Nicknamed “La Gentile” (“the Nice One”) for its temperate climate, friendly locals, and beautiful scenery, Sorrento is a coastal town in the Italian region of Campania famous for its sea cliffs and lemons. It faces the Bay of Naples, which is part of the Sorrentine Peninsula, and looks out over cerulean waters to Capri and Ischia.
Sorrento is also dubbed the “Land of Mermaids.” The origins of Sorrento’s connections with the Mermaids myth can be traced back some 3,000 years ago, when Homer praised the landscapes of Sorrento Peninsula and made it the setting of the meeting between Odysseus and the Mermaids. In Greek mythology, it was the home of the sirens (mermaids) who lured sailors with their beautiful songs.
As it sits above the cliffs, this quaint little town affords one with spectacular views and stunning scenery. Added with its rich cultural heritage, Sorrento is truly worth a stop, especially if you’re also visiting the world-famous attractions nearby such as Pompeii, Naples, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast.
12 Best Things To Do in Sorrento, Italy
Read on to find out the 12 best things to do in Sorrento, Italy, if you’re visiting this fabulous southwestern Italian town soon.
1. Look out for lemons as you stroll through the town
Sorrento’s most famous export is limoncello liqueur. The culture of cultivating the lemon fruit is still very much alive among the locals, so take note to look out for lemon groves and trees as you stroll through this beautiful town. They are mostly hidden among the town’s buildings; try and have a look.
2. Go people-watching and have coffee or aperitivo at the Piazza Tasso
A visit to this little Roman paradise is not complete without spending time sipping coffee or enjoying an aperitivo at the Piazza Tasso. Spending time here is one of the first things to do in Sorrento.
Located in the central part of Sorrento, this is the main square of the town, where all the streets of the historic center start from. It is also the center of social life in Sorrento.
Named after Torquato Tasso, the famous Italian poet who was born here in 1544, the square was built in the 19th century and features a statue of the poet himself in its center.
Tasso Square is one of the attractions in Sorrento that’s perfect for people-watching while enjoying coffee or Italian aperitivo at one of the many bars and cafés in the area. In the evening, the piazza becomes even more festive with the lights and you can also enjoy a puppet show.
3. Stop by the Sorrento Cathedral
Cattedrale dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo, or Cathedral of Saints Philip and James, commonly called the Sorrento Cathedral or simply the Duomo, is a gorgeous church in the heart of Sorrento.
The Sorrento Cathedral was built in the 11th century and can be easily found while walking around town. It’s a mere 10-minute walk from Tasso Square. This is a stunning piece of architecture with an impressive painted ceiling and a lovely inlaid marquetry.
If you want a little peace and quiet after walking around, by all means stop by the Sorrento Cathedral. This is a special place with so much character and spending time here is definitely among the best things to do in Sorrento.
The Sorrento Cathedral closes at 8:45 PM. Please note that since this is a place of worship, you should dress and behave accordingly. Entrance is free.
4. Explore Museo Correale di Terranova
This is one of the two museums you can find in Sorrento.
Situated in a 18th-century villa on Via Correale, Museo Correale di Terranova features paintings and decorative art, with a nice lemon and orange garden that provides spectacular views of the Bay of Naples and the roofs of Sorrento.
Museo Correale di Terranova houses a wide range of art – from sculptures and paintings to clocks, furniture, and inlaid woodwork. The museum is certainly not to be missed when you’re in Sorrento.
5. Vallone dei Mulini
Vallone dei Mulini (“Valley of the Mills”) is one of the most popular attractions in Sorrento. This is a lush valley with various rare plants and a couple of rivers, but its main feature is the ruins of an ancient sawmill built from stone in the 13th century.
The valley itself is around 37,000 years old. It was created by waters released after the eruption of the Campi Flegrei.
When Piazza Tasso was founded in 1866, it resulted in the mills in the valley to isolated from the sea. These mills produced sawn wood until the beginning of the 20th century, eventually closing down and was finally abandoned in the 1940s.
It’s really surprising to see Vallone dei Mulini in person, because from the photos one might think the ancient mill is in the middle of a forest. It is, in fact, just a 2-minute walk from the town center.
6. Bathe in the waters and the sun at Marina Piccola
Lounge in the sun and enjoy the waters of the Bay of Naples at the Marina Piccola, a short walk from the old town and Piazza Tasso.
Start where the flags and road overlook area are on the main square. From there, it is a nice walk and easy to maneuver on the winding flight of steps. When you reach the Marina Piccola, you can rent a beach chair for around 12 euros. An umbrella will cost extra.
7. Go on a kayak tour and snorkel the sea waters
The Bay of Naples offers more than appreciating the local landscape, swimming, and sunbathing.
A kayak tour of the Sorrentine coastline will take you around a protected marine wildlife area called Punta Campanella.
You can experience ducking into sea caves as well as learn a lot from a marine biologist.
You can also snorkel in the clear sea waters to witness the rich marine life of the Bay of Naples.
8. Fall in love with the seaside charm of Marina Grande
One of the best places to visit in Sorrento, Marina Grande is a pastel-colored fishing village in the western part of the city. Set on a small bay down by the waterfront, it is a delightful sight to behold and perfect for your Instagram posts.
Marina Grande attracts tourists with its rustic charm and laid-back coastal village feel. Trattorias line the water’s egde, offering great seafood dishes and authentic Sorrentine cuisine. The classic gnocchi alla Sorrentino is one thing you shouldn’t miss.
To enjoy the best of Marina Grande, go in the morning to see local fishermen unloading the catch of the day.
Also don’t miss sampling the village’s tasty dishes straight from the sea.
9. Swim in the shadows of the Roman ruins at Bagni Regina Giovanna
You can swim and experience the Roman ruins at one time at Bagni Regina Giovanna.
Spending time at the ruins of a Roman villa with coastal views and a secluded beach is one the unique things to do in Sorrento – highly recommended!
Bagni Regina Giovanna is a simple hike and absolutely stunning. However, getting down to the beach is another story. Be ready for some rocky and steep steps. Wear aqua shoes when you go swimming.
Bagni Regina Giovanna is an absolute must-not-miss, certainly of the best things to do in Sorrento!
10. Take a ferry to Capri
Ferries to Capri depart from the Marina Piccola port in Sorrento. To reach the port, climb down the stairs from Piazza Tasso. Capri takes only about 20 to 30 minutes to cross so there will be ample time for exploring the famous island before heading back to Sorrento.
Capri is famous for its romantic vibe, so it’s a perfect destinations for couples and romance seekers. It also offers spectacular views, scenic hiking routes, and delectable cuisine.
Crossing the waters to reach Capri on boat is truly one of the most fantastic things to do in Sorrento, one you shouldn’t skip.
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11. Enjoy Sorrento’s famous limoncello in a lemon grove
Limoncello di Sorrento is an extremely high-quality limoncello made with the famous lemons grown in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. It is an excellent digestive after a meal, using a minimum of 300 grams of lemon peels per liter of liqueur.
Limoncello is typically served straight (without ice) in a jigger or tulip tasting glass. To truly enjoy the full flavor of this famous liqueur, it must be consumed freezing cold, poured directly from the freezer.
Lemon groves are a part of Sorrentine culture, so you might as well drink your limoncello in one such as I Giardini di Cataldo, which also serves delicious gelato. This is one of the best activities in Sorrento.
For the best fine-dining experience in a lemon grove, the historic O Parrucchiano La Favourita is a place to be, serving classic dishes in a lemon grove since 1868.
12. Shop for lemon-themed souvenirs
Sorrento is most famous for its lemons, so what better souvenirs to buy in Sorrento than lemon-themed stuff?
Here you can find anything that has lemon in it – from candies and chocolates to granita, spritz, tablecloths and ceramics, wine stoppers and fridge magnets, and of course, Limoncello di Sorrento.
There is no shortage of lemon-stuffed souvenirs in Sorrento, so go ahead and splurge!