Things to Do in Sorrento, Italy

Welcome to the land of lemons, sea views, and soul-soothing sunsets. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Sorrento, Italy, you’re in for a zesty adventure. Perched above the Bay of Naples, this sun-drenched town is packed with charm, citrus groves, and coastal vibes that make you want to stay forever.

Marina Grande in Sorrento, Italy - colourful waterfront buildings and boats moored in the harbour, with the grand Excelsior Vittoria hotel perched dramatically on the cliff above.

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Ciao! I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger with a soft spot for all things Italy. Sorrento was one of the first places I visited after Rome, and I’ve been coming back ever since.

From its lemony delights to boat trips to Capri, here’s my guide to the very best of Sorrento.

1. Soak Up the Buzz at Piazza Tasso ☕

Sorrento’s main square is where all the action happens. It’s perfect for people-watching over a cappuccino or gelato.

Piazzo Tasso, the town square in Sorrento with palm trees and coloured buildings. This square contains lots of things to do in Sorrento.

A small lizard, in Sorrento, Italy, sits on the edge of a stone ledge surrounded by grass.

Named after local poet Torquato Tasso, this spot is buzzing day and night with cafés, scooters, and the occasional street performer.

Bonus: keep an eye out for lazy lizards sunning themselves on the old walls.

2. Wander the Historic Centre 🧵

Sorrento’s old town is a maze of lemon-scented lanes, artisan shops, and hidden courtyards.

Sorrento outdoor shopping with orange trees and a bicycle

Hand holding a cup of gelato with a cone and spoon in front of an ice cream shop, one of the delightful things to do in Sorrento, Italy.

Via San Cesareo is the place to browse hand-painted ceramics, lace, and (of course) limoncello.

Pop into cool, shady churches or follow the smell of fresh gnocchi to a tucked-away trattoria. The vibes? Total Dolce Vita.

3. Sip & Shop All Things Lemon 🍋

This town is mad about lemons.

Woman in blue dress holds up a bottle of limoncello in Sorrento, Italy.

Limonoro shop front, a limoncello shop in Sorrento, Italy.

From bottles of limoncello to lemon-print sundresses, citrus is everywhere. You can even buy limoncello cheese (yes, really, and it’s also available on Amazon).

Head to Limonoro or I Giardini di Cataldo for tastings, gifts, and that heavenly smell.

4. Chill Out at Villa Comunale Park 🌳

Just a few steps from the centre is one of Sorrento’s best-kept secrets. Villa Comunale is a peaceful park with sweeping views of Mount Vesuvius and the sea.

A cobblestone pathway surrounds a lush green lawn with trees and flowers, leading to the stately Villa Comunale di Sorrento, standing proudly under a partly cloudy sky. — Villa Comunale di Sorrento

Grab a takeaway spritz or gelato and head here for golden hour. There’s even a handy lift that takes you down to Marina Piccola from the park.

5. Explore the Cloister of San Francesco 🌸

Right next to Villa Comunale, this peaceful cloister is a quiet oasis of arches, ivy, and bougainvillaea. It’s often used for weddings and concerts – and it’s ridiculously pretty.

A serene courtyard, reminiscent of the cloister of San Francesco, boasts arches and climbing plants. It features a central well and is surrounded by vibrant flowers under a clear blue sky.

It’s free to enter and lovely any time of day, especially when the midday heat hits. You can get lots of lovely Insta shots here.

6. Wander Down to Marina Grande 🐟

A proud feature on any Sorrento itinerary, Marina Grande is a colourful fishing village with salty charm and sea-to-plate seafood restaurants.

You’ll find bobbing boats, the Church of Sant’Anna, and perfect photo ops at every turn.

Lunch here is a must. Try the grilled calamari or a bowl of seafood pasta with the sea breeze in your hair.

7. Eat Gnocchi alla Sorrentina Like a Local 🍝

This gooey, cheesy gnocchi, baked in a rich tomato sauce, is the ultimate comfort food.

It’s Sorrento’s signature dish – and you’ll want to try it more than once.

Close-up of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, soft potato dumplings coated in rich tomato sauce with melted mozzarella and fresh basil, served on a white plate.

A woman holds up a glass of aperol spritz with Italian streets in the background.

Top spots: La Cantinaccia del Popolo for rustic charm, or Zi Ntonio for a traditional feel.

Add a limoncello spritz (an aperol spritz is also popular – see above) and thank me later.

8. Take a Boat to Capri 🚤

You can’t come to Sorrento and not hop over to Capri.

Ferries leave regularly from Marina Piccola, taking you across glittering turquoise waters to this iconic island.

Discover the scenic views of boats gliding through the clear blue waters near rocky cliffs and lush greenery along the coastline, perfect for day trips from Naples to Capri. — Faraglioni Rocks, from Giardini Di Augusto in Capri.

Highlights include the Blue Grotto, Faraglioni rocks, and sipping espresso in the Piazzetta.

For the full experience, check out a Capri boat tour on Viator.

9. Sunset at Punta del Capo 🌅

This scenic spot just outside Sorrento is the place for that classic Italian sunset moment.

Scenic view from a cliffside path overlooking the island of Capri, Italy, with winding roads, lush greenery, and the sparkling blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea dotted with boats below. — Overlooking Marina Grande and Punta del Capo from Phoenician Steps

Sit on the cliffs, dangle your legs over the rocks, and watch the sky turn to marmalade.

It’s also near the ancient Roman villa ruins and the Baths of Queen Giovanna – worth a visit in the daytime too.

10. Dive into the Baths of Queen Giovanna 🏊‍♀️

A secret cove with emerald waters, dramatic cliffs, and a dash of royal legend.

Aerial view of Regina Giovanna's natural coastal lagoon, resembling a queen's bath, surrounded by lush greenery, with people swimming in its clear blue waters. — Regina Giovanna Queens bath

Legend says Queen Giovanna used to bathe here with her lovers.

It’s a bit of a hike to get there (wear sturdy shoes), but it’s magical – especially early in the morning before the crowds arrive.

11. Visit the Duomo and Basilica of Sant’Antonino ⛪

These two historic churches are just a short stroll apart – and both are worth stepping into.

Front façade of Sorrento Cathedral in Italy, featuring Romanesque-style stone architecture, arched doorways, and a small bell tower, surrounded by yellow buildings and potted palms. — Sorrento Duomo

The Duomo has beautiful frescoes and a dramatic bell tower.

The Basilica is home to the town’s patron saint, with votive offerings from shipwreck survivors. A quiet and moving spot.

12. Catch a Glimpse of the Valley of the Mills 🌿

Just off Piazza Tasso is a deep ravine full of overgrown ruins and wild greenery. It’s called Valle dei Mulini, and it looks like something out of a fairytale.

In the heart of the Valley of the Mills lie overgrown ruins of an ancient stone building, embraced by dense vegetation in a deep valley. — Valley of the Mills

There’s no access down into the valley, but you can peer over the edge and imagine the old mills grinding grain centuries ago.

13. Visit the Correale Museum of Terranova 🖼️

Sorrento’s most elegant museum is home to aristocratic art, furniture, and even ancient Roman finds. The gardens are just as lovely as the house.

A large, beige three-story building in Sorrento boasts arched entrances and charming balconies set against a clear blue sky. — Credit: Getty Images

If you’re into Murano glass or Capodimonte porcelain, this place will be your jam. Bonus: it’s blissfully cool in summer.

14. Day Trip to Pompeii or Amalfi Coast 🚗

Sorrento is a dreamy base for exploring the region.

You can take a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii or cruise along the Amalfi Coast to Positano and Ravello.

Ravello village, a hilltop gem, overlooks the sea with its terraced gardens and houses nestled under a golden sky. — Ravello Village at sunset, Amalfi Coast.

Tours run daily – you can check options on GetYourGuide or Viator. Trust me, these are trips worth setting your alarm for.

Landscape view of Sorrento harbour with green cliffs and trees on the left and boats on the right — Sorrento

Helpful Tips for Visiting Sorrento 📝

✨ Wear comfy shoes – cobbled streets and steep steps are the norm.
🚤 Book boat trips ahead – especially in peak season (May-Sept).
👒 Bring sun protection – the Sorrento sun is no joke.
🚗 Skip the car – Sorrento is walkable, and traffic is a pain.
💶 Carry cash – some shops and smaller cafés are old-school.

Map of Things to Do in Sorrento 🗺️

Here’s a handy Google Map showing all the best things to do in Sorrento, Italy, mentioned in this post (plus a few extras). Click the star ⭐ to save it to your own Google Maps for easy offline use.

FAQs About Things to Do in Sorrento 💡

Planning your trip? Here’s what most people ask:

What are the top things to do in Sorrento?

Explore the old town, enjoy sea views from Villa Comunale, visit Marina Grande, take a boat to Capri, and try Gnocchi alla Sorrentina.

Is Sorrento part of the Amalfi Coast?

Technically, no – but it’s right next to it and a perfect base for exploring.

What day trips can I take from Sorrento?

Pompeii, Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, Capri, and all the Amalfi Coast towns are easy to reach.

Can I swim in Sorrento?

Yes! Try Marina Grande, Marina Piccola, or the natural pool at Bagni della Regina Giovanna.

What’s the best time to visit?

May to June and September to October are ideal – sunny but less crowded.

What are the best guided tours of Sorrento?

These are the best tours on offer, according to Viator travellers:

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Sorrento, Italy ✨

Sorrento is a sun-drenched blend of lazy lemon groves, charming streets, and epic coastal views. Whether you’re sipping limoncello by the marina or hopping over to Capri, this town wraps you in Italian magic and doesn’t let go.

There’s just something unforgettable about the things to do in Sorrento, Italy – maybe it’s the food, the views, or the golden hour glow… but it stays with you. I’ll be back, and I suspect once you visit, you will too.

Sorrento on Pinterest 📌

Planning your trip to Sorrento? Save this guide for later on Pinterest – and bring your lemoniest outfit.

A grove of lemon trees, brimming with yellow fruit beneath a wooden trellis. Explore all the unforgettable things to do in Sorrento, Italy. Overlaid text: "things to Do in Sorrento." Website link: www.hazelstravels.co.uk.

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Tags: Europe, Italy, Sorrento

14 Dreamy Things to Do in Sorrento, Italy 🍋