Sorrento attractions

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Sorrento is the home of trees bearing huge, waxy lemons, cold, punchy limoncellos and patio seats in the speckled shade, which look out over pastel coloured buildings and towering mountains far in the distance. Basically, Sorrento is a sun-soaked little paradise, and you’re going to love it. Overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is lined with waterside restaurants, open piazzas, little antique shops and miles and miles of clear blue water.

1. Old Town

Unlike some of the slower, quieter parts of the city, Sorrento’s historic quarter is buzzy and full of life, full of winding cobbled streets, restaurants, boutiques and churches (and those perfectly Instagrammable pastel houses). It’s truly the heart of Sorrento and a must-see while you’re there.

2. Piazza Tasso

Warm yellow buildings, intricate archways, old statues and quaint cafés. Sorrento’s Piazza Tasso is a hub of social activity, full of locals and tourists alike, and you’ll see the odd horse-drawn carriage trotting past just to add to the ambience. There is no better spot to order yourself a couple of limoncellos, put your feet up and watch the world go by.

Amalfi Coast

The Sorrentine Peninsula is arguably one of the most picturesque stretches of coastline in the world, with its sheer cliffs, crystal clear waters and pastel-coloured houses toppled high on top of each other amongst cliffside lemon and olive groves. Truly mesmerising, the views are those that you’ll never forget. The drive, however… is hairy. With hairpin bends aplenty, corners so tight you’ll squeal, and a cliffside drop from the road that will have you sweating, it’s quite the thrill ride. It’s one road the whole way so you’re either in or you’re out.

4. Limonoro

 In Old Town Sorrento, you can barely move for bottles of Limoncello that come in all shapes and sizes — the more novelty, the better we say. It would be rude to come all this way and not sample a drop, right? And at 32% alcohol, you can expect a bit of a kick out of it too. Course, lots of restaurants will offer you a thimble at the end of a meal, but for more of an experience, try it at Limonoro, where you’ll learn a little more about the process, the varieties, and its origins too.

5. Bay

What with being a city on cliffs, Sorrento doesn’t have beaches as such, but there’s still plenty of places to cool off down by the waterfront. Take the steep road down to the harbour from Piazza Tasso where you’ll find a few piers that are just the ticket for jumping off or sunbathing. Most of them are owned by hotels, so you might have to buy a drink or fork out a few Euros for a sun lounger, but it’s worth it when you’re down there.

6. 'O Parrucchiano

There is no shortage of great places to eat pasta in Sorrento, but 'O Parrucchiano is an unique experience. Okay, it is probably not the most gastronomical spot in the city, and no, it is no secret from the tourists, but this place is worth it for the overall appeal. It isn't every day you get to chow down on seafood spaghetti under a canopy of lemon trees, is it? Like something out of a Disney film, it’s got major wow-factor and definite date night vibes.

7. Capri

Live the high life and get yourself over to glamorous Capri. One of the most beautiful islands in Italy, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Sorrento, Capri is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Be warned — such beauty doesn’t come cheap. Capri is more expensive than Sorrento and the rest of the mainland, but worth it for the glistening waters, towering cliffs, and sleepy laid-back vibe. Take the chairlift up to the summit of the island for the most amazing views of the bay.

8. Gelateria Davide

Dubbed the best gelato spot in Sorrento, dating back to 1957. Gelateria Davide is a family-run institution with the gelato skills passed down three generations. You’ll have a hard time choosing with over 30 flavours to pick from including tangy mulberry, ricotta, prosecco, classic pistachio, and sweet local lemon.

9. Basilica of Sant’Antonino

Named after Sorrento’s patron saint, this is the city’s oldest church. Though a lot of Sorrento has been commercialised, much of the Old Town has maintained its precious old-school Italian charm. Twisting, winding streets are lined with quaint trattorias serving classic Campanian plates and scattered throughout, you’ve got numerous historical buildings that will take you back in time. Stop at the Basilica of Sant’Antonino, the 11th Century Cathedral, and the Cloister of San Francesco.