Italy

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Sorrento, Italy

words: Sophie Alexander-Osman
photography: Sophie Alexander-Osman
published: November 25, 2025

Sorrento sits on the edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula with views across the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius and the islands offshore. It has long been one of the most convenient bases for exploring the Amalfi Coast thanks to its transport links, central location and easy access to ferries, trains and buses. The town itself is known for its historic centre, lemon groves, waterfront marinas, and busy Corso Italia, which stays lively from morning to late evening. You get a mix of coastal scenery, good food and day trips without the steep prices or limited access you find in the smaller cliffside towns.

When to Go & How to Get There

The best time to visit Sorrento is April to June and September to October, when the weather is warm and the crowds are manageable. July and August are the busiest and hottest months. Winter is quiet and mild but many seasonal businesses close.

You can reach Sorrento by train from Naples on the Circumvesuviana line, which takes about one hour. The Campania Express is a more comfortable seasonal option on the same route. Ferries run between Naples and Sorrento in the warmer months. If you prefer road travel, private transfers from Naples Airport or Naples city centre take around one hour depending on traffic.

WHERE TO STAY

CORSO38

CORSO38 is a family-run bed and breakfast on Corso Italia, the main street of Sorrento. It is run by Sofia and her daughter Federica. In December 2019, Sofia, Noah and their daughters Imma, Francesca and Federica decided to open their home to guests, transforming the apartment into a clean, modern B&B while keeping the welcoming feeling of their original home.

The location is central and ideal for exploring Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Corso Italia is lined with boutiques, restaurants and cafés, and Villa Fiorentino sits directly opposite. Corso 38 has four large rooms, each designed by the family in a different colour — pink, light blue, green and blue — and all feature Wi-Fi, Smart TV, air conditioning, a mini bar and a private bathroom with a bidet, hairdryer and toiletries. Guests can also enjoy a living room where a fresh sweet and savoury breakfast is served each morning.

The B&B is on the third floor of a historic building without a lift, but the staff are on hand to help with luggage. From the door, it is just a five-minute walk to Piazza Tasso and Vallone dei Mulini, around ten minutes to the station, Marina Piccola, Marina Grande, the beaches and the Correale Museum, and about twenty minutes along the coast to Bagni della Regina Giovanna.

WHERE TO EAT

Ristorante ’O Parrucchiano

Ristorante ’O Parrucchiano La Favorita is the most beautiful restaurant I’ve ever been to in Sorrento. Founded in 1868 by Antonino Ercolano, it sits on Corso Italia 71 and is famous for its large citrus‑garden dining rooms, with lemons and limes hanging from the ceiling throughout the space. The restaurant is credited with inventing Cannelloni alla Sorrentina and serves classic Campanian cuisine, including fresh pasta, seafood, local vegetables and traditional desserts. It is spacious, with multiple dining areas that maintain the historic charm while offering a unique, airy setting. Many consider it the best Italian food in Sorrento.

Ristorante Fuoro

Ristorante Fuoro is tucked down a quiet side street on Via Fuoro 23 in Sorrento’s historic centre. It has intimate outdoor tables along the alley, lit by candles in the evening, creating a romantic and peaceful atmosphere. The menu focuses on Italian and seafood dishes made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including linguine with Red Shrimp, risotto and slow-cooked meats. The restaurant is also known for serving some of the best gelato in Sorrento. It offers a quiet, authentic alternative to the busier streets of town while keeping the food simple, well-executed and traditional.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Piazza Tasso

Piazza Tasso is the central square of Sorrento and the main hub for both locals and visitors. Named after the poet Torquato Tasso, it is surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, restaurants and shops. From here you can easily access the narrow streets of the old town, which are filled with local boutiques, artisan shops and gelaterias. The square itself is lively throughout the day, making it a good starting point to get a feel for the rhythm of the town and plan your exploration of Sorrento’s historic centre.

Marina Grande and Marina Piccola

Sorrento has two key harbours, each offering a different experience. Marina Grande is the original fishing port, with colourful boats, waterfront seafood restaurants and a more traditional, local atmosphere. Marina Piccola is closer to the ferry terminal and the main beach clubs, and is the main departure point for ferries to Capri, Positano and other Amalfi Coast towns. Both harbours offer panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, opportunities for swimming and sunbathing, and a chance to see Sorrento’s maritime life up close.

Day Trip to Positano and the Amalfi Coast

Sorrento is ideally located for day trips along the Amalfi Coast. Positano, Amalfi and Ravello are all accessible by ferry or SITA bus, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to around 1.5 hours. Positano is famous for its cliffside streets, colourful houses and beach, while Amalfi offers historical landmarks and Ravello is known for its gardens and panoramic views. Staying in Sorrento allows you to enjoy the Amalfi Coast without needing to move hotels, making it easy to return in the evening after a full day of exploring.

Day Trip to Capri

Capri is a short 25-minute ferry ride from Sorrento, making it an accessible and popular day trip. On the island, you can visit the Blue Grotto, Anacapri, the Gardens of Augustus and the famous Piazzetta. Capri is also known for its coastal walking paths, cliffs and boutique shopping. Ferries run frequently during the day, and the island’s compact size means it can easily be explored in a single day while returning to Sorrento in the evening.