Antoine is a Canadian who currently resides in the Cayman Islands, but spends a great amount of time travelling and exploring the world; with last country count being at 45! His goal is to eventually visit every country and show you overlooked attractions in each location. Check out his blog at www.travelinglife.com
Nestled in the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Italian city of Sorrento basks in one of the world’s prettiest and most loved coastlines.
Looking out over the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri, there’s barely any destinations on this planet to rival the breathtaking Sorrento area – and the great news is that you get to delve right into the action of the city and surroundings on a trip there!
The region is famous for its lemons and limoncello, beautiful beaches and somewhat notorious volcanic eruptions, and visiting Sorrento will help you learn about all of this.
Every trip to this southern Italian city should start with a wander around the rambling alleys of Old Sorrento.
Perfect for an enjoyable afternoon’s exploration, these alleys and lanes contain thousands of years of history and highlights what’s so great about Italian culture.
Particularly recommended is San Francesco complex which contains a church, a cloister and a convent!
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Beautiful and classical architecture makes the Cathedral of Sorrento a must-see when visiting this part of Italy.
Built in the 11th century but completely rebuilt in the 15th in the then-popular Romanesque style, the cathedral details a lot of what is so fascinating about this ancient European religion. It’s been a popular place of worship for centuries and has been home to many notable religious figures.
Take a Cooking Class
If you want the ultimate travel souvenir, we recommend taking a cooking class while you’re in Sorrento. Trust us, you won’t regret it! From learning how to make a traditional Neopolitan pizza to cooking a 4-course meal– this is a MUST for all foodies.
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It’s possibly the most spectacular coastline in the world, so it’s pretty much mandatory that part of your stay in Sorrento includes an exploration of the wonderful Amalfi Coast!
If you’re after a driving adventure, rent a car and take to the coast yourself. Some of the most popular spots on the Amalfi Coastare Ravello, Salerno and Amalfi, and road trippers love the stunning beaches and awe-inspiring hikes of the region.
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If you’re not keen on driving, there are other ways to get to the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento. A guided coach tour allows you to relax and take in the beautiful scenery along the coast. This full-day tour includes stops in Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello so you’re sure to capture some postcard-perfect photos along the way!
For something extra special, consider talking a boat tour from Sorrento to Amalfi. Discover the beauty of the coast from the water, and spend some time soaking in the sun. You’ll get two stops in Amalfi and Positano and get some time to explore these charming towns.
Discover the Ancient Ruins of Pompeii
Even though Pompeii was destroyed nearly 2,000 years ago, they’re constantly uncovering new parts so it’s no wonder why the ruined Roman town is so famous.
One of Italy’s most visited sites, Pompeii is a chilling reminder of the dramatic and devastating impact that natural disasters can have on a city. Walking around the excavated ruins is an experience like no other.
Visitors to Pompeii can enjoy vistas of the breath-taking Mount Vesuvius, and appreciate its proximity to the archaeological site – understanding why there was no escaping its wrath when it erupted!
Insider’s Tip: Keen on visiting both Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius? A guided tour is an awesome way to visit these two complementary sites. This full-day tour starts with a 2-hour exploration of Pompeii with your local guide. After lunch, get your heart rate up with a hike up Mount Vesuvius and learn more about the history of the crater. Get more details on the tour here!
Wander around the Remains of Herculaneum
Another ruined Roman city, Herculaneum was destroyed by the same eruption as Pompeii in AD 79.
Visitors often favor it over Pompeii because a lot more of the ruins are accessible and it is surrounded by volcanic rock, emphasizing the sheer magnitude of the eruption. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great day trip from Sorrento.
Have a Coffee in Piazza Tasso
This is the place to grab some lunch or a coffee and watch the world go by in Sorrento.
A busy spot with a hive of activity, Piazza Tasso is frequented by locals and tourists alike, who flock to enjoy some authentic Italian cuisine and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of Sorrento.
Go on a Day Trip to the Isle of Capri
The Isle of Capri lies a boat ride away from Sorrento, and is an absolute must-see for any visitors to this region of Italy. It can be explored in a day – although many visitors opt to stay longer.
Everyone’s seen pictures of the beautiful Blue Grotto, Mount Solaro, and Villa San Michele. If you can afford it, a private boat will enable you to see some of the smaller grottoes – some of which are virtually untouched by tourists!
But if not, the small group boat tours are still as lovely. If you’re set on seeing the famed Blue Grotto, this Capri boat tour is a good bet. It departs early in the morning and arrives at the grotto when it opens, cutting down the long waiting time that happens later in the day.
Hike the Path of the Gods
The mountainous terrain of the Sorrento area lends itself to some fantastic hiking paths, including the stunning Path of the Gods.
This path traverses the hills of the Amalfi Coast, taking in some of the best spots of one of Italy’s most scenic roads. It is a seven-kilometer, challenging hike that’s an absolute must for all adventurers visiting Sorrento.
It’s possible to reach the start of the path by public transport from Sorrento. Alternatively, opt for a small group hike, accompanied by a local guide who’ll take you through the trail and share information on the geography, culture, and history of the area.
Visit a Lemon Farm
Taking part in a lemon farm tour will help you learn all about the production of some of Sorrento’s most famous foods – including lemons and olive oil – which are staples in this part of the world!
Many tours include hikes, sunset views, and free tastings of local products. There are also a few lemon farms that can be visited independently, such as I Giardini di Cataldo where free samples are offered and visitors invited into the backstage factory.
Get Up Close with Mount Vesuvius
It’s a great addition to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle to explore Mount Vesuvius National Park, but don’t fret if you don’t have your own – you can visit it on a half-day tour! The tour includes a hike to the summit of this legendary volcano, which offers you a chance to get up close and personal with the peak itself and marvel at some of southern Italy’s most impressive views.
If you want to visit the National Park independently, buses leave from Sorrento and drop visitors off at about 1,000 meters elevation, where you can climb up to the crater. There is also a complimentary volcanology tour, which helps to make sense of the surrounding landscape.
Explore the Bay of Ieranto
Famed as a place where mermaids used to sing to sailors, the Bay of Ieranto is a promontory that juts out into the glittering Mediterranean Sea from Nerano, a nearby fishing village and almost reaches the coast of Capri. It is considered one of the best sailing spots on the Amalfi coastand is fantastic to explore.
Exploring the Bay of Ieranto is easy by foot. There’s a well-marked six-kilometer path from Nerano, which can be reached by bus from Sorrento. It crosses Nerano beach, which is famous as the launching pad for local witches, and the Faraglioni sea stacks and FAI center.
Miners’ stairs were built in this area in the beginning of the 1900s to reach the sea level lyme quarry. Due to it being a protected area, with no motorized vehicles allowed, the sea here is crystal clear and serene, just begging to be dipped in!
Get Active at Punta Campanella Marine Reserve
This reserve expands across 30 kilometers of grottoes, inlets and bays, with a huge variety of things to do in the area. There are lots of walks and fantastic scuba diving opportunities.
Some of the hikes are particularly good during the summer heat, as they offer shade thanks to the mountainous peaks in the area. The reserve affords unbeatable views from Punta Campanella to Punta Penna and the island of Capri is nestled in the background.
Pay a Visit to Vallone dei Mulini
A fascinating example of the sheer power of nature, Vallone dei Mulini is a mill which has been abandoned and left for nature to take over.
It was an old sawmill, which was powered by water from natural sources, but was deserted a long time ago and has now been completely reclaimed by nature. It serves as a reminder of nature’s fortitude and warrants a half-day’s exploration.
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