Sorrento sits on the cliffs above Italy’s Bay of Naples, surrounded by lemon groves. With a setting like that and a cobblestone old town, it’s no wonder it’s been given World Heritage Site status. It’s seriously well-connected, too, with the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Pompeii within day tripping distance. There’s a lot to squeeze in, so we’ve put together this guide to Sorrento with the lowdown on where to go, when and what to do.
Already convinced? Take a look at our Sorrento villas.
Sorrento oozes old-school Italian charm. For sights in the city itself, you can visit the Basilica of Sant’Antonino, the vine-covered Cloister of San Francesco and the remaining old city walls. Plus, there are the two harbours, where fishing boats bob beside no-nonsense tavernas. And, if you want to head further afield, Pompeii and Herculaneum are within easy reach.
Tiered vineyards, fragrant lemon groves, clifftop views – settings don’t get more scenic than Sorrento. On a clear day, you can see mighty Vesuvius across its bay. Then there are the even-more-adorable Amalfi Coast towns just around the peninsula. If you only have time to visit a few, make sure to pit stop in Positano for its smart shops and restaurants, and Ravello for its romantic gardens.
You’ll find Sorrento just below Naples in southern Italy’s Campania region. Its Mediterranean climate means temperatures sizzle in the mid-30s in July and August. If you like things a little cooler, the best time to visit Sorrento is late Spring or early Autumn. May and September bring fewer crowds and perfect-for-strolling temperatures of 20-25°C.
When the hustle and bustle of Piazza Tasso gets too much, retreat to Marina Grande. This former fishing village, to the west of Sorrento, has a laidback vibe. Its waterfront is backed by pastel-painted houses and family-run trattorias. It’s the kind of place where you can tuck into the catch of the day on a checked tablecloth.
Sorrento doesn’t do beaches as such. But there are still plenty of places to take a dip. Its cliff-backed waterfront’s lined with beach clubs, which come in the form of wooden bathing platforms. You’ll have to pay for entry or a drink, but then you can make the most of loungers, restaurants and ladders into the gin-clear waters.
It’s just a 20-minute ferry ride from Sorrento to Capri. Once you arrive, you can window shop along Via Camerelle’s designer boutiques, or take the chairlift up to the island’s summit for wraparound views of the bay.
Sold on Sorrento? Check out our range of villas in Sorrento.
For more inspiration, read our Local’s Guide to Sorrento. And, if you need any help planning your Italian adventure, our concierge team are on hand with more expert advice.
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