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Best Things to Do in Sorrento, Italy: Eat, Explore, Enjoy
Updated: 2025-07-27If you’re searching for unique things to do in Sorrento, Italy, you’ve just found the ultimate guide. Sorrento is a mix of old streets, sea views, and unforgettable flavours. It is set on cliffs that get a lot of sun above the Bay of Naples. This isn't just a stop before the Amalfi Coast, it's a full enjoyment, rich in history and southern Italian soul.
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In 2025, over 3 million visitors will discover Sorrento’s intimate mix of natural beauty and lively traditions, making it a must-visit for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.
Unique things to do in Sorrento-what to do in Sorrento, Italy
Marina Grande
Marina Grande is a charming, working fishing harbor famed for its pastel-painted houses, fresh seafood trattorias, and panoramic views of Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples. It preserves a timeless coastal village vibe where locals fish and visitors indulge in seaside dining and sunset photography.
[Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for fewer crowds and the best golden-hour photos.]
Piazza Tasso and Piazza Lauro
Piazza Tasso, named after Renaissance poet Torquato Tasso, pulses as Sorrento’s lively main square. It’s surrounded by cafés, boutiques, and buzzing street life, perfect for people-watching or starting your walking tour. Just a few minutes away, the quieter Piazza Lauro offers tree-lined benches and tranquil spots ideal for a relaxed break.
Cloister of San Francesco
The 14th-century Cloister of San Francesco, adjacent to Villa Comunale Park, is a serene oasis with elegant stone arches and a shaded garden courtyard. It hosts intimate cultural events, including classical concerts and art exhibitions, blending history with contemporary creativity.
Museo Correale di Terranova
Housed in an 18th-century villa surrounded by citrus groves, Museo Correale di Terranova showcases a prestigious collection of fine art, ceramics, and antiquities from the 15th to 19th centuries. Visitors can also enjoy sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples from the villa’s Belvedere terrace.
Capri
Capri, famed for its dramatic cliffs, azure waters, and exclusive ambiance, is accessible via a short ferry ride. Highlights include the magical Blue Grotto sea cave, the bustling Piazzetta square, luxury boutiques, and peaceful gardens like Villa San Michele.
Cooking classes in Sorrento
I joined a cooking class in a lemon grove and made gnocchi and tiramisu from scratch. The hosts were welcoming, and the setting felt like a local family gathering. It’s a flavorful, hands-on way to experience Sorrento’s food culture.
Villa Comunale di Sorrento
Villa Comunale is a cliffside public park offering panoramic vistas of Mount Vesuvius, the Bay of Naples, and nearby islands Capri, Ischia, and Procida. It features peaceful gardens and a small archaeological museum housing Roman-era artifacts and busts of notable local figures.
Bagni della Regina Giovanna
Giovanna on the Capo di Sorrento, Bagni della Regina Giovanna is a beautiful natural lagoon set among limestone cliffs. It's accessible from town by a scenic walk of 10 to 20 minutes. This untouched Amalfi Coast gem is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or cliff-jumping into the clear waters.
Food tours in Sorrento
One of the best ways to experience Sorrento's culinary tradition is through a food tour. Sample dishes like gnocchi alla sorrentina, fresh seafood, and the town's famous limoncello. Tours often include visits to local markets and family-run restaurants, offering a flavorful journey through Southern Italy. Nearly 600,000 visitors arrived in August alone, reflecting Sorrento’s incredible popularity during the vibrant peak season.
Source: TTG
What Are the Best Day Trips and Tours From Sorrento?
a.Capri Day Tour: Morning ferry rides for quieter exploration of Blue Grotto, Piazzetta, and island gardens.
b.Amalfi Coast Tour: Full-day excursions to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello with breathtaking coastal views and cultural stops.
c.Pompeii & Herculaneum Tours: Discover ancient Roman cities frozen in time by Vesuvius, often combined with Vesuvius crater hikes.
d.Rome to Amalfi Coast: Scenic day tours from Rome, including Sorrento and Positano, for a comprehensive coastal experience
You can also enjoy a scenic day trip from Rome to Sorrento, Positano, and the Amalfi Coast for a memorable coastal journey.
Tips for top activities in Sorrento
- Popular Tours: Book Capri, Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii tours in advance, especially in peak seasons.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Sorrento’s cobbled paths and ruins require good footwear.
- Best visiting months: April–June and September–early October for mild weather and fewer tourists.
- Use the Lift from Villa Comunale: An easy option for reaching Marina Piccola, especially in hot weather.
- Try local dishes: seafood specialties, gnocchi alla sorrentina, citrus desserts, and limoncello.
Conclusion
Sorrento blends romantic seaside charm, family-friendly adventures, and rich culinary traditions, making it the ideal base for exploring Southern Italy’s highlights. Whether wandering lemon-scented alleys, soaking in panoramic views, or savoring fresh seafood, your unforgettable Italian journey starts here.
Make your trip one to remember by booking your experiences and trips with Dream Tourism and realizing your Italian dream.
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