📍 Explore Campania:
Written by:
Sara Maxwell & Warren George
Last updated on:
April 30, 2026
Published on:
February 3, 2026
Written by:
Sara Maxwell & Warren George
Last updated on:
April 30, 2026
Published on:
February 3, 2026
Are you looking for a romantic spot in Italy to celebrate a honeymoon, anniversary, to propose, or just as an escape with your loved one? Look no further than Sorrento, where Sara and I have been vacationing since 2014, and believe it offers everything a couple could want from a holiday destination. Below you’ll find all the different romantic things to do in Sorrento and the surrounding area.
From proposal inspiration to the top activities for couples and tips on where to stay, here we’ll share with you the most romantic things to do in Sorrento together
Visiting Sorrento as a Couple and For Special Occasions
Sorrento was one of the first ever places that Sara and I travelled to as a couple, and it has always held a special place in our heart. We love it so much that we return at least once a year, even where we now live in Italy.
One of the reasons we love Sorrento so much is because the town offers everything couples could ever want on a trip. In this guide I’ll share our tips for having a romantic time in Sorrento, including:
Is this guide right for you?
While writing this guide I was thinking a lot about the sort of couples who would enjoy Sorrento the most.
Sara and I have been together since 2009, and for us Sorrento is a place where we can completely switch off. We travel a lot but the naturally relaxing environment here encourages us to unwind and spend time with each other.
If you are looking for a relaxed location where you can approach your romantic break at a slower pace, Sorrento is a great choice. There are of course lots of different activities to do, but as everything is close by and not stressful, Sorrento really is a place to focus on your partner and not worry about planning what to do or where to eat.
Sorrento is also a great vacation destination for new couples and honeymooners, as there are near-endless special things to experience together to create special memories.
If Sorrento sounds like the kind of place that might work for you, let’s jump right into our recommendations!
Romantic Places to Stay in Sorrento
Choosing the right place to stay is probably the most important thing to get right when it comes to planning your romantic trip to Sorrento. With no shortage of top-quality places to stay in and near Sorrento, with options ranging from campsites to grand luxury hotels, choosing somewhere can be a challenge however.
Here are our top choices based on years of visiting Sorrento, with these recommendations being ones we wholeheartedly believe are right for couples on vacation.
As a general recommendation, we encourage anyone coming to Sorrento to stay in the center of the town to maximise what time you have available. It is in the center of Sorrento that our two favorite romantic locations to stay at are found, both as central as you can be with everything important within walking distance.
Hotel Recommendation – Hotel Continental
This iconic hotel situated at the top of Sorrento’s famous cliffs, and within walking distance of the main historic center and Marina Grande, has been our go-to base since 2018.
It’s the little touches that make a big difference at Hotel Continental Sorrento
We were first attracted to Hotel Continental for its ideal location and old-world style. In the years since, we have come to love it for a number of reasons, and from first-hand experience believe it is the perfect spot for couples on vacation:
- The hotel has an amazing rooftop bar and restaurant. As well as serving truly excellent food and drinks, their unrivalled position results in breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. This is a lovely spot for a potential proposal or anniversary toast – we’ve seen plenty of both here over the years!
- Not a universal amenity in Sorrento, Hotel Continental has a garden and secluded pool that allows guests to relax completely after busy days sightseeing. There are plentiful sun loungers and a separate jacuzzi, and you really do not feel like you are in the town centre when relaxing here. Indoors you’ll find an intimate spa with a range of treatments for you and your partner to enjoy.
- The friendly team in the hotel always go above and beyond to ensure every stay is memorable and stress-free, from the reception team to the wait staff and housekeepers.
Pros and cons for couples:
✅ A full range of amenities and services
✅ Dedicated concierge service
✅ Everything you need in one place; accommodation, dining and relaxation
❌ Less intimate/private than other accommodation options in Sorrento
Take it from us, after many years of coming to Sorrento, you won’t find a better hotel – check availability and find out more here:
Boutique B&B Recommendation – Il San Gaetano
If you prefer to stay in smaller establishments when travelling, take a look at Il San Gaetano in the historic center of Sorrento. This high quality bed and breakfast opened at the start of 2025, and offers guests a retreat from the busy streets of Sorrento in a more intimate setting – perfect for a romantic hideaway. We love staying here because of:
- The beautiful terrace and shady garden, decorated with traditional Italian ceramics, lemon trees and lots of secluded seating which makes for the perfect place to relax with your loved one, and enjoy the fabulous breakfast prepared each morning.
- The rooms are decorated and fitted out to an extremely high standard throughout. Luxury amenities and thoughtful touches will make you feel at ease from the moment you arrive.
- Owners and Sorrento natives Marcella and Tonio are on hand to make sure your stay is the best it possibly can be, organising transfers, providing personal recommendations and even offering private dining experiences in their beautiful property (1 day advance notice required).
Il San Gaetano’s secluded courtyard is an oasis of calm and privacy in the heart of Sorrento
Pros and cons for couples:
✅ More intimate and private than a hotel
✅ Personal touch from hosts Marcella and Tonio
✅ Luxurious environment
❌ No pool or spa facilities
Find out more, check rates and availability here:
If you’re curious to know more about staying in or near Sorrento, including more direct recommendations based on our experience, check out our full guide here:
The Best Time to Visit Sorrento for a Romantic Getaway
While Sorrento can be visited all year round, many of the big hotels and a large portion of the smaller B&Bs and self-catering/rental options close from November-March.
Therefore, unfortunately, coming to Sorrento for Valentine’s Day is not particularly viable, or recommended – the weather in February in Sorrento can be very unsettled; stormy and wet.
Sorrento’s ‘season’ is from May-October, and peaks in July and September. As such, if you are the type of couple who doesn’t like crowds, avoid these months (unless you plan on not leaving your hotel/accommodation!).
This leaves you with June, August or October – each offering their own benefits and downsides:
June
Temperatures are warm, weather stable, and crowds below their peak in June. This is not to say Sorrento is quiet in June, but it is not as busy as July and September. Because of the appeal of this time of year, accommodation prices are elevated, and booking in-demand restaurants and tours can be tricky unless done well in advance, leaving less room for spontaneity.
The light in June is beautiful, so you can enjoy spectacular sunsets, plus this is the ideal time to visit other romantic places in Campania like Capri and the towns along the Amalfi coast.
August
The ‘eye of the storm’ month, shouldered by the peak months, August is our favorite time to come to Sorrento. More Italians are also vacationing at this time of year, and there is a general sense of celebration focused around the Ferragosto holiday on August 15. This slower pace makes booking activities and dining much easier compared to the other summer months, and accommodation rates are generally pretty fair considering it is still the height of summer.
Yes it is hot in August, but this forces you to relax. Spend your days by the pool or on the beach, take boat trips where you can swim in the stunning blue waters and then have leisurely dinners with great food and wine.
If we’re in Sorrento in August, you’re guaranteed to regularly find us poolside enjoying a limoncello spritz
October
The weather during this period can be unsettled, and some activities such as boat tours become limited. This is offset by lower accommodation rates, but as October is at the end of the ‘season’, Sorrento as a whole can feel a little slow. We’ve never had a bad experience in a restaurant, bar or cafe here in October, but there is certainly a sense that locals are looking are looking forward to a break during the winter.
This means that it really feels like you are getting away from it all. Less people being around means a cozy romantic meal is easier to arrange, plus weekdays can feel like you have your own private beach along the water.
Organize your transport easily and stress-free for any trip to Naples and Campania:
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Romantic Things to do in Sorrento – Shopping and Gifts
Sorrento is a shopping paradise, so you’ll find no shortage of shops where you can pick up something special for your loved one. The recommendations below are all stores that we have shopped in repeatedly over the years, purchasing gifts for each other (as well as for ourselves), all of which remind us of great times spent in Sorrento over the years. Here are our top picks:
Perfume & Skincare
Carthusia is one of Sara’s favorite spots. This brand is a local icon, originating on Capri, where monks have made perfume using the island’s flowers and plants in their creations for hundreds of years.
Now Carthusia has become a luxury scent and skincare brand, drawing not just on Capri’s natural environment, but the wider Campania region also. Their most famous products are still their fragrances, which are unisex and come in a wide range of scents from musky to florals and citrus. You can also find lotions and products for the body and face, as well as home fragrances.
The best thing is that you can go in store and test the different fragrances to find the exact right one for you.
Carthusia’s products are gender-neutral, making them ideal as a special gift for everyone
Jewellery
There is no shortage of jewellers in Sorrento, and with it being a relatively small town, competition is fierce between shops, which means quality is generally high and prices fair. We’d recommend taking a walk along Sorrento’s main shopping streets and reviewing the range of options available. Over the years, we have bought jewellery from many of the shops in Sorrento and have not been once disappointed.
If you’re in the market for something really special (and local) – maybe as an anniversary gift, or an alternative to a ring for a proposal – consider visiting Capri Watch where you will find timepieces for all. Like Carthusia mentioned previously, this brand originated on Capri, but is far younger having launched in the 1990’s. They draw inspiration from Capri’s landscape, with watch designs featuring elements like the iconic Faraglioni rocks, alongside ceramic-inspired designs
What time of day should you shop in Sorrento?
Shopping in Sorrento is very much like shopping in the UK or US. There is not really a bartering culture here unlike some other parts of Italy, so visiting a store at a certain time of day (for example, just before closing) will not make a difference to what you pay. However, if you want to avoid the peak periods when the town is at its busiest, I’d suggest shopping either first thing in the morning after breakfast, or around 7PM when most visitors in Sorrento have gone to dinner (you can dine after – places open late here!).
Art and sculpture
Sorrento is a great place to pick up something original for that special someone if you are looking for art or sculpture, of any size. One of our favorite shops is La Feluca where we have bought a lot of stuff for our Rome apartment over the years. This is also a great place to pick up something small if your suitcase space is limited, to recall your time together in Sorrento.
They have lots of different vintage posters and artwork, as well as postcards, prints and more. Take a little time to browse their selection and you’re sure to find something memorable!
Food and drink
If your loved one is a foodie then you won’t struggle to find something delicious in Sorrento to gift them or to enjoy during your stay. Our favorite stores for food and drink are:
- Vizi e Sfizi – This store stocks a huge range of high quality wines, artisan pastas, locally produced sauces and much more. You’ll also find unusual gifts for those who love spending time in the kitchen, as well as a fun range of gadgets and novelties that make great smaller, lower-cost gifts.
- In Vino Veritas – This enoteca-come-wine merchant opened in 2025 is now my go-to place to pick up bottles of wine when in Sorrento. They stock a wide range of Italian wines as well as options from other countries. They also have a great selection of pre-chilled wine, meaning you can grab something to enjoy in the moment, such as a romantic picnic overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Romantic Restaurants and Bars in Sorrento
Sorrento is full of fantastic places to eat and drink. Honestly, it is hard to go wrong when it comes to finding somewhere good, but if you’re planning a romantic trip or honeymoon, you’re probably looking for better than ‘good’. Below are three of our all-time favorite spots in Sorrento which we love going to as a couple:
Terrazza Vittoria
First up, we’re heading back to Hotel Continental, whose rooftop bar and restaurant is where we spend a lot of time whenever we’re in Sorrento – whether that’s two nights or two weeks! The cocktail bar offers incredible panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, and their restaurant features a menu of modern Italian cuisine served by the most friendly and welcoming team we’ve found anywhere in Italy.
The food at Terrazza Vittoria is absolutely top notch, the wine list is extensive and the environment is designed to be exclusive without feeling overly formal.
We have seen numerous couples get engaged here and celebrate special occasions. We have ourselves celebrated all sorts of events here too. When you arrive and sit looking out at the view with one of their expertly made cocktails or immaculately prepared dishes, you’ll understand the appeal.
Our top tip is to arrive when the rooftop bar opens at 6PM if you want to secure the best view of the sunset. Note that the bar does not take reservations, but the restaurant does and is highly recommended as this is a popular spot in Sorrento.
I’ve lost track of the all of the special dinners we’ve had at Terrazza Vittoria over the years
La Pergola
This intimate champagne bar is located just a few steps from the busy heart of Sorrento, off Piazza Tasso. La Pergola is the perfect place to unwind and pass time with your loved one.
While their indoor bar is cosy and welcoming, what makes this spot truly special is their outdoor space; you will enjoy your drinks surrounded by ancient vines and citrus trees, wrapped around the classic Sorrentine architecture of the adjoining Grand Hotel Vittoria Excelsior. We love coming here around 5PM as the afternoon light softens everything.
I would strongly recommend stopping here at least once during your trip and trying their champagne spritzes. These combine the best of both worlds, where Italian aperitivo meets French sparkling wine.
Reservations are not needed in our experience, but never a bad idea if you want to be guaranteed a table, especially in high season.
Escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some downtime in Pergola’s peaceful garden
Il Gozzo
You’ll find this restaurant tucked away in Sorrento’s Marina Grande, where you can dine for lunch or dinner with a view of the sea, and all the activity of the small harbor. We’ve had some of the best seafood meals here, as they have an extensive menu featuring fresh fish, complimented by a fantastic wine selection.
While less traditionally refined than the previous recommendations, Sara and I love coming to Il Gozzo because the relaxed environment allows us to spend quality time together and appreciate our surroundings.
We have found the best time for a meal at Il Gozzo is either around noon when the Marina Grande is at its liveliest (it’s a great people watching spot) or when the sun has set and the colours of the horizon and sea begin to blend. There is something almost indescribable about this time of evening sitting by the water in Sorrento that you’ll just have to experience yourself!
Best Places to Propose in Sorrento
Full disclosure; Sara and I are not married, and while I have no plans to propose (and I don’t believe she does either!), we have often talked about the best spots to do so when visiting. Many times this conversation has been sparked by seeing someone get down on one knee, or hearing from our friends in Sorrento about a proposal that they witnessed recently.
There are a few spots in and near Sorrento that we know well, having both seen proposals occur and based on our personal experiences that we can suggest here:
Villa Comunale
This large terrace and gardens is free to enter, and when you walk up to the top of the cliff face, you’ll get uninterrupted views of the Bay of Naples. A proposal here would be public (and guaranteed to get a round of applause from the crowds) but in the warm light of the sunset would look stunning in photos and video.
During the day this area is busy with people going to and from the beaches below, and there is a popular wedding venue nearby (the cloisters of San Francesco) which in summer is booked a lot. We highly recommend waiting until later in the day for the best proposal experience, when the crowds have eased a lot.
The views of the Bay of Naples from the Villa Comunale are hard to beat
Bagno della Regina Giovanna
For the more adventurous couples out there, this ruined Roman villa would make an amazing place to propose. Found on a headland that sticks out in the sea, featuring a natural seawater pool as well as the ancient ruins, this is definitely a more unusual choice.
The views from here are incredible; you can see Capri, Ischia, Naples and Mount Vesuvius clearly, and if you got here early enough in the morning, you could have the place to yourself and enjoy the sunrise across the Bay of Naples.
You either need to take a bus and then walk down, or take a boat/kayak to reach the Bagno, so this is not a place to come in a suit or pretty dress.
This natural wonder is just a short distance from Sorrento and could be the perfect proposal spot for adventurous couples
Both of the above options are weather dependent, and in the event of bad weather (unlikely during the warmer months in Sorrento, but not completely avoidable), here is another option that would work:
Hotel rooftops/terrace bars
Many of Sorrento’s famous hotels – including our own favorite The Hotel Continental (detailed previously) – have bars with elevated views of Sorrento and the surrounding hills. These make for a special backdrop for any proposal, whatever the weather.
Note that you are not able to make use of these terraces without getting at least a drink, but I believe this to be a fair trade if you’re looking for somewhere more private and intimate to propose, and that offers the benefit of being weatherproof.
There are also plenty of romantic restaurants where you can plan a proposal, but I recommend speaking to the staff beforehand so that they can help with the surprise.
Celebratory glasses of wine along with one of Sorrento’s beautiful sunsets is a perfect proposal combination
2-Day Tour of the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii & Vesuvius from Rome
Discover Campania’s most iconic sights, food and drink on this special multi-day excursion from Rome, exclusively from our friends at Walks of Italy:
Small group, two-day tour of Pompeii, a Vesuvius winery, and the full Amalfi Coast by boat with a 4-star luxury hotel stay included.
Romantic Things to do in Sorrento
Beyond eating and drinking, spending time at your accommodation, and shopping, there are lots more romantic things to do in Sorrento.
If you are staying in the main town you’ll find everything within easy reach, meaning you can take your time getting to and from activities and lean in to this part of Italy’s famous La Dolce Vita – the sweet life. Sara and I have found this environment encourages us to slow down, which we believe is a big plus for couples looking for a vacation focused on time together.
Without wanting to overwhelm you with choices, here are our top tried and tested (many, many times) recommendations on what to do in Sorrento for a honeymoon or romantic trip:
Beach Day
Sorrento is famous for its beaches (among the many other things), as is the wider area. Here you’ll find some of the cleanest water and sands in Italy, complimented by stunning views of the Campanian coastline.
One of our favourite things to do as a couple is to spend a half day, a full day (or several days) at the beach when travelling, enjoying the water and slow pace that Italian stabilimenti (beach clubs) are known for.
This is a great way to start any romantic trip as timings are flexible, and you can settle into Sorrento at your pace without feeling rushed.
For specific details about Sorrento’s beaches (including our favourite club), those close to Sorrento, and Italian beach culture in general, check out the following guides:
Boat Tours
Continuing with the water theme, Sorrento is a fantastic base to set off on a boat tour to Capri or the Amalfi Coast. You’ll find a myriad of options available, from simple group excursions to entirely private yacht charters which allow for alone time as a couple surrounded by Campania’s stunning natural beauty.
Afternoon tours that spill over to the evening are the best choice if you’re looking for a particularly special experience to create shared memories from. Seeing the sunset from the water while enjoying an aperitivo onboard is hard to beat when it comes to vacation activities!
Our go-to provider of anything boat-related in this area is LivTours, who offer a great range of experiences on board their modern and high-end boats – take a look at their options here:
Sunset/Sunrise Kayak
For those who like a little bit of activity when travelling, consider joining a kayak tour with Umberto of Kayak Sorrento. He offers excursions and sunrise and sunset experiences (as well as some during the day), where you’ll see the sun rise/set over the Bay of Naples. This experience is hard to beat when you combine the serenity of the sea, the colours of the sky and the drama of Vesuvius on the skyline.
Looking for the ultimate sunset (or sunrise) on the water with your loved one? Rent a kayak and get out in the Bay of Naples
Previously I wouldn’t have thought of this as a ‘romantic’ activity necessarily, but on a recent trip to Sorrento, I joined one of Umberto’s tours as I usually do when in town. Speaking with the other guests (8 other people total), it transpired that I was the only person not on honeymoon! Umberto and I joked that maybe we should be the unofficial 5th couple of the group, and only then did it strike me that seeing the sunset/sunrise with your loved one on a kayak tour could be romantic.
If you’re looking for more ideas for what to do in Sorrento, check out our full run down of activities and options here:
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To sum up…
For us Sorrento has always been a place to spend time as a couple, whatever time of year we visit. Whatever you and your partner’s travel style is, there is no end of romantic things to do in Sorrento, so as long as you do some advance planning you’re sure to have a wonderful trip.
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