10 things to do in Sorrento

Sorrento is one of the prettiest towns in the south of Italy, and the perfect gateway for exploring one of the most beautiful areas in the whole of Europe.

Sorrento itself is beautiful and worthy of a good wander, but to make the most of a holiday to the Sorrentine Peninsula, travellers need to get about a bit.

Here are ten top attractions to consider for things to do in Sorrento:

1. Sorrento town centre

Sorrento has a compact centre and there are plenty of easily accessible attractions worth a visit. Piazza Tasso is the main square and a good place to orientate yourself, as well as being home to some lovely bars, restaurants and coffee shops.

From Piazza Tasso, you can take a 10-minute walk to Correale di Terranova Museum, decked out with a wonderful collection of furniture, fine china and paintings by Neapolitan artists dating back to between the 15th and 19th centuries.

A visit to The Lemon Grove or Giardini di Cataldo as the Italians say it, is a must-see attraction if you love lemons. It’s known for its most authentic lemon experience in Sorrento. So if you have an afternoon free, this is one of the best things to do in Sorrento.

2. Sorrento Cathedral

Located in Corso Italia, the main road in Sorrento, the Duomo and its clock tower is one of the town’s more beautiful landmarks. The cathedral dates from the 11th century and was rebuilt in the 15th century in a Romanesque style. The dramatic interior has a painted ceiling, frescoes and a stunning altar.

3. Pompeii

Pompeii is just a 30 minute train ride from Sorrento. Once a bustling Roman settlement, Pompeii was destroyed in 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted and the entire town was buried under metres of ash and burning pumice stone.

Rediscovered in the 16th century, Pompeii is now a vast and fascinating archaeological site and one of Italy’s most visited tourist sites.

Perfect for an afternoon stroll, or if you’d prefer a walking tour there are plenty in Pompeii to choose from!

4. Day trip to Capri

Idyllic Capri is one of the most visited places in Campania, thanks to its picturesque setting, golden beaches, rocky coves and Roman ruins.

Capri has inspired and enchanted many writers, poets and artists over centuries, including Homer, John Singer Sargent and Graeme Green.

There are regular ferry services from Sorrento to Capri, which take around 30 minutes. If you plan to stay here all day, there are plenty of places to eat (even if you’re on a budget). And, if you like limoncello liqueur, be sure to enjoy some after your meal. After all, it’s an Italian tradition!

5. Amalfi Coast

Experiencing the Amalfi Coast should be on every to-do list for holidays in Sorrento. Hire a car and tour Amalfi Drive, the rugged coastal road with some of the best views in the world.

The pretty villages of Amalfi, Positano, Atrani and Ravello all make good stop-off points, whether you want to have lunch at a local restaurant, relax on the beach or have a couple of drinks at the beach clubs.

6. Marinas and beaches

For a waterside experience within Sorrento, visit the fishing village of Marina Grande, a 15 minute walk from the centre. With breathtaking mountain views and a good selection of restaurants that offer sumptuous seafood and Prosecco.

Another pretty spot is Marina Piccola, which is near the harbour and accessible via steps from Piazza Tasso or a lift. Further on, the beach at Punto del Capo is around 30 minutes away on foot.

7. Shopping on Via San Cesareo

Via San Cesareo, just off Piazza Tasso, is the place to go for some retail therapy and to stock up on souvenirs and gifts for people back home. Shops here sell locally-made crafts and a delicious range of regional food and drinks: olive oil, ricotta, smoked scamorza cheese, walnuts and limoncello.

If you’re worried about fitting your souvenirs and gifts in your luggage, find out how to make the most of your suitcase space with these packing tips.

8. Ischia

The greenest of all the islands in the Bay of Naples, Ischia has pretty villages, sandy beaches and a castle.

What makes Ischia a little more special is its hot springs, volcanic mud and spa towns. Sant Angelo, which has a thermal park and 10 pools, is one of the most popular, and as Ischia as a whole generally attracts fewer tourists than the likes of Capri, it makes for a peaceful escape.

9. Vesuvius

Last active in the 1940s, Vesuvius is Italy’s most famous volcano. This isn’t just because of its history – most notably wiping out Pompeii – but because the summit offers spectacular views across Campania.

The area around Vesuvius is now a national park with a network of paths leading to the crater.

10. Naples

Naples may not be as pretty as Sorrento and its surrounding villages but it still has much to offer, from museums to palaces and sensational food. It is here, after all, that pizza was invented and you can visit the pizzeria which claims to have been the first to create it.

The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city’s palaces, churches and castles make Naples an unforgettable visual feast.

Where is Sorrento?

Sorrento is a coastal town overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in southern Italy, about 30 miles south of Naples. It’s famous for its stunning views, as well as its charming streets lined with pastel-coloured houses plus plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Even though it’s smaller compared to other Italian towns, Sorrento still has plenty of things to see and do, making it a perfect place for exploring. And you can venture out to other surrounding areas too during your visit!

How to get to Sorrento

There are no flights to Sorrento itself, but Naples International Airport is just 30 miles away. You can then get
a direct train from Naples Centrale to Sorrento which takes around an hour.

Flights from London to Naples take around 2 hours and 40 minutes.  You can fly to Naples from most major UK airports with a variety of airlines on direct services.

What is the weather like in Sorrento?

Sorrento has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters, so it offers scenic views and exciting getaways all year round.

The months of May to August are the hottest and can reach temperatures up to 34°C. But it can be very busy as this is the peak season.

Visit during the quieter months of November and December for a beautiful winter getaway, with temperatures around 20°C, you’ll still top up that Vitamin D!

If you’ve already been lucky enough to visit Sorrento, here are some incredible off-the-beaten-path destinations to see in Italy.

Ready to go? Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance for Italy.