Sorrento Travel Guide

Sorrento is a coastal town in southwestern Italy, facing the Bay of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula. Perched atop cliffs that separate the town from its busy marinas, it’s known for sweeping water views and Piazza Tasso, a cafe-lined square. The historic center is a warren of narrow alleys that’s home to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century church with a tranquil cloister. The town’s longstanding popularity stems from its location at the western gateway to the Amalfi. It’s also on the train line to Pompeii and has regular fast-ferry connections to Naples and Capri.

Sorrento is much less hectic than Rome and more like what every day Italian life is. It’s relaxing to stroll through the small side streets and explore, people are nice and not pushy. It’s a great place to base yourself if you want to explore the surrounding regions.

Sorrento Weather (When to Visit)

High season in Sorrento is from Easter through October. This is the time of year when all the shops, hotels, and restaurants are bustling and the ferries to and from the islands and the Amalfi Coast run all day. Sorrento is a popular destination all year round and you can find cafès, restaurants, and shops open even in January and February, when the rest of the coastline is shuttered for the season.

April and May are the months in which the weather is the most pleasant and Sorrento is at the peak of its beauty, with the scent of orange flowers in the air and long, sunny days. The temperatures are mild and you can take walks around town even during the hottest hours of the afternoon. During the summer months, shops, bars, and restaurants stay open until late into the night, and hotel prices peak during the summer season.

Best Sorrento Beaches

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Marina Piccola Beach

The beach is made up of a strip of volcanic sand that has been transformed into a couple of beach clubs and a public beach. No matter which beach club you choose, they’ll all have a spot on the water and offer chairs and umbrellas to hire. This is one of Sorrento’s most popular beaches, as it’s easy to get to and offers a panoramic view of the Gulf of Naples. There are plenty of amenities here like restaurants, bars, bathrooms, places to shower, and access to diving tours.

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Marina Grande Beach

This is Sorrento’s second most popular beach. It’s technically a fishing village and is renowned for its fresh seafood and dining options. It’s easy to reach, and is located on a small, volcanic beach with plenty of room for sunbathing. The scene here is quintessential of the Amalfi Coast with bright blue waters and pastel-colored houses on the cliffs overlooking the beach.

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Beaches of Regina Giovanna

This spot is ideal for visitors who want to spend the entire day at the beach. It’s full of character and historic charm as it’s located right at the Roman ruins of Pollius Felix’ villa. This is one of the only places in the area with easy access to the water and lots of shade throughout the entire day. The swimming area is bordered by towering cliffs.

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Bagni d’Arienzo

This private beach club is worth a visit if you want to relax in style on the beach. It’s not in Sorrento but close by in Positano on the Amalfi Coast. It’s said that this is one of the most famous beach clubs in the area, mostly for the views and amenities. Visitors can find fantastic music, delicious food, and endless access to beer and cocktails.

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Puolo

This is a hot spot for locals who want to visit the beach with their families. The beach is large, there is easy access, and the water here is quite shallow surrounding the shoreline. Puolo is actually divided into two distinct areas, the private beach and the public beach. The free public beach includes the rocky shore area, Pignatella, as well as cafes, restaurants, and the ability to rent umbrellas and sun loungers.

Sorrento Recommended Experiences & Tours by Viator

Viator.com – Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do

Positano, Amalfi and Ravello Guided Tour

Discover the famous beauty of one of Italy’s most iconic shorelines with this full-day tour of the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento. Travel in an air-conditioned mini-coach along spectacular coastal roads, stopping to visit the region’s three most popular and beautiful villages—Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. With tips from your knowledgeable guide, enjoy leisure time in each town to stroll narrow cobblestone streets, shop for unique handmade goods or perhaps dine on the waterfront. Learn more about the Positano, Amalfi & Ravello Guided Tour.

Capri and Blue Grotto Day Tour from Naples or Sorrento

Set sail for the idyllic Italian island of Capri on this full-day tour, including round-trip jetfoil transfers from Naples or Sorrento. Travel around the island by minibus, taking in the views along the famous ‘Mamma Mia’ road. Stop to browse the handicraft stores of Anacapri and soak up the atmosphere in buzzing La Piazzetta. Top it off with a visit to the Blue Grotto and a funicular ride to Marina Grande. Learn more about the Capri & Blue Grotto Day Tour.

Capri Boat Experience from Sorrento

Discover the alluring island of Capri on a full-day semiprivate boat tour departing from Sorrento. Cruise around the island to soak up views of unique coastal formations like the Blue and Green Grottoes and the famed Faraglioni rocks, and stop to swim or snorkel right off the boat. Go ashore for free time to explore Capri’s old town, where you can stroll around Piazza Umberto I and wander ancient cobblestone streets. Group size is limited to 12 for a more personalized experience. Learn more about the Capri Boat Experience from Sorrento.

Sorrento Farm Experience Including Tastings, Pizza Making and Limoncello

Get a true taste for southern Italy on this 5-hour culinary experience from Sorrento. Led by a local guide, travel to a pizzeria, cheese factory, and family-run farm for tastings of their top products, including homemade bread, lemonade, and extra virgin olive oil. Learn the secrets behind Italian family recipes and try your hand at pizza making, Neapolitan style. Top it all off with coffee, dessert, and a limoncello digestivo before returning to your original departure point in Sorrento. Learn more about the Sorrento Farm Experience.

Full-Day Private Amalfi Coast Tour from Sorrento

Explore the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast with this private full-day tour from Sorrento. Visit the famous towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello to walk the pretty streets, browse in boutiques or whatever you like. Relax in comfort as your professional driver-guide navigates from town to town and offers informative commentary along the way. Customize the itinerary to suit your interests. Learn more about the Full-Day Amalfi Coast Tour.

Best Sorrento Restaurants

Il Buco $31 – 60

Carefully chosen ingredients from the Mediterranean and the nearby countryside are combined with modern techniques in the kitchens of Il Buco. There’s a tasting menu, a traditional menu, an à la cartemenu, or you can let the chef devise a meal for you. Telephone: 39 081 878 2354 Web: Il Buco

Don Alfonso 1890 $31 – 60

In the Boutique Hotel Don Alfonso 1890, the restaurant serves up a taste of Sorrento in the kitchen. Located in a dazzling 19th-century Neapolitan building, the restaurant serves up traditional fare that is crafted to stay true to the Neapolitan identity. Don Alfonso 1890’s wine cellar has over 1,300 labels of wine to choose from. Telephone: 39 081 878 0026 Web: Don Alfonso 1890

L’Antica Trattoria $31 – 60

Dine under the peaceful pergola at L’Antica Trattoria. This charming restaurant offers guests a dreamy atmosphere filled with flowers outside and a warm, stately ambiance inside. The seasonal menu includes a starter, pasta dish, main course and dessert, while separate vegetarian, vegan and gluten free menus are also available. Telephone: 39 081 807 1082 Web: L’Antica Trattoria

Da Emilia $11 – 30

Founded in 1947 and still run by the same family, this is a friendly, fast-moving joint overlooking the fishing boats in Marina Grande. There’s a large informal dining room, a romantic terrace by lapping waves, and a menu of straightforward dishes such as mussels with lemon, clam spaghetti and grilled calamari. Telephone: 39 081 807 2720 Web: Da Emilia

La Cantinaccia del Popolo Under $10

With garlic and with cured hams hanging from the ceiling, this down-to-earth favorite proves that top-notch produce and simplicity are the keys to culinary success. A case in point is the spaghetti al pomodoro, a basic dish of pasta and tomato that bursts with flavour, vibrancy and balance. For extra authenticity, it’s served directly to you in the pan. Telephone: 39 366 101 5497 Web: La Cantinaccia del Popolo

Best Sorrento Bars

Syrenuse Bar

The Syrenuse is where locals pile in before, during or after the evening passeggiata for a piazza-side aperitivo. Drinks are reasonably priced and the complimentary bites – such as pizzette and zeppole – are a step up from the stock-standard nuts and chips. There’s regular live music on Saturday night. Telephone: 39 081 807 5582 Web: Syrenuse Bar

Guarracino Lounge Bar

From classics like sidecar and gin fizz, they also shake a mean martini infused with oyster brine or one with gold leaf. Attention to detail is on point with touches like frosted glasses and hand cut ice. Telephone: 39 081 878 1728 Web: Guarracino Lounge Bar

La Bottega della Birra

This small bar is stocked with a fantastic selection of Italian and international beers. The owner, Nunzio is more than happy to share his knowledge and passion with other aficionados. Try the locally produced lemon beer with a snack of ricotta topped with his beer honey. Telephone: 39 340 591 6221 Web: La Bottega della Birra

Vista Sky Bar

On the rooftop of Hotel Mediterraneo Sorrento, the brand-new Vista Sky Bar welcomes you in its wonderful panoramic terrace featuring amazing views of the Naples bay, the islands, and the Vesuvio Volcano. Telephone: 39 081 878 1352 Web: Vista Sky Bar

D’Anton

This is a cocktail bar doubling up as an interior-design store. That sofa you’re sipping a negroni on is for sale. So is that chandelier and that mirror. Add them to your drinks bill if you’re feeling flush, or just admire the candelabras and lampshades over savory antipasti and wicked chocolate-and-almond cake. Telephone: 39 333 154 3706 Web: D’Anton

Best Sorrento Hotels

36 Comments

  1. Twack Romero

    It’s not been since my youth that I was fortunate enough to visit Italy. I would have been sixteen and part of a school trip. A full week in the northern ski slopes, I forget the name. As with many things that we do when we’re young, it left a lasting impression. I’m past the days where I want to ski but I would like to take in Italy once more.

    One of the things that both my wife and I enjoy is visiting places that haven’t been over run with tourism. Each to their own, I know but for us, we would like to see more of the traditional style of the country we would be visiting. Using Sorrento as a base, it would afford us the opportunity to explore the local areas. I have found that in some places, just a small journey out of town will take you into the ‘real’ places that are untouched and unravaged by time.

    As we’re both pescatarians, one of the mainstays of our diet is fish. Sorrento and the surrounding area would seem to be an ideal place to enjoy the seaford delights of a fishing community, as well as all of the tradtional Italian fayre. As for accomodation, the video sold me on finding somewhere on the cliffs. The hotels look incredible and the views, were we just to spend a day inhouse, look to be breathtaking. 

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thank you so much for visiting beach travel destinations and sharing your comments.  Sounds like the perfect vacation for you and your wife.  More lasting memories to come !

      Reply
  2. Rami Saleh

    Hi Leahrae,

    Very pleasantly surprised on arriving at your site. Very clean and professional. Page contents load really fast and navigation is a breeze!.
    The appearance through all the sunny destinations is very exotically charming which will appeal to the wives and girlfriends actually booking the holidays. It is very evident that there has been much thought in the design and layout of the site with equal time expended in anticipating the need of your client base.
    The content is both well researched and professionally set out and written with interesting pictures supporting it,
    I am extremely impressed that you have provided places to stay, places to eat, places to visit but by the look of them not just any places to visit and stay but decent looking offerings. Which will help a lot in people who are booking with you to plan their holiday visit prior to departure.
    It appears and is evident that this website will attract a lot of people however more importantly will retain them for it has thought of everything they need in advance of then visiting the website.

    Excellently done!

    Rami,

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thank you so much Rami!  I really appreciate you taking the time to leave me your feedback.  It is always appreciated!

      Reply
  3. Robert

    Hello again! I just looked at and commented on another post you have on this website about Greece. I started looking around and seen this post about Sorrento Italy. This is one of three places in Italy I want to visit, Venice and Naples being the other two. I have already spent a lot of time in the northern Tuscany area of Italy, for this is where I have relatives living in and around Pietrasanta.

    Venice is definitely going to be the first place I visit simply because the flooding is getting worse by the year. But both Sorrento and Naples will be next on my places to visit. I have often liked the view of the cliff top buildings and those built into the mountainside looking like colorful steps leading down to the waters edge. It seems like a very laid back community with great views. I have no doubt that the food is also awesome.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Oh, yes the food is awesome!  Not much better than good food, good beaches, history and culture in my book.  Enough to keep a visitor captivated for the entire vacation.  Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  4. J Little

    Hello after stumbling upon your site on google and having a look around i can quite safely say sorrento is now on my bucket list of places to see the pics look really nice and you make it sound like im there alreat have bookmarket the site and will be using you in the future hopefully to go to sorrento.

    Thanks

    From

    Jon

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      I am glad you found my Sorrento Travel Guide and have added it to your bucket list.  It really is a great destination.  Please let me know if you need any additional information.

      Reply
  5. Juan Saladin

    Thanks for a great post. Very informative and practical information. My personal vacations plans wold allow me getting there by August, early in its high season. From your list, the first and the second beaches have been my favorites.

    The accommodations are insanely cheap. They seems to have a very active nightlife and it results on a very attractive destination. Great scape for singles probably!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      I believe so Juan.  Sounds like a trip to Sorrento is in order for you 🙂  Please let me know if you need any additional information.

      Reply
  6. sabrinamou

    Wow, Sorrento!
    I truly need to initially value your exertion in assembling this incredible site and composing this article. I also read your previous article. I like your articles. I get much information in this post. I can know about Sorrento Travel. It is a big historical place in the world. Sorrento history, culture, and architecture with a rugged Adriatic setting of traditional villages, beaches, restaurants, and bars. There are so many beaches in this area such as Best Sorrento Beaches, Marina Piccola Beach, Marina Grande Beach, Beaches of Regina Giovanna, Bagni d’Arienzo, Puolo. Every year many people visit this place. Thanks for sharing.If you don’t mind, I will share this article on my social media account.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      I would love you to share this on your social media, and thank you!  I am glad you enjoyed Sabrina 🙂

      Reply
  7. Nimrodngy

    Your website is amazing and I want to tell you that you are doing a great job. When I want to go on a trip I always come here and look for your articles. The useful information and all the explanations you share with us are the best for me.
    I believe that every tourist who wants to visit a certain city, or a certain country, must first convince himself and this conviction is given through your work. I never visited Sorrento but I would really like to go. The beaches here are very similar to the Greeks, blue and very colorful beaches. I heard that we can find here one of the best coffees in the world, and the restaurants are full of delicacies from all over the world. I can’t wait to go here. 

    Wish you all the best! 

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me comments and for your praise.  I am glad you are enjoying your visits to beach travel destinations.

      Reply
  8. Jordan

    Hi Leahrae,

    I would love to visit Sorrento, as I prefer tranquil cities with a touch of old times versus hectic noisy big cities. The fact that it is home to the Church of Saint Francis makes it a great religious tourism location for me.

    A spring guy that I am, May is the month for me to go and enjoy the flowery season at Sorrento while visiting its various astonishing beach spots.

    To all readers I say, Capri Boat Experience from Sorrento is a must! A scenic tour around the island is indispensable. 

    Thanks,

    Jordan.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thank you Jordan for stopping by and taking the time to leave comments as well as the tip.  I agree completely that  the Capri Boat Experience is a must.  I am glad you enjoyed my Sorrento Travel Guide.

      Reply
  9. Steve

    My wife and I went to Italy for our honeymoon and we have wanted to go back ever since! We went to Florence and Rome for the most part and my one regret was not getting to really experience a lot of the coastal towns. Sorrento looks to be absolutely beautiful! I love the look of the Regina Giovanna beaches with their high cliffs bordering the swimming areas. It is such a unique location to swim and the water looks incredible! 

    One of my favorite things about Italian restaurants, which looks to be the same in Sorrento, is their simplicity of food. Nothing has to be too fancy, but it is some of the freshest you can find!

    This really makes me want to visit Sorrento, so thanks so much for writing this post!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are right about the food and what a great honeymoon!  Sounds like a second one is in order with a visit to Sorrento and the nearby coastal communities.  Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  10. Andrew Goodrich

    Knowing that I would be traveling with my family, I would definitely go to the Marina Piccola Beach, as it has all the amenities for a full day.  Having the restaurants, bathrooms and showers in one centralized location would be beneficial with children in tow.  I would likely not partake in the diving tour and spend the time exploring the beach and area.  The Sorrento Farm Experience would have to be another day adventure with the children; to get a real taste of the culture.  Going on a boat tour would also need to be in the itinerary.   Finding the perfect time of year to visit, given weather and tourism will be important to understand before booking a trip.  Thank you for the Guide.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Hi Andrew, and thank you for visiting my Sorrento Travel Guide and taking the time to leave me some comments.  Sounds like you have your family vacation all mapped out.  Please let me know if you need any additional information.

      Reply
  11. Shanta Rahman

    Many thanks to you for sharing such an excellent article with us .Sorrento is a coastal town in Italy and I have long wanted to visit here .Your article is very helpful to me as this travel guide is also one of the problems I have to go around .And through your article I got to know the weather here and the best times to visit. And for this travel guide it’s nice to see a city here, a place to visit traditional food, restaurants, beaches, cities etc. Which would be very useful for me to travel around, and what helps these travel guides the most is in terms of linguistic support and money transactions. The Sorrento Travel Guide is a great guide .

    I will be spending my next vacation here soon and will be following this travel guide. 

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are very welcome Shanta.  I am glad you enjoyed my Sorrento Travel Guide.  Please let me know how your Sorrento vacation goes.  If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.

      Reply
  12. MrBiizy

    Hello Leahrae, this feeling of traveling to explore the world keeps growing each time I read your travel guide blog posts and I am so excited about it. Sorrento looks amazing and I am sure I’d have a wonderful experience travelling there. I can see there are many nice beaches there. I don’t joke with food; nice to see there are nice restaurants that are affordable too. Thanks for sharing your review.

    Regards!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      I am glad I am filling up your bucket list 🙂  I don’t joke with food either.  I have to have great food when vacationing.  Part of the experience for sure.  Thanks for visiting.

      Reply
  13. Rhain

    I think the city makes for an interesting tour. Given that it’s most vibrant periods are perfectly aligned with my personal holiday, it’ll surely make a great destination for touring. Now, I particularly fancy the idea of enjoying touring the Amalfi coast. I’ve had recurring thoughts of a visit to Italy to get a good sensation of the food and drinks. Visiting Sorento just might be my ticket to achieving that.

    Thanks for sharing 

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      I believe you would have a wonderful time.  And if you are going to Sorrento, then yes the Amalfi Coast is a must.  Please let me know if you need any additional information.

      Reply
  14. Pentrental

    Wow what a great resource for Sorrento travel! I’ve heard a little bit about Sorrento, but nothing as extensive as this so it’s great to come across your post here. Good to know that Sorrento is a little less hectic than Rome. I think if I was to plan a Rome/Sorrento trip I would stop in Rome first, expend energy there, and then go relax on the Sorrento beaches. One that really catches my eye is Marina Piccola. It’s unique and beautiful and looks like it would offer the chance to meet other tourists from around the world. Great advice here and I’ll save your post for reference, thanks!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      I am glad you enjoyed my Sorrento Travel Guide.  Sounds like you have a great vacation planned. Please let me know if I can help in any way with your vacation plans.  Thanks for visiting.

      Reply
  15. Feji ben

    Sorrento Italy a very complex place and or you to survive them or I would say enjoy your stay you have to have a very complex guide that contains all the needed info like this one it’s well loaded with all you need to know especially the weather as they have a very funny climate structure there….

    I worked there for sometime and I would tell it a fun place to what I really loved during my say there was there famous limoncello…thanks allot for this awesome article it would be of help to us all

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thank you Ben, I am glad you enjoyed my Sorrento Travel Guide.  Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  16. shariful islam

    Many thanks to you for sharing such an excellent article with us .Travel is my favorite and I love to Travel.Whenever I get holidays I leave to go to the beach and Sorrento beach is so beautiful to see and that fascinates me.I went on a sorrento beach trip and ate at Don Alfonso’s restaurant and I think the quality of the homemade food was good and delicious and healthy.I was in this hotel and the atmosphere in the hotel was very entertaining.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Who does not love to travel lol.  I suppose there are some that don’t like airplane travel.  Sounds like you had a wonderful time in Santorini and enjoyed the food 🙂  Thanks for your visit and for leaving me some comments.

      Reply
  17. Carol

    Hi Leahrae, i can say that this is one of the best travel guide I have ever had as a tourist.
    Italia is a very nice place to be any day, anytime, any season, not only because of their traditions and history but Al’s because of the nice and wonderful people toy have their in Italy.
    The city of Sorrento is a very popular city in Italy and it is a fantastic destinations for any tourist traveling from all over the world.
    The most interesting aspect of any trip to Italy is the lovely beaches you see around, I think the beaches in Sorrento will be my destinations when next I travel to Italy

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      I am so glad Carol that my Sorrento Travel guide is helpful to you.  And yes Sorrento does have a lot to offer besides their amazing beaches.  Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.

      Reply
  18. Carol

    Hi Leahrae, i can say that this is one of the best travel guide I have ever had as a tourist.
    Italia is a very nice place to be any day, anytime, any season, not only because of their traditions and history but Al’s because of the nice and wonderful people toy have their in Italy.
    The city of Sorrento is a very popular city in Italy and it is a fantastic destinations for any tourist traveling from all over the world.
    The most interesting aspect of any trip to Italy is the lovely beaches you see around, I think the beaches in Sorrento will be my destinations when next I travel to Italy

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thank you Carol! And thanks so much for taking the time to leave me comments.

      Reply

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