Sorrento
· IT

Sorrento

Sorrento, Campania, Italy

Sorrento, located in the stunning region of Campania, Italy, is a charming coastal town that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Situated atop cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is…

#Coastal town#Tourist destination#Amalfi Coast#Lemon groves#Historic architecture
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Sorrento.

Top Hotels in Sorrento

Top Flights to Sorrento

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Sorrento.

Tours

Explore Historic Downtown Sorrento

Stroll through the charming streets of Sorrento and discover historical landmarks, beautiful architecture, and local artisan shops.

Shopping

Shopping at Corso Italia

Browse the many boutiques and shops along Sorrento's main street, Corso Italia.

Outdoor

Visit the Amalfi Coast

Take a scenic drive or guided tour along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, with stops in Positano and Amalfi.

Grotta dello Smeraldo

Explore the Emerald Grotto, a captivating sea cave with shimmering green waters.

Hiking the Path of the Gods

Trek the famous Path of the Gods trail, offering spectacular views of the coastline and mountains.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Sorrento.

Currency
€ | EUR | Euro
Population
The approximate estimated total population of Sorrento, Campania, Italy is around '17,000'.
Languages
Italian, Neapolitan
Average weather
Sorrento
Jan
rain
12°5°
Feb
rain
13°5°
Mar
cloud
15°7°
Apr
cloud
18°9°
May
sun
22°13°
Jun
sun
26°17°
Jul
hot
29°20°
Aug
hot
29°20°
Sep
sun
26°18°
Oct
rain
21°14°
Nov
rain
17°10°
Dec
rain
13°6°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Sorrento.

What people love

Sorrento, located in Campania, Italy, is a beautiful coastal town known for its stunning views, charming streets, and delicious cuisine. Here are some pros of traveling to Sorrento:

  1. Breathtaking Views: Sorrento offers stunning views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. You can enjoy these scenic vistas from various viewpoints throughout the town.

  2. Historic Sites: Sorrento is rich in history, with ancient ruins, churches, and museums to explore. The town's historic center is a maze of narrow streets lined with shops, cafes, and buildings dating back centuries.

  3. Delicious Cuisine: Sorrento is famous for its cuisine, particularly its lemons, olive oil, and seafood. Don't miss trying the local specialty, limoncello, a lemon liqueur that is popular in the region.

  4. Gateway to the Amalfi Coast: Sorrento serves as a great base for exploring the Amalfi Coast, with easy access to picturesque towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. You can take day trips or longer excursions to these stunning coastal destinations.

  5. Cultural Events: Sorrento hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and traditional celebrations. Immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the lively atmosphere of the town.

  6. Outdoor Activities: From hiking along the coastline to swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, Sorrento offers plenty of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

  7. Shopping: Sorrento is a great place to shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and fashion items. The town is known for its ceramics, lacework, and leather goods, which make for unique gifts to bring back home.

Overall, Sorrento is a charming destination that offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and culinary delights, making it a popular choice for travelers visiting the Campania region of Italy.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Sorrento, Italy, include:

  1. Crowds: Sorrento is a popular tourist destination, especially during the peak summer months. This means that the town can get quite crowded, which may detract from the overall experience for some travelers.

  2. High Prices: Due to its popularity and the influx of tourists, prices in Sorrento can be higher than in other parts of Italy. Accommodation, dining, and even transportation costs may be relatively expensive.

  3. Limited Beaches: While Sorrento is situated along the stunning Amalfi Coast, it is not known for its beaches. The coastline is rocky, and there are only a few small beaches in the area. This may be disappointing for travelers expecting long stretches of sandy beaches.

  4. Traffic and Parking: Sorrento's narrow and winding streets can become congested with traffic, especially during the high season. Finding parking can also be challenging, so travelers may need to rely on public transportation or walk to get around.

  5. Limited Nightlife: While Sorrento offers some charming cafes, bars, and restaurants, it is not known for its vibrant nightlife scene. Travelers looking for a more lively and bustling nightlife may be somewhat disappointed.

  6. Limited Public Transportation: While Sorrento is well-connected by public transportation to nearby attractions like Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast, the schedules can be somewhat limited. Travelers may need to plan their excursions carefully to avoid missing out on key sights.

Overall, while Sorrento is a beautiful destination with much to offer in terms of scenery, history, and culture, it may not be the ideal choice for every traveler, especially those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

Sorrento, located in the Campania region of Southern Italy, is a picturesque coastal town that has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Its strategic position on the Sorrentine Peninsula, overlooking the Bay of Naples, has made it an important site throughout history.

Ancient History

  • Greek and Roman Periods: Sorrento was originally settled by the Greeks, likely around the 6th century BC. It later became part of the Roman Empire, where it developed as a resort for the wealthy and elite of Rome. The town was known for its beautiful villas and fertile lands.

Middle Ages

  • Byzantine and Lombard Rule: During the early Middle Ages, Sorrento was part of the Byzantine Empire. In the 7th century, it became a duchy. The Lombards, a Germanic people, invaded in the late 7th century, and Sorrento became part of the Duchy of Benevento.
  • Independence and Norman Conquest: Sorrento enjoyed a period of independence in the 9th and 10th centuries, which was ended by the Norman conquest in the 11th century.

Renaissance and Early Modern Period

  • Aragonese and Spanish Control: The town came under the control of the Aragonese and later the Spanish in the 16th century. During this time, Sorrento was fortified against pirate attacks, most notably by the infamous pirate Turgut Reis (also known as Dragut) in 1558.

18th and 19th Centuries

  • Grand Tour and Tourism: By the 18th century, Sorrento became a popular destination for travelers on the Grand Tour, a traditional trip through Europe undertaken by mainly upper-class European young men.
  • Notable Figures: The town was home to the famous poet Torquato Tasso, born in 1544, whose work "Jerusalem Delivered" is a cornerstone of Italian literature.

Modern History

  • 20th Century Developments: Sorrento continued to develop as a tourist destination throughout the 20th century, attracting visitors for its stunning views, cultural heritage, and vibrant local life.

Important Landmarks

  • Piazza Tasso: The main square of Sorrento, named after Torquato Tasso.
  • Cathedral of Sorrento: A beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, rebuilt in the 15th century.
  • Sedile Dominova: A loggia from the 15th century, one of the last remaining of its kind in the Campania region.
  • Museum Correale: A museum housing important collections of Neapolitan art, ceramics, and historical artifacts.
  • Marina Grande and Marina Piccola: The old fishing ports that have now become charming tourist spots.
  • Valley of the Mills: A deep gorge with the remains of ancient mills.

Sorrento's history is marked by its role as a cultural and economic hub in the region, and it continues to be a significant tourist destination, celebrated for its scenic beauty, historical architecture, and vibrant cultural life.