Coastal town on Italy's Amalfi Coast with views of the Bay of Naples. Known for its cobbled streets, historic Church of St. Francis, and nearby Blue Grotto sea cave.
Sorrento sits on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples on Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula. This coastal town connects visitors to the Amalfi Coast and nearby islands like Capri. In Sorrento's center, you'll walk through narrow streets and lemon groves, with views of the sea from many vantage points. You can explore historic churches like the 11th-century Duomo, relax at beach clubs, take boat excursions, and taste local specialties such as limoncello.
Getting to Sorrento
You can reach Sorrento by train, bus or car from Naples, which has the closest airport. The Circumvesuviana train runs from Naples to Sorrento in about an hour. Buses connect Naples airport to Sorrento, taking around 75 minutes. If driving, the route along the coast takes about 1.5 hours from Naples. Many visitors also arrive by ferry from Naples or Capri.
Exploring the Town Center
You can easily walk through Sorrento's compact historic center. Start in Piazza Tasso, the main square lined with cafes. Nearby, you'll find the 11th century Duomo (cathedral) with its striking clock tower. Walk down Via San Cesareo, the main shopping street filled with boutiques and souvenir shops selling local products. For views over the Bay of Naples, visit Villa Comunale park on the edge of town.
Day Trips from Sorrento
Sorrento serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the region. You can take a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast to visit towns like Positano and Amalfi, which cling to steep cliffs. The island of Capri is just a 20-minute ferry ride away. If you're interested in ancient history, you can tour the ruins of Pompeii, which were buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. You can reach the archaeological site by train from Sorrento.
Local Food and Drink
Sorrento's lemons flavor many local specialties. Try the creamy lemon liqueur limoncello as an after-dinner drink. Other regional dishes include gnocchi alla sorrentina (gnocchi baked with tomato sauce and mozzarella) and delizia al limone (lemon cream cake). For a meal with a view, book a table at a cliffside restaurant in Marina Grande, the old fishing village below the town center.
Beaches and Swimming
While Sorrento sits on cliffs rather than sandy beaches, you can still find places to swim and sunbathe. Head to Marina Grande or Marina Piccola to find beach clubs with lounge chairs and ladders leading into the sea. At Bagni della Regina Giovanna, you can swim in a natural pool surrounded by Roman ruins. You can also take boat trips to hidden coves and beaches along the coast.
