📍 Explore Campania:
Considering Sorrento is a relatively small town, there is no shortage of activities in our favorite spot in Campania. Over our years of visiting we have explored all over this fun town, so here we’ll share our top suggestions for what to do in Sorrento.
There really is something for everyone in Sorrento from foodies to history enthusiasts, to active types and those looking to relax, there is no shortage of things to do
The Top Choices for What to do in Sorrento Italy
There is a reason why people have been coming to Sorrento for decades.
You can spend your time relaxing at beach clubs, exploring ancient ruins, shopping and eating, or even adventuring to nearby archaeological sites like Pompeii for a day trip. There really is something for everyone to do in Sorrento! On this page I’ll share:
- A short introduction to Sorrento
- Must-know tips for making the most of your time here
- What to do in Sorrento for history lovers
- Food and drink-focused activities
- Top relaxation activities in Sorrento
- Nature and outdoor pursuits
- Shopping in Sorrento
- What to do with kids in Sorrento
- Day trips from Sorrento
A Short Introduction to Sorrento
If you’re reading this page, there’s a good chance you’re already planning a trip to Sorrento or have been previously and are wondering what to do when you next visit.
If you’re unfamiliar with Sorrento, let us introduce you briefly to our favorite town in Campania. Located across the Bay of Naples, Sorrento sits near the end of the Sorrentine Peninsula and is the largest town in this area.
Sorrento has been attracting visitors from across the world for centuries, and this legacy of hospitality makes it one of the most welcoming places in Italy
Sorrento offers visitors a wealth of places to stay, endless options for eating and drink, countless activities with something for everyone to do and easy access to famous locations like Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast and Capri.
We fell in love with Sorrento after our first visit in 2014 because of all of the above reasons, but also because the town and surrounding area is beautiful. Plus, the locals are the most welcoming people you’ll find anywhere in Italy.
Keep reading to find out what there is to do in Sorrento, or click below to explore our other dedicated Sorrento guides.
Check out our other Sorrento guides if you’re looking for further information about how to visit, eating and drinking, shopping, where to stay and more:
Must-Know Tips for Making the Most of Your Time Here
With so many things to do in Sorrento, knowing how to divide up your time during your visit can be a challenge. Here are our two key recommendations based on our 10+ years of visiting Sorrento:
- Tailor your activities to your passions and interests as there really is a lot to do here. Use our guides to Sorrento to get a complete picture of what this town offers visitors and then make your selection. It would be easy to get overwhelmed with so much choice but if you follow our advice, you’ll have a fantastic time in Sorrento.
- If there is something you really want to do, don’t hesitate to book your tickets, entrances and tours. Sorrento is an extremely popular destination and things both in the town and nearby sell out fast. This is particularly the case with ferries to and from Capri, Pompeii tours and Sorrento’s most popular restaurants.
Sorrento is a great base for anyone looking to explore the wider Campania region, including famous locations like Pompeii
Discover Naples and Campania easily with this pass!
Access over 100 Naples and Campania sites, museums, archeological parks (including Pompeii) with the official tourist pass of the city and region! Save money and make visiting the top sites stress-free – click here to find out more:
History, Architecture and Religion
Sorrento’s history stretches back thousands of years so you’ll find no end of fascinating sites to explore.
From the central Piazza Tasso nearly all of the following sites are a very short walk so you can see most of them in a single day. Follow this simple itinerary to maximise your time:
Cattedrale dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo
By following Corso Italia away from Piazza Tasso, within a few minutes you’ll reach one of Sorrento’s principal churches, the Cathedral of Saints Philip and James.
When visiting any religious site in Italy be sure to respect that faith’s customs and traditions. Where most religious buildings in Italy are part of the Catholic church, this means that you should always covers your legs past your knees, and your shoulders down to your elbows. This applies to everyone and churches routinely refuse entry to visitors who are not dressed appropriately.
Be sure also to check when entering a church or cathedral the mass times, as during Mass there might be parts that you cannot visit, and in some cases you may not be able to enter at all until services have finished.
There has been a church on this spot since the 11th century, but the current version was constructed in 1500’s.
Take your time to enjoy the peace of this beautiful cathedral and don’t miss the various structural and aesthetic elements inside and out that were recycled from Sorrento’s ancient Roman past.
The interior decoration is a testament to Sorrento’s importance in this area during the late Medieval and early Renaissance period.
After finishing your visit, walk a few steps to the junction of Corso Italia and Via Antonino Sersale and turn up the alley, passing the Carrefour supermarket on your right. Stop here to grab any drinks or snacks you need for your exploration.
Keep walking for a couple of minutes until you reach…
Sorrento’s Ancient Roman Walls
These impressive fortifications date back to when Sorrento was a Roman town, known then as Syrrentum. Depending on your interests and available time it is possible to see the walls up close, and get some great views across Sorrento, by visiting the Bastion of Parsano. This is a medieval defensive structure that made use of the existing Roman walls to defend Sorrento from invaders.
These impressive fortifications kept Sorrento safe for hundreds of years
Just beyond the walls you’ll find our favorite non-Italian cuisine restaurant to eat at in Sorrento; Ikura Sushi.
Open daily for lunch and dinner, we love the sushi here, particularly after a few days of eating Campanian and Sorrentine food. As great as those are, a break is always nice! Find out more about our favourite Sorrento restaurants here:
From the Roman walls, turn around and retrace your footsteps to arrive back on Corso Italia. Turn left to walk further along this thoroughfare heading away from Piazza Tasso to arrive at our next destination:
Villa Fiorentino
This classic southern Italian villa and its beautiful gardens were once home to an influential local couple who donated it to the town of Sorrento on their passing. It is used now as an events and exhibition space, featuring a regularly changing schedule of special shows, concerts and more.
If you’re looking for somewhere to relax during your exploration of Sorrento, or for somewhere for your kids to blow off steam, you’ll find shady spots and a play park within the grounds of the villa.
The gardens at Villa Fiorentino are an oasis of peace and calm in the center of Sorrento
From Villa Fiorentino, head west for a couple of minutes along Corso Italia until you arrive at Vico Secondo Fuoro, turning down this side street until you arrive on Via Fuoro, our favorite street for shopping in Sorrento.
From this point follow the street east, stopping at any shops that catch your eye. Some of our favorite stores for ceramics, fashion, inlaid wood and more are along this street – find out more about our shopping recommendations in Sorrento here.
If you haven’t yet stopped for lunch by this point, we’d strongly recommend grabbing a table at Inn Bufalito, one of our favorite places to eat in Sorrento. While famous for their buffalo produce (cured meats, cheeses, steaks) you’ll also find a great selection of pastas, seafood, salads and more.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in Sorrento click here to read our full guide.
Post-lunch, grab a gelato from Fresco Sorrento and follow Via Fuoro until it merges with Via San Cesareo. Keep going to the end of the road, by which time you’ll be nearly back where you started at Piazza Tasso.
Steer clear of gelato that looks like this; brightly coloured and piled high – this means that is full of artificial preservatives and ingredients. Be on the look out for enclosed containers or regular looking tubs for the best stuff like at Fresco Sorrento
However, instead of turning right to go back to Piazza Tasso, turn left and follow Via Luigi de Maio for a couple of minutes until you arrive at….
Basilica di Sant’Antonino
This basilica is dedicated to Sorrento’s patron saint, Saint Antoninus, and some accounts credit the saint himself with founding the church in the 600’s. What is not disputed is that the church holds the remains of Saint Antoninus and as such is considered an important place for Sorrentine and Catholic pilgrims alike.
Like with the cathedral earlier, make the most of the peace that this sacred space offers visitors to pace yourself before continuing.
From the Basilica di Sant’Antonino, walk for a few minutes following Via San Francesco to the Villa Comunale park, detouring briefly to visit the picturesque cloister of Chiostro di San Francesco if time allows. This 14th century cloister is now a unique wedding space that also hosts exhibitions, concerts and other events frequently.
A lot of visitors bypass Sorrento’s beautiful secrets like the Cloister of Saint Francis – don’t be one of them!
Villa Comunale Park
This lovely green space perched atop Sorrento’s famous cliffs is the perfect spot to take a moment (maybe stopping at one of the nearby bars for a coffee) and take in the beautiful scenery of the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius directly in front of you.
It is here that you’ll also find Sorrento’s public elevator that allows easy access to the beach clubs at the base of the cliffs, and the Marina Piccola ferry port for connections to Naples, Capri and the Amalfi Coast.
By this point it is likely approaching my favorite part of the day; aperitivo time. From the Villa Comunale park, follow Via San Francesco west until it merges with Via Vittorio Veneto and Piazza della Vittoria where you’ll arrive at Hotel Continental.
Drinks with a view
This our go-to place to stay in Sorrento, and our favorite place to have pre-dinner drinks. Enter the hotel and take the elevator to the top floor (Terrazza Vittoria) where you’ll find a roof terrace offering the best cocktails in Sorrento with an unrivalled view.
If we’re in Sorrento, you’ll almost guaranteed to find us at Terrazza Vittoria for aperitivo
To wrap up our itinerary and for dinner, I’d recommend heading to one of the oldest and most picturesque parts of Sorrento, the Marina Grande. A short walk down the hill from Hotel Continental, this ancient fishing village is the town’s go-to place for fresh fish.
Our favorite restaurant here is O’Puledrone where you can grab a table on the waterside and listen to the waves lap the marina edge as you re-live your day in Sorrento.
Dining with the water so close and sunsets like this is just one of the many reasons we love Sorrento
Visiting Naples or Campania from Rome?
If you’re looking to visit Naples or Campania from Rome for a day trip, be sure to check out these incredible tours from our friends at Take Walks.
Each experience offers you an easy way to visit sites like the Amalfi Coast from Rome. Transport and tickets are all taken care of, leaving you to focus 100% on enjoying your time here!
Food and drink
Sorrento is a food and drink lovers paradise with no end of incredible restaurants and bars, as well as cuisine-focused experiences. Here are some of our top activity choices when it comes to eating and drinking:
Limoncello tasting
Sorrento claims (alongside Capri) to be the birthplace of limoncello and as such you’ll find the best liqueur here. There are lots of opportunities to try limoncello in Sorrento, but make sure to go for authentic versions locally made.
You’ll find all sorts of limoncello experiences available, from tastings following a nighttime walk around Sorrento to a visit to a local farm to try limoncello and more where it’s made, a boat trip around Sorrento and Capri with tastings or a pizza making class. You won’t have any problems getting to taste plenty of limoncello!
Beer tasting
If beer is more your thing, you’ll be excited to hear that Sorrento is home to an incredible artisan brewery. Located just outside of the town center you’ll find a small batch beer producer called Birrificio Syrentum.
The team here creates delicious beers that honor Sorrento’s historical heritage by using local ingredients (including the area’s famous citrus fruits) to produce unique brews.
If you don’t have time to visit the brewery for a tasting experience, consider stopping by Vivi e Sfizi where you can buy these beers off the shelf or dine at Inn Bufalito who feature these beers on their regular menu. It was here that I discovered Birrificio Syrentum many years ago!
Curious to know more, or want to share your own tips? Leave a comment!
Cooking classes
Sorrento, like all of Campania, is renowned for delicious cuisine and one of the best ways to discover this is through cooking classes with a local expert. These classes are also a great hands-on activity for anyone travelling in a group or with children.
Take a look at these recommended experiences from our partners to find the best class for your trip:
- Enjoy a farm tour with cheese tasting before a pizza making class
- Learn about Neapolitan cuisine in this cooking class where you’ll prepare a 4-course lunch filled with classic dishes
- Visit a market to purchase seasonal ingredients before preparing a full meal in a local’s home
- Prepare pasta and tiramisu for lunch with plenty of wine in this cooking class
Restaurants and bars
One of the main reasons we keep coming back to Sorrento is the amazing restaurants and bars here. Where this is a small town, competition is high and therefore the quality is great almost everywhere. It really is hard to go wrong when deciding where to eat and drink, and there are options for all tastes and budgets.
Discover our favorite restaurants and bars in our full guide to food and drink in Sorrento here:
This area is famous throughout Italy for producing some of the country’s best cheese and tomatoes – be sure to try both during your visit!
Relaxation
Sorrento is renowned throughout Italy for its beach clubs for a good reason. The crystal clear waters of the Bay of Naples and views from the bathing platforms will have you believing you’ve arrived in heaven.
Sorrento’s beaches are classified as top quality under Italy’s Bandiera Blu (Blue Flag) scheme, testifying to their cleanliness and upkeep
Some of the larger hotels that sit on Sorrento’s famous cliffs offer their own private beach clubs, and others feature access to the establishments via elevator (such as our favorite place to stay in Sorrento, Hotel Continental).
Alternatively, all of Sorrento’s beach clubs can be accessed by making your way to the Marina Piccola (via bus from Piazza Tasso), on foot down the cliff path or by using the public elevator in the Villa Comunale park.
The area under Sorrento’s cliffs are the place to be for beach-lovers and those seeking a relaxing time
You’ll find several beach club options, all of which offer great service and are similarly priced. Walk along the path at the bottom of the cliffs from the Marina Piccola and rent a bed at whichever takes your fancy!
Wanting to know more about the beaches in Naples and Campania or wanting to visit Italian beaches like a local? Check out our dedicated guides here:
Near Sorrento you’ll also find more beach clubs, including our favorite place for a beach day trip in Campania; Antico Bagno in Vico Equense.
Another option for anyone looking to relax is to take a ferry to the island of Ischia on the opposite side of the Bay of Naples from Sorrento.
Ischia is famous for its thermal spas (the island is in fact an active volcano!) and home to famous resorts such as Poseidon and Ngombo. These spas are open during the bathing season (May-October) but there are also natural spas you can access all year around.
Nature and active pursuits
The scenery around the Sorrentine peninsula is simply stunning and there is no shortage of activities for anyone looking to explore beyond the the towns and islands. Here are our favorite things to do when it comes to active pursuits in and near Sorrento:
Kayaking along the Sorrento coastline
By booking a guided excursion (daily from March-October) you will paddle from the Marina Grande to fascinating sites such as the Bagni della Regina Giovanna, home to a natural pool and ancient Roman ruins.
Break for swimming in picturesque coves and maybe even a sunset aperitivo – what’s not to love?
Joining a kayak tour is the best way to explore the Sorrento Coast’s hidden bays and ancient ruins
Hiking the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)
This famous trail on the nearby Amalfi Coast is a must for anyone who enjoys hiking and is looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Sorrento.
The full route is around 7km and takes moderate experienced hikers around 3 hours to complete.
I would recommend doing this in either spring or autumn as bad weather in the winter and high temperatures in the summer can make this hike more difficult, especially for less experienced visitors.
Click to view the essential things you should always have when traveling:
Shopping
It would be easy to spend all your time in Sorrento shopping – trust us, over the years we have bought a lot here! You’ll find everything from fashion to homeware on offer, with a range of shops from independent artisans to larger chains.
Some of our favorite stores in this shopping paradise include:
Nicky’s – For ethically sourced and locally produced ceramics (from small items to larger pieces) head to our good friend Nicky at Via Fuoro 11. Nicky has been selling ceramics in Sorrento for a long time and is the only place we’ll consider buying souvenirs and things for home from – it’s rare that we’ll visit him and not walk away with something as we can’t stop ourselves!
Looking for an authentic souvenir to remember your time in Sorrento? Stop by Nicky’s ceramic shop and pick up a locally-made piece
Vivi e Sfizi – For food and drink goods including artisan pastas, special wines and unique gifts, make your way to this store (opposite Nicky’s ceramic shop) at Via Fuoro 22.
La Feluca – Similar to Nicky’s, it is rare that we visit this shop and don’t end up buying something! The friendly owners stock a great range of artwork, antiques and home items for all budgets. If you’re looking for something special to remember your time in Sorrento this the perfect place to treat yourself.
Vanity – If you’re wanting to dress like a Sorrentine, go to this store for high-quality linen-ware. With a huge range of clothing for both men and women you’re bound to find something you love and if you’re anything like us, will find yourself returning for more as the quality and prices are unmatched.
What to Do With Kids in Sorrento
While Sorrento is more adult-orientated (you won’t find any large play areas, theme parks etc), there are some things we can recommend doing with kids beyond just repeated gelato-shop trips:
Kayaking
For anyone travelling with older children and teenagers, kayaking from the Marina Grande along the Sorrento coastline is a great activity for families. Our recommended kayak excursions offer tandem and triple-seated kayaks in which parents can paddle with their children safely.
Start your day right and see the sun rise over the Bay of Naples with an early morning kayak tour
Mount Vesuvius
For adventurous kids (or parents), consider a visit to Campania’s famous volcano.
To get there from Sorrento, first take the Circumsvesuviana train to the Pompeii station – this is the same one as for the archeological site.
Then take a bus up the side of the mountain to the bus park. From here you show your Vesuvius crater entrance ticket and enter the visit area with a small cafe and shop.
It’s around 20 minutes to walk to the crater itself from this point.
The path to the crater is not stroller/pram friendly, so parents will need to carry younger children but you’ll find plenty of space and security fences along the route making it a fun family experience!
Boat tours
Sorrento is a hub for boat tours with a large number of excursions catering to all kinds of budgets and interests. There are daily departures during the popular summer months.
Boat trips from Sorrento are a great way to spend a day with kids, as most tours include stops for swimming, snorkeling and coastal exploration.
Beyond Sorrento; Day Trips in Campania
After Naples, Sorrento is the best connected city in the Bay of Naples area. From here you can easily reach many of Campania’s most iconic locations in around an hour. Here’s some of our favorite excursions from Sorrento:
Amalfi Coast
Venture to what is possibly the most beautiful part of Italy via ferry or private boat trip from Sorrento. Along the Amalfi Coast you’ll find famous towns including Positano and Minori, each of which offers visitors something special. Find out more about visiting the Amalfi Coast here.
There are few places more beautiful than the Amalfi Coast
Capri
This island epitomizes ‘La Dolce Vita’ – The Sweet Life. You’ll find the island full of high quality restaurants, luxury and designer stores and sweeping views of the Bay of Naples. You can get to Capri via ferry from Sorrento’s Marina Piccola in around 30 minutes. For a complete guide to visiting Capri visit our page here.
Anyone looking for high-end shopping should make their way to Capri
Naples
A single day in Napoli is not enough to completely appreciate this amazing city, but it’s a great starting point!
Why not visit using our guide to spending 1 Day in Naples – click here to read now.
Naples is like no other city in Italy – you’ll have to visit for yourself to fully understand why
Pompeii and/or Herculaneum
The Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum were famously buried by a huge eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Now excavated and documented, they provide visitors with a glimpse of life in ancient times in this part of Italy.
Both of these fascinating sites can be visited comfortably in a single day via train from Sorrento, or on a guided tour.
Be sure to Pin this guide if you enjoyed it or found it useful!
Save this page by pinning it and be sure to follow us on Pinterest for more travel inspiration and guides:
To sum up…
Choosing what to do in Sorrento is actually quite difficult as there is so much to choose from! Focus your travel planning on your preferences and interests however and you’ll find everything falls into place. There’s no point going hiking if you want to be at the beach, or looking at ancient Roman ruins if you want to make the most of the great shopping on offer.
For lots more Naples and Campania travel tips, tricks and recommendations, be sure to subscribe to our 100% free Napleswise newsletter. Subscribers also get exclusive discounts and perks from our friends and partners helping saving you money on your trip here!
Napleswise’s Top Travel Resources
Ready to book your trip to Naples and Campania? Take a look at these helpful links to friends and partners we use ourselves and trust:
🌊 Book your ferries between Naples, Sorrento, Capri, the Amalfi Coast and more here
🚕 Organise your airport transfer for a stress-free arrival
🛏️ Search for and book your perfect accommodation
🧳 Our complete guide to what to pack for Naples & Campania
⭐️ The number one travel accessory, a multi-point travel adapter and voltage converter
🏛️ Browse a huge range of tours in Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento and beyond
👌 Experience unique tours and special access to Naples’ most popular sights
💪 Protect yourself with comprehensive travel insurance
📱 Stay connected without incurring large fees with a reliable eSim
🔒 Find secure places to leave your luggage when exploring Campania
🚂 Plan your train journeys and purchase tickets all in one place
