Situated atop a cliff that overlooks the Bay of Naples, sits the historic, bustling coastal town of Sorrento. The Sorrento Peninsula is a gem where you can enjoy picture-perfect views of the southern Italian coast, stroll along charming cobblestone streets, and savor a glass of limoncello or the perfect plate of gnocchi alla sorrentina. Many clients come to us wanting to stay on the southern Italian coast - asking for Amalfi in particular. And while we love Amalfi we often propose Sorrento as a more strategic place to base yourself to explore the southern Italian coast and the Sorrento Peninsula.
Location, Location, Location
Sorrento is perfectly situated to be accessible by road and sea to some of the most iconic Italian coastal excursions, and it gives you access to both the Sorrentine Peninsula and Amalfi coast. Sorrento is the start of the Amalfi Drive - the iconic and scenic roads that connect one coastal town to the next. You can stop in Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi from this road. You can also take boat tours easily from Sorrento as it connects to Capri, Positano, and Amalfi.
Easy to Navigate & Plenty to Do
Sorrento is made for travelers. A simple Google search of villages along the Amalfi coast will show you incredible views and things to do. However, the reality we know is that many of these villages are less accessible for travelers as they require lots of walking, rocky and hilly terrain, or are simply old fishing villages which, while nice to visit - don't always give travelers much to see or do. Sorrento, however, has charming cobblestone streets made for walking and it is easy to access one end of the village to the other - from the old quarters to the views of the Gulf. We think the best way to enjoy the area is through a food tour. Sorrento is known for its citrus groves - so take a tour of a real citrus farm and see how the lemons in particular are treated with such care for Sorrento's world-famous limoncello. Or take a class on how to cook a real Neapolitan pizza with fresh ingredients from the area like basil, buffalo mozzarella, and olive oil. Learn something new, meet local vendors, and soak up the flavors of Italy!
Tours from Sorrento Coast
Sorrento's location is also convenient to incredible tours and excursions. First, a tour of the Amalfi coast is a must. Widely known as the Divine Coast for it's panoramic views of pristine blue waters crashing against cliffs. Along the way, stop in Positano to explore the iconic dome of the Santa Maria Assunta or shop for local hand-made ceramics. Continue the drive towards Praiano, taking in the otherworldly views from above the Furore's fjord, and saunter to Ravello to explore the views from above from Villa Cimbrone or Villa Rufolo, which make the scenery come alive with their immaculate gardens overlooking the coast. If you are more of a history-buff than a scenic-seeker, head out of town to the nearby buried villages of Pompeii and Herculaneum to visit the ruins from Mount Vesuvius. Learn about history right at your feet while taking in the views of the larger-than-life volcano.
Another popular tour from Sorrento is an excursion to Capri via boat. The island of Capri, the jewel of the Mediterranean Sea, is most accessible from the Sorrentine Peninsula. Capri has a rich history from one of the earliest emperors of Rome to the writers and artists of the Reniassance period. Once you see Capri's limestone columns, azure-blue grottos, ancient ruins, and plentiful gardens, it will be no wonder Capri has been held in high regard throughout time. We recommend a boat tour to take you around the coast of Capri and to the Marina Grande to explore all the island has to offer from bustling villages of Capri Town and Anacapri to rowing through the Blue Grotto's captivating dance of light meeting water.
Bonus - Save Money
While Amalfi and Positano pricing has skyrocketed in recent years (as has most of Italy) it is more cost efficient to stay in Sorrento compared to other popular places along the Amalfi coast.
What to Expect
Beaches are not what you think they are in Sorrento (or along much of the coast). Sorrento is known to have "platform beaches", which are essentially flat, eroded areas of the cliffside (see first picture below). In the Amalfi, Maiori, and Positano area there are some small pebble beaches, but are typically crowded.
Public transportation is not what you may be used to. While there are buses and ferries, during the busy on-season they do not always run on-time. This is why we suggest having drivers and tour guides rather than going self-guided to new locations outside of Sorrento.
While Sorrento will have many English speakers for tourism, not everyone speaks English, so rely on your tour guide and be patient with yourself and others!
Sorrento and each coastal village have their own culture. Throughout history, while connected, each village has been secluded enough to have their own rich histories and traditions, so listen to your guides, connect with locals, and respect what you learn along the way.
Embrace the coastal lifestyle - walk around and enjoy alfresco dining like the locals!
Looking to plan your Italian coastal escape? We're here to help!
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