The Perfect Sorrento Itinerary: From Sunrise To Sunset

Sunshine, scenery and splendour. That sums up Sorrento and this perfect itinerary that incapsulates everything you must see from sunrise to sunset in this beautiful Italian town. So rich and varied in the landscape is this part of the world that not only do you have pretty, pastel-coloured towns and stunning coastlines set against glistening waters, but volcanoes and ancient ruins too dominate the scene too.

Located along the gorgeous Amalfi Coast (about an hour from Naples) is one of the most dramatic and beautiful cliff settings in Italy, which offers an exciting and equally relaxing holiday to visitors. There is something for everyone, in and around Sorrento, so if you are dreaming of cobblestone streets lined with Italian designer stores, dining in lemon groves and soaking up a little history in a laidback atmosphere this is the place for you.

The term ‘La Dolce Vita’ perfectly personifies how the residents of Sorrento view life: ‘indulgent, full of pleasures and meant to be enjoyed’ and this makes a stay in Sorrento everything and more. Who’s going to say no to characterful markets and swimming in the crystal-clear waters anyway?

Travel and Accommodation In Sorrento 

The easiest way to get to Sorrento is by flying into Naples International Airport and then hopping onto a train from Naples Central Station, which takes 1.5 hours. You can also enjoy a scenic drive which takes just under an hour. Both options are straightforward routes into the city. 

During the peak season, accommodation in Sorrento can be expensive, and for this reason, I stayed at Hotel Crawford in Sant’Angello, which was only a 25-minute walk to Sorrento city centre. I would definitely recommend doing this if you are on a budget. Besides, this way you get to visit two towns at the same time, and the walk into Sorrento is not only short, but it is also scenic and a great way to exercise. 

However if you are lucky to get a good deal for hotels in Sorrento, then these are incredible beachfront options: Hotel Bellevue Syrene, Hilton Sorrento Palace, and Villa La Terrazza Suites.

Figuring Out Your Itinerary For Sorrento 

Old Town 

Although a lot of Sorrento has been commercialised, the Old Town still has a precious, old-school charm and is home to historic buildings such as the Basilica di Sant’Antonino, which is the 11^th-century cathedral, and the oldest in Sorrento. 

Piazza Tasso

This bustling hub is filled with horse-drawn carriage rides, restaurants and bars is a great place to spend your nights as it comes alive with people simply looking to have a pleasant evening. If you venture out a little further, you can also explore the slightly quieter Piazza Sant’Antonino.

Pompeii and Herculaneum

Whether you are interested in Italian history or not, no trip to Sorrento would be complete without an excursion to the legendary towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites provide some of the best insights into Italy’s magnificent past, as well as the force of nature that is Mount Vesuvius, which wiped out both towns in a violent eruption in 79 AD. 

Pompeii in particular, has an endless collection of attractions to explore, and you can spend hours wandering without getting bored. It could feel like a historical maze in the best possible way.

Some of the main points of interest in Pompeii include:

• The Antiquarium Museum – a venue for exhibiting recent finds that represented the day-to-day life in Pompeii as well as more casts of the victims of the Mount Vesuvius eruption.
• The Forum, Temple of Jupiter and Temple of Apollo – a large complex that is reminiscent of other parts of Italy, especially Rome.
• Ancient Baths – since only the wealthiest families could afford their own bath houses, residents of Pompeii regularly visited Public Baths that also served as gyms and spas, and were considered to be a very social part of life.

Fun fact: the stepping stones the cover the city streets were laid perfectly for residents to easily walk from one side of the road to another whilst keeping their feet clean, but also allowed chariots and wagons to pass with ease.

Mount Vesuvius

The famous Mt Vesuvius raises above the Bay of Naples and dominates the skyline from most parts of Sorrento. Many love admiring its magnificence from a distance, but visiting the somma-stratovolcano located in Vesuvio National Park and climbing the summit is also an incredible and rewarding experience.

Cruising Around The Amalfi Coast

Taking a cruise of Italy’s incredible coastline was one of my favourite experiences, and in all its popularly, definitely lived up to the hype. There is nothing better than having the sun warm your skin while on deck and being mesmerised by the colourful towns from afar before going ashore to enjoy them up close and personal. Who wouldn’t want to grab lunch in stunning Positano and then wander the gorgeous Duomo di Amalfi an hour later? How about snorkelling in crystal-clear, Mediterranean waters? Mixing the beauties of coastal village life with the thrills of water sports is not something you can do everywhere in the world.

Most cruises take place the entire day as you day trip to the various beautiful parts of the bay, including stopping at hidden beaches, so keep that in mind when deciding how long you want to stay in Sorrento. I think four days in the Sorrento is perfect.

Taste Some Limoncello

The lemons that grow in Campania are world-famous, so if you are of age, you must try this Italian lemon liqueur that is mainly produced in Southern Italy. I can’t promise you will like it, but you should definitely give it a taste. because no Sorrento itinerary is complete without mentioning the iconic drink.

Watch A Sunset

Sure, this sounds very cliché, but you cannot deny that you get a little happier every time you see one. Every itinerary for Sorrento should include spending time watching the sunset because Sorrento is on a cliff, which make it one of the best places in Italy to be surrounded by the best nature has to offer. Certain viewpoints do get crowded though, so do keep that in mind.

Average Cost For Three Days In Sorrento Per Person

Transport (flights from London + local travel): £100

Accommodation: £150 (£300 per double)

Attractions: £200

Food and amenities: £100

Keep In Mind

Don’t use the meter cabs, they’re costly. I paid 40 euros for a less than ten-minute drive, so even if you are tired, I suggest walking if it’s not too far. 

Practical Information About Sorrento

Location: Italy, Southern Europe 

National Languages: Italian

Currency: Euro

Neighbouring Countries: Austria, France, Slovenia and Switzerland