Last Updated on August 12, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
Sorrento sits at the top of the Sorrentine Peninsula with the Bay of Naples stretched out in front of it and the Amalfi Coast curving away behind. It has been making travelers feel like they’ve stumbled into the best version of summer since long before anyone started writing about it on the internet.
I came here for the first time in 2019 with my family, using it as a base for exploring the coast and making a day trip over to Capri. It’s a town that rewards wandering more than planning, and one that has a particular gift for making an ordinary afternoon feel like something worth remembering.
If I could give you a quick snapshot of the best things to do in Sorrento, it’d be wandering the historic center around Via San Cesareo, watching the sunset from Villa Comunale, and booking a boat over to Capri — Sorrento’s central train station and short boat rides make it a great town to use as a home base for the whole Amalfi Coast!
Wander the Charming Streets of the Historic Center
Sorrento’s historic center is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, shops, and family-run restaurants. I highly recommend wandering around, grabbing a gelato, and doing some people-watching. Don’t miss Via San Cesareo—it’s packed with cute shops where you can pick up local goodies like the famous Sorrento limoncello, hand-painted ceramics, and other fun local goodies.
Take in the Views at Villa Comunale
Villa Comunale is the kind of spot that leaves you speechless. It’s exactly what you think of when you think of an Italian summer. This peaceful public garden offers views of the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and the island of Capri. It’s the perfect place to snap some photos or just sit and soak it all in.
Pro Tip: It’s especially magical if you visit at sunset.
Hop on a Boat to Capri
If you’re in Sorrento, you have to take a day trip to Capri. We booked a boat not too far outside of Sorrento in Massa Lubrense, and the ride itself was a treat with stunning coastal views. If you’re not staying somewhere with a concierge to arrange it, Capri boat tours on Viator are a reliable way to book ahead — both private and small-group options depart from Sorrento, Massa Lubrense, and other parts of the coast.
Indulge in Sorrento’s Food Scene
You can’t come to Sorrento without eating your body weight in amazing food. Start with a plate of gnocchi alla sorrentina, a local specialty made with pillowy gnocchi, fresh tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella (delicious!). Pair it with a glass of local wine, and finish off with a slice of delizia al limone—a lemon dessert that’s as delicious as it sounds.
But don’t forget about seafood. For a fun dining experience, we booked a table at Ristorante Parrucchiano Favorita. This historic restaurant, often called “the birthplace of cannelloni,” is famous for its lush lemon tree garden that creates a magical atmosphere. Alongside its signature pasta dishes, the menu has a variety of fresh seafood options that highlight the flavors of the Mediterranean. Whether you’re savoring a plate of spaghetti alle vongole (my personal favorite) or indulging in their famous cannelloni, every bite is a celebration of la dolce vita!
For a guided look into Sorrento’s food scene, a Sorrento food tour or cooking class on Viator is a great way to go deeper. And don’t skip out on the abundance of limoncello! If Positano’s on your itinerary too, here’s where to eat once you get there.
Lounge at a Beach Club
Sorrento’s beaches might be rocky, but the beach clubs more than make up for it. We didn’t have enough time, but if we could run it back, I’d love to rent a sun lounger at one of the seaside platforms and spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and sipping on spritzes. Leonelli’s Beach is right in the heart and quite popular among tourists. It has a restaurant, too, which we ate at for lunch for the beach club feel without the beach day lounging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
My top tip for the coast: skip the train and book a private transfer instead. Whether you’re coming from Naples Airport or the train station, it’s simply easier and more worry-free. And it’s absolutely worth the extra expense for the peace of mind alone. Private transfers from Naples to Sorrento are easy to book ahead!
If you’re coming from somewhere else and a car or train is simply your mode of transportation (or you’re feeling brave enough to train or drive around Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast), be sure to check out my guides: Renting a Car & Driving in Italy and Train Travel in Italy.
Sorrento is calmer, more walkable, and generally more affordable — a great fit if you want easy access to Capri and the coast without Positano’s price tag or crowds. Positano is more glamorous and puts you closer to the water, but you’ll pay for it. After two trips, I personally like staying on the Amalfi Coast more than having to make your way back to Sorrento each night. But if Sorrento is one of your main destinations, it’s great!
Three full days are enough to wander the town and get out to Capri. Four or more lets you slow down and actually enjoy a beach club afternoon or day trips to other parts of the coast, too.
Sorrento is the kind of town that earns a proper stay rather than a rushed day trip — and it makes an ideal base for the wider Amalfi Coast. For where to stay along the coast, my Amalfi Coast hotel guide covers the full range of options (and my Positano hotel guide covers the iconic cliffside village). From there, my guide to things to do in Positano is a natural next stop for anyone building out a few days on the water.
It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and things to do, making it a must-visit destination on your Italian getaway. So pack your bags and get ready to fall in love with this charming coastal gem.