Perched high above the sparkling Bay of Naples, Sorrento, Italy is a coastal dream where lemon groves meet sea cliffs and life moves at the pace of a slow sunset. With views that stretch toward Capri and the Amalfi Coast, this charming town blends history, flavor, and Italian flair into one irresistible destination.
Whether you’re here for food, culture, or sheer Mediterranean magic, here are 10 unforgettable things to do in Sorrento that will make you fall in love with southern Italy.
1. Wander Through Sorrento’s Old Town
So start your adventure in Sorrento’s Old Town, where cobblestone lanes twist between pastel buildings and history whispers from every corner. Dating back over 2,000 years, this part of town still bears traces of the Roman era.
Then stroll through the Piazza Tasso, Sorrento’s lively main square, where locals sip espresso and travelers browse boutiques for handmade leather goods or bottles of fresh limoncello. It’s the perfect place to sit at a café, people-watch, and soak in the Italian rhythm of life.
2. Cruise the Amalfi Coast on a Vespa or Convertible
There are few experiences compare to driving the Amalfi Coast. Sorrento is the perfect starting point. Whether you rent a Vespa, a bike, or a convertible, the 50-kilometer coastal route between Sorrento and Salerno delivers endless beauty — turquoise waters, cliffside villages, and panoramic stops for that perfect photo.
Take it slow. Stop in small towns, dine at seaside trattorias, and let the scent of sea air and lemon trees guide you. Just remember: the roads are narrow and winding, so drive carefully and enjoy the views that earned this coastline UNESCO World Heritage status.
3. Take a Day Trip to Capri
Just a short ferry ride away, Capri is the glamorous island that has charmed everyone from Roman emperors to modern travelers. Swim in the famous Blue Grotto, admire the rugged Faraglioni rock formations, and wander through the Gardens of Augustus for postcard-worthy views.
If you’re after a beach day, head to Marina Piccola, a cozy cove surrounded by cliffs. And when the sun begins to set, enjoy an aperitivo in Capri Town — the light turns the sea into liquid gold.
4. Watch the Sunset from Villa Comunale di Sorrento
If you looking for one of the most beautiful views in town, head to Villa Comunale di Sorrento, a serene garden overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Locals come here to relax, read, and admire the sunset that paints the sky in fiery hues.
The park’s palm-lined paths and flower-filled terraces make it a romantic stop — ideal for quiet reflection or that perfect golden-hour photo.
5. Visit the Cathedral of Saints Philip and James
Also known locally as Cattedrale dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo, this Roman Catholic cathedral dates back to the 11th century and is a masterpiece of marble, wood, and faith. Inside, you’ll find detailed frescoes and a hand-carved 16th-century choir that feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting.
Don’t forget to climb the bell tower for a panoramic view over Sorrento’s rooftops and the glittering coastline beyond.
6. Experience Piazza Tasso by Day and Night
Piazza Tasso is the heartbeat of Sorrento — busy, colorful, and full of energy. By day, it’s where locals sip cappuccinos under bright umbrellas; by night, it transforms into a lively scene of music and laughter.
Then why not grab gelato, or watch street performers, or simply linger at one of the square’s cafés as the lights come on and the air fills with the sound of conversation and clinking glasses.
7. Swim at Bagni Regina Giovanna
Just outside the town center lies one of Sorrento’s best-kept secrets: Bagni Regina Giovanna, a natural swimming hole surrounded by Roman ruins. Legend says Queen Giovanna d’Angiò bathed here in the 14th century — and one look at this turquoise cove will tell you why.
And make sure to pack water shoes and hike down the short path to reach the lagoon. The reward? A peaceful swim in crystal-clear waters and panoramic views of the cliffs above.
8. Take a Day Trip to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello
And also Sorrento makes the perfect base to explore the Amalfi Coast’s iconic trio: Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
- Positano charms with cascading pastel houses, boutique shopping, and scenic beaches.
- Amalfi dazzles with its cathedral, history as a maritime power, and dramatic coastal views.
- Ravello, perched high above the sea, is pure tranquility — don’t miss the gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo for sweeping views that inspire poets and painters alike.
Each town has its own soul — and together, they complete your Amalfi experience.
9. Hike Through Parco di Villa Fiorentino
And for a dose of nature, head to Parco di Villa Fiorentino, a lush park with walking trails that wind through gardens and offer views of the Sorrento Peninsula. Whether you’re a casual stroller or a seasoned hiker, you’ll enjoy exploring its peaceful paths surrounded by lemon trees and sea breezes.
10. Wine and Dine the Sorrento Way
Then end your trip with what Italy does best: food. Try fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and, of course, a shot of Limoncello, made from Sorrento’s world-famous lemons.
There is also the Dine al fresco at Enjoy the Little Things Bistro, a cozy spot tucked in a quiet alley where every dish bursts with flavor and authenticity. After dinner, take a moonlit walk and toast to la dolce vita — the sweet life that Sorrento so effortlessly captures.
Final Thoughts
From its ancient streets to its cliffside views, Sorrento is a place that never stops dazzling. It’s a town that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and let the scent of lemons and sea air remind you why Italy is timeless.
So pack your walking shoes, your camera, and your appetite — Sorrento is waiting.
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