Piazza Tasso
Sorrento's main square, named for the poet Torquato Tasso (born in the town in 1544), spanning the Vallone dei Mulini gorge and acting as the hub of the old town.
On this page
About Sorrento
Sorrento is a cliff-top resort town on the southern edge of the Bay of Naples, at the western end of the Sorrentine Peninsula, facing Mount Vesuvius across the water. Its compact old town centres on Piazza Tasso and the pedestrian lanes of Via San Cesareo, with the Villa Comunale gardens, the Cloister of San Francesco, the Basilica di Sant'Antonino and the Museo Correale di Terranova close by. Below the cliffs, the fishing village of Marina Grande and the ferry port of Marina Piccola reach the sea by steps and ramps, and Bagni della Regina Giovanna, a natural rock pool among Roman villa ruins, lies out at Punta del Capo. Sorrento is famous for limoncello and its Sorrento lemons, intarsia woodwork, lace and gnocchi alla sorrentina. It is the terminus of the Circumvesuviana train from Naples, and a base for Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, Capri, Positano, Amalfi, Paestum and the Path of the Gods, reached by train, SITA and Curreri buses, and ferries and hydrofoils run by Alilauro, NLG, SNAV, Gescab and Travelmar.
- Capital
- Naples (regional capital of Campania)
- Largest city
- Naples (regional); Sorrento is the largest town on the Sorrentine Peninsula coast
- Population
- About 14,900 (municipality, Istat estimate 1 January 2026)
- Languages
- Italian
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- Central European Time (CET, UTC+1); Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October
Explore Sorrento by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Sorrento
The 16 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Villa Comunale di Sorrento
Free public park on the cliff edge with a panoramic terrace over the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius, beside the Church and Cloister of San Francesco.
Chiostro di San Francesco
Peaceful cloister beside the busy Villa Comunale
Museo Correale di Terranova
Former villa of the Correale counts holding Neapolitan painting, ceramics, furniture, Greek and Roman finds and a garden terrace with bay views.
Marina Grande
The former fishing village of Sorrento, with pastel houses, small boats on the shingle and waterfront seafood restaurants.
Marina Piccola
Sorrento's ferry and hydrofoil port, with departures to Capri, Naples, Ischia, Positano and Amalfi operated by Alilauro, NLG, SNAV, Gescab and Travelmar.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Sorrento Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Sorrento, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Sorrento
- Days 1-2Sorrento city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Sorrento
- Days 1-3Sorrento comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Sorrento, departure
Where to stay in Sorrento
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget EUR 85-EUR 120 (about USD 97.75-USD 138)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range EUR 180-EUR 280 (about USD 207-USD 322)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury EUR 450-EUR 800 (about USD 517.5-USD 920)+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Maison La Minervetta
Maison La Minervetta is an adults-oriented boutique art hotel of 13 sea-facing rooms on Via Capo, about a 10-15 minute walk from Sorrento's centre and harbour.
Check rates on Booking.comGrand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a five-star hotel on Piazza Tasso, set in private gardens above the sea, with a spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Villa Garden
Boutique 19-room hotel in Sant'Agnello, built on the site of a Roman maritime villa and set on a cliff above the Gulf of Naples with views toward Mount Vesuvius.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Mediterraneo
A 5-star cliffside hotel in Sant'Agnello with a private lift to the sea, a spa, a garden pool and a free electric shuttle to central Sorrento.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Sorrento
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Il Buco
One-star Michelin restaurant just below Piazza Sant'Antonino, serving a modern take on Sorrentine dishes in former monastery cellars; closed Wednesdays.
L'Antica Trattoria
Refined trattoria open since 1930 with a garden pergola, known for lemon-scented tagliolini and a tasting menu of about EUR 60 (about USD 69).
'O Parrucchiano La Favorita
Sorrento landmark founded in 1868, set in a glass-roofed garden room and known for cannelloni; about EUR 30-40 (about USD 35-46) per person.
Soul & Fish
Seafood restaurant in Marina Grande listed in the Michelin Guide, with a five-course tasting menu around EUR 90 (about USD 104).
Trattoria da Emilia
Family-run trattoria in Marina Grande since 1947 serving home-style seafood and gnocchi at moderate prices; no reservations.
Bagni Delfino
Family-owned seafood restaurant on the water at Marina Grande since 1968, known for risotto and grilled swordfish.
Book a food tour in Sorrento We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Sorrento
Sorrento has no airport. The nearest are Naples International Airport (NAP, Capodichino), about 50 km away, and Salerno Costa d'Amalfi (QSR) for limited domestic flights. The Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Garibaldi (below Napoli Centrale) ends at Sorrento station on Corso Italia, a trip of about 60-75 minutes. Ferries and hydrofoils leave the port of Marina Piccola for Capri, Naples (Molo Beverello), Ischia, and, in season, Positano and Amalfi. SITA Sud buses run along the Amalfi Drive (SS163) to Positano, Amalfi and Salerno, and Curreri Viaggi runs buses to Naples and the airport. The old town is walkable, though the harbour is reached by long stairs, a ramp or a lift.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | EUR 35-EUR 60 (about USD 40.25-USD 69) | EUR 110-EUR 170 (about USD 126.5-USD 195.5) | EUR 280-EUR 500 (about USD 322-USD 575) |
| Food (per day) | EUR 25-EUR 35 (about USD 28.75-USD 40.25) | EUR 45-EUR 65 (about USD 51.75-USD 74.75) | EUR 100-EUR 180 (about USD 115-USD 207) |
| Transportation | EUR 8-EUR 12 (about USD 9.2-USD 13.8) | EUR 12-EUR 20 (about USD 13.8-USD 23) | EUR 40-EUR 70 (about USD 46-USD 80.5) |
| Activities | EUR 10-EUR 15 (about USD 11.5-USD 17.25) | EUR 18-EUR 30 (about USD 20.7-USD 34.5) | EUR 30-EUR 60 (about USD 34.5-USD 69) |
| Daily total | EUR 85-EUR 120 (about USD 97.75-USD 138) | EUR 180-EUR 280 (about USD 207-USD 322) | EUR 450-EUR 800 (about USD 517.5-USD 920)+ |
Best time to visit Sorrento
Weather through the year in Campania
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Campania.
Late April to early June and mid-September to mid-October
Late April to early June and September to mid-October combine warm weather, swimmable sea (from June), running Amalfi Coast ferries and manageable crowds. The Travelmar and other seasonal ferries to Positano and Amalfi generally operate from spring to autumn and stop or thin out in winter, while the Circumvesuviana and the SITA buses run all year. Pompeii and Capri are far less crowded outside July-August.
Essential travel tips
- Take the Circumvesuviana from Napoli Garibaldi to Sorrento (about EUR 4-EUR 5); validate any paper ticket and watch for pickpockets
- Sit on the right-hand side of the SITA bus from Sorrento to Positano and Amalfi for sea views, and buy tickets from a tabacchi shop before boarding
- Book summer ferries to Capri and boats on the Amalfi Coast ahead at operator sites; wind can cancel sailings, so leave a spare day
- Most churches require covered shoulders and knees; many close for lunch from about 12:30 to 4PM
- Restaurants typically serve lunch 12:30-3PM and dinner from 7:30PM; arrive early in peak season
- Pay for coffee standing at the bar; table service in Piazza Tasso costs several times more
- The tourist tax (about EUR 2 to EUR 5 per person per night depending on category) is paid at the property; confirm with the host
Safety information
Save 112 (general emergency) and 118 (ambulance) before arrival; operators handle English
Carry a zipped cross-body bag in front on the Circumvesuviana, SITA buses and ferries, and watch the doors and platforms at Napoli Garibaldi
Use official white taxis with a meter or an agreed fare, or pre-book a named transfer; compare the price with SITA or Curreri buses
Check the sea and weather before booking ferries or hydrofoils; wind can cancel sailings, so keep flexible plans for Capri and the Amalfi Coast
Wear sturdy shoes for the Path of the Gods and other cliff walks, start early in summer, and carry water
Keep a photocopy or photo of the passport and leave the original in the hotel safe
Buy ferry and Pompeii tickets only from operator sites or port ticket offices; ignore street sellers
Check ov.ingv.it and protezionecivile.gov.it for volcano and earthquake alerts before visiting Vesuvius or Pozzuoli
Frequently asked questions
Is Sorrento safe to visit in 2026?
Sorrento is generally very safe. The main concerns are pickpocketing on the Circumvesuviana train and crowded buses, unlicensed drivers, and narrow roads with fast traffic. The European emergency number is 112; ambulance is 118 and State Police is 113. The nearest hospital is Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia at Corso Italia 1.
What is the best time to visit Sorrento?
Late April to early June and mid-September to mid-October offer warm weather of about 19-27C, running Amalfi Coast ferries and fewer crowds than July-August. Summer is hot and busy; winter is mild but rainy and many hotels and seasonal boats close.
How do I get from Naples to Sorrento?
The Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Garibaldi (below Napoli Centrale) runs to Sorrento in about 60-75 minutes for roughly EUR 4-EUR 5 (about USD 4.60-USD 5.75). Hydrofoils and ferries from Molo Beverello take about 35-50 minutes, and Curreri buses run from Naples airport.
Is a day trip to Capri from Sorrento worth it?
Yes. Ferries and hydrofoils from Marina Piccola reach Capri in about 25-35 minutes, from about EUR 21-EUR 26 (about USD 24-USD 30) one way, and run all year with reduced winter service. Book a morning boat and a return after 5PM in summer.
Can I visit the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento?
Yes. SITA Sud buses run along the Amalfi Drive to Positano and Amalfi, and seasonal ferries from Marina Piccola serve Positano and Amalfi. Allow extra time in summer, when the road is congested, and check operator timetables for sailings.
What currency is used in Sorrento?
The currency is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available and cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for bakeries, buses, beach clubs and small bars.
What is Sorrento famous for?
Sorrento is famous for limoncello and its large lemons, intarsia woodwork, gnocchi alla sorrentina, and its cliff-top views over the Bay of Naples. It is also a base for Capri, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.