If someone had distilled summer into a place, to me it would be Sorrento. Only 1 hour away from Naples, Sorrento is a stunning gem on the Italian coast, built on cliffs with a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean Sea. Sorrento is the quintessential Mediterranean city. It gives you a taste of the sweet life, or, as the Italians call it, the dolce vita.

Anya

Hi! I’m Anya, founder of the travel blog Stop Going to Paris which focuses on underrated cities in Europe. I’m a passionate traveler but above all, a passionate adventurer always looking for the hidden gems that deserve more love.

After 10 years and 70+ destinations, I can help you plan your European trip: book a call with me. It includes a full itinerary with unique destinations, transportation, accommodation and activities.

Fun fact, I live in… drumroll… Paris! That’s why the name of the blog is funny.

The vibe of this trip

Mediterranean, coastal city, summer vibe.

Why you should go to Sorrento

Strolling through the city, you’ll find lively piazzas, narrow, cobblestone streets and the scent of lemon blossoms through the air. Sorrento is the perfect blend of historical allure, with landmarks like the Chiesa di San Francesco (St.Francis Church and Convent), wild nature spots and markets where you can immerse yourself in the local flavors.

On top of being a very charming town on its own, Sorrento is a gateway city to so many adventures nearby: visiting the Amalfi Coast through hiking the Paths of the Gods or day trips to Amalfi, Ravello and Positano, visiting the islands of Capri, Procida and Ischia as well as enjoying the most marvelous food in Naples, climbing Mount Vesuvius and learning history in Pompeii.

From savoring delicious seafood dishes to exploring the nearby towns, every corner of Sorrento invites you to embrace that summer vibe.

Hesitating between staying in Sorrento and staying on the Amalfi Coast? Read this detailed point-by-point comparison of Sorrento vs. the Amalfi Coast and which one is better for your situation.

How to get to Sorrento

The easiest way to get to Sorrento is by train or bus, from Naples. It’s a 1h10 journey and you can book a ticket on the Ente Autonomo Volturno app, at train stations or at some local tobacco shops. Small advice, check for availability on the app and then get the tickets in the train stations, this way you’ll keep them as souvenirs!

The romantic way is by ferry, it’s a 45 min journey, for around 15 euros. You can book with Alilauro or NLG.

9 Things to do in Sorrento

Stroll through Piazza Tasso

Located in the heart of Sorrento, Piazza Tasso is the lively epicenter of the town. Surrounded by cute cafes and inviting restaurants, Piazza Tasso is the perfect starting point to explore the city. Locals and tourists alike converge on the piazza to enjoy the warm Mediterranean evenings and indulge in Italian cuisine. Piazza Tasso is not just a geographical center; it is the beating heart of Sorrento.

Visit the Basilica di Sant’Antonino

The Basilica di Sant’Antonino is one of the most famous landmarks of the city of Sorrento. It is dedicated to Saint Antoninus, the patron saint of Sorrento and is decorated with religious artworks and frescoes that narrate Sorrento’s religious history. The contemplative atmosphere of the basilica makes for a serene hour or two.

Swim at the Bagni della Regina Giovanna

The Bagni della Regina Giovanna is a natural pool on the coast that gets its name from 15th-century Queen Giovanna II of Anjou of Naples, who was said to have met her lovers there.

It is without a doubt the best place to visit in Sorrento. It is a secluded, romantic and wild spot on the Sorrento coast (yes, that part of the coast is named after Sorrento), in which you can enjoy swimming and jumping off cliffs. It is the perfect spot to relax, tan and get in touch with nature while contemplating waters of the purest blue colors. It is also the best spot to enjoy a beautiful sunset view.

The Bagni della Regina Giovanna are also home to the ruins of an old Roman Villa from 1 century B.C, Villa Pollio Felice, divided into two parts: the maritime domain and the villa covered by the fields, and both are connected by various passages and staircases.

The best times to go to the Bagni della Regina Giovanna are the months of June and July, as the weather is best and August is too crowded. I recommend going there in comfortable shoes and avoiding flip flops, because the only to access it is through a 20-25 min walk on uneven ground. To get to the start of the path, you can take a bus, either the 5070 or 008.

Explore the culinary history of Sorrento

Sorrento is home to many traditional dishes such as Gnocchi alla Sorrentina (gnocchi made the Sorrento way), Spaghetti con le Noci (spaghetti with walnuts), Cozze alla Sorrentina (Sorrento mussels), Babà al Limoncello (limoncello rum baba), and so many more. The best is to try to get a taste of as many of them as you can!

Since limoncello is an emblematic drink from the region and olive oil is, of course, traditional to all of Italy, one of the best ways to explore the region remains through a guided visit to the lemon groves and olive tree fields. You’ll learn about the history of the Sorrento region through its culinary specialties, and you’ll get to eat a marvelous Italian meal out of this.

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, I’m sure you’ll like a cooking class with a view. You will appreciate even more the food you will eat, and you will take with you the knowledge of how to make these dishes at home. It’s a great couple’s activity, though also very fun solo!

A great option is also a lunch and wine-tasting experience in Pompeii. Comes with a guided tour of Pompeii by an archaeologist. Recommended for the history lovers!

Parasailing and other water activities

Water activities are popular in Sorrento, for example parasailing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, stand-up paddle, and so much more. Take your swimsuit and enjoy the water! Most of these activities start from the port, so it’ll also be the occasion for you to visit it. I recommend the Tempio Travel company, I had a great experience parasailing with them.

Hike on the Path of the Gods

The Path of the Gods is a popular hiking trail along the coast that provides jaw-dropping panoramic views of the sea and the villages below. The trail starts in the village of Bomerano in Piazza Paolo Capasso, and leads you through cliffs, valleys, ancient stone pathways and lemon groves, all the way to Positano. One of the prettiest features you’ll come across is the agricultural terraces that are typical of the regional landscape. On the way, you’ll also encounter landmarks such as the monastery of St. Domenico, the Vettica Maggiore, the Grotta del Biscotto, Montepertuso, and many more.

This iconic trail is the perfect opportunity to get some steps in while enjoying the sun, the Mediterranean Sea and the company!

I cannot recommend enough this Paths of the Gods hiking tour with a guide that will drive to the starting point of the hike, take you through the best routes and spots on the trail and then drop you back off at Sorrento.

Climb Mount Vesuvius

Vesuvius is the volcano responsible for the fall of Pompeii, though it is very much dormant now, and therefore open to visits. Today, it is part of a huge national park, the Vesuvio National Park, which comprises many historical and archaeological sites such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, Villa Regina, Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Arco, and of course, The Great Cono – Mount Vesuvius itself.

Several trails are accessible for hikes in the region, of which the park provides a map. My favorite is the trail to the Great Cono, which gives you access to the volcano crater.

I do not advise climbing from the very bottom, as it’ll take you hours, you’ll suffer under the burning sun and on top of that the route is not scenic. You need a bus to get you to the entrance of the park and from there, you can climb to the top.

The park stays open till 6 pm in July and August, and full fare is 10 euros.

At the very top, you’ll find little stores to buy food and drinks, as well as souvenir shops. Most of the souvenirs are made of ashes and volcanic rocks: keychains, jewelry, little statues. Very thematic and unique gifts for your loved ones!

You can also do a combined Pompeii and Vesuvius guided tour with lunch.

Drink Limoncello

If you see lemons and lemon trees everywhere in Sorrento, it’s because it is the symbol of the city. The lemon groves in the backcountry of the Sorrento coast supply the whole region with Sfusato Sorrentino, Sorrento lemons. They are used to produce limoncello, a lemon-flavored liqueur served as a digestive after meals. A must-try!

A tour of the Amalfi coast, Capri, Ischia and Procida

The Sorrento coast is the northern penchant to the Amalfi coast, which means you can visit it quite easily. You can book a boat tour of the Amalfi coast, to enjoy a view of the coast and cities from afar, with a guide sharing the history and fun facts about the landmarks visited. Very often, these boat tours serve a glass of Italian wine and limoncello on board.

Another option is going directly to one of the nearby islands, which are Capri, Ischia and Procida. I only had one pick so I personally chose to go to Capri, and found it to be a stunning island with elegant homes and gardens and a cute city center. Must-see attractions include the Piazzetta di Capri (Capri’s main square), Giardini di Augusto (Augusto’s Garden) and the fabulous Villa San Michele. For the best view on the island, I can only recommend Belvedere Tragara. I also took a bus and went all the way to Faro di Punta Carena, the lighthouse of Capri, to sit on the rocks and admire the sunset.

I however advise against visiting Blue Grotto, as I found it to be a bit of a letdown and very crowded. Hard to enjoy the sight, when you’re only allowed 5 min there and there are 10 other people next to you.

Make sure to take the earliest ferry ride to Capri, you will need a whole day to visit everything.

Be careful to take your own food however, as everything there is very expensive. I remember paying 9 euros for a milkshake, and let me tell you, I did not appreciate that part of the Capri experience.

Where to stay in Sorrento

Bellevue Syrene is a 5-star luxury hotel in a prime location near the historic center, with elegant rooms with sea views, a spa, and fine dining options. And, last but not least, it has absolutely exceptional service that makes your stay unforgettable.

Sorrento Marida rooms provides comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. The property is conveniently located near popular attractions, dining options, and public transportation, so it’s an ideal choice for travelers exploring the area.

Camping Nube D’Argento is a bungalow set just a 15-minute walk from a sandy beach and 750 meters from Sorrento Cathedral. The accommodation offers air-conditioned bungalows with garden views and outdoor dining areas, a seasonal outdoor pool, a children’s playground, and an on-site restaurant serving pizza and local cuisine.

My one-week itinerary in Sorrento

This is my one-week itinerary in Sorrento

• Catch a flight to the Naples airport. Travel from Naples to Sorrento.
• Day 1: Sorrento: city tour, food, Bagni della Regina Giovanna
• Day 2: Sorrento: boat tour & water sports
• Day 3: Sorrento: hiking the path of Gods, cooking class
• Day 4: Naples
• Day 5: Vesuvius & Pompeii or Herculaneum
• Day 6: Amalfi and Ravello or Positano
• Day 7: Capri
• Day 8: Ischia or Procida
  

A quick recap of the activities to make your Sorrento trip unforgettable

Here is a quick recap of all the things to do in Sorrento:

• Stroll through Piazza Tasso
• Visit the Basilica di Sant’Antonino
• Swim at the Bagni della Regina Giovanna
• Explore the culinary history of Sorrento
• Parasailing and other water activities
• Hike on the Path of the Gods
• Climb Mount Vesuvius
• Drink Limoncello
• A tour of the Amalfi coast, Capri, Ischia and Procida
  

Things to know before going to Italy

• Food: Coffee is delicious. Seriously, enjoy it! I only learned to appreciate coffee when I went to Italy.
  
  
• Food: Italian restaurants will tack on a service fee (usually 2 euros) to your bill – it’s because you sat down and occupied a table, instead of taking your food away. For this reason, you don’t have to tip a percentage of your bill – instead, you can leave the change on the table.
  
  
• Money: Just like France, Italy is not a cashless country. Have cash on your always.
  
  
• Shopping: Businesses and shops typically close on Sundays, so be well-prepared. Buy everything you need during the week.
  
  
• Museums: On the other hand, museums usually close on Mondays, so make sure to check the hours of the ones you plan to visit.
  
  
• Food: You can always ask for more Parmigiano to sprinkle on your meals!
  
  
• Clothes: Sorrento is an uneven city, so you’ll need to pack comfortable shoes like trainers or sneakers to walk around. This advice applies to most of Italy.

Check out my other articles

If you liked this article, you might also like my article on Zakopane, Poland’s winter capital or my article on Amboise, in the Loire Valley in France. And if you want to learn more about the whole off-the-beaten-path-travel concept of my blog, read my explanation of it here.