With an outstanding position on the Neapolitan Riviera, Sorrento is known for cobblestone street, cliffs and picture-perfect views Ischia, Capri, Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius and Naples.
The Sorrento Travel Summary is segmented into 2 key travel themes to immerse you into everything Sorrento:
- An introduction and brief history to this wonderful town;
- What to See
Hope you enjoy it! Carpe Diem!
1. An introduction and brief history to this town:
Sorrento is perfectly located if you are exploring the Amalfi Coast with trains to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast as well as regular fast-ferry connections to Naples and Capri. Sorrento is a popular and long-standing resort town with a charming historic heart, atmospheric ruins and a bustling port.
The heart of Sorrento is a warren of little streets flanked by numerous churches, beautifully restored 19th-century townhouses and palaces, and quaint trattorias. Sorrento is a pleasant town for walking around with its pedestrian cobblestones lanes, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
Sorrento has a good selection of artisanal craft shops were you can find a number of shops specialising in ceramics, limoncello and leather goods.
Marina Grande is Sorrento’s traditional fishing harbour in a beautiful and tranquil setting where you can spend a couple of hours just relaxing and enjoying the view across to Naples and Vesuvius. The restaurants and cafes on the water’s edge offer a selection of traditional snacks and fresh fish dishes.
There are a number of other picturesque villages along the Sorrentine Peninsula (Vico Equense, Meta, Piano, Sant’Agnello, and Massa Lubrense) are well worth a visit and are less touristy offering an authentic Italian affair.
Pompeii’s about 40 minutes away from Sorrento by train, and is a must-see. Life in the city was stopped in its tracks when Mount Vesuvius erupted it makes for a fascinating visit were you can see a city frozen in time.
2. What to See:
Piazzo Tasso
AllThingsTravel Top Pick:
- Piazzo Tasso is the main square in Sorrento is a great place for people-watching and is has a good collection of Baroque architecture
- There is white tourist train also leaves from the square. It takes you on a 30-minute round trip through the old town and down to Marina Piccola
- Across from the square, walk along San Cesareo, which is Sorrento’s main shopping street and has a good selection of artisan shops
Santa Maria del Carmine
AllThingsTravel Top Pick:
- Constructed in 1572, the Baroque Santuario della Madonna del Carmine is situated at the eastern corner of Piazza Tasso
- If you look up, you can see the 18th-century ceiling painting by Onofrio Avellino, depicting the Virgin Mary with St Simon and angels
Marina Grande
AllThingsTravel Top Pick:
- Marina Grande is a small traditional fishing port that sits underneath the limestone cliffs on which the old town of Sorrento is perched
- Offering a good place for a swim and watch local fishermen at work
- You can enjoy alfresco harbour-side dining and there are great views of the Bay of Naples
Villa Communale Park
AllThingsTravel Top Pick:
- This park offers beautifully-manicured gardens and one of the best views in the area
- There are excellent views over Gulf of Naples, Ischia, Procida and Mount Vesuvius in the background
- You can also catch the Sorrento Lift which takes you down to Marina Piccola
