Sorrento is a large town located between Naples and the Amalfi Coast in Italy and it’s a great hub for travelers traveling to Amalfi Coast destinations. Sorrento is a town full of beautiful lemon groves which are used to produce an Italian specialty liqueur called Limoncello.
This charming coastal town has a beautiful historical center and all of the modern conveniences. If you are traveling to the Amalfi Coast, but you want more options for accommodation or simply that larger-town feel, Sorrento is a great spot to make as your hub for day trips. There is a main train station in Sorrento that connects with Naples and ferries that connect with main towns along the Amalfi Coast.
HOW TO GET TO SORRENTO, ITALY
Compared to small towns along the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is fairly easy to get to. While there is not a main airport in Sorrento, it is only a a 50-minute drive or train ride away from Naples. Once in Sorrento, the town can easily be walked, you can hire a taxi service or scooter, or there are options available for parking. If you are wanting to make Sorrento as your hub for your Amalfi Coast trip or as a stop along your journey, check out some of the key travel times:
- Sorrento to Naples: 50 min train or drive, 35-45 min ferry
- Sorrento to Pompeii: 30 min train, 40 min drive
- Sorrento to Positano: 30 min drive, 40 min ferry
- Sorrento to Capri: 20 min ferry
- Sorrento to Amalfi: 1 hr drive, 50 min ferry
Check out the ferry schedule here
Don’t forget to take a look at some of my other travel guides in the area: The Instagram Guide to the Amalfi Coast, 48 Hours in Amalfi, How to Spend 2 Days in Naples
WHAT TO DO
If you have an extra day or two on your Amalfi Coast itinerary, Sorrento is a great spot to stop along the way. Sorrento has a colorful town center, lots of shopping and beautiful hotels and restaurants to indulge during your stay. The town is built on the cliffside, so it is split into upper and lower levels to explore!
SPEND THE DAY AT A BEACH CLUB
Sorrento beach clubs offer a luxurious retreat along the stunning coastline. Nestled amidst the picturesque cliffs and azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, these clubs provide sandy beaches, panoramic views, and impeccable service, From private cabanas to gourmet dining options, guests can unwind in style while soaking up the Mediterranean sun. Whether savoring cocktails by the infinity pool or partaking in water sports adventures, Sorrento beach clubs offer something for everyone! Here are some of my favorites: Marmeo Beach, Peter’s Beach, Leonelli’s Beach or Maya Beach Experience
EXPLORE THE MARINA GRANDE
The Marina Grande is a colorful fishing marina and beach along the lower level of sorrento. This part of town has a lot of charm and is a great spot to dine along the docks and satisfy your appetite for local seafood. If you’re looking for a spot to eat, dine al fresco at Porta Marina or Bagni Delfino.
GRAB A DRINK WITH A VIEW
Hotel Bellevue Syrene and Hotel Belair Sorrento are home to my favorite views along the coast overlooking Sorrento and Mt. Vesuvius. You can enjoy aperitivo (Italian cocktail hour) drinks and snacks here even if you aren’t a hotel guest. I highly recommend the Limoncello Spritz, it’s a local specialty!
HIKE TO BAGNI REGINA GIOVANNI
This local swimming hole is only a 40 min walk from Sorrento or a quick taxi ride. This spot is nestled into the cliffside it beautiful turquosie water and grottos to explore. I suggest packing a towel and water shoes here as well as some snacks!
VISIT THE CITRUS GROVES
Citrus groves are tucked away across the town. I loved wandering the streets and finding lemon or orange trees! This is something I find so unique in Sorrento. Some of my favorite spots for citrus trees are: I Giardini di Cataldo and Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria.
WANDER THE TOWN CENTER
Sorrento has tons of shopping, restaurants and bars, so it’s great to just walk around. The best shopping streets are Corso Italia and Via San Cesareo. Sorrento is a multi-level town, so I loved finding unique viewpoints that showed the contrast of the town and landscape. Be sure to checkout the viewpoints at Vallone dei Mulini di Sorrento or Via Luigi de Maio at La Pergola Bar à Champagne.
DINE UNDER A LEMON GROVE
This is truly a unique experience in Sorrento. One of my favorite restaurants in Italy is o Parrucchiano La Favorita. It’s nestled under a large lemon grove full of fresh fruits and flowers, and it’s the birthplace of one of my Italian favorites- the cannelloni (stuffed pasta with meat and cheese, yum!). This spot is an absolute experience and extra instagrammable, so bring your camera!
WHERE TO STAY IN SORRENTO ITALY
In comparison to towns along the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento has a large selection of accommodation options which is why so many travelers choose Sorrento as their home-base for their Amalfi journey. Lucky for you, I’ve gathered some of my favorite places to stay in Sorrento to make your search a bit easier!
HOTELS
- Hotel Bellevue Syrene
- Hotel Belair Sorrento
- Parco dei Principi
- Grand Hotel Capodimonte
- Grand Hotel Ambasciatori
- Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
- Grand Hotel Royal
AIRBNB
- Mediterranean Design Apartment
- Villa Tozzoli
- La Conca dei Sogni
- Mammare Sorrento Loft
- Villa with Panoramic views and swimming pool
WHERE TO EAT
Sorrento has plenty of amazing dining options whether you are wanting to opt for fine dining or causal coastal cuisine. Some of top picks are mentioned above (Porta Marina, Bagni Delfino, o Parrucchiano La Favorita), but check out some of my other favorites:
- D’Anton for the best cocktails in Sorrento
- La Pergola Bar à Champagne for champagne with a view!
- The Garden da Gennaro for a lovely ambiance in a gardent setting
- Accènto for my delicious pasta dishes!
Check out more spots to eat in the area in my guide to the 10 Most Instagrammable Places to Eat on the Amalfi Coast
Ready to explore Sorrento? I hope this guide helps you plan your perfect stay!
