Things to do in Sorrento

Perched on a steep cliff overlooking the gulf of Naples, sits Sorrento – the land of mermaids, myths and mysteries. The seaside town’s history dates back more than 2000 years and has strong Greek and Roman influences. Luring visitors with its vivid sunsets, plush hotels and laid-back vibes, Sorrento is a byword for elegance and sophistication. Sorrento offers a classic Mediterranean summer holiday atmosphere, while retaining its original Italian charm. Sorrento is a convenient base for exploring the Amalfi Coast, but it also offers plenty of its own sights.

Top six things to do in Sorrento

1. Indulge in people watching at Piazza Tasso

Sorrento’s main square, Piazza Tasso, is the beating heart of the town. Named after the 17th-century poet, Torquato Tasso, the piazza puts you in the centre of all the action. Cafés and restaurants galore, it’s the perfect setting for an espresso or pre-dinner aperitif as you watch the world go by. For some culture, you can visit the square’s baroque church of Santa Maria del Carmine. The main shopping district, Corso Italia, leads off the square – so it’s the ideal spot to rest your legs after a busy day of shopping.

2. Watch the sunset from Villa Comunale

A visit to Sorrento isn’t complete without visiting Villa Comunale, a charming park boasting dramatic views over the Bay of Naples. With manicured flower beds and tall palm trees, this green oasis is the ideal place for a relaxing stroll. What’s more, Villa Comunale is Sorrento’s preferred sunset spot. Enjoy a refreshing drink at the small cafe and watch fishing boats sail in and out of the harbour as the sun goes down over the Bay of Naples. Next to the park you’ll find the baroque Church of San Francesco and its 14th-century cloisters, whose fusion of different architectural styles are likely to impress.

3. Explore the old town

Sorrento’s old town is a maze of cobbled streets and medieval alleys, lined with pastel-coloured buildings and traditional trattorias. As you wander around the charming historic centre, you’ll come across ancient churches, secret gardens and many photogenic buildings. Locals will welcome you into their artisan shops to browse regional handicrafts and specialities. Elderly gentlemen can be seen playing cards outside Sedil Dominova, a historic aristocratic palace with impressive domes and impeccable paintings. It’s also the last remaining noble seat of Campania, so it’s worth a visit.

4. Enjoy a dip at Bagni Regina Giovanna

Located just outside Sorrento and next to the remains of a Roman villa, you’ll find Bagni Regina Giovanna. This hidden gem features a secluded cove with a natural swimming pool surrounded by rocky outcrops. Legend has it that the baths were named after 14th-century Queen Joan of Naples, who supposedly spent hours swimming here. Today, it’s still a popular swimming spot, thanks to its clear waters and serene atmosphere. You can also visit the remains of the Roman villa, which dates to the first century BC and enjoys a magnificent position looking out to sea.

5. Take a day trip to Capri

Sorrento makes an ideal base for exploring the Amalfi Coast and its nearby islands. Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Marina Piccola harbour lies the glamorous island of Capri. Famous for its grottoes, coves and rock formations, Capri has plenty to see in a day. The Blue Grotto is one of the island’s must-sees while the Faraglioni rock formations shouldn’t be missed either. Back on dry ground, you can take a chairlift up to Monte Solaro, the island’s highest point. Or you can sit back and indulge in some people-watching in Capri’s main square, Piazetta. Another popular place you can visit from Sorrento is the picture-postcard village of Positano, famed for its pastel-coloured buildings which dot the cliffs of the hillside town.

6. Savour local specialities

Sorrento is known as Italy’s lemon town and the birthplace of the country’s most famous liqueur – limoncello. The lemon itself has become the symbol of the town and you’ll see it nearly everywhere. You can learn more about the fruit on a tour of a lemon grove, where you’ll learn about different types of lemons and how they’re harvested, before tasting freshly made limoncello produced on site. And it goes without saying, chilled limoncello is served after dinner as a digestif in pretty much all restaurants. And for a lunch to remember, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you enter Marina Grande. This picturesque fishing village is tucked into a small bay under Sorrento’s cliffs and is lined with family-owned seafood restaurants.