If you’re planning a trip to southern Italy, chances are you’ve already been dreaming about the Amalfi Coast — Positano’s cascading villas, Ravello’s romantic terraces, Amalfi’s dramatic cliffs. But what about Sorrento? Just a 30-minute drive away from the Amalfi Coast, this charming coastal town offers the same iconic views, convenient ferry access, and a completely different vibe — one that’s relaxed, walkable, and surprisingly underrated.
Sorrento is one of the best places to stay if you want to visit the Amalfi Coast without the hassle of navigating tight cliffside roads every day. From here, you can easily take a ferry to Positano or Capri, hop on a train to Naples, or spend the day exploring nearby ruins like Pompeii. It’s no surprise that more and more travelers are choosing Sorrento as their base when visiting the Amalfi Coast.
Why You Shouldn’t Overlook Sorrento
While it’s technically not part of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento feels like a natural extension of it. The historic center is full of character — decorated with vibrant lemon groves, narrow alleyways, and sea-view terraces. It’s small enough to explore on foot, but large enough to offer boutique hotels, excellent restaurants, and piazzas buzzing with local life. If you’re searching for where to stay in Sorrento or how to plan a Sorrento itinerary that includes day trips to the Amalfi Coast, this town makes it incredibly easy.
About Sorrento
Covering just under 10 square kilometers (about 3.7 square miles), Sorrento is compact and very easy to navigate. Its small footprint makes it feel intimate, but not lacking in things to do and see— you’ll still find beautiful hotels and agriturismos, lively piazzas, artisan boutiques, and stylish restaurants, all nestled within a walkable layout. With a year-round population of around 15,000 residents, Sorrento remains a working Italian town, not just a resort destination. That said, its international popularity brings a cosmopolitan energy, especially during the warmer months, when visitors from around the world come to experience its laid-back glamour.
How To Get To Sorrento
Getting to Sorrento from Naples is easy and scenic, whether you prefer traveling by land or sea. By car, the drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, following the A3 highway and winding through coastal hills with breathtaking views along the way. For a more relaxed option, especially during high season, you can take a direct ferry from Naples Beverello Port to Sorrento’s Marina Piccola. The crossing typically takes around 40 minutes and offers stunning views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Alternatively, the Circumvesuviana train departs regularly from Napoli Centrale and reaches Sorrento in just over an hour, stopping at popular archaeological sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum along the way.
If you’re already on the Amalfi Coast and you’d like to see Sorrento during your trip, getting there is both easy and scenic. The most relaxing option is to take a ferry: routes run seasonally from Positano and Amalfi to Sorrento, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to one hour. These boat rides double as sightseeing experiences, offering incredible views of the coastline.
If you prefer to travel by land, hiring a private driver is a comfortable and stress-free way to reach Sorrento. Services like Daytrip allow you to book door-to-door transfers in advance, with the added bonus of optional sightseeing stops along the way. The coastal drive takes about 30 minutes from Positano and just over an hour from Amalfi, depending on traffic. Public buses (SITA) are also available, though they can be crowded and less reliable during peak season. For what it’s worth, I would have public transportation be your very last option when getting around The Amalfi Coast.
Things To Do in Sorrento
Sorrento is best known for its dramatic cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, small beach clubs tucked beneath the coastline, and its lively heart in Piazza Tasso — the town’s central square where locals and travelers gather for evening strolls and aperitivo. Add in lemon groves, boutique shopping streets, and sweeping sea views, and you’ll quickly see why Sorrento is as much a destination in its own right as it is a gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Whether you’re visiting for the day or an entire week, these are the top things to do in Sorrento:
1. Stroll the Historic Center
Lose yourself in Sorrento’s winding streets lined with artisan shops, gelaterias, and boutiques. Piazza Tasso is the heart of town, perfect for a morning espresso or evening aperitivo.
2. Visit a Lemon Grove & Taste Limoncello
Book a lemon farm tour and limoncello tasting — not just a tourist activity, but an authentic look into one of the region’s most cherished traditions.
3. Explore Marina Grande
Once a quiet fishing village, Marina Grande still feels wonderfully old-world. Dine at a waterfront trattoria with freshly caught seafood and watch the sunset turn the bay golden.
4. Take a Boat Tour
Sorrento’s location makes it ideal for day trips by sea. Join a private boat tour to Capri, swim in hidden coves, or head down the coast to Positano and Amalfi for a different perspective of the cliffs.
5. Day Trips to Pompeii & Herculaneum
The Circumvesuviana train puts world-famous ruins just an hour away. Walking through the preserved streets of Pompeii is a history lover’s dream, and Herculaneum offers an even more intimate look at Roman life.
6. Visit the Cloister of San Francesco
This 14th-century cloister is one of Sorrento’s most romantic spots, often hosting weddings and concerts. Its arches and lush gardens are a peaceful escape from the bustle of town.
Where To Eat & Drink in Sorrento
Sorrento’s culinary scene blends old-world tradition with modern elegance. Whether you’re in the mood for a Michelin-starred tasting menu, a simple seafood trattoria, or a glamorous aperitivo with sea views, here are the best places to eat and drink in Sorrento:
Fine Dining
Il Buco – Tucked inside a vaulted cellar near Piazza Tasso, Il Buco is a Michelin-starred favorite offering refined tasting menus that highlight local ingredients in creative, contemporary ways. The intimate setting and thoughtful wine pairings make it perfect for a special evening.
Lorelei Restaurant (Hotel Lorelei Londres) – Chef Ciro Sicignano elevates traditional Campanian flavors with artistry and precision at this elegant sea-view restaurant. Expect innovative dishes, impeccable service, and one of the most romantic dining terraces in Sorrento.
Casual Classics
Ristorante Bagni Delfino – A Sorrento icon in Marina Grande, known for its fresh seafood and unbeatable waterfront setting. Order the spaghetti alle vongole or whole grilled fish while you watch the sun dip into the Bay of Naples.
Trattoria da Emilia – No-frills, authentic, and beloved for generations. This local staple serves simple dishes like gnocchi alla Sorrentina, fried calamari, and house wine in a lively, old-world atmosphere.
Bars & Aperitivo
Pergola Champagne Bar – A stylish rooftop lounge with sweeping sea views, an extensive champagne list, and inventive cocktails. Come for sunset and stay for the chic, cosmopolitan vibe.
Gelateria Davide – End the evening with artisan gelato. Family-run and famous for its lemon, pistachio, and seasonal fruit flavors, it’s a sweet tradition after a stroll through Sorrento’s historic center.
The Sorrento Lemon Farm Experience Everyone is Talking About
Sorrento may be small, but it’s full of memorable experiences that showcase the beauty, flavors, and traditions of southern Italy. One of the highlights is visiting a local lemon farm, where you can walk through fragrant groves and enjoy a limoncello tasting while learning about the region’s citrus heritage — an experience I highly recommend booking in advance.
The Best Capri + Amalfi Coast Boat Tours From Sorrento
Embarking on a boat tour from Sorrento to Capri is an unforgettable way to experience the stunning beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious private excursion or a lively group adventure, there’s a tour to suit every preference.
