Sorrento is a dreamy Italian coastal town that feels like stepping into a postcard. Perched on cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is known for its lemon groves, piazzas, and scenic views of Mount Vesuvius. If you’re looking to sip Aperol spritzes, wander cobblestone streets, and find hidden cliffside beaches on your next vacation, Sorrento is the place to be.
Things to do
Bagni Regina Giovanna Beach
Bagni Regina Giovanna is a beach hidden within Roman ruins. You’ll hike a short path to reach all the action, and the emerald water feels completely untouched. Bring water shoes—the terrain is rocky.
Marina Grande
Relax on the beach of this colorful port called the Marina Grande. While here, enjoy a seaside lunch at Trattoria da Emilia.
Piazza Tasso
Sip on a frozen aperol spritz in the town’s central plaza for a prime people-watching spot.
Villa Comunale
This is the perfect location to watch the sunset over the Bay of Naples.
Via San Cesareo
This fun-filled street is known for its long shopping stretch of souvenirs, linen, and limoncello.
Cloister of San Francesco
The Cloister of San Francesco is a peaceful oasis, featuring medieval arches and peaceful gardens, tucked beside a 14th-century monastery.
Eats
A’Marenna – Sorrento Bakery & Bistrot
I really, truly still think about this sandwich often. A’Marenna is a beloved little gem tucked away on a side street in the heart of Sorrento. Their famed sandwiches will draw a long line, but it’s worth every second of the wait.
Bellavista Cocktail Bar
A gorgeous rooftop spot to watch the sun set over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius after a long day of exploring Sorrento.
Il Costiera Bar Sorrento at Hotel Bellevue Syrene
Set inside one of Sorrento’s most elegant hotels, this cocktail bar pairs your cocktail with postcard panoramic views of the sea and coastline. It’s a go-to for a refined aperitivo hour.
Trattoria da Emilia A’Marenna
A quintessential Sorrento dining experience right on the water at Marina Grande. This laid-back trattoria is famous for fresh seafood and pasta, served with sea views and a home-cooked vibe.
O’Parrucchiano La Favorita
This is one of Sorrento’s iconic restaurants where you dine under a canopy of lemon trees. Sounds heavenly, right? The best part is that the food is as unforgettable as the setting.
Soul & Fish
La Colonna is housed inside one of the most beautiful buildings perched on Sorrento’s coastline. It’s hands down one of the most picturesque places to enjoy your pre-dinner drink during golden hour.
La Colonna Sunset Bar & Cucina
La Colonna is housed inside one of the most beautiful buildings perched on Sorrento’s coastline. It’s hands down one of the most picturesque places to enjoy your pre-dinner drink during golden hour.
Day Trips
Positano (30–40 min ferry)
Positano is a stunning cliffside village on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, known for its colorful buildings that seem to tumble down into the sea. It’s famous for its steep, winding streets, local boutiques selling handmade sandals and linen, and postcard-perfect views at every turn. You can relax on Spiaggia Grande (the main beach), take a boat to nearby coves, or hike the scenic Path of the Gods trail for epic coastal panoramas.
Capri (25 min ferry)
Capri is pure magic—like stepping into an old movie set where everything is idyllically glamorous. Just a quick boat ride from the Amalfi Coast, Capri is a small island combining luxury with natural beauty. Think turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and designer boutiques. The Blue Grotto is every bit as magical as legend has it, and the flower-filled streets of Capri town or watching the sunset from the Gardens of Augustus feel surreal.
Amalfi (40 min ferry)
Smaller and more laid-back than Positano and Capri, Amalfi gives you that classic Amalfi Coast magic, without the crowds. It’s the perfect day trip for wandering narrow alleyways, popping into little ceramic shops, and grabbing a lemon granita or fresh seafood.
Pompeii (30–40 min train)
Pompeii is a popular day trip you can take from Sorrento—and yes, it’s worth it. This ancient Roman city was frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and walking through its ruins feels like stepping into a real-life time capsule.
Ravello (90 min ferry to Amalfi, then bus/taxi)
A slower and romantic break from the busier coastal towns mentioned before. Think lush gardens, sweeping views, and Mediterranean architecture, as opposed to a colorful beachside town. The journey from Sorrento to Ravello is completely worth it.
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