Sorrento

What is Sorrento

Sorrento, part of the metropolitan city of Naples , is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in Campania . Overlooking the splendid Gulf of Naples, it offers unforgettable views in every season .

It stands on a tuff terrace approximately 47 metres above sea level , in the heart of the north-western side of the Sorrento peninsula, immersed in a lush setting of Mediterranean vegetation .

Despite its small size – just over 15,000 inhabitants – the city, an internationally renowned tourist destination , welcomes thousands of travellers from all over the world every year. They are won over by the breathtaking landscapes , the mild climate and the lively and elegant atmosphere that can be felt everywhere. And then the crystal clear sea and hidden coves make Sorrento, blue flag 2025 , a privileged destination for sea lovers.

It is also an ideal starting point for exploring the wonders of the surrounding area : Capri , the Amalfi Coast , Pompeii , Herculaneum are all easily reachable from here. And on your return, Sorrento knows how to welcome you with the scent of lemons, the liveliness of the historic center and the intense colors of the sunsets over the sea.

Brief historical notes

Sorrento, today a symbol of international tourism, has its roots in a fascinating history of myths, conquests and rebirths . The name , perhaps linked to the Sirens of myth or to the Greek term “syrréo”, tells of a place where legend and reality intertwine. Inhabited by Etruscans , Oscans and Greeks , the city experienced its first splendor in Roman times as a refined holiday destination.

After the collapse of the Empire, Sorrento became an autonomous duchy , but was involved in clashes with rival cities and Saracen populations. In the modern age it suffered sackings , such as the Turkish one in 1558, and heroic resistance , such as during the Spanish siege of 1648. Despite the invasions, the city maintained a strong civic identity, visible in the “sedili” such as that of Dominova .

In the 19th century , Sorrento became a fundamental stop on the Grand Tour . European intellectuals and artists such as Lord Byron , Keats , Goethe and Nietzsche celebrated its light, landscape and soul. It was in this period that modern tourism was born , with the construction of the first hotels and the beginning of the city’s international fame.

What to see in Sorrento

The beaches in Sorrento

Sorrento, with its cliffs overlooking the sea , hidden coves and the Blue Flag 2025 award, offers a unique seaside experience, far from the classic sandy expanses. Its beaches, often nestled between rocks and Mediterranean vegetation, offer breathtaking views and crystal clear waters even if they are not always easy to reach.

Little Navy

Situated under the Villa Comunale , it offers bathing establishments on stilts equipped for sunbathing and swimming despite the lack of sandy beaches. It is connected by an elevator to the overlying Villa Comunale .

Marina Piccola is also the city’s main tourist port . Ferries and hydrofoils depart from here to Capri, Ischia, Naples, Positano and Amalfi, making it a strategic point for exploring the Gulf of Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

Great Marina

A picturesque fishing village with a small beach of volcanic sand. Perfect for a quick dip and to enjoy fresh fish dishes in the restaurants on the seafront. It can also be reached by car and is easily accessible . Located west of Marina Piccola, it is less than two km from the center .

Queen Giovanna’s Baths

A place steeped in history and legend: a natural pool surrounded by rocks and the remains of a Roman villa from the 1st century BC. It is said that Queen Joan of Anjou loved to bathe here. Accessible only on foot via a path , it is ideal for those seeking an evocative experience and a dip into history. The area has no bathing facilities or restaurants . It is about 3.5 km from the centre of Sorrento .

Beaches around Sorrento

In addition to the beaches located in the municipality of Sorrento, I would like to point out the most interesting beaches in the surrounding area

Marinella Beach, Sant’Agnello

La Marinella beach, 2 km from Sorrento, is a quiet corner nestled between the rocks in the municipality of Sant’Agnello. Accessible by panoramic lift, it offers volcanic sand, clear waters and complete services including a reserved parking lot .

Marina di Puolo, Massa Lubrense

A beach of sand and pebbles , perfect for families thanks to the shallow seabed and clear water . There are both free areas and equipped establishments . The village of Puolo offers restaurants and bars right on the sea, making it an ideal place for a relaxing day. It is less than 7 km from Sorrento .

Mitigliano Cove, Massa Lubrense

A wild cove with rocks and turquoise waters , perfect for those seeking tranquility and direct contact with nature. Also reachable by car, it is about 16 km from Sorrento .

Ieranto Bay, Massa Lubrense

Accessible only on foot via a panoramic path that starts from Nerano, this bay offers clear waters and an unparalleled view of the Faraglioni of Capri. A perfect place for lovers of trekking and unspoiled nature. It is about 15 km from Sorrento .

Marina del Cantone, Massa Lubrense

A pebble beach with crystal clear waters , famous for its seafood restaurants and for being the birthplace of spaghetti alla Nerano. Ideal for those who want to combine sea and gastronomy. It is about 18 km from Sorrento .

Pignatella Beach, Massa Lubrense

A small free beach between rocks and crystal clear sea , less crowded than the others in the area and loved by locals for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is about 4 km from Sorrento .

Meta of Sorrento, Meta

One of the few sandy beaches in the area , with large spaces and equipped establishments. Perfect for families with children and easily accessible by public transport. It is almost 6 km from Sorrento .

The historic center of Sorrento

The historic center of Sorrento, crossed by suggestive alleys interrupted by unexpected widenings, is a succession of ancient buildings, churches and noble palaces . The starting point for exploring the village is the central Piazza Tasso , named after the poet Torquato Tasso who was born in Sorrento. Always lively, it hosts historic cafes, restaurants and trendy clubs. The main shopping streets and the streets of the historic center start from here.

Via San Cesareo is the backbone of the historic center, with shops, lemon scents and local handicrafts. Corso Italia is the other shopping street that starts from Piazza Tasso and, with trendy shops and inviting bars, crosses the entire historic center. A few meters from Piazza Tasso, a crack opens up in the rock: the Vallone dei Mulini . A suggestive gorge, invaded by vegetation, which houses the remains of an ancient mill.

Sorrento Cathedral (Cathedral of Saints Philip and James)

In the heart of the historic center of Sorrento, on Corso Italia, stands the Cathedral of Saints Philip and James. The foundation of the cathedral dates back to the 11th century, but over time it has undergone numerous renovations. The current appearance is the result of Baroque and Neo-Gothic interventions that followed one another over the centuries until 1924. The interior has three naves. Among the treasures kept there, stand out seventeenth-century paintings , a magnificent wooden choir and the marble archiepiscopal throne . The original entrance, now moved to the side, still preserves a marble portal carved with floral motifs.

Dominova seat

A short distance from the Cathedral there is a unique building: the Sedile Dominova, a symbol of the city’s noble power .

It is the only “sedile” still existing in Campania . In ancient times it was the meeting place of local nobles to discuss civil and administrative affairs . The Sedile Dominova is striking for its open loggia, elegant arches and 18th century frescoes that decorate the interior walls.

Today the building houses the Società Operaia di Mutuo Soccorso , active since 1877, and is easily visible from the street . It often hosts temporary exhibitions of local artists.

Cloister of San Francesco

Built in the 14th century , the cloister is part of the monastic complex of San Francesco d’Assisi. The cloister features a fusion of different architectural elements. The crossed arches, in Gothic and Renaissance style, create a unique and evocative atmosphere. Throughout the year it hosts exhibitions, concerts, readings and cultural meetings . The cloister is open every day and admission is free.

A few meters away is the Villa Comunale , one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the Gulf of Naples. An ideal place to take postcard photos.

Basilica of St. Antoninus

A few steps from Piazza Tasso is the Basilica of Sant’Antonino, the sanctuary dearest to the people of Sorrento . Dedicated to the patron saint of the city , it is a place of deep popular devotion, especially for the protection attributed to the saint towards sailors.

Founded in the 11th century on an older oratory, it houses the remains of the saint in the crypt . The exterior is sober, in gray tuff, while the interior, with three Romanesque naves, is embellished with Roman columns, decorated ceilings and 18th-century paintings. The underground crypt is a suggestive corner, full of votive offerings and frescoes, among which a Madonna delle Grazie from the 14th century stands out.

At the entrance, the whale bones are striking , linked to the miracle in which Saint Antonino saved a child from the belly of the cetacean. Every February 14, the city celebrates the saint with a solemn procession . The basilica can be visited every day from 7:00 to 19:30, with daily masses.

Correale Museum of Terranova

In an elegant villa overlooking the Gulf of Naples is one of Sorrento’s cultural jewels: the Museo Correale di Terranova . The museum is housed in an 18th-century aristocratic residence, surrounded by a fragrant citrus garden and overlooking the sea . Inside are Neapolitan paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, Capodimonte porcelain, antique clocks and precious period furniture. Among the most important works, paintings by Rubens, van Dyck and Luca Giordano stand out. The museum is a true treasure chest of art. From the upper terrace you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sea . It is one of the most beautiful panoramic points of the entire Sorrento peninsula.

Villa Fiorentino and Sorrento Foundation

Along the lively Corso Italia stands Villa Fiorentino. This elegant 1930s residence is now a dynamic cultural center.

Built in 1936 by Antonino Fiorentino and Lucia Cuomo , the villa reflects a neoclassical style with colonial influences . Inspired by American residences of the time, the structure is immersed in a 10,000 square meter park , adorned with camellias, citrus trees and roses.

Today, Villa Fiorentino hosts the Sorrento Foundation , an institution that promotes cultural and artistic events . The foundation organizes exhibitions, concerts, food festivals and thematic meetings, enhancing local and international traditions.

Bastion of Parsano

Built in the 16th century during the viceroyal period, the Bastione di Parsano was part of the fortifications erected to protect Sorrento from Saracen raids . The walls, strengthened over time, testify to the strategic importance of the city in the Mediterranean. Next to the bastion is the Porta di Parsano , dating back to the 17th century. Recent excavations have revealed remains of a Roman-era gate , underlining the long history of Sorrento’s historic center.

The Bastione di Parsano can be visited free of charge . From 1 July to 31 August, access is permitted every day from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 19:00 to 23:00. The entrance is located in Via Sersale, a few minutes walk from Piazza Tasso. The Bastione can also be accessed from the park of Villa Fiorentino.

Food and wine and typical local products

Sorrento is an unmissable destination for those who love authentic flavors and traditional cuisine. The typical dishes tell the story and culture of the area with simple ingredients but rich in flavor . Among the most famous, the gnocchi alla sorrentina with tomato sauce and fiordilatte, the spaghetti with walnuts and the fragrant combination of squid and potatoes . The scialatielli with seafood offer a concentration of Mediterranean flavors, while the lemon delight and the cannoli alla sorrentina conquer the most greedy palates.

Alongside the cuisine, typical local products represent food and wine excellence. The Sorrento PGI Lemon is the basis of the famous limoncello , an icon of the coast. The Provolone del Monaco PDO , intense and mature, pairs perfectly with homemade bread. The caciottina canestrata , more delicate, brings with it the aroma of the dairy tradition. The experience is completed by the wines of the Sorrento Peninsula: the Bianco DOC , fresh and harmonious, and the Gragnano DOC , a sparkling red ideal with cheeses and robust dishes.

Shopping, crafts and nightlife

Sorrento is also synonymous with refined shopping, authentic craftsmanship and lively nightlife . Corso Italia is the elegant shopping street, with fashion boutiques, artisan perfumeries and quality Italian brands. In the alleys of the historic center, the atmosphere changes: hand-painted ceramics, custom-made sandals and typical products such as limoncello, jams and citrus liqueurs tell the true soul of Sorrento. Don’t miss the Tuesday market in via San Renato, a riot of local flavors and colors.

Craftsmanship here is an ancient art. Wood inlay is a centuries-old tradition: caskets, furniture and paintings are handcrafted with extraordinary care. Leather goods also boast excellent production: bags, belts and leather sandals are unique objects, to be purchased directly from the craftsmen. To make everything even more typical, the coloured ceramics and lemon-shaped air fresheners enliven shop windows and workshops.

Finally, Sorrento can also satisfy those who love movida and nightlife . When the sun goes down, Piazza Tasso lights up with music and lights, among lounge bars, wine bars and restaurants with panoramic terraces. And for those looking for something more dynamic, there is no shortage of venues with live music, jazz clubs and DJ sets overlooking the sea.

Excursions and surroundings

Sorrento is the ideal starting point to explore some of the most iconic wonders of Campania . Thanks to the hydrofoils from the port and the Circumvesuviana train line, it is easy to reach Capri , the Amalfi Coast , Pompeii , Herculaneum and Vesuvius .

Also not to be missed are the boat excursions : numerous tours depart from Sorrento that allow you to admire the coast from a unique perspective, reaching hidden coves accessible only from the sea.

Finally, for those who love nature and trekking , the Monti Lattari Regional Park offers trails immersed in the Mediterranean scrub, spectacular views of the sea and tasty food and wine stops with local cheeses and cured meats.

Sorrento in Cinema and Popular Culture

Over the years, Italian and international cinema has chosen Sorrento as the setting for romantic, dramatic and adventurous stories. Among the most famous films shot here we find Bread, Love and… (1955) with Sophia Loren and Vittorio De Sica , who consecrated the city as an icon of Mediterranean romanticism.

Sorrento has also inspired great names in music: the famous song Torna a Surriento , written by the De Curtis brothers in 1902, has become a hymn to nostalgia and love for one’s homeland, translated and performed by artists such as Elvis Presley, Luciano Pavarotti and Frank Sinatra.

Finally, its charm has bewitched writers and poets. Lord Byron , Goethe and Ibsen found in Sorrento a creative refuge.

To learn more

• Sorrento, walking tour (video);
• Best Italian food in Sorrento (video in English);