Welcome to Sorrento

Here are just some suggestions of things to see and do during your stay in the town of Sorrento.

1. Piazza Tasso. Piazza Tasso is Sorrento’s bustling and picturesque main square. Named after Torquato Tasso, a local 16th-century Renaissance poet, the piazza is lined with cafés and is a popular beginning or ending for the traditional evening passeggiata, or stroll.

2. Cathedral of San Filippo and San Giacomo. Located just off the busy Corso Italia, Sorrento’s Duomo houses a 16th-century marble bishop’s throne and an impressive array of intarsia, or inlaid woodwork, by local artisans. Founded in the 15th century, the Duomo has been rebuilt many times, including the Romanesque style facade added in the early 20th century.

3. Marina Grande. Pass through the ancient Greek gate to the picturesque little harbor of Marina Grande lined with colorful houses and equally colorful fishing boat. A harbor side restaurants is the perfect spot for enjoying the charming setting.

4. Cloisters of the Church of San Francesco. Fragrant scents and tranquility permeate the 14th-century cloisters attached to the Church of San Francesco, a blend of architectural styles including Arabic style arches and octagonal pillars.  A visit to the lush and peaceful cloisters is sure to bring a sense of calm.

5. Piazza and Church of Sant'Antonino. Surrounded by stately palms, a statue of Sant’Antonino Abate (d. 830) overlooks a picturesque piazza facing the Basilica Sant’Antonino where the relics of Sorrento’s patron saint and protector are held. The city’s second-most important church was founded in the 11th century, and was later redecorated in the Baroque style.

6. Museo Correale di Terranova. Located in an 18th-century villa overlooking the Bay of Naples, the Museo Correale is Sorrento’s main museum. Donated by an aristocratic Sorrentine family, the museum includes private collections of 17th – 19th- century paintings and decorative arts, including ceramics, glassware, porcelain and furnishings.

7. Villa Comunale. With stunning panoramic views across the Bay of Naples to Mt. Vesuvius, the Villa Comunale is a small tree-lined park overlooking Marina Piccola. A popular spot with locals and visitors alike, it is a perfect spot for enjoying the evenings and the spectacular sunsets. From here you can follow the steeps step down to Marina Piccola.

8. Cataldo Lemon Orchard. The Sorrento Peninsula is famous for its lemons and terraced citrus groves which line the mountainsides. You can wander around this lemon and orange orchard, or just relax in the shade with the sweet scents of the trees. Locally made liqueurs, including the traditional limoncello, are available to taste and purchase on site.

9. Punta della Campanella. Marking the westernmost point of the Sorrento Peninsula, the Punta della Campanella is named after the warning bell of the watchtower built on a promontory in 1335. Driving or hiking down toward the tip brings you to an area of wild, rocky cliffs and intense blue waters, with breathtaking views around every corner.  The island of Capri seems just a short jump away.

10. Marina di Puolo. While Sorrento town is not known for its beaches, there are several bathing spots in the area. Located just west of Sorrento, the tiny fishing town of Marina di Puolo is set in a secluded cove. Its attractive position and sandy beaches makes it one of the best places for a swim on the Sorrento peninsula.