Iconic pastel homes contrast exquisitely with the blue ocean and sky, glistening on a fine day. This town is a beautiful choice to stay and explore with day trips along the Amalfi coast, historical sites, pretty beaches and museums. Sip an espresso and start planning things to do in Sorrento when visiting Italy.
Day trips from Sorrento
Ride a ferry to the Island of Capri
Capri, Italy by Marion Bunnik
RThe island of Capri is a day trip from Sorrento. Taking the one-hundred steps (or an elevator) down to the Sorrento port ‘Marina Piccola’, a 20-minute high-speed ferry or hydrofoil takes visitors to the Island of Capri. Sitting on the left side of the vessel provides views across the ocean from Sorrento to Capri and if the weather is kind, this is a fabulous photo opportunity.
On arrival, a bus takes passengers to the peaceful hilltop village of Anacapri.
This beautiful island was discovered in 29 BC by Emperor Augustus, with local culture informed by notable later comers, including Tiberius, Lenin, Mussolini, Swedish doctor Axel Munthe and the Krupp family of factory owners.
The island’s natural beauty is unparalleled. The Blue Grotto is a sea cave where the ocean glows electric blue in the right conditions, illuminated by sunlight passing through an underwater cave. The rugged coast attracts yachts, and for those more attracted to the indoors, there’s high fashion in elegant boutiques, lunches of two or three courses to indulge in, and plenty of history to delve into.
Capri was home to many literary figures and thinkers throughout the 19th century. Italian novelist Alberto Moravia, author of The Conformist and The Roman, both written whilst living on the island with his wife between the early 1930s and the late 1960s. During this time, other authors and artists visited, including Andre Gide, Antonio Spadaro, Alfred Hitchcock and Humphrey Bogart, who shot scenes from Beat the Devil on the island.
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
A bus or train from Sorrento to Pompeii takes between 20 and 40 minutes. Buried in ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24, 79 AD, the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum were incredibly well-preserved, revealing a moment in the day-to-day life of the people living in this ancient city. The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
After seeing Pompeii, a day trip might include Mount Vesuvius, the 1281m high somma-stratovolcano that destroyed Pompeii. The 4km path to the volcano's rim has a handrail for support in sections which are a little steep, and it’s suitable for all fitness levels. Views overlook the Bay of Naples, Tirone Reserve and Campanian Plain, where biodiversity abounds.
Pompeii & Mt Vesuvius, Italy by Carol Kelly
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast extends for 50km along the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula, with rugged cliffs and picturesque villages clinging to the hillsides. Driving through this region provides ample photo opportunities and panoramic views.
Positano is just 20 minutes from Sorrento, a colourful town with white, pink and yellow Mediterranean houses set against grey pebble beaches and the blue sea. On arrival, many visit the museum and explore the history of the Roman ruins, or head to the Spiaggia Grande at the waterfront, a 300m long beach and one of the largest on the Amalfi Coast. For a quieter beachfront, if time allows, try Fornillo Beach, secluded at the end of a footpath that starts from Spiaggia Grande.
Amafi Coast, Italy by Emily Fraser
Amalfi is another popular place to stop, with ivory and apricot cottages, cobbled streets and piazzas filled with the scent of fresh coffee, jasmine and citrus. It’s home to the 11th Century Cathedral of St Andrew, patron saint of Amalfi, decorated with mosaics, frescos and golden ceilings. Amalfi is where some of the highest quality paper is produced, the Paper Museum shows this art and its history.
Nearby to Amalfi, the mountain-top city of Ravello inspired many artists and writers, with its gardens, architecture and breathtaking coastal scenery. This pedestrian town is easy to explore by foot, and not as steep as other villages along the Amalfi Coast in Italy’s south. Seek out the secluded beach, accessed by a 200-step staircase, or browse local shops for ceramics and other souvenirs.
What to see and do in peaceful Sorrento
Old Town of Sorrento
Sorrento Town, Italy by Priscilla Aster
Sorrento’s historic quarter is paved with cobbles, and lined with restaurants and boutiques. It’s the perfect place to spend an evening enjoying a meal and reflecting on a day of sightseeing. The Piazza Tasso is a hub of social activity, just the place to enjoy a limoncello and observe locals and travellers passing by.
Basilica of Sant’Antonino
This 11th-century cathedral is one of many historical buildings in the Old Town, along with the Cloister of San Francesco.
Basilica of Sant' Antonino, Sorrento, Italy by Flickr
Sorrento folk history musical
Sorrento Coastline, Italy by Kristen Betram
An evening in Sorrento can be enjoyed at a local Teatro, where music explores the daily life of southern Italians. Authentic costumes and scenography transport the audience using folk dance and music to depict events, incorporating famous songs such as ‘O Sole Mio’ and ‘Torna a Surriento’.
Stunning coastline
Built on cliffs, Sorrento doesn’t have beaches, however, piers extend from the harbour, allowing access to the waterfront. Views along the coast are stunning, and the adventurous can take a dip in the ocean.
Gelato, limoncello and seafood
After a delicious and hearty meal of seafood spaghetti or gnocchi alla Sorrentino at a local trattoria, gelato makes a perfect palate cleanser. Find a family-run gelato store (Gelateria Davide is three generations strong) and choose from numerous flavours.
Visit Sorrento, Italy and find plenty to do across three days
Sorrento is a central location that opens up day trips to stunning and historical destinations nearby. The city is the perfect base to discover Italy’s southern cities and towns.
Embrace the breezy coastal lifestyle for a few days and remember to pack a sunhat — Sorrento is truly the gateway to la dolce vita.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sorrento, Italy best known for?
Abundant with citrus groves and panoramic ocean views graced by pastel cliffside buildings, Sorrento is a small town filled with coastal vibrance. Activities include fresh, local seafood restaurants, tasting limoncello, boat cruises, fishing, musical theatre and folk songs.
Is Sorrento a walkable town?
Sorrento’s town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. You can also book a ‘hop-on-hop-off’ bus to explore Sorrento and navigate the steep cliffside paths. Allow a few hours to explore the sights of the town, including Piazza Tasso, Via della Pieta, Corso Italia, the historic centre, La Villa and the Cloister of San Francesco and Marina Grande.
Is there much to do in Sorrento, Italy?
There’s plenty to do in Sorrento and the surroundings, from exploring the Amalfi coast to swimming or wading in the clear waters of the secluded beaches. Enjoy icy cool gelato, savour freshly prepared seafood, relax in cafes and wander through lemon-scented gardens.