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Welcome to Sorrento... a small resort town with something for everyone
Sorrento is a glamorous little resort town with a big reputation.
Sitting between Naples and the Amalfi Coast, it has been the subject of movies, postcards and many a grand tour.
But can you visit Sorrento on a budget or is it solely for those with cash to splash? The answer is of course, both.
So here is my list of 16 things to do in Sorrento, starting from the very beginning of your day…
1. Enjoy a coffee in Piazza Tasso
A perfect spot to start your day in Sorrento – coffee with a side of people watching.
While not the oldest Piazza by any means, it is located in a central spot in Sorrento right in the centre of the hustle and bustle. Watch as the horse drawn carriages pass by while enjoy a coffee and pastry.
Fair warning though – like most places in Italy, sitting outside at a table (especially in summer) will cost significantly more than sitting inside. If all you are after is a quick coffee, then stand at the bar inside like the locals do and remember – no cappuccinos after 10.30am!
You can find the Piazza Tasso here
2. Look down into the Deep Valley of The Mills (Vallone dei Mulini)
Just off Piazzo Tasso is a gorge that used to hold the old water and wheat Mills. The mill is located on the ground level of Sorrento – which makes you realise how much the area has grown ‘upwards’ to its current ground level!
The base of the gorge was the original ‘old town’ of Sorrento for over a thousand years. Where the flour could be milled, wood would be sawed and where the women of the town would go to wash their laundry.
By accident, when the Piazzo Tasso was constructed in the 1866, it caused an air bubble of sorts to be created, sealing the gorge off and causing the humidity inside to increase dramatically. Now the gorge is a haunting example of nature taking over what men had left behind.
While it is still possible to access a tiny part of the old Deep Valley crossing, for the best photos, take in the views from the Piazzo.
Find the Valley here
3. Explore Old Sorrento
Italy is full of gorgeous old towns, and Sorrento is no different. Perfect for an afternoon stroll around the alleys and laneways with a gelato in hand.
Step into the past and explore Sorrento’s 2,000 odd years of history through the winding narrow streets of the old town overlooking the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of Naples.
If you prefer you can join this small group walking tour to get an introduction to the area.
4. Walk down Corso Italia
From Piazza Tasso, walk into the old town through its main shopping street, Corso Italia is filled with boutiques – enough to satisfy any shopaholics! You will also find Villa Fiorentino, the head office of the Sorrento Foundation, which also holds regular exhibitions (past exhibitions have included works by Salvatore Dali and Picasso).
When you reach the Cattedrale dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo (see map below) at the corner of Via della Pieta and Corso Italia, take a moment to admire the antique Nativity scene from the 1700’s. It is on permanent display and a beautiful example of craftsmanship.
5. If you love old architecture
Then make sure to wander down the side streets. Sorrento has a interesting history due its location, and you will find signs of its Ancient Greek, Roman and even Byzantine heritage throughout the old town.
Via Santa Maria della Pietà is a perfect example of this. You can find the entrance to this street by walking behind the statue of Torquato Tasso in Piazzo Tasso, just off Corso Italia. At the end of Via della Pietà, you will end up at the Cathedral and be able to wander back onto Corso Italia.
6. Visit the Duomo Di San Filippo e Giacomo, the Cathedral of Sorrento
Deceptively simple on the outside, yet incredibly intricate on the inside.
Originally built in the 11th Century, the Duomo was completely rebuilt in the Romanesque Style in the 15th Century with stunning frescoes across the ceilings and a dramatic altar. This church is the main Cathedral of Sorrento and holds regular services.
To learn more about the history of this Church, visit their website here
Location: Via Santa Maria della Pietà, 46, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy or click here to see it on Google Maps
7. Learn about the complex inlaid woodwork the area is known for
While most people would be quick to say lemons when asked what Sorrento is known for, and while that is true – Sorrento is also known for its intricate handcrafted inlaid woodwork.
Take a moment to go inside the Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea, which is a museum showcasing the numerous styles and pieces of inlaid marquetry, hand made in Sorrento and its surrounding areas.
Location: Via S. Nicola, 28, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy or click here to see it on Google Maps
Open Hours: April to October 10am-6.30pm, November to March 10am-5.30pm
8. Take a break in the Piazza della Vittoria
A gorgeous park filled with gardens, paths, statues and serenity. Pick up a gelato and choose a bench to relax on while looking out towards the Gulf of Naples.
When you are ready, walk along Via Vittorio Veneto towards the Chiostro di San Francesco
Find the Piazza della Vittoria here
9. Wander through the Chiostro di San Francesco
The Cloister of Saint Francesco is part of the conventual complex of San Francesco d’Assisis, which includes the Church, Monastery and Cloister, all built in the 14th Century and dedicated to Saint Francis.
The buildings and gardens are stunning and extremely peaceful to walk through, or just sit and listen to the birds sing. The Cloister and Church are still used today as a popular spot for weddings, and in the summer months there are also live classical concerts in the evenings and art exhibitions.
Learn more about the Chiostro di San Francesco here
Location: Via S. Francesco, 12, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy or click here to see it on Google Maps
