The Sunset Boat Tour sets sail right before sunset, and offers an aperitif on board and swimming time, besides glorious views of the Sorrento coastline. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ The Coast Sunset Tour is a private experience that you can enjoy with your partner or friends. It includes a bottle of prosecco and swimming time in a beautiful bay, besides the cruise along the coastline. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Head to Naples for The Day
Naples is one of the most important cities in the region, being the third-largest in the country and featuring very historical attractions.
For starters, it’s where the world-famous Margherita Pizza was born, but besides the numerous pizzerias, must-stops in the city include the UNESCO-listed historic center, the ruins of a Greek settlement from 600 BC, the Underground Naples, and the museums.
There are plenty of things to do in the city, so you can enjoy a very busy and interesting day out.
To get to Naples you’ll have to take the Circumvesiana train, which runs every 30 minutes from Sorrento train station and takes around 1.5 hours to complete the journey. Easy peasy!
Live La Dolce Vita For One Day with a Vintage Fiat 500
La Dolce Vita is a beautiful Italian concept that means the sweet life, and it dictates the lifestyle of many Italians. The ultimate place to experience it is the Amalfi Coast, where you can ride a vintage car along its glorious coastline and get some fantastic retro pictures living the dolce vita.
➤ The Private Photo Tour departs from Sorrento, and takes you to the most scenic spots along the Amalfi Coast with a photographer, where you’ll get your pictures taken in a gorgeous Vintage Fiat 500. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ This Couples Photo Tour also takes place along the coast, and it’s aimed at couples. An experienced photographer will get your shots at the most romantic places near Sorrento with a lovely Vintage Fiat 500 in the background. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Take a Boat to Ischia and Procida Islands
Ischia and Procida are two islands near the Sorrentine peninsula, not as famous as Capri but equally (or more?) pretty. They offer sandy beaches, staggering landscapes, and delicious cuisine.
High-end spas, the ruins of a Medieval village, lively piazzas and colorful alleys are some of the main attractions of both islands, which can be visited on a day trip from Sorrento.
Procida is a one-hour ferry ride from Sorrento, but there are only two daily crossings so you’ll have to check the schedule ahead of time. To get to Ischia you’ll also have to catch the ferry from Sorrento, and though there are more than two crossings a day they’re not frequent.
➤ In my opinion, it’s best to book a tour like this Ischia and Procida Boat Trip so you don’t stress about transfers. If you want to visit both islands in one day, that is definitely the way to go. You’ll swim, snorkel, and enjoy some time on each of the islands before heading back. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Soak Up the Views from Villa Communale
Villa Comunale park is a beautiful attraction in Sorrento with spectacular views of the bay, Mt. Vesuvius, and the islands of Ischia and Procida.
It also offers very polished gardens and fountains, cafes, and direct access to the beach via a steep staircase, besides one of the most picturesque sceneries in town – especially at sunset!
Since the Cloister and Church of San Francesco is really close by, you could visit both attractions together.
Go on a Wine Tour
Going on a wine tour while in Italy is always a good idea, and there are plenty of opportunities in Sorrento. The Campania region, where Sorrento is located, is famed for its vineyards and for the big diversity of indigenous grapes that date back to Greek and Roman times.
The area produces very good varieties of red like the Aglianico, Piedirosso, and Taurasi, and white wines including Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo. In my opinion, the two below are the best options to visit wineries from Sorrento.
➤ This Mt. Vesuvius Tour takes you on a scenic road to the volcano, which you’ll climb all the way up to the rim. You’ll then visit a local winery where you’ll tour the vineyards, savor a delectable lunch, and enjoy a wine-tasting session. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ The Tour of the Vineyards combines a visit to a winery, where you’ll learn about the wine-making process and taste different varieties, with a cooking class. You’ll make pizza and hand-made pasta before sitting down to enjoy your creations. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
WHERE TO STAY IN SORRENTO
Below you’ll find the best places to stay in Sorrento for all budgets.
LUXURY: Bellevue Syrene is a luxurious hotel with gorgeous views of the sea and the Vesuvius and top-notch service. It offers a swimming pool, a gym, a wellness center, and a bar and restaurant. It also has a private beach area and family rooms.
BOUTIQUE: Villa Giovanna is a lovely hotel with splendid gardens, sea views, and really good facilities. There’s an outdoor pool, a terrace, and a bar, and the hotel features fully-equipped rooms with AC, TV, and a minibar. A buffet breakfast is included.
MID-RANGE: Corso 38 Sorrento features ample rooms with a balcony, a working desk, tea&coffee making facilities, and fully-equipped bathrooms. There’s a buffet breakfast included in the stay.
ON A BUDGET: Ulisse Deluxe is located in the center of town and it’s one of the best hotels in Sorrento for budget travelers. It offers dorms and private rooms, and also features a fitness center, a spa, and a bar.
WHAT TO DO IN SORRENTO FAQ
Sorrento and Amalfi are very different towns. While Amalfi is quiet and doesn’t boast as many attractions, Sorrento is way livelier, offering a fun nightlife, plenty of activities, dining options, and shopping opportunities. If that’s what you’re looking for, then Sorrento is definitely better than Amalfi.
Sorrento is world-renowned for its lemon groves, delicious cuisine (does Gnocchi alla Sorrentina ring a bell?), and fabulous coastline. It’s also a great starting point to visit the Amalfi Coast.
Sorrento is definitely worth the visit. It’s a beautiful town with incredible views, charming streets, delicious cuisine, and plenty of interesting attractions. Plus, it’s the perfect place to be based to go to day trip to Capri, Amalfi Coast, Naples and Pompeii.
The shoulder season is the best time of year to visit Sorrento to avoid the crowds and the hefty prices. It goes from mid-September to December, and from March to May. You’ll enjoy the best weather in July and August, but it’s also the busiest season of all.
