Sorrento is a popular tourist destination for many reasons.
First of all it is located on the Amalfi Coast and offers a spectacular view of the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius. Its rich history and tradition, the presence of ancient monuments and museums makes it a popular destination for many tourists.
Sorrento is also an ideal starting point for exploring the attractions of the Amalfi Coast and other nearby destinations such as Capri, Positano and Amalfi.
If you have 3 days, we recommend you book a tour to Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri, to discover the ancient town destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius 79 A.D. and the landscapes, crystal clear waters and wonders of Sorrento and Capri.
It is famous for its traditional cuisine, which includes specialties such as limoncello, buffalo mozzarella and fresh fish. And it’s a perfect destination to relax, with lovely beaches, cozy bars and restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.
How long does it take to visit Sorrento?
Sorrento can also be visited in 2 days, but to fully enjoy the city and its attractions, we recommend at least 4-5 days.
This will give you enough time to explore the city, go on excursions to caves such as the Blue Grotto of Capri and nearby islands, visit museums and places of interest, and try local cuisine.
Things to do in Sorrento
Here are 11 things to do in Sorrento:
- Visit the Piazza Tasso.
Piazza Tasso is the heart of Sorrento and offers many activities and entertainment for visitors such as the opportunity to attend events and concerts, dine in one of the many restaurants and bars and enjoy the view of the Gulf of Naples. - Excursions to the caves of Sorrento and Capri, both famous for their natural beauty and extraordinary rock formations. Among the most famous is undoubtedly the Blue Grotto on Capri.
- Visit the Correale museum in Newfoundland.
The Correale di Terranova museum is an art gallery and an archaeological museum located in the center of Sorrento. The collection was collected by the Correale family and includes works by Italian and foreign artists, including Titian, Caravaggio and Van Dyck. - Walk along the Amalfi Coast and admire its beautiful villages: Positano, Sorrento and the island of Capri.
- Tasting of local limoncello, a sweet digestive liqueur obtained from the maceration of lemon peel immersed in ethyl alcohol.
- Boat trips to Positano and Amalfi, to enjoy the wild nature and admire spectacular views.
- Excursions to Pompeii and Herculaneum, the two ancient Roman cities swept away by the ashes of Vesuvius in 79 B.C.
- Visit to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Carmine.
It is an ancient monumental church built in the third century in the center of Sorrento and dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. - Excursions to the botanical gardens of Sorrento where there is a vast collection of exotic and local plants with unique natural features. Also from the garden, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Gulf of Naples.
- Try local cuisine and fresh fish: tomatoes, lemons, fried or grilled fish and many other typical ingredients of Mediterranean and local cuisine.
- Purchase of souvenirs at craft shops: ceramic sculptures, coral jewelry, wooden inlays but also gastronomic products such as dried tomatoes, fruit preserves and the famous limoncello.
Some curiosities about Sorrento... between history and legend
Not everyone knows that the territory of Sorrento is known with the nickname of "Land of the Sirens" and that is to when, 3000 years ago, Homer in his Odyssey, told the meeting of Ulysses and the Sirens right in the sea of the Sorrento Peninsula.
In fact, legend has it that the three mermaids threw themselves into the sea, turning into rock and giving life to the three islets: Gallo Lungo, Castelluccio and Rotonda.
On the extreme tip of the Sorrento Peninsula, where the Sirens lived, begins the territory of Punta Campanella where according to the Odyssey, Ulysses met the Sirens and the Greeks built a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, then converted by the Romans to the cult of Minerva.
Even the origin of the name would seem to hide the legend of a sweet girl, named Sirentum, loved by all for her extraordinary qualities. In 1558 the Saracens invaded the city and captured the beautiful Sirentum, which was later freed by the inhabitants of Sorrento to whom they dedicated the name of the town: Sorrento.
Among the other activities to do, in Sorrento you can enjoy breathtaking views with beautiful walks, and hiking trails surrounded by nature, among myths and legends and unique views, such as the Faraglioni of Capri or the view of the Gulf of Naples.
