Sorrento, located on the Gulf of Naples, bewitches and offers itself to travellers to remain in their memory forever.
Writers, poets, painters and philosophers have all found inspiration in this beautiful Italian town, thanks to its beauty, rich in culture and history, its splendid landscapes, its natural beauty and its local gastronomy. The Sorrento coast is one of the most popular places for lovers of beautiful landscapes and romantic spirits.
Your discovery of the town of Sorrento will introduce you to the beauty of southern Italy, and be warned, you’ll soon be dreaming of returning to the other wonders of the Campania region.
Sorrento is still the muse of many a wandering spirit. Travellers can follow in the footsteps of Torquato Tasso, a local boy turned poet, under the protection of Saint Antonino, Sorrento’s patron saint. The Basilica that bears his name is well worth a visit, as is the house of the Tasso. The cloister, basilica and museum are also architectural marvels not to be missed.
Historic centre
The starting point for visiting Sorrento’s historic centre is the bright and beautiful Piazza Tasso.
A visit to the historic centre is a must. The narrow streets are full of surprises, from the architecture to the small souvenir shops. Don’t forget to try the famous Limoncello, the lemon liqueur that originated between Capri and Sorrento.
Sorrento’s historic centre is built around the Decumano Maggiore, between the parallel streets that were used during the Greco-Roman period. Here you will discover the Cathedral of Santi Filippo e Giacomo, with its inlaid stations of the cross, the Cloister of Saint Francis of Assisi and its terraces overlooking the sea.
Head down to the little port of Marina Grande, where the famous actor Vittorio de Sica shot the famous film “Scandal in Sorrento” (original title “Pane, amore e…”), starring Sofia Loren, a true Neapolitan.
Sorrento’s historic centre can easily be visited in 2 hours, but to make sure you don’t miss anything, we recommend you take a walk with a professional local guide.
Beaches
All the beaches in and around Sorrento are grey sand (volcanic sand), naturally due to the numerous eruptions of Vesuvius, which lies right in the centre of the Bay of Naples.
Some of the beaches are in fact small coves, many of which charge a fee, but there is always a corner reserved for free access.
To reach these beaches, some are accessible by road, others by suggestive staircases cut into the rocky cliffs. Some beaches can be reached by lift, also cut into the cliffs: Piano di Sorrento and Sant’Agnello.
Why not hire a boat for the day and discover all the wonders the Sorrento coast has to offer, with its caves and cliffs.