What to Eat, See, and Do in Sorrento

Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast can be a really intimidating place to travel for non-Italians for many reasons, but most can agree that the hardest part is definitely getting there, then getting around once you are there. Renting a car is not advised since the roads are so narrow and treacherous (plus parking is absolutely insane) so you will have to rely on busses, ferries, and if you aren’t traveling on a budget, private drivers. I promise your first meal overlooking the sunset on the Bay of Naples will wipe any travel stress from your brain immediately.

Sorrento was our base as we traveled around the Amalfi Coast for a week last summer, which was a decision based on many factors. The first being convenience. Sorrento has the most day trip travel options to other desirable locations like Capri, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Ischia, Naples, and Pompeii. Sorrento is also the easiest to get to from the major travel hub of Naples, which is only about 45 minutes away. We flew into the Naples airport then took a Sita Bus directly from the airport to the Sorrento bus/train station. The train may make more sense if you are coming from a different part of Italy (i.e. Rome), but much of the feedback we heard was that the train to Sorrento is very hot and a bit sketchy. 

We stayed in an Airbnb really close to the station, which means also quite close to the town center as well. There are so many reasonable Airbnb options, but also great hotels as well, we looked at quite a few during our wedding venue research, Bellevue Syrene is stunning and right in the center of town, and Hotel Mediterraneo has the most amazing view of Vesuvius but in a quieter part of Sorrento. 

Without further ado, here are a few of my favorite things to do/see/eat in Sorrento. 

// Do

1. Spritz, Swim, Lounge, Repeat:

Unless you are staying at a hotel with private beach access you will most likely need to pay to lounge and swim in the beautiful Gulf of Naples. You can take the stairs or elevator down to the water and you will be met with an array of different private beach clubs. Most you will check in at the beach, but then will have access to the board walk so you can get a lounger further out into the water. You can choose a view looking back at the beach and cliffs, or looking out into the sea. Our favorite was Peter’s Beach. The Loungers we comfortable, staff were friendly, Spritzes were refreshing, and we always got a great seat next to the steps so we could easily climb into the water whenever we got too hot. It was always SO hard to leave for the day because it was just so dreamy. 

2. Take the Ferry to Capri

Take a ferry from Sorrento to Capri – it only takes about 45 minutes, but try to take the earliest ferry of the day to beat the crowds and ensure the longest time possible there. We took the SNAV, and although it was a bit late and chaotic, I think the other ferries have the same problems. Definitely plan this one ahead. If we were to do it again, with more time in Italy, we would have spent a couple of days in Capri so we weren’t rushed with the ferry schedules and to really enjoy Capri after the day-trippers left in the early evening. It was a bit crowded. 

3. Take a Day Trip to Positano

I wrote a whole post on what to do for a day trip to Positano here, but to sum it up, we took a bus from Sorrento to Positano for the day. It is about an hour and a half bus ride away, and there is so much to see in Positano (which you will have to walk to see) that it’s best to have it take up its own day. We took the red “hop-on-hop-off” bus from the main bus station in Sorrento. It was the best price and the public bus had crazy lines both in Sorrento and coming back from Positano. This bus was comfortable and no one hopped off until Positano. Make sure you get your tickets early so you can spend as much time in Positano. 

4. Spend One Full Day in Amalfi and Ravello

The duomo in Amalfi and gardens and views in Ravello CAN. NOT. BE. MISSED. They are the towns that at furthest away from Sorrento but Amalfi can easily be done in a couple of hours, while I would keep the majority of the day for Ravello. For this trip we hired a private driver so we could be on our own time and see as much as possible in one trip. It was definitely worth the money. 

5. Explore and Shop in Piazza Tasso

Piazza Tasso is the main town square in Sorrento and it is always bustling and full of energy! Even at midnight adults, kids, and dogs are roaming the streets in droves – it’s so fun to just wander around and take in the sights and atmosphere. 

 

// See

1. Lemon/Lime Grove: I Giardini di Cataldo

There is a large lemon/lime grove smack in the middle of Sorrento that is free to enter and explore. It smells like fresh citrus and is such a nice break from the busy Piazza Tasso. It helps that there are free Limoncello samples as well 😉

2. The Cloisters “Chiostro di San Francesco”

We would definitely have missed this place if it weren’t for us doing wedding research. The Cloisters are an old Monastery with a relaxing and tranquil courtyard. This is where most of the wedding ceremonies take place in Sorrento. If you walk up to the top floor you will find a hidden rooftop deck with a swing that overlook the sea and Mt. Vesuvius. 

3. Watch the Sunset from the View Point 

This view point is one of my favorites, and definitely the best near the town center. We loved to watch the sunset here in between Aperitivo and dinner. 

// Eat 

It’s almost impossible to have a bad meal in Sorrento. Especially when you have American standards 😉 We ate SO much in Sorrento and since we canceled the last leg of our trip we had an extended time to really try out the local cuisine.

Food Sorrento is known for:

• Pizza (it was invented in nearby Naples!)
• Seafood – Spaghetti e Vongole being my favorite (Spaghetti with clams)
• Gnocchi all Sorentina
• Lemoncello and Lemon Pastas and Desserts

1. Best Surroundings: Ristorante ‘O Parrucchiano La Favorita

This restaurant is the biggest I have ever seen in Italy, but for good reason because it’s FULL of lemon trees. It was such a magical setting with all of the twinkly lights and citrus filled trees paired with amazing wine and food. I am terrible at taking photos of food but take my word for it, this Spaghetti Alle Vongole was one of the best of the entire trip. Make sure you request a table outside and beware that you may get a summer evening rain shower – but it’s worth it!

2. Best Pizza: Pizzeria Da Franco

My mouth waters just writing about this place. Popular among locals and tourists alike, this place always seems to be pretty busy but we found seats right away each time we went. Yes, each time. We went multiple times. It was SO good. The restaurant itself might not be the most aesthetically pleasing but the food will make up for it. Great for a lunch time stop. Sitting outside was also sooo nice.

3. Best Primi/Pasta & Best Atmosphere: TavernAllegra

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This may have been the most memorable restaurant we went to in Sorrento. It’s in a bit of a cave, so it’s nice and cozy and makes great acoustic for the live music they have going most nights. It was so lively and fun. Also, it was my favorite Spaghetti Alle Vongole in Sorrento and you must try the fried anchovies. 

4. Best Antipasti & Secondi: Inn Bufalito

If you didn’t already get it from their name, this place is known for their Buffalo products. I don’t think anyone else in the world can do it as good as they do. We loved the Buffalo Mozzarella and Buffalo Ribeye. SO incredibly good. This place is always packed so we actually had to come back the next day to get in. 

5. Best View: Hotel Mediterraneo:

 

 

 

[image via their website]

https://youtu.be/6xVNWR5q1NA

I am still kicking myself that I forgot my camera for this restaurant but it truly was the most beautiful sunset I had ever seen. The video I took does not do it justice. For more fine dining go to the Vesuvio Restaurant , and for something more casual go to the Sky Bar. 

6. Best People Watching & Aperitivo: Fauno Bar

This bar is right in the middle of Sorrento and is perfect for a rest and some people watching before heading to dinner. By the time we sit down for Aperitivo hour David and I are usually pretty starving after a day full of walking so we always love places that give you lots of snacks! They also did the craziest garnishes in our Spritzes of Pineapple and Nectarine. So delicious. 

7. Best Gelato: Il Gelato Primavera

We really never stumbled upon bad gelato in Sorrento, but Primavera was definitely my favorite. They are known for their lemon gelato, but I never stray from my Hazelnut and Chocolate. 

I hope you find this helpful and I am so jealous that you are planning a trip to one of my favorite places in the world! You can also see my post on Positano here,  my Amalfi Coast packing list, and my favorite long flight essentials here. 

xx Kylie

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