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Things to do in Sorrento

Things to do in  Sorrento

Welcome to Sorrento

The town of Sorrento sits on the Sorrentine Peninsula overlooking the Bay of Naples, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea, with Naples to the north and the Amalfi Coast to the south. It's a popular vacation destination and cruise port, and is similar to picturesque cliffside towns such as Positano and Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast proper. The city also serves as a practical base from which to explore the region, with multiple transportation connections and many tours using it as a hub. A walking or bus tour of Naples is available from Sorrento, and a boat tour to the nearby island of Capri—where you’ll find the iridescent Blue Grotto among other sights—is a must-do. The famous excavation at Pompeii is also close by; and you can learn more about Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that looms large over the landscape and that buried that ancient city, on a tour of the Unesco World Heritage Site. Another less visited ancient city also buried by the eruption, Herculaneum, is nearby; and tours to the two sites are often combined. Sorrento itself is well known for its pedestrian-friendly city center, where streets are lined with boutiques and restaurants and well-suited to a walking tour. Note that the citrus that grows so well in this area is put to good use in the delicious limoncello that is sold nearly everywhere in the city, and a food tour will introduce you to the liqueur and other tastes of the region.

Top 15 attractions in Sorrento

#1
Mt. Vesuvius (Monte Vesuvio)

Mt. Vesuvius (Monte Vesuvio)

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Looming above the Bay of Naples, Mt. Vesuvius (Monte Vesuvio) erupted in AD 79 and covered Pompeii in ash, preserving parts of the ancient city that can still be seen today. The volcano itself is still active—the only active one in continental Europe—and, though dormant, is considered to be one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes. Despite this, many visitors hike the mountain to see its infamous crater and are rewarded with stunning views of Pompeii, the Bay of Naples, and the surrounding Italian countryside.More
#2
Baths of the Queen Giovanna (Bagni della Regina Giovanna)

Baths of the Queen Giovanna (Bagni della Regina Giovanna)

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One of the most remote and beautiful beaches on Italy's Sorrento coast, the Baths of the Queen Giovanna (Bagni della Regina Giovanna) is set along the rocky cliffs of Capo di Sorrento near a dramatic natural stone arch and the ancient ruins of a Roman villa. This stretch of coastline and its natural pool are accessible only by foot or private boat.More
#3
Ravello

Ravello

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Tiny Ravello, an idyllic village along the Amalfi Coast, has a long history and vibrant cultural life. Founded by Romans in the sixth century, this picturesque clifftop town is today a haven for travelers drawn to its views, villas, and gardens. Home to Villa Rufolo, which has hosted luminaries from Richard Wagner to Jacqueline Kennedy, and Villa Cimbrone, known for its panoramic views, Ravello is an elegant respite from the crowds along the coast.More
#4
Marina Grande

Marina Grande

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Sorrento's tiny fishing village of Marina Grande is known for its colorful wooden boats bobbing in the harbor, and local fishermen still mend their nets by hand just steps from sunbathers along the beach. At the heart of Marina Grande is the Church of Sant’Anna, dedicated to the town’s patron saint, and a shore lined with small, family-run restaurants serving fresh Mediterranean fish and seafood.More
#5
Piazza Tasso

Piazza Tasso

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Sitting astride the steep gorge that once divided the cliff-top center of Sorrento, Piazza Tasso is the pulsating heart of one of Italy’s most popular seaside resort towns. This bustling, café-lined main square is where locals and visitors alike come to see and be seen, and to admire the square’s baroque church and 18th-century palace.More
#6
Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo)

Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo)

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Tucked beneath the famous highway that skirts Italy's Amalfi Coast, the Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) is one of the most popular attractions on this iconic stretch of coastline. Discovered in 1932 by a local fisherman, this marine cave is known for the turquoise water that fills the cavern with an emerald-green light when the sun’s rays filter up through a fissure beneath its surface. It’s covered with limestone stalagmites and stalactites more commonly associated with inland karstic caves and is popular among travelers to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.More
#7
Spaggia Grande Beach

Spaggia Grande Beach

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There is no better stretch of beach in Positano to take a dip or work on your tan than Spiaggia Grande, next to the Marina Grande port. At this well-provisioned beach you can rent a sun lounger and umbrella, stroll the beach walk, grab a meal at a beachfront restaurant, or hop on a ferry to other coastal destinations or the islands.More
#8
Cloister of San Francesco (Chiostro di San Francesco)

Cloister of San Francesco (Chiostro di San Francesco)

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The picturesque Cloister of San Francesco offers a tranquil reprieve from the bustling streets of Sorrento’s historic center. Set between a 7th-century monastery and a late-medieval church—both dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi—the cloister is a showpiece of architectural styles and one of the city’s top attractions.More
#9
Sorrento St. Anthony Basilica (Basilica di Sant’Antonino)

Sorrento St. Anthony Basilica (Basilica di Sant’Antonino)

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The most important church in Sorrento, the St. Anthony Basilica (Basilica di Sant’Antonino) is dedicated to the town’s patron saint. Visit the church during a walking tour of the city to view the sumptuous interiors, St. Antonius’s crypt, and votive offerings of sailors who survived shipwrecks thanks to the intervention of this saint, the patron of rescues.More
#10
Tasso Theater (Teatro Tasso)

Tasso Theater (Teatro Tasso)

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Originally built to serve as a convent for the Theatines religious order, the historic building was later converted into a cinema in the 1920s and now serves as a performance space. As well as local folklore shows, the Tasso Theater also plays host to various other music performances from light opera to jazz.More
#11
Mt. Faito (Monte Faito)

Mt. Faito (Monte Faito)

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Towering over the countryside of Campania in southern Italy, Mt. Faito (Monte Faito)—in the Lattari mountain range—overlooks the whole of the Sorrento Peninsula. Faito is a popular destination in summer, when its scenic trails offer a respite from the heat and crowds along the coastline.More
#12
Correale di Terranova Museum (Museo Correale di Terranova)

Correale di Terranova Museum (Museo Correale di Terranova)

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Set on the clifftop of the seaside resort town of Sorrento, the Correale di Terranova Museum occupies a historic villa overlooking the sea and is home to the Correale family’s private art collection of 17th- and 18th-century Neapolitan paintings, decorative arts, and archaeological artifacts—the most important in the city.More
#13
Punta del Capo

Punta del Capo

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Protruding out into the Gulf of Naples, this rocky promontory is an appealing spot for travelers who want to swim, sunbathe, and soak up the coastal scenery away from the crowds of Sorrento town. At this peaceful perch, you’ll find a cliff-surrounded swimming cove separated from the sea by a rocky arch and the remains of a Roman villa.More
#14
Sorrento Cruise Port (Sorrento Terminal Crociere)

Sorrento Cruise Port (Sorrento Terminal Crociere)

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The bustling Sorrento Cruise Port (Sorrento Terminal Crociere) is a popular stop for passengers looking to explore Italy's Campania coast. While Sorrento is a charming resort town and destination in its own right, it also serves as a transportation hub and jumping-off point for excursions to the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii, and other destinations on the Bay of Naples.More
#15
Via Capo

Via Capo

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For one of the most spectacular views in Sorrento, follow Corso Italia west from the center of town as it becomes the panoramic Via Capo. Lined with lovely hotels and tiny beaches, this winding road makes for a scenic stroll or gateway to the lesser crowded coastline outside Sorrento’s busy center.More

Trip ideas

Food and Wine Lover's Guide to Sorrento

Food and Wine Lover's Guide to Sorrento

How to Spend 2 Days in Sorrento

How to Spend 2 Days in Sorrento

Capri Day Trips From Sorrento

Capri Day Trips From Sorrento

Top activities in Sorrento

Tour to the Amalfi Coast Positano, Amalfi & Ravello from Sorrento
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Capri Blue Grotto Boat Tour From Sorrento
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Capri Boat Tour From Sorrento
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Capri Boat Tour From Sorrento

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270
From
HK$873.83
Skip The Line Pompeii Guided Tour & Mt. Vesuvius from Sorrento
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Amalfi Coast Small group Tour by Boat from Sorrento
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Capri Boat Tour Cruise from Sorrento
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Capri Boat Tour Cruise from Sorrento

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421
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HK$793.66
Amalfi Boat Tour With Positano Visit Fd - From Sorrento
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Capri and Blue Grotto Day Tour from Naples or Sorrento
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Capri & Blue Grotto Boat Trip-Prime Experience with max. 8 guests from Sorrento
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Private Capri Island and Blue Grotto Day Tour from Naples or Sorrento
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Skip the line Pompeii Guided Tour from Sorrento
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Private Capri Boat Tour Top sellers

Private Capri Boat Tour Top sellers

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195
From
HK$10,826.59
per group
Amalfi Coast Tour From Sorrento

Amalfi Coast Tour From Sorrento

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284
From
HK$681.43
Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Private Day Trip
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Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

Recent reviews from experiences in Sorrento

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Not to be missed…
Melanie_W, Jul 2022
Pizza and cheese experience, with wine, olive oil & limoncello tasting in a traditional farm
Of the 5 activities we booked to enjoy in Sorrento this was by far our favourite.
star-5
Brilliant trip
Diana_W, Jul 2022
Capri Boat Tour Included 6 Hours Stop on the Island & Full Boat Ride around
This was a very well-organised tour that enabled me to see a lot of the island, despite the crowds.
star-5
Great experience! We were...
Evgenia_G, Jul 2022
Bike Experience - Sorrento - Positano
We were able to see a hidden part of Sorrento, to do a short hike at the highest point during one of the stops, to try home made deserts and to enjoy the beautiful views away from the busy city center!
star-5
Great time, fun group...
AliciaB, Jul 2022
Sorrento Farm Experience Including Tastings, Pizza Making and Limoncello
It was lovely to see this part of Sorrento too!
star-5
A very worthwhile experience
Anthony_V, Jun 2022
Guided Walking Tour of Sorrento
She is very knowledgeable and helpful, and speaks excellent English.
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Fab food tour
Wendy_D, Jun 2022
Walking Food Tour in Sorrento with Food Tasting
Amazing food at every stop, great way to see more of Sorrento & off the beaten track restaurants which I would recommend anyone to do
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Great great show
Rita_M, May 2022
The Three Tenors in Sorrento
I will recommend this to anyone who has an opportunity to see them in Sorrento
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Cheese, Olive Oil Tasting & Pizza Making Experience
Carolina_G, May 2022
Sorrento Farm Experience Including Tastings, Pizza Making and Limoncello
It was great to see a local make the different types of cheeses, as well as learn about the olive oil production, and make our own pizza.
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See Sorrento and avoid the busy streets
Andrew_M, Apr 2022
Secrets Walks of Sorrento, Street food by Locals
This was a great way to see Sorrento and avoid the busy tourist streets.
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Amazing
Danielle_S, Apr 2022
Sorrento Farm and Food Experience including Olive Oil, Limoncello, Wine tasting
The hosts were very welcoming to their farm house and it was amazing to see how much work and care goes into everything they do!
star-5
Giulia was a great tour...
Tanya_B, Mar 2022
Guided Walking Tour of Sorrento
we highly recommend this tour if you want to see the highlights in Sorrento.
star-4
Nice, but too rushed and no optional boat tour offered , as per the tour description
Doina_B, Aug 2022
Amalfi Coast Tour From Sorrento
By the time we eat it 30 minutes have passed and we had no time to see much .
star-5
You must book this if you are staying in Sorrento
Drew_S, Jul 2022
Boat tour to Sorrento coast and Capri - Day & Night Experience
Be able to stop and jump in for a swim and see all the sights you need to see for Capri.
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Not for super beginners, but fun!
Eunice_L, Jul 2022
Backroads & Limoncello Experience: Sorrento E-Bike Tour
Fabio’s bike tour was different from others and offered a unique way to see the Sorrento region.
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A day with Pasquale in Pompeii
Rosa_G, Jul 2022
Skip the line Pompeii Guided Tour from Sorrento
The tour was well paced and covered as much of Pompeii as time allowed…you would need at least a week to see every detail btw.
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All went smoothly met...
stephen_m, Jul 2022
Skip-the-Line Pompeii Express Tour by Train from Sorrento
saw all main sites in pompeii more to see if wanna spend hours there.
star-5
Highlight of the vacation
darbymichelle11, Jul 2022
Private Cruise to Capri and Amalfi Coast from Sorrento or Capri - yacht 50'
Roberto made contact with us prior to our tour to enquire about what activities most interested us and even arranged a smooth transfer and escort to and from our hotel and the yacht for us.
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Definitely recommend this tour
Fiona_K, Jun 2022
Amalfi Boat Tour With Positano Visit Fd - From Sorrento
Easiest way to see the towns along the Amalfi coast.
star-5
Loved spending the day with this genuine Italian family on their farm!
Julie_S, Jun 2022
Sorrento Farm and Food Experience including Olive Oil, Limoncello, Wine tasting
After spending a few days in Sorrento proper, I really liked getting a chance to see the countryside.
star-5
Great way to get a taste of the Amalfi Coast!
Joyce_h, Jun 2022
Tour to the Amalfi Coast Positano, Amalfi & Ravello from Sorrento
we stayed in Sorrento, but really wanted to see the other towns, but were hesitant to drive on our own due to the narrow winding roads.
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People Also Ask

What is Sorrento known for?

Sorrento’s strategic position on the Gulf of Naples makes it an easy gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Trains, ferries, buses, and tour groups all converge here, sprinting travelers to Positano and beyond. For Italians, the town is synonymous with its abundant lemon groves—and the limoncello liqueur made from them.

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How many days do you need in Sorrento?

One day is enough to see the historic center, stop for olive oil and limoncello tastings, and explore the Museobottega della Tarsialignea, dedicated to local marquetry traditions. The beauty of Sorrento, however, lies in the proximity to the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Capri—and each requires another full day.

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What is the best part of Sorrento to stay in?

If it’s your first visit, stick to the historic center. Piazza Tasso is near accommodations, many restaurants, and public transportation. East of town, Sant’Agnello boasts the best views and cliffside resorts. Those looking for affordable stays should try Priora, a hilly, quiet hamlet about 15 minutes from Sorrento by car.

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What can I do in Sorrento?

Plenty. Explore the historic quarter’s tangle of pastel houses and arched lanes. Sample olive oils and limoncello—or gnocchi alla Sorrentina. Take a boat to Capri, a train to Pompeii, or a kayak to Punta Campanella. For something different, visit the Museobottega della Tarsialignea—dedicated to wood inlaying traditions.

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Is Sorrento better than Amalfi?

It depends. Amalfi is smaller, slightly prettier, and more characteristically of the Amalfi Coast—cliffside, terraced roads descend through the town to the elegant waterfront. Sorrento has more public transportation, varied accommodations, and can be less exclusive. It’s a more practical base for exploring the Amalfi Coast and farther afield.

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Is Sorrento expensive?

Yes, relatively. Sorrento is more expensive than Naples but less so than Capri and the Amalfi Coast. During the high season, especially from July through August, prices rise as the town swells with tourists. It’s home to designer hotels, but also modest, rustic charms if you look for them.

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