Free Sorrento Guidebook

Arriving in Sorrento

Reaching Sorrento is relatively easy thanks to its accessible location. Whether you're coming by plane, train, or car, there are several routes to choose from, each offering a unique travel experience. Sorrento is easily reachable from Naples by train and bus. If you arrive from Naples Capodichino airport, you can take a direct bus to Sorrento. If you prefer the train instead, the Circumvesuviana line connects Naples to Sorrento in about an hour. If you're traveling by car, the A3 highway will take you straight to Sorrento.

Exploring Sorrento

Sorrento invites exploration at a leisurely pace, whether it's strolling through the historic center's narrow paths, sipping coffee in the lively Piazza Tasso, getting some sun on the beaches, or admiring a fiery sunset from the Villa Comunale terrace.

The town's historic streets are lined with shops and artisanal workshops, displaying monumental churches like the Cathedral and Basilica of Sant'Antonino, historical buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, and remnants of ancient city walls.

Sorrento is also a great jumping-off point for day trips in the area of the Bay of Naples, such as Pompeii and Vesuvius, Sant'Agnello, or Vico Equense.

Museums in Sorrento

Three museums stand out in Sorrento, each offering a unique glimpse into the town's culture and history:

• Museo Correale: This museum houses a collection of artworks from the counts of Terranova, still hosted in the family residence. Paintings, archeological findings, and Capodimonte porcelains are displayed among original 1700s furniture.

• Museo della Tarsia Lignea: Wood carving is one of the oldest traditions in the Sorrento Peninsula. This museum displays a wide array of objects decorated with this technique.

• Villa Fiorentino: In this 1930s villa, the Sorrento Foundation organizes modern art exhibitions and theme-based shows dedicated to local crafts.

Shopping in Sorrento

Sorrento offers a delightful shopping experience, with its main street, Corso Italia, hosting boutiques and fashion stores. The historic center's alleys (Via San Cesareo and its side streets) are home to inlay workshops, leather product stores, small limoncello factories, and food and wine shops.

What to buy in Sorrento

If you're looking for a unique souvenir, Sorrento will not disappoint. Here are some suggestions of what to buy in Sorrento:

• Limoncello: Limoncello is a world-renowned Italian liqueur, and Sorrento's local version is particularly famous. It makes for a perfect gift or a souvenir for yourself, to bring the taste of the lemon groves back home with you.

• Inlaid wooden box: Wood inlay is a traditional art form in Sorrento. An inlaid wooden box is a great souvenir representing this ancient craft.

• Leather goods: Sorrento's artisanal workshops produce a variety of high-quality leather goods.

Eating in Sorrento

From restaurants and cafès to ice cream parlors, rotisseries, bakeries, and wine shops, Sorrento offers an almost infinite choice of places to stop for food and drink. For coffee or an aperitif, the most popular bars overlook Piazza Tasso, the town's main square. Stop in for a pleasant moment to relax and watch the world go by.

Restaurants in Sorrento

Sorrento is home to a variety of restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience. Here are some suggestions:

• Ristorante Tasso: Located behind its namesake square, this restaurant is always a good choice, with its spacious rooms suitable for groups and a curated menu catering to all tastes.

• Zi' Ntonio: This historic establishment in the city center offers traditional dishes prepared with excellent fresh ingredients. The staff is very courteous. The "Sorrento Gnocchi" is a must-try.

• Ristorante Caruso: This restaurant is dedicated to the famous opera tenor Enrico Caruso, who spent his last days at the nearby Excelsior Vittoria hotel. It is adorned with memorabilia and offers a warm atmosphere.

More information on Restaurants in Sorrento

Getting around in Sorrento

Sorrento is often chosen as a base for visiting the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Capri, so it's important to plan in advance how you'll get around once you're there. The town center is quite small and easily walkable. However, areas like Marina Piccola and Marina Grande are located below the center of town, so it can be helpful to take a bus, especially for the climb back up.

Useful travel tips for Sorrento

Finally, here are some additional travel tips for your trip to Sorrento:

• Don't forget to bring a hat and sunscreen.

• Remember that most of the shops in Sorrento close for siesta in the afternoon.

• If you plan on doing a lot of excursions, consider purchasing a tourist card, such as the Campania Artecard, which offers free or discounted entry to many attractions in the region.

• Make sure you try Sorrento's famous limoncello.

We hope this guide will help you plan a wonderful stay in Sorrento. No matter what you decide to do, we're sure you'll fall in love with this charming city!