Visiting Sorrento

Sorrento Travel guide

The Sorrento Experience: Your guide to holidays in Sorrento and the Amalfi coast

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Giuseppe Baldassarri Italian travel blogger

Review of Sorrento.

Here are some of the top attractions you might consider visiting:

Sorrento is a beautiful coastal town located in the southwestern part of Italy, in the Campania region. It is situated on the Sorrentine Peninsula and overlooks the Bay of Naples. Known for its stunning views, picturesque streets, and vibrant atmosphere, Sorrento is a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

One of the main attractions of Sorrento is its breathtaking coastline. The town is perched on cliffs that offer panoramic views of the azure sea below. Visitors can take leisurely walks along the coastal paths, explore hidden coves, or simply relax on one of the scenic beaches.

Sorrento's historic center is a charming area characterized by narrow streets, cobblestone alleys, and colorful buildings adorned with flowers. Piazza Tasso, the main square, is a lively hub where locals and visitors gather. It is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a great spot to people-watch and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

The town is also known for its production of limoncello, a popular Italian liqueur made from lemons. Sorrento's lemon groves produce some of the finest lemons in Italy, and many shops and factories offer tours and tastings where visitors can learn about the production process and sample different varieties of limoncello.

Sorrento is an excellent base for exploring other nearby attractions. The island of Capri is just a short boat ride away and is famous for its natural beauty, upscale shops, and the iconic Blue Grotto. The ancient city of Pompeii, which was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is also easily accessible from Sorrento and offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman history.

The culinary scene in Sorrento is exceptional, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Seafood plays a prominent role in the local cuisine, and visitors can indulge in dishes like spaghetti alle vongole, seafood risotto, or grilled fish. Other specialties include handmade pasta, buffalo mozzarella, and the famous Neapolitan pizza.

Sorrento is well-connected by transportation, with Naples being the nearest major city and the closest airport. From Naples, you can reach Sorrento by train, bus, or ferry. The region is also served by a comprehensive network of buses and boats, making it easy to explore the surrounding area and nearby towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Whether you're interested in stunning coastal views, historical sites, delicious cuisine, or simply soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere, Sorrento offers a memorable experience for visitors.

Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:

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Sorrento: where to stay?

ACCOMODATIONS

Sorrento offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some popular areas to consider for your stay in Sorrento:

1. Historic Center: Staying in Sorrento's historic center puts you right in the heart of the town, close to restaurants, shops, and attractions. The narrow streets are filled with charming hotels, boutique guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts. This area is convenient for exploring the town on foot and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

2. Marina Grande: Located below the cliffs of Sorrento, Marina Grande is a picturesque fishing village with colorful houses and a small beach. This area offers a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere compared to the bustling town center. There are a few hotels and guesthouses in Marina Grande, and it's a great option if you prefer a quieter setting near the sea.

3. Sorrento Coast: If you prefer a more tranquil and scenic location, you can consider staying along the Sorrento Coast, away from the town center. This area offers stunning views of the coastline and is known for its luxury resorts and cliffside hotels. It's a great choice if you're looking for a peaceful retreat and don't mind being a bit further away from the town's amenities.

4. Sant'Agnello: Just a short distance from Sorrento's center, Sant'Agnello offers a quieter alternative for accommodation. This area has a more residential feel, with a selection of hotels and guesthouses. It's a good option if you want to be close to Sorrento but prefer a more relaxed environment.

When choosing a place to stay in Sorrento, consider factors such as your budget, preferred location, and the amenities you desire. It's advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to secure your preferred choice. 

Booking.com

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7-day itinerary for visiting Sorrento and its surroundings, along with some local food and wine specialties to try:

Here's a 7-day itinerary for visiting Sorrento and its surroundings, with a focus on local food and wine specialties:

Day 1: Arrival in Sorrento

- Arrive in Sorrento and settle into your accommodation.

- Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Sorrento's historic center.

- Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local trattoria, trying dishes like spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) or gnocchi alla sorrentina (potato dumplings with tomato sauce and mozzarella).

Day 2: Sorrento and Limoncello

- Start the day with a visit to a local limoncello factory, where you can learn about the production process and enjoy a tasting of this refreshing lemon liqueur.

- Explore the beautiful Villa Comunale park, which offers stunning views of the Gulf of Naples.

- Have lunch at a local restaurant and try dishes featuring fresh seafood, such as fritto misto di mare (mixed fried seafood) or branzino al cartoccio (baked sea bass in parchment paper).

- In the evening, relax at a bar or café and enjoy a glass of local wine, such as Greco di Tufo or Falanghina.

Day 3: Capri Excursion

- Take a day trip to the enchanting island of Capri. Explore the picturesque town of Capri and visit the famous Blue Grotto.

- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a seaside restaurant, savoring local specialties like insalata caprese (Caprese salad) with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.

- In the afternoon, take a chairlift up to Mount Solaro for panoramic views of the island.

- Return to Sorrento and have dinner at a traditional pizzeria, trying authentic Neapolitan pizza.

Day 4: Pompeii and Wine Tasting

- Take a guided tour of the ancient city of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the remarkably preserved ruins and learn about life in ancient Rome.

- After the tour, visit a local winery in the nearby Vesuvius region. Take a tour of the vineyards and cellars and enjoy a wine tasting, sampling wines like Lacryma Christi and Aglianico.

- Have dinner at a local osteria, trying typical dishes from the Campania region, such as Melanzane alla Parmigiana (eggplant parmesan) or Salsiccia e Friarielli (sausage with broccoli rabe).

Day 5: Amalfi Coast Drive

- Embark on a scenic drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast. Explore the picturesque towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.

- Stop for lunch at a seaside restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood pasta or risotto.

- Visit a local ceramic workshop in Vietri sul Mare and see the beautiful handcrafted ceramics.

- Return to Sorrento and have a leisurely dinner at a local trattoria, trying dishes like scialatielli ai frutti di mare (fresh pasta with mixed seafood) or involtini di pesce spada (swordfish rolls).

Day 6: Cooking Class and Food Market

- Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Italian dishes. Visit a local food market and select fresh ingredients.

- Learn to make homemade pasta, sauces, and traditional desserts.

- Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch, paired with local wines.

- Spend the afternoon exploring Sorrento at your leisure, perhaps doing some shopping for local products or souvenirs.

- Have a farewell dinner at a recommended restaurant, celebrating the flavors of the region.

Day 7: Departure

- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take some time to soak in the last views of Sorrento.

- If time allows, visit a local pastry shop to try some traditional pastries like sfogliatelle or babà.

- Depart from Sorrento with wonderful memories of your time in this beautiful region.

This itinerary allows you to explore Sorrento and its surroundings, while also experiencing the local food and wine specialties. Enjoy your trip!

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How to get to Sorrento, and view the map in real-time.

MAPS