17 Things To Do In Sorrento: Includes 9 FREE Activities
What Are The Best Things To Do In Sorrento?
Discovering the best things to do in Sorrento will make you fall in love with this stunning Italian coastal town, where lemon trees grow everywhere and the beautiful blue sea stretches out in front of you.
When I first arrived by train and saw those bright yellow lemons growing on the hillsides, I knew I’d found somewhere really special.
Maybe you are wondering if Sorrento is expensive or how long you should stay? Good news – many of the best experiences here won’t cost you anything!
Out of the 17 activities I’ve listed, 9 are completely free! Most people find 3-4 days is perfect (I spent 4 days there) for seeing everything in Sorrento, and it’s a great base for day trips along the Amalfi Coast.
Many couples ask me how to make the most of their time here.
From my own experience, taking a boat trip to Capri was absolutely amazing – seeing the Blue water glowing and sailing past the massive cliffs gave me memories I still talk about. And the food! From fresh seafood to local limoncello, every meal was incredible.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a longer holiday, this guide covers Sorrento’s best experiences, from famous landmarks to hidden spots that only locals know about.
I’ve organised everything to help you have an unforgettable time in this beautiful part of Italy.
Check out my posts on how to spend two days in Naples and where to stay in Naples. Most people spend some time in Naples before heading south to Sorrento.
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Where Is Sorrento?
Sorrento is located in southwest Italy between the coastal town of Positano and Naples, further north.
The yellow marker on the map below shows Sorrento’s exact location.
Where To Stay In Sorrento?
Piazza Tasso
You are going to spend time walking through the streets of Sorrento, but the most beautiful area and most popular is Piazza Tasso.
The street is located centrally in Sorrento and is alive whether morning or at night. It is here where you can get the perfect Italian breakfast.
Fauno Bar is a good choice here for breakfast (or dinner) with vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian Mediterranean dishes available.
But the real joy is soaking up the atmosphere here along the Corsa Italia, where most tourists will gather and prepare for the day ahead.
When I visited in November, there was a huge Christmas tree covered in lights in the middle of the street, and there was an amazing festive spirit in the air.
Every night, the people were buzzing, and it felt alive, which was a wonderful atmosphere to experience.
Cost: FREE
Opening Times: 24 Hours
Address: 80067 Sorrento, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
Find out how to get cheaper flights when you travel.
Vallone dei Mulini
I recommend visiting Vallone dei Mulini.
A short walk from Pizza Tasso, this valley of the mills hosts a flour mill dating back to the 13th century.
The valley is carved by two rivers. The Casarlano-Cesarano and S. Antonino give it an interesting history to learn about.
Overgrown with vegetation, it now adds mystique to the once industrious mill. When I visited Sorrento, it was one of the most appealing attractions, and when you look down, it’s hard not to feel a sense of mystery and awe.
I would have loved to go down and explore, but for safety reasons and preservation purposes, tourists are not allowed to access the ground level.
Cost: Free
Opening Times: 24 Hours
Address: J9GG+3G Sorrento, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
Discover How To Best Spend One Day In Sorrento
Tour Around Capri
Visiting Capri was a real highlight of my trip to Sorrento.
Seriously, this is one of the most beautiful islands I have ever visited.
Formally the home to Sofia Loren, Giorgio Armani and Benito Mussolini, it has housed world-famous names in the past.
You can get your tickets to Capri at the port of Sorrento (we bought ours at Harmont & Blaine Tickets Point) for about 18 euros for a one-way ticket.
In less than half an hour, you can be on the island of Capri.
Book a day tour: Day Trip to Capri with Blue Grotto
Visit Pompeii
You can visit Pompeii via the train.
I was taken aback by the size of this ancient site.
The town of Pompeii was covered with volcanic ash and lava when, in 79AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted and spewed twenty miles into the sky, destroying most of the surroundings.
You can easily spend three days in Pompeii to dive deeply into the history, but a one-day excursion is also nice and enlightening.
Walking through the ancient streets, which were founded in the late 16th century, you can’t help but feel a sense of emotion.
When I visited, we were given audio guides, and I recommend taking them for a good lesson on the region’s history.
I also recommend booking a day tour: Entry Ticket and Guided Tour with an Archaeologist
Interestingly, cats are taking over Pompeii!
Read My Guide To The Best Day Trips From Naples
Basilica Sant’Antonino
Once you have left Piazza Tasso, I suggest you visit Basilica Sant’Antonino only a couple of minutes’ walk from the centre.
Built in the 11th century, this basilica is located where a 9th-century oratory used to be constructed and was dedicated to Sant’Antonino.
When I was in Sorrento, I walked past this Basilica numerous times as I explored the town, and getting inside was a real treat. It feels small but is nonetheless visually stunning.
Inside, you will find real beauty, and the façade will stop you in your tracks. This is easily worth your time to visit, and thankfully, it’s another one of the free things to do in Sorrento.
Cost: Free
Opening Times: 07.00 AM – 6.00 PM
Address: J9GG+V2 Sorrento, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
Chiostro di San Francesco
A beautiful gallery space created in the 14th century, you can attend different exhibitions inside Chiostro di San Francesco.
When we were there, a photo exhibit dedicated to Sophia Lauren was in process, and it was attracting a lot of interest from tourists and locals.
Inside, it’s beautiful, and you can take some time here for peace. There is a lot of greenery to be found, making it feel like a more natural setting.
The internal cloister consists of 20 round arches on the four sides, and you can also find a Gothic well and fountain inside.
Cost: Free
Opening Times: 07.00 AM – 07.00 PM
Address: Via S. Francesco, 12, 80067 Sorrento, NA, Italy
Peter’s Beach
You will likely have looked at images of this beach when researching Sorrento.
Located in an amazing place, at the bottom of Sorrento’s cliff, you can laze on the beach clubs’ sun beds or rent water sports equipment and take to the Gulf of Naples.
The cost for a sun bed is €20.00, and if you want protection from the sun, an umbrella will set you back €8.00.
For the location alone, it is one of the best places to relax and soak up some vitamin D.
You do have other beaches nearby, such as Spiaggia Pubblica Sorrento, Leonelli’s Beach and Spiaggia di Sorrento right beside Marina Grande, another iconic part of Sorrento.
Interestingly, you can also visit Bagni Salvatore, a swimming area with just as clear water as Peters beach, but what is different is the Roman ruins dug out of the cliffside, which are said to be more peaceful.
You can eat at the restaurant here, too, if you need to refuel before you continue your day’s exploration of Sorrento.
What a setting for a unique Italian dining experience.
Cost: From €15.00
Opening Times: 09.00 AM – 01.00 PM
Address: Via S. Francesco, 80067 Sorrento, NA, Italy
Porto di Sorrento
You must make the short journey down to the port of Sorrento.
If you want to visit Capri, you will have to go there the port. Even just walking through it should be a nice experience.
It is a nice, spacious port where you can watch the Amalfi Coast Tours boat come in and out.
We did a boat tour to Capri, and it left me speechless. This day trip was so worth it and only cost me €18.00 for a one-way ticket.
Reasonable, considering the raw beauty of the island.
You can check out the best tours of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast and decide if any may be an option for you.
Cost: Free
Opening Times: 24 Hour
Address: Via Marina Piccola, 35, 80067 Sorrento, NA, Italy
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Bagni Regina Giovanna
Located only a 17-minute walk or a five-minute bus journey from the centre of Sorrento, Bagni Della Regina is a real hidden gem of Sorrento, making it one of the best things to do in Sorrento.
Here you can swim in a secluded, hidden pool, making you feel cut off from the rest of the world.
You can park relatively close to the pool itself, but you will have to walk for about 15 minutes to get there.
If you have a bike, you should be able to navigate most of the way down the hill and save your legs more walking.
You can also explore the Roman ruins a little further behind the pool, making it worth your time to visit should you find this topic interesting.
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Cost: Free
Opening Times: 24 Hours
Address: Traversa Punta Capo, 80067 Sorrento, NA, Italy
Cathedral of Saints Philip and James
A beautiful cathedral in its own right, the Cathedral of Saints Philip and James, aka Sorrento Cathedral, is one of the finest Roman catholic cathedrals in Sorrento.
Going back one thousand years, it will impress you visually and historically.
As you may have guessed from the name, it is dedicated to Saints Philip the Apostle and James the Just, and since 1986 it has seated the Archbishop of Sorrento-Castellammare di Stabia.
Before that, it was the seat of the archbishops of Sorrento. We admired the cathedral many times as each day we made our way along Corso Italia.
Its baroque design and frescoes are detailed, and there is even a statue of Pope John Paul II.
Cost: Free
Opening Times: 24 Hours
Address: Via Santa Maria della Pietà, 44, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy
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Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea
In the last two hundred years, Sorrento has been known for its woodwork and craftsmanship.
If you like to explore this type of product, then this museum will be worth a visit.
Inside Museo Della Tarsia, you will be delighted with antique furniture designed with Sorrento inlaid woodwork.
The museum is situated inside an 18th-century palace, which includes typical frescoes, paintings and images of Sorrento.
Step inside this museum to see 19th-century Sorrento and its magnificent furniture for yourself.
Cost: €8.00 Per Person
Opening Times: 10.00 AM – 06.30 PM
Address: Via S. Nicola, 28, 80067 Sorrento, NA, Italy
Sorrento Old Town
It is easy to get caught up in the romance of Sorrento’s old town.
The streets have so much colour and character.
You will find yourself simply roaming the streets with no particular place to go, and that’s completely fine. It is here where you can appreciate the Italian spirit and fall in love with the language, architecture and food all over again.
Bars and restaurants are abundant as well as accommodation here, so it is a great place to spend some time, whether to dine or sleep.
It was also here where we were reeled into joining an utterly warm, friendly family from Texas in Chaplin’s Irish Bar.
They bought us drinks all night, and we joked and laughed. It was one of the most fun nights out I can remember in a long time.
The joys of travel – meeting new people and having fun in an amazing place.
It is a beautiful travel experience that I won’t forget anytime soon.
Cost: Free
Opening Times: 24 Hours
Address: J9GF+H6 Sorrento, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
Try Some Limoncello
You won’t be short of Limoncello options in Sorrento, as this is where it comes from!
There is an abundance of market stalls lining the streets of the old town where you can buy.
The bright yellow lemon-coloured glass will pop, and you will see it from a distance. We were able to bring back a large bottle, and it tasted sublime.
When we made our way to Sorrento on the train from Naples, you could see the fields and fields full of lemon trees. Bottled and produced locally, you are guaranteed to taste the best Limoncello here.
You can get different prices for each bottle depending on the quality, too, so there will be no excuse to make a purchase.
Make sure you bring a bottle back to your friends and family so they can experience a little glass of Sorrento too.
Cost: from €10.00
Sorrento Experience Museum
One popular attraction is the Sorrento Experience Museum.
This museum, just off Corsa Italia, is a diverse exhibition highlighting the history, customs and traditions of Sorrento.
The key player in developing the museum was Antonino Pane, who was passionate enough to start the project, and what you have today is the Sorrento Experience Museum.
You can expect to see images of the wonderful coast of Italy, ancient Sorrento, as well as Sophia Loren.
Cost: €11.00 for adults online and €9.00 for kids
Opening Time: 10.00 AM – 06.00 PM (closed Sunday)
Address: Via Antonino Sersale, 4, 80067 Sorrento, NA, Italy
Museo Correale di Terranova
Located in a patrician villa, this museum is easily one of the best things to do in Sorrento if you’re an art lover.
The exhibition boasts the work of Neapolitan painters from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as a library hosting works from Torquato Tasso, a 16th-century Italian poet.
The museum itself is actually housed inside an 18th-century villa, adding to its intrigue. The view of Naples Bay is exquisite, so don’t miss out on this museum for a top experience.
Cost: from €15.00 Per Person
Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 – 18:00 – Sundays and holidays: 9:00 – 13:00 – Monday: Closed
Address: J9HJ+GC Sorrento, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
Experience A Sunset At Villa Comunale Di Sorrento
Overlooking one of the best Sorrento beaches (Peter’s Beach), the sunset at Villa Comunale Park.
Mount Vesuvius makes for a spectacular background, too.
Be prepared to be surrounded by other tourists who want to enjoy the moment. When we were there, it was extremely quiet and everyone just sat back and took it all in.
The Sorrento peninsula has a wonderful landscape, and you can see its coastline leading back to Naples. There are also nice sculptures synonymous with Roman design, as well as some impressive street art.
It is from here that you can take the lift down to Spiaggia Pubblica Sorrento.
The perfect way to close out a special day exploring the land of colours!
Cost: Free
Opening Times: 24 Hours
Address: Via S. Francesco, 80067 Sorrento, NA, Italy
Try Some Incredible Italian Food
I suggest you eat out at La Fenice.
Another place with great options, the food was immense. It even has a 4-star rating on TripAdvisor, so you can trust that.
You can expect to spend between €30.00 and €46.00 for a three-course meal.
Fresh fish and amazing pasta make it special, and no place is better than Le Fenice.
Once your meal has been devoured, you can wash it down in Chaplins Restaurant and dance the night away, whether in the streets of Sorrento or inside the bar.
Cost: from €10.00 Per Person
Opening Times: 12.00 PM – 03.00 PM, 07.00 PM – 11.00 PM (closed Monday)
Address: Via degli Aranci, 11, 80067 Sorrento, NA, Italy
Final Thoughts/Conclusion
Sorrento is a magical part of southern Italy and a place I cherish having visited.
Sure, Rome, Milan and Florence all get the best reviews, but this place cannot be overlooked.
Italy can be expensive to visit if you make it, or cheaper if you make it so. Thankfully, Sorrento caters to all.
There is loads to do in Sorrento as well as visiting Positano, Capri and Pompeii, which are all close by. But if you want to have an amazing time in just Sorrento itself, it’s totally possible.
The food, the ocean and the views of Mount Vesuvius overlooking Naples are spectacular.
Sorrento and places like it are the reason why Italy has such an amazing reputation for scenery, food and natural beauty.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
What To Do For A Day In Sorrento?
In one day in Sorrento, you can visit all the best attractions in the town. Think beaches, restaurants, museums and an old town that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a history book. If you want to visit attractions further afield, you can consider Pompeii, Capri and Amalfi. However, there are so many fun activities to do in Sorrento itself that it’s not necessary. Porto di Sorrento and Chiostro di San Francesco are two fantastic things to see in Sorrento that are often overlooked.
Is There Much To Do In Sorrento?
There are so many amazing things to do in Sorrento that it surprised me. Beautiful historic churches, amazing beaches and day trips all made me fall deeply in love with this part of Italy. You can visit the incredible coastal town of Positano, swim in the Bagni Regina Giovanna and visit the Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea all in the same day, giving you a full and action-packed experience in Sorrento.
What Is Sorrento Best Known For?
Sorrento is best known for beautiful food, amazing beaches and cliffs that look out across the Bay of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius in the background. Don’t forget about the world-famous limoncello, the tasty lemon liqueur, which I was lucky enough to bring a bottle back home. The history, the food and the natural landscape make Sorrento famous throughout Europe and further afield.
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