Things to do in Sorrento Italy
Last updated on June 1st, 2026.
Sorrento is a clifftop coastal town on the Bay of Naples. It’s best known for its lemon groves, sea views, and its position as a gateway to Capri, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. The best things to do include visiting the historic churches, walking to Marina Grande fishing harbor, exploring Vallone dei Mulini gorge viewpoint and taking day trips to the surrounding region. One day is enough to cover the main highlights at a comfortable pace.
Lemons, clifftop views and pretty cobblestone streets. Sorrento has earned its reputation as one of Campania's most visited towns.
Many come on a day trip. Others use it as a base for the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Pompeii.
We did the former. We spent a day exploring at a leisurely pace, which was more than enough time to cover the highlights.
In this guide, I'll be sharing the best things to do in Sorrento. It’ll also include how to get there, where to eat, the honest truth about beaches and the best day trips.
Useful for your Italy bucket list or to help plan your trip to Italy.
One note on timing. We visited in mid-May during an unusually rainy period across Italy.
May is typically one of the best months to visit: warm, pre-peak season and generally sunny.
A short history of Sorrento
Like many places in and around southern Italy, Sorrento was no stranger to conquests and invasions. The Goths, Byzantines, the Lombards and the French were just a few that came to rule the town.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Sorrento experienced a period of economic and cultural growth. The town became renowned for its production of ceramics and woodwork, which were highly sought after by noblemen and collectors.
Today, Sorrento is still famed for its high-quality ceramics. As you meander through its cobblestone streets keep an eye out for the shops selling bespoke merchandise.
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How to get to Sorrento Italy
Sorrento sits at the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula on the Bay of Naples. There are several ways to get here depending on where you're coming from.
From Naples by train
The most practical option for most visitors is the Circumvesuviana, a regional train running from Naples Porta Nolana station directly to Sorrento.
It takes around 65 minutes and costs €3.60* each way. Trains run frequently throughout the day and the route passes through Pompeii, which makes it easy to combine both destinations.
The Circumvesuviana is a regional rather than high-speed service. It's very much a budget-friendly way of traveling so bear this in mind before taking it. Trains are dated, there's no luggage storage and they're often late.
📌 Lisa’s tip: keep a close eye on your belongings and stay travel savvy as pick-pocketing is occasionally reported on this line.
🎥 Watch: the cheapest way to get from Naples to Sorrento
From Naples by ferry
Ferries run between Napoli Beverello and Sorrento, with journey times of around 45 minutes by fast ferry.
This is a more scenic arrival than the train and worth considering if the weather is good. You approach Sorrento from the water with the cliffs rising above you.
Check schedules in advance as frequency varies by season.
From Rome
The most straightforward route from Rome Termini is by high-speed train to Naples Centrale (approximately 1hr 13mins). From here, switch to the Circumvesuviana for the final leg to Sorrento.
The total journey takes around 2 hours. For a full breakdown of train options across Italy, see my guide to taking trains in Italy.
By car
We drove to Sorrento from Massa Lubrense and found the approach straightforward compared to the notoriously congested SS163 Amalfi Coast road.
The drive was smooth, and parking was easy to find and reasonably priced for a popular tourist town.
If you're arriving by car, check the parking section below for the most practical options near the center.
From Naples Airport
Naples Capodichino Airport is around 1hr 25mins from Sorrento by private transfer. Prices start from €40 per person for a shared transfer service.
There’s no direct public transport link from the airport to Sorrento. The most economical public option is to take the Alibus shuttle from the airport to Naples Garibaldi. This takes 15 minutes and costs €5.* From here, take the Circumvesuviana train.
For a full guide to reaching Sorrento and the surrounding region, see:
Map of Sorrento Italy
Sorrento is compact but its steep terrain and winding streets can make orientation tricky on a first visit.
Use the map below before you arrive. It covers the main sights, churches, Marina Grande, Vallone dei Mulini viewpoint, beaches and where to eat.
I’ve done the hard work for you, so you know where everything is before you set foot in the town.
Things to do in Sorrento Italy
1. explore the town
Despite its tourist reputation, Sorrento is easy to explore on a budget. We spent most of our visit walking, stopping wherever we wanted and paying nothing.
Our first stop was Piazza Tasso. Even with heavy downpours, the square was full of life. Lined with restaurants and outdoor seating, it's easy to see why visitors are drawn here.
From there, Piazza della Vittoria is another pretty square worth finding.
Its small garden leads to one of the best viewpoints in town, the terrazza panoramica stella del mare. The terrace is spacious and the sea view is unmatched.
Terrazza panoramica stella del mare, Piazza della Vittoria, 5
Pick up some cedro
Sorrento and lemons go together like Romeo and Juliet. The town’s renowned for its abundance of lemon trees and its bounty of colorful fruit.
But what many visitors don’t realize is that Sorrento isn’t just home to lemons.
As you continue strolling past the many shops, you may spot a variety called cedro. Citron in English, the fruit is larger than standard lemons, but it has a milder taste.
While lemons and cedro come from the same family there’s a difference between the two. Lemons grow on a fruit tree while cedro comes from a shrub.
Physically, lemons are more yellow in color, smoother and have a thinner rind. Cedro, on the other hand, are larger, lumpy and they’ve a very thick rind.
We've eaten cedro in a salad in Sicily and it makes the perfect fresh accompaniment to fish dishes.
Made for shopping
The principal street that runs through Sorrento is Corso Italia.
It’s lined with shops, restaurants and bars all vying for your tourist Euros. A strong international feel, Corso Italia is filled with Italian gelaterias sitting along Irish pubs and Dutch fast-food chains.
Personally, I found it too touristy for my liking. But Sorrento has more to offer, in the traditional sense, and you can find that in its churches.
Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea
Sorrento has been famous for its woodwork since the 16th and 17th centuries. Its craft shops sells everything from furniture with intricate geometric patterns to decorative boxes and picture frames.
If you want to understand the tradition rather than just buy a souvenir, the Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea is worth your time.
Housed in an 18th century palazzo near the Church of San Francesco, the museum houses historic pieces alongside contemporary work. Create by local craftspeople, it gives context to the craft you see all over town.
The building itself, with its courtyard and terrace views, is worth the entry fee on its own.
Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea, Via San Nicola 28
2. churches in Sorrento
Churches might not be everyone's priority in Sorrento. But skipping them means missing some of the best attractions in town.
Cathedral of St. Philip and St. James
Steps from Corso Italia is the Cathedral of St. Philip and St. James (Cattedrale dei Santo Filippo e Giacomo).
Dating to the 11th century, it was originally Romanesque. Subsequent renovations added Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements over the centuries.
More than meets the eye
I wasn't expecting much from a church in a town this size. I was wrong.
The façade is simple but striking.
Step inside and the interior does all the talking. Richly decorated altars, ornate frescoes, delicate stained-glass windows and a ceiling so detailed you'll leave with a slight neck ache.
Sorrento Cathedral was easily one of our top highlights in Sorrento Italy.
Cattedrale dei Santo Filippo e Giacomo, Via Santa Maria della Pietà, 44
Sant’Antonino Basilica
Near Piazza Tasso is the Basilica of Sant’Antonino (Basilica di Sant’Antonino).
The exterior is predominantly baroque. Inside, elements from different architectural periods layer on top of each other in a way that rewards a slow look around.
Don't miss the crypt beneath the church.
It houses the relics of Saint Antoninus and remains an active place of pilgrimage.
There's a quiet, devotional atmosphere down there that feels completely removed from the tourist town above.
Basilica di Sant’Antonino, Piazza Sant'Antonino
Church of St. Francis
The Church of St. Francis (Chiesa di San Francesco) sits in the heart of Sorrento's historic center. the (Chiesa di San Francesco).
Dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, its exterior is simple, elegant and typical of medieval church architecture in southern Italy.
Honestly, the adjacent Cloister of San Francesco was the bigger draw for us.
Decorated arches, ceramic tiles and a central garden with palm trees and flowers make it one of the prettiest spots in Sorrento.
Free to enter and easy to linger in.
Chiesa di San Francesco (St. Francis Church), piazza francesco Saverio Gargiulo, 8
St. Francis Cloister, (Chiostro di San Francesco), Via San Francesco, 12
Dominova Seat (Sedil Dominova)
A short walk from the Cathedral, Dominova Seat is easy to overlook but worth pausing for.
Dating to the 15th century, this open loggia with its distinctive frescoed cupola was once the meeting place of Sorrento's noble families. Think of it as a kind of club where the town's aristocracy gathered to conduct local affairs.
Today it’s a private club and bocce court, and is very much in use rather than being a preserved relic.
The exterior fresco and the painted cupola are visible from the street at no cost. It's a small detail but one that gives you a sense of Sorrento's social history beyond the tourist circuit.
Dominova Seat (Sedile Domi
3. Vallone dei Mulini
One of the best sights in Sorrento costs nothing to see and is easy to miss if you don't know to look for it.
Vallone dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills) is a natural gorge that cuts through the heart of the town, visible from street-level off Piazza Tasso.
Below, you can see the remains of a 19th century water mill that was abandoned after a volcanic eruption.
The eruption blocked the valley and raised humidity levels to the point where operating the mill became impossible. Nature gradually reclaimed the ruins, which today is filled with ferns, moss and vegetation. It’s a complete contrast with the busy, and modern, streets immediately above.
It takes two minutes to see and requires no entry fee.
Look for Via Fuorimura near Piazza Tasso and look down. It's one of those Sorrento attractions that separates visitors who explored fully from those who stuck to Corso Italia.
Vallone dei Mulini, Via Fuorimura 1, Sorrento
4. Walk to Marina Grande
On the way to Marina Grande, we passed through Villa Comunale.
Even on a grey day, the public garden was a calm spot to pause and take in the panoramic views over the Gulf of Naples.
From the garden, a path leads down toward the beach. It's a slight but steady incline: worth keeping in mind when choosing your footwear.
The walk takes around 10 minutes and the views on the way down make it worthwhile.
The alternative is the Sorrento Lift. A single ticket costs €1.20* and a return is €2.20*.
We took it back up to Corso Italia and would recommend it, more so if traveling with a baby.
The lines moved quickly, and we didn't have to wait long for the elevators to arrive. On top of this, the prices were surprisingly low, and it wasn’t some kind of tourist trap as we’d thought.
The marina
Below Sorrento's cliffs is the fishing village of Marina Grande.
Colorful houses, waterfront restaurants and a working harbor make it one of the most atmospheric spots in town..
My husband and I spent more time here than anywhere else. It's a natural place to slow down, particularly for couples. Highly recommended.
Along the shore front you'll also find Sorrento's lido beach clubs. These charge for access, sun loungers and umbrellas.
If you have more time in Sorrento
If you’ve more time, here are a few additional things worth adding to your Sorrento itinerary.
Take a a pizza making class. It’s a hands-on way to learn one of Italy's most important culinary traditions, and a popular activity for couples and families.
Visit the Museo Correale di Terranova. Browse the private collection of 17th to 19th century art and decorative objects housed in a villa with sea views. One of the better museums in the region and worth an hour.
Museo Correale di Terranova, Via Correale, 50
Limoncello tasting
No visit to Sorrento is complete without trying limoncello, the lemon liqueur that the town is synonymous with.
⏩️ Book: Pizza, wine and limoncello at a local farm in Sorrento
Several producers offer tastings and factory visits where you can see how it's made from the local Sorrento IGP lemons.
The lemon grove at Agruminato is one of the most visited, combining a working orchard with tastings and a shop.
Romantic things to do in Sorrento
If you're visiting as a couple, Sorrento rewards slow exploration.
A sunset aperitivo at a clifftop bar, an evening walk in the historic center or a private boat tour are among the most popular romantic experiences.
The town feels different after the day-trip crowds leave in the late afternoon: quieter and much more enjoyable.
Beaches in Sorrento
One of the most important things to know before you visit is that Sorrento isn’t a traditional beach destination.
The town sits on clifftops, which means you either need to descend steep paths or take an elevator to access the water.
Most of Sorrento's bathing spots are lido platforms. These are terraces carved into or built out from the cliffs, with sun loungers, umbrellas and steps directly into the sea.
Sorrento does have two free public beaches, but there are important caveats for both.
Spiaggia Pubblica Sorrento is small and reserved exclusively for residents. While it can feel disappointing for visitors, I think it's right that something is kept for the locals.
I say that as someone who lives near Venice, so I know what it means when a place loses itself to tourism.
By Marina Grande, Spiaggia di Sorrento is open to the public and offers pretty sea views. The downside is that it's small, fills up quickly and boats regularly dock and depart from the same stretch of shore.
Add buses and cars passing continuously nearby and it may not be the most relaxing experience. However, for a quick dip it works perfectly well.
For a proper beach setup, the paid lidos are the more comfortable option.
Bagni Salvatore, Leonelli's Beach, Peter's Beach and Marina Piccola all offer loungers, umbrellas and direct sea access.
At the far end of Marina Grande, Marina Piccola is noticeably quieter and makes a picturesque spot to sit with the views rather than swim.
Several cafes nearby serve Italian options alongside more international choices.
Bagni della Regina Giovanna
Around 3km west of Sorrento, Bagni della Regina Giovanna is the most interesting swimming spot near the town.
It’s a natural sea pool formed within the ruins of a Roman villa, accessible via a footpath from the road.
The ruins of Villa Pollio Felice surround the pool. It fills and empties with the tide and produces clear water in an ancient setting.
You can walk there (around 45 minutes from the center) or take a taxi. We visited in early May when the weather wasn't right for swimming, but it’s firmly on the list for a return trip.
Bagni della Regina Giovanna, Traversa Punta Capo
Where to eat in Sorrento
Eating well in Sorrento requires the same approach as any popular Italian tourist town. Step away from the main drag and the quality goes up while the prices come down.
What to order
Two dishes are worth seeking out specifically in Sorrento. Gnocchi alla sorrentina is the local pasta dish.
Soft potato gnocchi baked with tomato, fior di latte mozzarella and basil, served bubbling from the oven. It's the kind of dish that exists in every region of Italy but tastes best in the place it was invented.
For dessert, delizia al limone is Sorrento's signature. A small dome-shaped sponge soaked in lemon cream liqueur, covered in more lemon cream. It tastes just like the lemon groves smell.
Storico 8
When we visited Sorrento, we ate at Storico 8 Focacceria Artigianale e Cucina. It’s the kind of place I'd send anyone who wants to eat well without paying tourist prices.
A cozy eatery with a few tables inside and out, it's unpretentious, relaxed and local in feel. We both ordered the baked focaccia with different fillings.
Mine was a classic combination of fresh mozzarella and Campania tomatoes. Simple, fresh ingredients put together extremely well, and a strong reminder of why Italian food is so good.
The pizza in teglia at the tables around us looked extraordinary: freshly baked, generous portions and incredible ingredients. We were tempted but the portion was honestly just too large for us.
Next time.
Friendly staff, reasonable prices and no performance for the tourists. Exactly what a good meal in southern Italy should feel like.
Storico8 Focacceria artigianale e cucina, Via Padre Reginaldo Giuliani, 8
A word on Corso Italia restaurants
As I mentioned in the shopping section, Corso Italia is lined with restaurants competing loudly for your attention.
Many are perfectly fine but priced for visitors rather than locals. If a waiter’s actively inviting you in and the menu is laminated with photos, keep on walking.
A street or two back from the main strip you'll consistently find better food at lower prices.
Day trips from Sorrento
Sorrento's position at the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula makes it one of the best-placed bases in for day trips.
Everything worth seeing in the region is within reach.
Pompeii
Pompeii is the most straightforward day trip from Sorrento.
The Circumvesuviana train runs directly from Sorrento to Pompeii Scavi station. Journeys take around 38 minutes and costs €3.60* each way.
Arriving by train also means you arrive at the main entrance without having to deal with parking.
Book skip-the-line tickets in advance: queues at the gate can be substantial in summer.
Capri
Ferries run frequently from Sorrento's Marina Piccola to Capri, with journey times of around 20 to 25 minutes by fast ferry.
Capri is expensive and crowded in peak season. However, the island’s attractions (Faraglioni rock formations, the Blue Grotto, Anacapri) justify the visit.
If Capri is a non negotiable, go early on a weekday and leave before the day-tripper crowds arrive. It’ll make a big difference to your experience.
The Amalfi Coast
Sorrento is a natural starting point for exploring the Amalfi Coast.
The drive along the SS163 is truly beautiful but it’s also one of the most challenging roads in Italy. Be prepared for gridlock traffic as buses, cars and scooters share the same narrow stretch of road.
For a detailed guide to planning your route, see my 4-day Amalfi Coast itinerary and Amalfi Coast travel guide for more.
Positano
Around 18km from Sorrento along the Amalfi Coast, Positano is among the most photographed villages in Italy. It has steep terraces, pastel-colored houses and is set directly above the sea.
You can reach Positano by bus, ferry from Sorrento, or car (parking spaces fill up quickly). Like Capri, come early morning before the crowds arrive.
Where to park in Sorrento Italy
We drove to Sorrento from our base in Vicenza, northern Italy. If you're planning on renting a car and driving, this section is for you.
Finding parking was easier than expected, and much cheaper than elsewhere on the Amalfi Coast. Parcheggio Stinga is secure, well-organized and competitively priced.
It's hard to miss: look for a shed with vegetables hanging from its roof at the entrance. This means you’re at the right place.
We paid around €8 for over six hours: a considerable difference from what we paid for parking in Positano.
Parcheggio Stinga, Via degli Aranci, 25, 80067 Sorrento NA
Sorrento Italy FAQs
Yes, but with realistic expectations. It's beautiful, well-positioned for day trips and full of character. Step away from Corso Italia and you'll find churches, hidden viewpoints and a genuine town behind the tourist surface.
They serve different purposes. The Amalfi Coast is more dramatic visually. Sorrento is easier to navigate and better connected. Most visitors use Sorrento as a base and visit the Amalfi Coast on a day trip, which is the most practical approach.
One full day covers the main highlights comfortably. Two days allows for a swim at Bagni della Regina Giovanna or a day trip to Pompeii or Capri. Most visitors stay 3 to 4 nights and use Sorrento as a regional base.
The Circumvesuviana train from Naples Porta Nolana takes around 65 minutes and costs €3.60*. Fast ferries from Napoli Beverello take around 45 minutes. Private (shared) transfers cost approximately €40 per person. See my Naples to the Amalfi Coast guide for full options.
Around 1hr 25mins minutes by shared transfer, costing approximately €40 per person. No direct public link exists. Take the Alibus shuttle to Naples Centrale then the Circumvesuviana/private transfer to Sorrento.
Sorrento is known for its lemon groves, limoncello and clifftop views over the Bay of Naples. It’s also famous for its ceramic and marquetry woodwork traditions, and its position as the gateway to Capri, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
1. Visit Piazza Tasso
2. Stroll through Corso Italia and the side streets
3. Visit Sorrento Cathedral
4. Walk down to Marina Grande
5. Spend time at one of the beaches on Sorrento
Final thoughts
All in all, we saw a lot of attractions on our one day in Sorrento Italy.
A town though very touristy, Sorrento surprises you in many good ways. And it’s for this reason we wouldn’t say no to a return visit in the future.
What do you think of this post outlining top things to do in Sorrento? Does it look like a town on the Amalfi Coast that you’d like to visit? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
*information correct at the time of publishing
Written by Lisa Rivera: Italy traveler and resident for 10+ years. First-hand researched for 2026.
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Ooh Sorrento looks like such an amazing place - I hope to visit it last year but we ended up spending most of our time in Levanto which was also beautiful. So much history as well as delicious food and beautiful coastline - it's on the bucket list
Laura x
Levanto also is so charming Laura, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Save Sorrento for next time 🙂
We did an overnighter in Sorrento and visited Pompeii the next day. Missed all the churches but got to admire the cedros, the Marina Grande, and the Sorrento beaches!
That sounds like a great trip you had!
Italy is really so beautiful. All the clicks are amazing. I would love to visit Sorrento sometime.
You really must see it for yourself one day 🙂
So, it was a cedro my friend gave me for my birthday! Actually, she gave me a whole bag of citrus fruits and I knew all of them including the cumquats but this big thicked-skinned lemon. Now I know. Also, I learned from your post what to do with it 🙂
This being said, I hope I can enjoy the next cedro in Sorrento. The name sounds like a song in my ear (actually, I think there is a song) and it is a part of Italy I haven't visited yet. Hence, grazie per the wonderful introduction to this beautiful city 🙂
How lovely! It is less sharp than a lemon and goes really well in a fresh salad. I didn't see it in Sorrento, but I'm sure you can find versions in this region 🙂 Prego Renata
Stunning city and experiences. I am fascinated by the Italian culture and ways of living, cooking and enjoying food, and welcoming travelers into their country.
Thank you! I hope you visit us one day here
I've never seen a place like this before! I appreciate you sharing your photos with us. It feels like I am there too.
That is great, you will enjoy Sorrento 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article about spending a day in Sorrento, Italy. Your list of the 12 best things to do is comprehensive and includes a variety of attractions and experiences. The descriptions and recommendations are helpful for anyone planning a visit. Well done!
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I would love to explore Italy like this. It sounds like there are so many opportunities for things to see there. Those lemons look wonderful!
The cedro are so delicious and a little different too 🙂
What a beautiful place to visit. I'd have to spend more than a day there...what a dream it would be to travel soon!
Sorrento is so pretty I highly recommend visiting!
We loved Sorrento so much we used it as a base for 3 weeks one year as the fall season wound down. It was indeed a great spot for day trips. I actually had not heard about cedro lemons before and will search them out next time. Marina Grande was a favourite spot to enjoy seafood and a view. Next time we will have to try a pizza making class.
I'm glad to read that! A pizza class here is such a good idea because the ingredients are very very fresh!
Wow! So many amazing places to visit in Sorrento Italy. And the church Wow! Just wow!
they are all quite impressive for a small town 🙂
SO many greta things to do but I like to visit churches the most!
They are wonderful and worth seeing
I had no idea that Citron was slightly different to a lemon. Sorrento sounds like a lovely place to spend some time, definitely somewhere I'd love to explore x
It's a surprising fact for many 🙂 You will enjoy a visit to Sorrento
Thank you for your guide to Sorrento, I have never been and it is somewhere that I have always wanted to go. It looks lovely!
I hope you do visit and that the weather is much better when you do 🙂
That is a lot to do in one day but a really fun way to get the most out of Sorrento!
It really is small enough to see and do plenty. But you pick what you can do 🙂
I've never heard of cedro. It looks very interesting to me, kind of exotic. This place is certainly an attractive destination. Thanks for sharing this useful post!
It's a fruit common here in the south, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I've been to Italy in April. It was great. I didn't go to Sorento but I was in Napoli and Pompei.
I hope you consider visiting next time you are here.
I go to Italy almost every year as it`s affordable from Switzerland where I live and yet very different in so many ways, unfortunately, i have never been to Sorrento and im looking forward to do so next time i visit Italy, thanks for sharing.
We are neighbours 🙂 You will enjoy Sorrento, it's touristy but worth visiting once
Great post! Adding it to my bucket list.
I'm glad to read that!
Awesome post! Love your pictures. Keep sharing! 🙂
Thank you so much!
Informative Blog- Reading this blog makes me miss the fresh ingredients in food outside of the US
Thank you. Yes we eat very fresh here, it makes a big difference 🙂
I can’t wait to take a trip here some day
I hope you do visit us one day