Sorrento Packages/Deals & Travel Agents Near Me

With a dramatic cliff-top setting along the rugged Sorrentine Peninsula, Sorrento has been noted for its beauty since ancient times, when Greek ships sailed past, and later by the Romans who called the city Surrentum. Travelers today find the same remarkable views sweeping across the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius, along with a lively southern Italian resort atmosphere.

The bustling Piazza Tasso is the heart of Sorrento. Corso Italia runs through the piazza and is lined with shops and restaurants on both sides. Escape the traffic and chaos of Piazza Tasso by wandering in Sorrento's historic district, which is located between Corso Italia and the Villa Comunale park that overlooks the cliffs of Sorrento. A grid of medieval streets, the historic center is Sorrento's most charming area. Via San Cesareo is a great spot for excellent restaurants and shops selling local specialties such as limoncello. Many shops sell beautiful intarsia, or inlaid woodworking, in the form of music boxes, furniture and decorative items.

From the top of the cliff in the center of Sorrento, follow the road down to Marina Grande, which is Sorrento's smaller and much more picturesque port. Colorful buildings and restaurants sit alongside the water, where you can dine overlooking the sea surrounded by a small fishing village scene.

Sorrento is ideally situated for exploring the Sorrentine Peninsula, including the Amalfi Coast, as well the nearby island of Capri, the archaeological sites of ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the vibrant and fascinating city of Naples.

Must See or Do

Sights—Cathedral of Sorrento; Piazza Tasso; the charming fishing village atmosphere of the Marina Grande.

Museums—Museo Correale di Terranova; Museobottega della Tarsialignea.

Memorable Meals—The traditional gnocchi alla sorrentina (potato dumplings baked with a tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil); tasting freshly made mozzarella at Caseificio Michaelangelo; the delizia al limone dessert, invented in Sorrento.

Especially for Kids—Exploring the lemon groves at the Giardini di Cataldo; swimming at Spiaggia San Francesco; boat excursions along the Sorrentine Peninsula.

Location

Cruise ships anchor near Sorrento and tender passengers to the Marina Piccola port. Sorrento is a charming town that is worth visiting for at least an hour, but is also an important departure point for nearby destinations such as Capri, Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. Although the names are deceptive, Sorrento's Marina Piccola ("small marina") is actually the larger port where cruise ships tender and ferries arrive and depart. The smaller and more picturesque port in Sorrento is called Marina Grande (large marina), which has retained the feel of a small fishing village.

There is little in terms of shopping and dining options in Marina Piccola—the center of Sorrento is located quite a steep walk and climb up a staircase from Piazza Tasso. To get from the port to the town center, walk or take a bus. The EAV local bus service has a line that connects Marina Piccola with Piazza Tasso and on to the Circumvesuviana train station near Piazza de Curtis.

From the Circumvesuviana train station, trains leave for Naples with stops in Pompeii and Herculaneum. Buses also depart from nearby the train station at Piazza de Curtis and stop at various places along the Amalfi Coast. Be aware that during peak tourism season, the public buses can be crowded and roads can get congested.

From Marina Piccola, take a ferry from Sorrento to Capri, Naples and Ischia. During the summer season there are ferry departures for the Amalfi Coast towns of Positano and Amalfi.

It is also possible to hire a taxi to destinations along the Amalfi Coast or to rent a car.