Best Things to do in Sorrento, The Perfect Base to Explore Italy

Best Things to do in Sorrento, The Perfect Base to Explore Italy

February 3, 2021 9 By Kerry

Sorrento, Italy, is a coastal town that makes the perfect base to explore the Italian coastline. There are so many things to do in Sorrento; you will be spoilt for choice. Sorrento holidays make a wonderful relaxing vacation while also offering many fun options to keep you entertained on your trip. Read on to find all the things to see and do that you need to plan in your Sorrento travel itinerary.

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Where is Sorrento?

Sorrento overlooks the Bay of Naples in Southern Italy and is a stunning, picturesque Italian town. Conveniently located between Naples and the vast Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is the perfect base to explore the mountains, beaches, villages, and islands nearby.

Getting to Sorrento from Naples

Sorrento is well-connected by transport, and it is easy to grab a Naples to Sorrento train that will get you to your destination in 1 hour 20 minutes. If you don’t fancy seeing the things to do in Naples, you can go directly from Naples airport to Sorrento by the ( Curreri Viaggi shuttle bus service ). You can also hire a car and drive yourself, or pay for a taxi (although the cost would be ridiculous).

Is Sorrento worth visiting?

Sorrento is not only worth visiting, but you should also really consider basing yourself there. Think about what you would like to do in and around your hotel versus what else you want to see and how easy it is to get there.

5 Reasons that makes Sorrento the perfect base:

  1. Sorrento is a central location that is a desirable destination all on its own
  2. Cheap and easy train links from Sorrento to Naples, Pompeii, and Herculaneum
  3. Connections to/from Naples airport to Sorrento by public bus (Curreri Viaggi shuttle bus service)
  4. Bus/Coach travel from Sorrento to other parts of Italy for less than 3 euros!
  5. Ferry/boat travel from Sorrento to Capri or the Amalfi Coast.

Where to Stay in Sorrento, The Perfect Base

There are many hotels in Sorrento, Italy, with different accommodation options. One of the wonderful things about Sorrento is the mountains and views of Italy that you will experience in every direction. However, these viewpoints can mean that walking around can be strenuous, so this is something to consider when choosing your hotel in Sorrento.

You ideally want to be close enough to the main square to walk there easily while also being set back enough to enjoy the views of the sea and the iconic Mount Vesuvius volcano. I stayed at the Hotel Conca Park, built into a mountain above Sorrento square. The views were beautiful, and it was only a short walk to the shops, restaurants, and bars so that it could tick all of your boxes.

The Conca Park Hotel had a lovely pool, clean, modern rooms, and a vast selection for a vegetarian breakfast. You have to get either a golf buggy lift or walk up a long corridor to the main reception, though, so think twice if you have mobility issues. I loved that part! There are many hotels and resorts available in Sorrento so explore all of your options.

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Things to do in Sorrento, the perfect base

Despite Covid.19 having an impact to our travel, Sorrento was still extremely busy and is alive all night and day. Read the tops things to do in Sorrento below.

1) Shop for Souvenirs on the Corsa Italia, Sorrento’s Main Shopping Street

The cobbled streets and quaint side roads around Sorrento have many quirky places to buy souvenirs. Expect to find many lemon soaps, limoncello shops, chili oil, olive oil, and other knick-knacks. Oddly, quite a lot of stalls sell Christmas decorations through all seasons.

2) Take a tour of the town by the Sorrento city train

Catch the Sorrento City Train from the Piazza Tasso, the central square. The city train tour takes 30 minutes and only costs around 7 euros. It’s a quirky experience to help you see all the locations of things to do in Sorrento so you can get your bearings for more exploring.

Piazza Tasso in Sorrento

3) Enhance your culinary skills with cooking lessons from Italian chefs

Do you fancy yourself as a bit of a cook? No worries, if you’re culinary skills need some work, Italy is the perfect place to learn. There are so many different cooking classes available; you will have difficulty choosing! However, if you’re interested in broad Italian dishes and want to make an authentic Italian pizza or even gelato, you won’t be disappointed. Best of all, you get to eat the delicious Italian food you make. So the cost of the cooking course pays for itself by saving you some pennies that you would otherwise spend in a restaurant. Some of the options available are below:

4) Tour the Oil and Lemon Farms and Discover the Secrets to Limoncello

If you didn’t know already, Sorrento is world-famous for cultivating and producing lemons, olive oils, wine, and cheese. While you can find these delicacies in the restaurants, the markets, or shopping stalls, you can’t immerse yourself in the rich culture unless you visit the farms where lemons and olives are produced.

Local guides will guide you through the lemon groves, teach you all about the process, prepare your skills to look out for the best products, and of course, there will be lots of tasting. Make sure you have an appetite and aren’t the designated driver as there is plenty of cheeses, wines, and Limoncello to enjoy.

5) Visit Sorrento Beach & Marina

You can walk to the Sorrento beachfront and the thriving Marina Piccola by taking the stairs from the Piazza Tasso main square in about 10 minutes. But for only 2 euro, you can get a lift down or back, look for the signs. 

Sorrento and surrounding areas do not have a public beach as such. Instead, they have pebbled beaches run by ‘beach clubs.’ There is an admission fee to the beach club for the day, and you can then eat and drink at their restaurant and use the sun loungers and umbrellas. Unless you’re in it for the long haul, it’s pretty expensive (20 euro upwards pp). Sorrento has so many things to do that not having a beach day might not be so bad. Take a stroll to the Marina Grande for more bar and restaurant options. 

Things to do in Sorrento - the path down to sorrento beach and harbour
The beautiful walk way down to Sorrento beach and harbour

From the Sorrento beachfront, you can catch boats and ferries to Capri and Positano, Amalfi or Ravello on the Amalfi Coast also book many different tours.

You can buy tickets online in advance; otherwise, there are many stalls where you can easily purchase tickets. If you plan to go early, it will be busy so give yourself enough time. You can also enjoy many restaurants and bars dotted about the Sorrento beachfront which are particular popular in the evening.

When you’ve finished at the beach, be sure to take the lift back to the Villa Comunale Park. Here you can watch the beautiful sunset from the terrace near the cloisters of San Francesco gardens. 

Things to do in Sorrento, Bars and Restaurants

If you’re looking for a unique and fabulous Sorrento bar, then head to ‘Lounge Bar’ on the corner of the Piazza Sant’Antonino. It is quirky and has an air of class and sophistication about it. It’s that trendy; it’s one of the best things to do in Sorrento in itself. Like all bars in Italy, you get plenty of snacks with every drink.

You will probably be drawn into the ‘Garden restaurant ‘by how beautiful it is. The stunning nature-themed décor adds to the atmosphere and hosts incredible live jazz music. There were a few vegetarian options on the menu and pretty white full-length table cloths. It is gorgeous.

Sorrento - the perfect base. Young woman stood in front of Sorrento street art showing pictures of 3 people  in between the words 'Sorrento Art' with a heart in the middle

If you want to try a few different bars and restaurants in Sorrento with lovely views, then there’s something for everyone down by the Sorrento harbour.

If you’re a veggie, Sorrento doesn’t offer a great deal of variety for vegetarian food. However, if you’re happy to eat different cuisines, such as Indian or Thai, you will quickly get bored of the same Italian dishes served up by most restaurants.

Things to do in Sorrento | Day trips

While there are many incredible things to do in Sorrento, it’s okay to explore more of Italy, especially when beautiful locations are right on your doorstep. Take a look at some of these top day trips from Sorrento:

1) Discover the ruins of Pompeii or Herculaneum

You can easily catch a train from Sorrento to discover the hallowing ruins of Pompeii or Herculaneum, destroyed by the nearby Mount Vesuvius volcano. While you can buy combi tickets, just a day trip to one of these places will take up most of your day, so pick wisely.

2) Grab a ferry from Sorrento to Capri Island

If the beach is more your thing, a day trip to the beautiful island of Capri is just a short ferry or boat ride away, and you can wonder at the divine blue grotto. If you’re heading to Capri by ferry, you can buy tickets from the desks on the Marina Grande for a day return up to half an hour before you travel. You can also get the tickets in advance or book one of the various private and organised Capri boat tours available. 

3) Explore the beautiful Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast road trip by vespa

Some people think that Sorrento is on the Amalfi Coast, it isn’t. However, you can travel from Sorrento to the Amalfi coast by road or sea, taking in the fantastic views on the route, and there are many tours available. If you decide on a road trip where you’re driving yourself, Positano, the first stop on the Amalfi Coast, is just a mere 10km away from Sorrento! Amalfi Town and Ravello are the other main stops on this route, and you can easily see them all on an action-packed day! I chose to rent a traditional Italian Vespa to do the Amalfi Coast road trip itinerary. It is also straightforward to hire a car and perhaps a little less scary!

4) Head to the Medina de Costano coast

Catch a bus to the Medina de Costano coast. The journey will take about an hour because of the mountainous route, but it only costs 3euros! You can catch these buses at regular bus stops, but you need to have bought a ticket in advance. You can get these from most local convenience stores. This location is perfect for kayaking or water sports. You can grab clear kayaks to row to the nearby caves and secluded beaches. It truly is an experience to remember.

5) Explore Naples

Things to do in Naples Italy - relax by the Castel dell-Ovo

You may have already stopped in Naples on route to Sorrento, but if not, you should do it on your way back. There are many things to do in Naples, from castles to churches to museums. Don’t miss out on visiting this great Italian city while you’re in Campania.

What’s your verdict on the things to do in Sorrento?

While Sorrento truly makes an excellent base for onward travel, you’ll enjoy the beach here so much you might choose not to leave. The enchanting atmosphere and lively but laid-back vibe will reel you in and keep you wanting more. So, whether you decide to stay in Sorrento or choose to explore, see for yourself the many things to do in Sorrento, Italy.

Discover the activities you can do in Sorrento. Even if you don’t book anything, it will still give you an idea of the sights and attractions in Sorrento. If you love Italy as much as I do, why not consider extending your trip? Check out this itinerary for two weeks in Italy to help you decide.

Things to do in Sorrento Italy | Top Travel Tips

VeggTravel - Travel Blog & Adventure Holiday Specialist
  • Grab the lift from the central square down to the beach for only 2 euros.
  • Book a ferry return to Capri easily from the harbour (every hour)
  • Take full advantage of the free bar snacks when you order a drink.
  • Buy the famous lemon soap and Limoncello. Sorrento is renowned for lemons! Scope all the shops for the best deals on souvenirs – a lot of them have the same stock but charge differently, so shop around.
  • Research the beach clubs – so you know whether it’s worth the price or whether you should book a hotel with a pool instead.
  • Ask the price of the taxi before you get in! – we nearly got charged 85euro to go to the Medina de Constano, which is a half-hour drive by taxi… we refused, and because he’d set off 100m from the hotel, he tried to charge us 20euro for cancelling! Luckily we avoided the charge and caught a bus for just 3euros!

Most of all, I hope you have have fun! I’d love to hear how you found the things to do in Sorrento as I definitely intend to go back… So, let me know in the comments.


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