The best things to do in Sorrento for 2025

What is it? Sorrento’s historic centre and beating heart of the city. 

Why go? If you’re visiting Sorrento, you’ve got to spend at least one day strolling through its Old Town. Unlike some of the slower, quieter hamlets on the hills, Sorrento’s historic quarter is buzzy and full of life, full of winding cobbled streets, restaurants, boutiques and churches (and those perfectly Instagrammable pastel houses). Do not miss the opportunity to walk on the battlements of Sorrento’s ancient walls, or to gaze at an abandoned mill at the bottom of a ravine. 

Address: Via San Cesareo, 80067 Sorrento, Italy

What is it? Sorrento’s sun-trapped piazza in its Old Town. 

Why go? Warm yellow buildings, intricate archways, old statues and quaint cafés. Sorrento’s Piazza Tasso is a hub of social activity, full of locals and tourists alike, and you’ll see the odd horse-drawn carriage trotting past just to add to the ambience. There are no better spots than Bar Fauno or Bar Syrenuse to order yourself a couple of coffees and cornettos for breakfast, a limoncello after a hefty meal, or an evening Spritz. 

Address: Piazza Torquato Tasso, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy

What is it? A natural pool separated from the sea by a stone archway. 

Why go? The clear blue water in this small reserve and the ruins of an Ancient Roman villa set the scene; this is a prime spot to enjoy a scenic dip or join local teenagers in their diving competitions. Keep in mind that Bagni Regina Giovanna are entirely natural, with no establishments to rent lounge beds or umbrellas, so the best way to experience this place is to rent a kayak from Sorrento SUP in Marina Grande and stay for an hour or two. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen before you depart. 

Address: Traversa Punta Capo, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy

What is it? A sweet lemon liqueur and Sorrento’s proudest export.

Why go? In Old Town Sorrento, you can barely move for bottles of Limoncello that come in all shapes and sizes — the more novelty, the better we say. It would be rude to come all this way and not sample a drop, right? And at 32 percent alcohol, you can expect a bit of a kick out of it too. Course, lots of restaurants will offer you a thimble at the end of a meal, but for more of an experience, try it at Limonoro, where you’ll learn a little more about the process, the varieties, and its origins too.

Address: Via San Cesareo, 49-53 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy

What is it? The pastel-coloured fishing village down by the waterfront.

Why go? Set around a small bay, Marina Grande is the postcard-pretty fishing village in the western part of Sorrento, right down on the waterfront. A contrast to the razzle-dazzle of Piazza Tasso, Marina Grande has maintained its rustic charm and laidback traditional fishing harbour feel. Stop for some seafood antipasti and the classic gnocchi alla Sorrentina in one of the family-run tavernas that line the water’s edge.

Address: Via Marina Grande, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy

What is it? The world-famous Italian coastline stretches 50km along the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula.

Why go? Much like the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most picturesque stretches of coastline in the world, with its sheer cliffs, crystal clear waters and pastel-coloured houses toppled high on top of each other amongst cliffside lemon and olive groves. Truly mesmerising, the views are those that you’ll never forget. The drive, however… is hairy. With hairpin bends aplenty, corners so tight you’ll squeal, and a cliffside drop from the road that will have you sweating, it’s quite the thrill ride. It’s one road the whole way so you’re either in or you’re out.

Address: Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana), Province of Salerno, Campania, Italy

What is it? A beautiful Italian island off of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Expect to see A-listers and glamazons in their holiday homes and villas.

Why go? Live the high life and get yourself over to glamorous Capri. One of the most beautiful islands in Italy, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Sorrento, Capri is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Be warned — such beauty doesn’t come cheap. Capri is more expensive than Sorrento and the rest of the mainland, but worth it for the glistening waters, towering cliffs, and sleepy laid-back vibe. Take the chairlift up to the summit of the island for the most amazing views of the bay. You can stay overnight on Capri in one of the many five-star hotels, but if you’re on a budget, just do a day trip and go there and back from Sorrento in a day.

Address: Isola di Capri, 80076 Capri NA, Italy

What is it? Perfect spots for summer dips.

Why go? You can take the steep road down to the harbour from Piazza Tasso where you’ll find a few piers that are just the ticket for jumping off or sunbathing. Alternatively, there are equipped establishments on both harbours where you can also rent out a sun lounger and umbrella and enjoy small stretches of sandy beach, perfect for children to play. You can access the more commercial Marina Piccola from the Villa Comunale park. There are cheaper options on the more picturesque Marina Grande, the old fishermen’s port, which is also dotted with waterside restaurants where you can taste delicious traditional seafood dishes right on the beach. 

Address: Sorrento, 80067 NA, Italy

What is it? Named after Sorrento’s patron saint, this is the city’s oldest church.

Why go? Though a lot of Sorrento has been commercialised, much of the Old Town has maintained its precious old-school Italian charm. Twisting, winding streets are lined with quaint trattorias serving classic Campanian plates and scattered throughout, you’ve got numerous historical buildings that will take you back in time. Stop at the Basilica of Sant’Antonino, the 11th Century Cathedral, and walk for a few minutes to catch a glimpse of the magical Cloister of San Francesco, next to the Villa Comunale.

Address: Piazza Sant’Antonino, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy

What is it? A charming Campanian restaurant filled with lemon trees.

Why go? There is no shortage of great places to eat pasta in Sorrento, but 'O Parrucchiano is an unique experience. Okay, it is probably not the most gastronomical spot in the city, and no, it is no secret from the tourists, but this place is worth it for the overall appeal. It isn't every day you get to chow down on seafood spaghetti under a canopy of lemon trees, is it? Like something out of a Disney film, it’s got major wow-factor and definite date night vibes. Just embrace the tourists!

Address: Corso Italia, 71, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy