Sorrento, Italy – An Essential Travel Guide for 2025

Sorrento is a resort town in south-western Italy, scenically nestled on a cliff edge facing into the Bay of Naples. Although technically not part of the Amalfi Coast, its location makes it a great base from which to explore it. Ease of access to this world famous stretch of Italy is what draws most visitors to the town. Social media brims with images of azure waters and sloping towns in this idyllic region, but is Sorrento itself worth visiting?

Read on to find out!

• Currency – Euro
• Language – Italian but almost every local speaks fluent English
• Time – One hour ahead of Ireland
• Plugs – The 2-pronged Type F plug so be sure to pack an adaptor
• Cash or Card – Card is accepted throughout and ATMs are plentiful should you want cash
• Public Toilets – Pristine although many charge 50 cents for their usage
• Tipping – Considered polite but not strictly necessary

Some people choose to fly to Rome and make the 3 hour train journey to Sorrento. The much easier option is to fly to Naples which is a 3hrs 20mins flight from Dublin and is much closer to your location. Naples International (NAP) is small and pleasurable to navigate, with minimal queues, friendly staff and no chance of getting lost. There is only one main terminal building.

Find Cheap Flights to Naples

There are five ways to reach Sorrento from the airport, but avoid getting an expensive private transfer or taxi.

By Bus: The Curreri Viaggi bus runs direct to Sorrento from the airport for €10 each way. You can buy tickets on-board but may miss out on a seat during busy periods, so book online in advance using the link below.

Buy Curreri Viaggi Tickets

By Train: Catch one of two trains from Naples Garibaldi Train Station, reached from the airport via a shuttle bus. Tickets costs €5 and can be bought online. The pickup point is opposite the main airport exit so you can’t miss it. The Circumvesuviana commuter train will set you back just €4.60 and runs all year round. Alternatively, the Campania Express tourist train costs €15.00 only runs in the high season but makes fewer stops. The Campania Express is air-conditioned and is a more pleasant experience than the Circumvesuviana, with less crowding and pickpockets.

Buy Campania Express Tickets

By Ferry: The stunning 30-minute ferry from Naples is a lovely experience, but its seasonal and only starts running in June.

Book Ferry Tickets from Naples

We always book our package holidays through OnTheBeach.ie. They are pretty much unbeatable for price, as well as service, in Ireland at the moment. Most of the accommodation options here are hotels which advertise themselves as grand structures with marble lobbies. In reality many of them are very old buildings and the rooms are often outdated and unfit for purpose. Four-star hotels here don’t compare to those in Ireland, so we recommend considering hostels at a fraction of the price.

Find Cheap Hostels in Sorrento

Unfortunately we made a poor choice with our accommodation, the Grand Hotel La Pace. The facilities were dated and there was an ant infestation in the bathroom, a common complaint among Sorrentine hotels seemingly. The hotel did boast lovely staff, a fine continental breakfast, a delicious dinner and a handy free shuttle to town but these still did not justify the cost.

Better choices for four star hotels here include the Hotel Minerva and the luxurious Hotel Bristol, which perches on the cliffside overlooking the Marina Grande. Breathtaking views of Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples await you from an alluring rooftop pool. Pristine dining and bar areas offer excellent entertainment and a first class breakfast.

Check out Cheap Sorrento Hotels

Prices are generally excellent in Sorrento, with a main course pasta costing €12 – €16. Once you venture further afield for day trips to Positano or Capri prices take a dramatic turn for the worst however. The same pasta will set you back €28 – €30, so bring a picnic as there are plenty of beautiful sites to chow down in these places. There are greeters outside many restaurants, but they are pleasant and not nearly as pushy as in other resorts.

We enjoyed an incredible meal at Tavern Allegra in the heart of the town. The food was divine and we were serenaded with live music which created an unforgettable ambience.

Ice-cream lovers will have their pick of delicious gelaterias to choose from for desert too!

Hot Beverages: Charming cafes are dotted all over the town, but be aware – it is considered strange in Italy to order a Cappuccino after 11am. This is a morning drink and ordering one late in the day is like ordering Corn Flakes with for dinner!

Alcohol: A beer costs around €6 and cocktails are around €10. Again, watch the prices on day trips; in Capri, a Limoncello Spritz served inside a massive lemon, will set you back €20! Italians don’t tend to drink in bars, instead preferring a tippler to accompany meals. If you are looking for a beer head to the English Inn or Chaplin’s Irish Bar. Chaplin’s is an experience in itself and the barmen know more about Ireland than we did. They offer great craic and show all the GAA and Premier League matches in this home away from home.

Limoncello: Sorrento is famous for limoncello, a lemon liqueur produced in the south of Italy. Limonoro on Via San Cesareo is a legendary shop where you can sample this local treat for free. Prepare to be inundated with free samples of limoncello, meloncello and others, delivered in a tremendously fun experience. Once done, head to I Giardini Di Cataldo near Piazza Tasso for another unique Limoncello tasting experience. This time you will be surrounded by the lemon trees from which the drink is made. Try both experiences as they are vastly different.

Visit in May or September, when the heat averages at around 21 degrees. This also represents your best chance at avoiding the peak crowds. Although Sorrento caters well for the masses, your day trips will likely be tarnished during the busy summer period. April and October bring high chances of rain so those months are best avoided. The high summer sees blistering heat waves, with temperatures sometimes venturing well into the 30’s!

Travel on Foot: Sorrento’s main attractions are in close proximity to each other. This is a welcome relief because footpaths are non-existent once you hit the suburbs. Manic traffic makes it treacherous to wander these areas on foot, especially with children. Don’t walk to the town centre from surrounding areas such as Sant’Agnello if you value your life!

Public Transport: Sorrento has some of the worst public transport we’ve seen on the continent. Taxis are hard to find at times and buses / trains are never on time and usually overcrowded. Excursion offices offer expensive transport to popular locations such as Pompeii, Capri or the Amalfi coast, but trying to make your own way to these destinations can be tricky!

Vehicle Hire: There are plenty of fairly cheap car hire providers, but we advise against it. Roads are narrow, traffic is crazy and drivers are impatient! Social media moguls will suggest renting scooters. Only advisable if you are already an accomplished driver, it’s certainly a great way to see the area.

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Sorrento’s setting amidst a backdrop of umbrella pine and lemon trees is undeniably picturesque. The marina areas bring their own calm beauty with the Vesuvius forever looming in the backdrop.

Sorrento’s main square sits scenically atop an astonishing gorge, offering remarkable views over Vallone Dei Mulini at one end. The square, promoted as the main hub of the town, is a little underwhelming, but the views of the abandoned and weed covered wheat mill within the gorge are breathtaking.

This narrow pedestrianized street is without a doubt the real beating heart of the town. Nestled away in the old town it is packed with shops selling limoncello, gelato and trinkets. Countless beautiful restaurants adorn this gem, which is wonderful to explore during the day but takes on a life of its own at night.

Head to this little park to find spectacular views of the bay and Vesuvius. You can descend the walkway from hear to the beach clubs and admire some awesome vistas along the way. Catch the elevator back up to the park for €1.20 and check out Chiostro di San Francesco, a tranquil cloister near the elevator’s top entrance.

There are two marinas; Marina Piccola is the large marina from which you catch the ferry to Capri or the Amalfi Coast. Basically just a ferry terminal, it isn’t really worth visiting unless you are catching a boat. The historical Marina Grande on the other hand is a much quieter fishing village with its own tiny sandy beach. The walk from the town to Marina Grande is short and beautiful on a sunny day and the marina itself is perfect for a chillout whilst sampling some local cuisine. It definitely warrants visiting.

The locals are extremely friendly, are always up for the craic and bounce well off the Irish banter. The town is a melting pot of people from different nationalities, making it a treasure chest for picking up interesting new friends. It has an unquestionably fun vibe to it.

Buskers take to the streets at night giving it a romantic feel, to accompany the candlelit dinners. Via San Cesareo is definitely the best spot to soak in these vibes. Sorrento is definitely not a party destination, with the nightlife more suited to families than those looking for nightclubs.

Although a good base for exploring further afield, the town’s own points of interest can easily be covered in one day.

Historical sites are limited in the town itself. Take a stroll down Corso Italia, the main street, to pay a quick visit to the Basilica of Sant’Antonino. This 11th century church is worth a look for its beautiful ceilings and décor, but check mass times before visiting. You will find historical sites aplenty to visit once you venture further afield with Pompeii and Herculaneum being two of the more popular stops.

The town has very few sandy beaches, with the rare few that do exist being private and charging large fees to use them. Marina di Puolo, 6km from town, is the closest thing you will find to a good sandy beach here. It still doesn’t compare to those found elsewhere in Italy. We don’t advise bothering to visit it.

What you will find here instead are beach clubs built atop manmade rock platforms. You can take a dip in the sea from these, although you will still usually need to pay a fee! We did however thoroughly enjoy chowing down on a gnocchi dish at the Marameo Beach Club during our stay.

If you are on a limited schedule then there is no need to visit both Herculaneum and Pompeii. Instead, just opt to visit the more famous Pompeii, reachable from Sorrento via the Circumvesuviana train.

We often skip tours in places like this, but you honestly won’t get your money’s worth in Pompeii without one. Book one of the small group tours available on the GetYourGuide website. We recommend Askos Tours which costs €50 each and is a truly once in a lifetime experience. They allow a maximum of 20 people, making it an intimate and personal experience. The cost also covers the admission price, leaving you free to explore at the end! You will definitely want to leave yourself time to do this, as this place is massive.

The city offers a contrasting blend of sadness, humour and beautiful views of Vesuvius itself, and it’s undoubtedly the best experience you can have on this trip.

Book Guided Tour of Pompeii Tickets

Naples appears at first to be a trendy city with plenty of things to do, yet reports often label it the worst city in Italy. If you wish to judge it for yourself, the Circumvesuviana and Campania Express trains run directly from Sorrento to the city so its well connected.

Naples doesn’t lack for heritage or cultural sites to explore. The densely populated old town is particularly unique, best admired during a stroll down the Spaccanapoli, or “Naples Splitter”. This street is aptly named as it cuts right through the heart of the city.

Book Campania Express Train to Naples Tickets

The mysterious passageways of the Naples Underground are arguably more impressive than what lies above the surface. Take in scarcely believable sites like aqueducts and Roman theatres during a guided tour of the 40 miles of tunnels. The city is also home to three different catacombs, namely the Fontanelle Cemetery, San Gennaro and San Gaudioso. Day trip visitors should at a minimum visit the most popular option – the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Book Naples Underground Guided Tour Tickets

Book Catacombs of San Gennaro Guided Tour Tickets

The Royal Palace and Castel dell’Ovo are two widly popular attractions in the city. The palace, or Palazzo Reale, is the largest palace in Italy and is home to a treasure trove of artworks. The Castel dell’Ovo is a picturesque castle fully open to guided tours and connected to Naples via a bridge.

Book Royal Palace of Naples Entrance Tickets

Lying just off the coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula, the island of Capri is famous for its coastlines and villas, many of which are owned by celebrities. Awash with designer shops including Gucci and Valentino, it makes no secret of its exclusivity. You can reach Capri via 30-minute ferry from Marina Piccola in Sorrento. Ticket prices vary but the trip guarantees jaw-dropping views of the coast.

Upon disembarking the ferry, take the funicular to the main town for €2.40 to admire views of the idyllic island as you ascend. Admire the vistas at the station before hitting the Piazetta square to soak in the atmosphere. Wander Capri’s many streets, such as Via Camerelle, taking in all of the designer names as you go.

Visit Giardini Di Augusto, a charming garden which oddly containins a statue of Vladimir Lenin, and gaze over the wandering Via Krupp road below. Buy your tickets for the Giardini di Augusto online by scanning the QR code before the ticket booth, in order to skip the large queues.

Continue along the path to the viewpoint of the Faraglioni Rocks. Many people choose to explore Capri’s coast, including these famous grottos, via one of the boat tours listed below. We found the Capri Coast to Coast Boat Excursion particularly good value.

Take a bus to Anacapri, a smaller town on the island, to explore some more before you ascend the terrifying chair lift to Monte Solaro. Buses in Capri are tiny so prepare to queue!

Book Capri Ferry Tickets

Book Capri Coast to Coast Excursion Tickets

Book Capri Island Boat Tour

The Amalfi Coast consists of many small towns, with Positano, Ravello and Amalfi Town being the most famous.

There are multiple ways to reach Positano from Sorrento, including hiring a Scooter, taking a Ferry or catching a Bus. Purchasing day-trip tickets can be advantageous, as they combine multiple towns, rather than solely visiting Positano.

If you make your own way here, be warned that the scooter journey can be treacherous. The Amalfi Coast Road is terrifying! We recommend taking the ferry from Marina Piccola, for fabulous views along the coast on the way.

The ferry is seasonal, so visiting outside the high season requires catching a Sita Bus from Sorrento Train Station. These buses don’t follow the timetable and you may need to queue for up to 2 hours on both legs of the journey. The route heads from Sorrento to Amalfi Town, stopping in Positano on the way, where you will be chucked out on the edge of a very busy road!

The return bus begins in Amalfi Town, meaning it is often full when it reaches Positano. There is a real danger of not being able to get on-board! If you do take the bus to Positano, sit on the right-hand side for spectacular views along the Amalfi Coast Road.

On arrival, head for the sandy beach and look back towards the town for spectacular views of the buildings rolling down the hill towards you. The town is petite with beautiful, meandering streets for getting lost in.

Book Positano and Amalfi Cruise from Sorrento Tickets

Book Amalfi, Positano and Ravello Day Trip from Sorrento Tickets

The Sentiero Degli Dei walk is among the most spectacular hikes in Italy, and is a great free activity. The full walk takes upwards of 4 hours, covering 7km from its beginnings at Agerola to its end at Positano. Those not fond of walking can make their way to Bomerano instead, and make the downhill hike to Nocelle, before taking the public transport home from there. Don’t forget to bring a picnic for this!