Sorrento on the cliffs above the Bay of Naples

Things to do in Sorrento

Sorrento is a pleasant clifftop town in its own right, and a practical base for Pompeii, Capri and the Amalfi Coast.

Photo: DimiTalen, CC0

By ItalianSuites editors · Updated

Sorrento sits on cliffs above the Bay of Naples, facing Vesuvius. Its streets are lively but compact, and the best sights are within walking distance of the main square.

Our top pick: Sorrento: Skip-the-Line Pompeii Express Tour by Train

What to do in town

  1. Old town lanes around Via San Cesareo, full of small shops selling inlaid wood and local crafts.
  2. Piazza Tasso, the central square, and the cliff-edge Villa Comunale park for sunset views.
  3. Cloister of San Francesco, a quiet courtyard that is sometimes used for exhibitions.
  4. Marina Grande, the old fishing harbor, quieter than the main port.
  5. Marina Piccola, where ferries and hydrofoils leave for Capri and the coast.

Day trips from Sorrento

Top rated

Sorrento: Skip-the-Line Pompeii Express Tour by Train

Guided entry without the queue. 4.8/5 from over 2,800 reviews.

Check availability

From Sorrento/Nerano: Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour

A full day along the coast. 4.7/5 from nearly 3,900 reviews.

Check availability

From Sorrento: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello Guided Tour

By small bus and boat. 4.7/5 from 600 reviews.

Check availability

Why book online

  • Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
  • Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
  • Mobile ticket on your phone
  • Reviews from verified travelers

Book coast and island trips early in summer: boats sell out on the sunniest days, and sea conditions can change plans, so keep a flexible day.

Where to stay

Stay close to Piazza Tasso for dining and the old town, or near the cliff edge for views over the bay.

Check hotel prices in Sorrento

Frequently asked questions

Is Sorrento a good base for the Amalfi Coast?

Yes. Boats, buses and guided tours run along the coast from Sorrento, and hotels cost less than in Positano or Amalfi.

How do I get from Sorrento to Pompeii?

By Circumvesuviana train in roughly 35–40 minutes, or on a guided tour. Both leave from the Sorrento area.

Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It funds the research behind this site.