Visiting Sorrento
Sorrento is one of the top destinations in the province of Naples, in Italy. Most visitors use the town as a base to also check out the ancient city of Pompeii and the nearby islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Sorrento itself easily warrants a full day just to take in its coastal atmosphere.
A lively historic center
Often called the city of sirens, Sorrento draws travelers in with its striking historic core and dramatic clifftop setting above the Mediterranean. Sitting right at the gateway to the famous Amalfi Coast, it is an essential stop on any regional itinerary. Start your walk at Piazza Tasso, the town gathering spot since 1886. Grab a drink at an outdoor café while watching the statue of the writer Torquato Tasso, who gave the square its name. From there, wander through narrow lanes lined with baroque and Renaissance pastel facades. During the summer months, souvenir shops sit right alongside small artisan workshops and gelato stands. Via San Cesareo is the ideal street for sampling local food specialties. Gnocchi alla sorrentina featuring tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil; a panino with pomodorini and prosciutto, there is plenty to eat here. Finish your meal with a glass of authentic limoncello, the lemon liqueur native to the Amalfi Coast.
Cultural treasures
Sorrento holds plenty of architectural and historical gems. The small medieval cloister of the Church of Saint Francis stands out as a prime example, offering a shady, plant-filled retreat from the midday sun. The Cathedral of Saints Philip and James, built in the 15th century, is worth visiting for its bell tower and intricate interior marquetry doors. For elevated views, head up the cliffs to the Villa Comunale and its public gardens, which look out over the Bay of Naples. Tucked away from the main tourist paths, Il Vallone dei Mulini is a striking sight. You can peer down from the street into a deep ravine to see the moss-covered ruins of an old mill sitting at the bottom, creating a moody, atmospheric scene. Finally, an evening stroll around the Marina Grande port lets you watch local fishermen mend their nets after a day out on the water.
When to go
If you prefer to avoid the crowds, skip midsummer when the town fills to capacity. Spring and early fall offer much more manageable visitor numbers.
Getting there
The easiest way to reach Sorrento is through Naples. Naples features an international airport and a major train station, and the drive takes 55 minutes by car. From Naples, you can also take a 40-minute ferry across the gulf straight to the Sorrento pier. The most budget-friendly option is the Circumvesuviana train, which runs from Naples to Sorrento in an hour and fifteen minutes and stops at Pompeii along the way.
Sorrento is a very beautiful town, and really close to Pompeii by train. A half day is enough for a visit. In its narrow, shaded streets, you can find religious buildings, beautiful old houses, restaurants, and of course shops to buy Italian products. By heading down its very steep staircase, you reach the seaside. The beach club is pretty expensive, but the view is insane. And then, after the cocktail, you have to climb back up!