Sorrento Overview:
Sorrento sits on a long cliff amid lemon and olive groves overlooking the sea. A ravine divides the town with the pretty old town on one side and the suburban area with hotels on the other. The old town, still retaining its Roman grid of narrow streets, was an important trading post in the middle ages. Its many hotels and restaurants, as well as easy access and good public transportation make Sorrento a good base for exploring the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Vesuvius, and other Bay of Naples attractions.
Sorrento Location:
Sorrento is on the famous Amalfi peninsula, south of Naples (see Amalfi Coast Map)). It's about 50 km south of Naples.Sorrento Transportation:
The Circumvesuviana train travels between Naples and Sorrento arriving in Piazza Lauro, 2 blocks east of Piazza Tasso. From Sorrento ferries go to Naples and the island of Capri as well as other Amalfi Coast villages in summer. Buses also run to Sorrento, connecting the town with other Amalfi Coast villages. The closest airport is Naples, 45 km away (see Italy Airport Map). From Naples airport, there are three direct buses a day. If you're coming from Rome, see How to get from Rome to Sorrento.Sorrento Shopping:
Pictures in inlaid wood is a centuries old local craft and you'll find them in many shops. Limoncello, the popular lemon liqueur is produced and sold here.Sorrento Hotels:
Sorrento has more hotels than the other Amalfi Coast towns. Here are the Top Rated Sorrento Hotels based on guest reviews for hotels on Venere.What to See and Do in Sorrento:
- Via San Cesareo is the main street of the old town. Here's where to go for the lively evening passegiata. Wander around the narrow streets of the old town.
- Sedile Dominova is one of the most impressive buildings. Built in 1349, it has a 16th century trompe l'oeil cupola.
- Church of San Francesco, in piazza San Francesco, is next to a 14th century arched cloister. In summer there are free art exhibits and occassional concerts.
- Public gardens, along the clifftops, offer great views of the sea and Vesuvius in the distance. From the gardens you can take a lift down to the seaside.
- Stabilimenti, piers, along the sea have beach and lounge chairs for rent. There are no real beaches so this is as close as you'll get. There are several lifts from town that take you down to the sea or back up.
- Walking paths with nice views take you to the ruins of the Roman Villa di Pollio or Massa Lubrenese, a small fishing village.
- Correale Museum has an interesting assortment of Neopolitan exhibits (closed Tuesday).
- Museo Bottega della Tarsialignea, the woodcarving museum and workshop, is open in the mornings.
- From Sorrento you can visit other towns along the Amalfi Coast on the narrow but very scenic Amalfi Drive. Take a bus or taxi. Or take a boat ride along the coast if you prefer to travel by water.
- It's also easy to visit Pompeii, Vesuvius, and other Bay of Naples attractions by train from Sorrento. See Visiting the Bay of Naples for information.
