Top 15 Things to Do in Sorrento: Highlights of the Italian Coast
Sorrento is more than a scenic coastal town.
From the moment I landed, I was welcomed by sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, picturesque cobblestone streets, and the heady scent of lemon groves.
Sorrento felt like a dream come true, ready to dive right into everything I imagined.
Insofar, this guide brings you 15 things to do in Sorrento that’ll make you fall in love with its beauty, culture, and charm.
This is a place that will leave you enchanted, whether sampling authentic limoncello or exploring ancient sites.
1. Stroll Through Piazza Tasso
Piazza Tasso, the heart of Sorrento, is a lively square lined with cafes, shops, and notable buildings.
Have an espresso at a corner café and people watch.
The energy here is just the right start to your Sorrento experience.
2. Visit the Marina Grande
This delightful fishing village on Sorrento also has colorful buildings, family-run seafood restaurants, and stunning vistas.
Wander the waterfront, eat fresh calamari, and try to blend into the relaxed atmosphere.
It’s a great place for day trips or romantic dinners.
3. Visit the Cloister of San Francesco
This peaceful cloister, whose beautiful arches and green gardens embrace visitors, provides an escape.
It’s frequently a setting for weddings and events, and therefore one of the most romantic spots in town.
If all goes well, as they say, you might see an art exhibit or catch some live music here.
4. Stroll the Narrow Streets of the Old Town
Sorrento’s Old Town is a jumble of cobblestone streets filled with boutiques, gelaterias, and artisan shops.
Pick up hand-painted ceramics, taste the local cheeses, and exchange pleasantries with chatty shopkeepers.
The setting is a lovely combination of old-world charm and intimacy.
5. Try Limoncello at Its Source
Sorrento is known for its lemons, and the town’s signature beverage is limoncello.
A local limoncello factory offers tours (and tastings).
Its sweet and sour flavor makes for an excellent keepsake for your travels.
6. Unwind at the Baths of Queen Giovanna
This hidden gem is a natural swimming pool surrounded by rocky cliffs.
According to legend, Queen Giovanna d’Angiò bathed here in the 14th century.
Soak in the sparkling water or savor a peaceful picnic by the water’s edge.
7. Indulge in the View from Villa Comunale Park
Panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius from Villa Comunale Park
It’s the ideal place for postcard-perfect photos.
The tranquil environment is also a good fit for relaxation and to rejuvenate yourself.
8. Take a Day Trip to Capri
Capri is a quick ferry from Sorrento and a magical time.
Visit the Blue Grotto, shop at high-end stores, and hike to the peak of Mount Solaro for stunning views.
The siren call of Capri will stay with you.
9. Absorb the Art at Museo Correale
The really local museum This museum is a combination of local history, fine art, and Neapolitan craftsmanship.
Even the 18th-century villa that holds the museum is charming.
Be sure not to miss the lush garden overlooking the sea — it’s an experience in itself.
10. Hike the Path of the Gods
Primarily for nature lovers, the Path of the Gods is an exciting trek.
The path clings to the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, affording stunning views of the coastline stretching below.
Wear firm shoes and take a camera — it’s a hike you won’t forget.
11. Have a Sunset Dinner by the Sea
Al fresco dining by the sea is a Sorrento staple.
For fresh seafood with a view, pick a waterfront restaurant like Delfino or Bagni Sant’Anna.
There’s nothing like enjoying a meal as the sun dips toward the horizon.
12. Explore the Basilica of Sant’Antonino
There’s a wealth of art and relics in this historic church, which is dedicated to Sorrento’s patron saint.
Its mosaics and paintings that adorn its interior tell the story of the town.
It’s a serene place for reflection and a way to feel at one with Sorrento’s history.
13. Explore the Lemon Groves of I Giardini di Cataldo
Here, these lush lemon groves allow visitors to get up close and personal with Sorrento’s famous citrus.
Go on a guided tour, taste lemon-flavored goodies and even take home some organic wares.
The smell of fresh lemons is something you will never forget.
14. Take a Cooking Class
Make true Italian fare such as gnocchi, fresh pasta, and tiramisu.
Classes in Sorrento often take place in idyllic farmhouses or vineyards.
It’s an amusing, tasty way to take a slice of Italy home with you.
15. Relax on a Sorrento Beach
Sorrento’s beaches are distinctive, many having sun decks built into cliffs.
Marina Piccola and Leonelli’s Beach are good places to sunbathe.
Mark a lounger, order a spritz, and let the whiff of Mediterranean air melt your stress away.