Sorrento also known as the City of Sirens is located south of Naples along the Sorrento Peninsula with incredible views over the gulf of Naples, Capri Island and Mount Vesuvius. Sorrento is a great destination to visit the nearby villages of the Amalfi Coast, the Island of Capri, Ischia and Procida and the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius and the wonderful Naples, all can be done with a day trip depending on how long you are in the area. Before we dive in on the top 7 things to do in Sorrento you need to get to this incredible and spectacular part of Italy.
How To Get to Sorrento
If you are arriving by plane at Naples Capodichino airport the easiest and most economical way to get to Sorrento is to take the Curreri bus (official site here) from outside the airport all the way to Sorrento central station, the cost is €10 per person one way. You can purchase tickets online or on the bus. Make sure to always check the timetable as it may change during the year. Departing from the airport between 9am until 7.30pm and from Sorrento to Naples airport from 6.30am until 4.30pm. Another cheap alternative is to get a sharing shuttle service, just do a search online there are few companies that offer the service price range from €25 per person each way. Or alternatively you can get a private transfer, prices start from €80 more info here.
Where to Stay in Sorrento
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If you are travelling by train, once you get to Naples central you can get the Circumvesuviana train all the way to Sorrento (official site here) journey time just over 1 hour, cost €4,10 or the Campania Express with air conditioning trains and guaranteed seats journey time 50 minutes €8 one way of €15 return, more info here. Once you are in Sorrento central station you can get a taxi or the local buses to move around.
The Top 6 things to do in Sorrento
Centro Storico
Explore the Centro Storico the old part of Sorrento by getting lost in the incredible “Vicoletti” little streets full of artisan shops that sell the famous Limoncello, handmade sandals, linen cloths, leather bags and so much more. Stop for a refreshing gelato or a lemon sorbet (granita al Limone) during the day or for a great aperitivo in one of the many bars along the streets and enjoy a well-deserved “Lemon Spritz”.
Spend a Day on the Water
A great and unforgettable experience will be to spend a day cruising around the coast with a boat tour exploring Capri Island or the Amalfi Coast. A boat tour is one of our favourite activities as you can admire the beauty of the coast from the sea and discover many places only accessible via the sea. Enjoy a seafood feast in one of the many restaurants located along the coast. More on the best boat tours from Sorrento here.
Visit Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius
You can explore all of them in one day if you depart early in the morning from Sorrento. Pompeii opens at 9am and you need at least 2 hours to explore the best parts of this magical place. You can get to Pompeii by train on 15 minutes. Once at the ruin you can either get a self-audio guide or at 10am every day a sharing 2 hours private guided tour takes place and the cost is €10-15 per person. Once you are done with Pompeii you can move on to Herculaneum again you can get there by train. Here you also need 2 hours to see the best part of the ruins. After Herculaneum you can get a bus to Mount Vesuvius and walk up to the crater. This itinerary is suitable up to the middle of June at the most, if you think this is a bit much in one day, just do it in two days. All the information on entry prices are on the official site here.
Explore the Amalfi Coast
Discover the best of the Amalfi Coast, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello in one day. You can either do it yourself with public transport with the SITA bus or the Sighteen tour bus or if you are in the area from April to October you can take a ferry to the Amalfi Coast. The best way to explore the area will be to go first all the way to Ravello to visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone (for the infinity terrace with incredible views), you can take the SITA bus all the way to Amalfi and then change to get to Ravello. The second stop will be Amalfi, don’t miss piazza Duomo and the Saint Andrew (Sant Andrea) cathedral. The last stop will be the Vertical City Positano in all is glory, this village is the most popular of the coast and the best time to visit is after 5pm when all the crowd as gone for the day so you can enjoy the magic of this wonderful place as to offer. Walk around the little streets (Vicoletti) full of artisan shops, from the sandal maker, the limoncello vender, the ceramic shop and so much more.
Hike the Bay of Ieranto
This is one of the most spectacular hikes of the area, located in the bay of Nerano easily reached by bus from Sorrento, make sure to get off at the centre of Nerano ask the driver for directions. The hike is about 6km long and is classified as medium difficulty and the duration is about 3 hours.
Hike the Path of Gods
This is one you can’t miss if you have the time during your stay in the area. The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) set above the magical Amalfi Coast with incredible views over the coastline. There best way to hike the path is starting from Bomerano to Nocelle, a little village above Positano centre, if you wish to to the entire hike or alternatively you can get to the hike from Praiano to then finish in Nocelle. If you opt to take the first option, make sure to plan it properly. You can get the SITA bus to Amalfi and change for another SITA bus to Bomerano, ask the driver for the correct stop for the hike. If you opt for the second option, you need to get off in Praiano at la Praia and take the step to get up to the hike. The hike is about 8km and is classified as easy and the duration is about 3-4 hours depending on your fitness.
Other Activities to Consider
Depending on the time you will spend in the area we also have some other suggestions to make your holiday unforgettable. You could take a cooking class and learn how to prepare many of the local dishes, a wine tasting or tour and discover the fantastic wine produced in the area, or take a day trip to the nearby Island of Ischia or Procida easily accessible by ferry from Sorrento Port or by visiting Naples. More free things to do in Sorrento
Where to Eat
I have great suggestions on the best places to eat and drink in Sorrento here
Where to Stay
Check out our suggestion on the best places to stay in Sorrento here
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