Did you know that limoncello originated in the region between Sorrento and Capri? We might as well tell you: lemons are the pride of the area! Like neighboring Positano, Sorrento is a beautiful town perched on a cliffside. The wonders of the Amalfi Coast, in south-western Italy, are revealed in a colorful landscape. The higher you climb into the town, the more the view of the Gulf of Naples unfolds, creating an exceptional panorama. From its rich heritage to its surrounding nature, discover the 13 must-do activities in Sorrento during your trip to the Amalfi Coast.
1. The treasures of Piazza Tasso
With its yellow buildings and palm trees, Piazza Tasso is an invitation to a change of scenery. Dedicated to the Italian poet Torquato Tasso, it is the town's largest square. Close to the railway station, hotels, restaurants and stores, it's an ideal location for those visiting the city on foot. From Corso Italia (the city's pedestrian street) to the historic heart, it all starts here!
Good to know if you're visiting the Amalfi Coast in winter, Piazza Tasso is home to a beautiful Christmas tree.
2. Discover Sorrento's historic center
There's nothing like exploring Sorrento's historic center to discover its soul. Like its neighbor Positano, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, the heart of Sorrento reveals its history as you wander through its colorful streets. Your journey begins in the luminous Piazza Tasso. All around, explore the narrow streets, which are full of architectural surprises. Your strolling steps will take you past the Cathedral, the Cloister of St. Francis of Assisi, and then inevitably along the pretty port of Marina Grande. From museums to bustling shopping streets, you'll discover a vibrant, energetic atmosphere.
3. La Vallée des Moulins, the unusual in the heart of the city
If Sorrento is one of the most beautiful places to visit on the Amalfi Coast, it's partly because of its astonishing sites, such as the Valley of the Mills. You're plunged into a surreal world, whereancient abandoned mills are now taken over by wild nature, right next to the town! But how? And why? 35,000 years ago, a volcanic eruption formed a valley near Sorrento. The water dug networks leading to the sea, encouraging settlement. The prehistoric caves of Nicolucci and Gaudo bear witness to these early settlements. Il Vallone dei Mouliniwhere two streams meet, is a fine example of this, albeit partially in ruins. As unusual as it is magnificent, this is a great place to visit on your Sorrento vacation!
4. Stroll through Villa Comunale, Torrente's green oasis
If you're lucky enough to travel in May, you'll be able to watch nature awaken at Villa Comunale, revealing 1001 shimmering colors. From the Sorrento peninsula to Vesuvius, you can admire one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Mediterranean, that of the Gulf of Naples. Here you are in the heart of the city's main public park, a small part of a large complex. The latter includes the cloister and church of San Francesco d'Assisi, which you can visit at the same time as this beautiful green garden.
Good to know at Christmas, the park's terrace hosts a variety of theatrical and musical performances, in an enchantingly luminous atmosphere.
5. Relax on Sorrento's most beautiful beaches
The Mediterranean coast is beautiful all year round. However, it's best enjoyed on vacation from April onwards, when the sun and warmth return. The beaches, lined with crystal-clear water, are adorned here with slightly gray volcanic sand. It's worth noting that many of the beaches in the area are fee-paying (with deckchairs and umbrellas), but there's always a free patch somewhere. Among the lovely beaches in the area, we can recommend the following:
- Marina Grande,
- Piano di Sorrento,
- Sant'Agnello,
- Peter's Beach,
- Regina Giovanna,
- meta beach.
Please note deckchair rental is quite expensive, between €13 and €20 per person. It may be preferable to rest in a small cove during a boat trip.
6. Visit Sorrento's most beautiful religious buildings
Italy's rich Catholic history is still evident in the splendor of its religious buildings. Among them, the Cathedral of Saints Filippo and Giacomo reveals a richly decorated interior, witness to the Baroque style of the XVIIIᵉ century, when it was renovated. The arcades and columns of the San Francesco cloister and its church are also a pure marvel to admire during your discovery of Sorrento. Also worth seeing
- the Basilica of San Antonino, of ancient origin, but also renovated in Baroque style,
- theChurch of Sant'Anna, financed by the village's fishermen,
- the Church of the Madonna del Carmine, located in Piazza Tesso in its striking yellow color.
Churches are everywhere in the city! Often seduced by their unique architectural style, visitors are usually tempted to push open their heavy doors... How about you?
7. A cruise to discover the Grotte Bleue
A visit to the Blue Gro tto is the perfect way to spend a romantic weekend in Italy. Numerous boats leave from Sorrento for Capri. One of the most beautiful treasures you can contemplate here is the Blue Grotto. The turquoise water creates a striking contrast with the darkness of the grotto. The atmosphere is breathtaking, creating awe and wonder.Between midday and 2pm, the cave enjoys the best light of the day. Delay lunch a little, and visit the cave then - it's even more beautiful! If you're lucky, it'll be a little less crowded... The wait can last up to 1 hour in high season, as the cave is so popular with tourists.
Before you set off, take a look at our must-see places to visit in Capri, so you can contemplate the most beautiful points of interest.
Book my boat trip to Capri from Sorrento
8. Stroll through the Sorrento market
A fairyland of Mediterranean colors and scents awaits you at the town's market. Among the fruits on offer, the Sorrento lemon is a must! Raw or cooked, it can be found in a variety of sauces. The Tuesday market also sells clothing and home accessories. It's a pleasure to stroll among the stalls for a while, to find some fresh produce to prepare a tasty local meal.
9. Correale Terranova Museum, Italian refinement
Treat yourself to an artistic and cultural visit to Sorrento's Correale Terranova Museum, renowned for its wealth of works of art. Created thanks to Counts Alfredo and Pompeo Correale, this museum is housed in a superb 18th-century building surrounded by a citrus garden, overlooking the sea. This description alone makes you want to go there! Inside, you'll discover Neapolitan and European works of art, as well as artefacts from archaeological digs. Stroll through the marquetry, the Capodimonte porcelain, the Murano candlesticks and the aristocratic objects on display, and you'll be able to admire a whole chapter of Italian history.
10. Discover the islands of the Gulf of Naples
We've already mentioned excursions to Capri and the Blue Grotto. But there are many more sea outings to admire the surrounding volcanic islands.
Ischia, nicknamed "the green island" for its luxuriant vegetation, experienced volcanic eruptions until the XIVᵉ century. The land, now fertile beyond measure, creates a magnificent landscape. For its part, Procida is the smallest island in the Gulf of Naples, incorporating the entire Phlegrean fields, as does Ischia. The authentic charm of this former pirate's haven is revealed today through pretty fishing villages and coves that are less crowded than Sorrento's beaches.
Book my boat trip to Ischia and Procida from Sorrento
11. Marina Grande, traditional fishing in the spotlight
The tradition of fishing is very much alive in the port of Marina Grande. It's a great place to stroll and admire the boats. The return of the fishermen from the sea, unloading the day's catch and sorting their equipment, is a real pleasure. The area is relatively quiet, offering a pleasant haven for a cool stroll after a fine Italian dinner. As an added bonus, Marina Grande offers incredible views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
12. Primaluce Sorrento, a little corner of paradise
Primaluce is the story of a family in search of authenticity. If you love nature and simplicity, you've found your little paradise. Primaluce offers guest rooms and a restaurant, as well as outside activities. In particular, the restaurant serves produce from its own garden, which can be visited. Farm animals graze freely on the estate's terraces. If this is the ideal place to set down your suitcases in a quiet corner of Sorrento, you've also found a pleasant outing to enjoy with children.
13. Take the Lemon Tour Experience, Sorrento's lemon king
His Majesty the lemon is in the spotlight thanks to Sorrento's Lemon Tour Experience! These educational excursions last around four hours. The program includes
- tastings,
- visits to lemon plantations,
- cooking classes,
- sales of lemon products, etc.
This walk, typical of the region, allows you to observe the work of the farmers and visit the workshops. This 100% local product will no longer hold any secrets for you! Book your visit to a traditional lemon garden in Sorrentoright here . You'll learn how the world's most famous lemons are grown, and taste a variety of homemade marmalades and other products.
Where to stay in Sorrento
If you want to stay as close as possible to the various places of interest, aim for the area around Piazza Tasso. Marina Grande and Marina Piccola have the advantage of having the beaches within easy reach. A little further away, on the Sorrento hills, you'll find less expensive accommodation. They may be farther from interesting sights, but they're also much quieter!
- Top of the range
Touch perfection at La Minervettawith its beautiful Mediterranean rooms overlooking the Gulf of Naples. A delicious breakfast is served, as well as a solarium and whirlpool. 10/10 for this dream establishment, book here.
- The best location
Looking for the comfort of a downtown hotel? Visit hotel Central on Corso Italia. Its perfectly renovated rooms bring a breath of fresh air to your stay. Click here to book this beautiful establishment with its wellness center, fitness room and tennis court.
- The quietest
Stay in a quiet establishment in the historic heart of Sorrento, at theHotel Mignon. Typical local decor, comfortable rooms and excellent service make this one of Sorrento's finest addresses. Book the services of this quiet, well-located hotel here.
What to do around Sorrento
From the islands to the beautiful surrounding towns, it's impossible to get bored during a stay on the Amalfi Coast!
The most beautiful towns to visit around Sorrento
WithNaples only about 1 hour from Sorrento, it would be a shame to visit southern Italy without giving it a little trip. But such a visit takes some planning! Check out our 18 must-sees in Naples, to make the most of your discovery of one of Italy's most beautiful cities.
As we've already mentioned, Positano is another must-see. A little smaller than Sorrento, it too has its own charm. The beautiful church of Santa Maria Assunta e Cripta Medievale is a must-see. Some excursions also allow you to visit the Sorrento-Positano-Pompei-Naples combo at the same time. A great way to discover the region's most beautiful cities!
At the very top of the cliff, we also recommend a visit to Sant'Agnello. The church of San Prisco e Agnello is a marvel to visit, but it's above all the view over the bay that leaves visitors speechless.
Islands to discover near Sorrento
There's no shortage of excursions from Sorrento. From Capri to Procida, via Ischia, boat trips take you to some of the area's most beautiful sights. During your excursion, the beauty of the Amalfi coast is revealed to you. The Gulf of Naples, with Vesuvius as a backdrop, offers an enchanting backdrop for wonderful vacation memories.
Historic sights around Sorrento
Of course, you can't visit the Amalfi coast without stopping off at Pompeii. Over an area of more than 70 hectares, you can admire and visit the remains of this infamous city, destroyed by Mount Vesuvius. Ancient villas, preserved frescoes, majestic buildings: the visit will leave you with unforgettable memories!
The lesser-known town of Paestum, nearAmalfi, also offers some wonderful discoveries. Immerse yourself in Roman history with a capital H as you discover the forum, amphitheatre, ancient baths and other vestiges of the past.
A thrilling visit near Sorrento
Climb Mount Vesuvius on an unusual excursion in Campania. Today, the base of the volcano is easily reached by car, bus or cab. Climbing the volcano takes around two hours round trip. Your steps follow a path strewn with cold ash and volcanic rock. The place commands respect... At the top, a feeling of vertigo grips you, as you admire the immensity of this crater rich in history.
The Amalfi Coast, one of the 27 most beautiful places to visit in Italy, is pure wonder for the senses. Its shimmering colors unfold their magic, set against a backdrop of idyllic Mediterranean scenery. Of course, you can't leave Italy without tasting its culinary specialties, such as pasta with pesto or a succulent sweet cannolo. From Naples to Vesuvius, via Pompeii and Positano, the whole of southern Italy has 1001 surprises in store for you.
Book in advance below for the hottest things to do during your stay in Sorrento:
Tempted by this selection? Take a look at our airfares and book now!
