Sorrento

Famed for its sea cliffs, Sorrento is one of Italy's most beautiful coastal towns. It is also the main town on the Sorrentine Peninsula. 

On Ferryhopper, you will find lots of useful information about this famous town in Campania, its beaches, must-see places, gastronomic delights, and ferries. Take a look at our travel tips, all available ferry routes and book your tickets to Sorrento with just a few clicks!

Here, you can find detailed travel information about:

• Vacation in Sorrento
• The port of Sorrento

Amazing ocean view in Sorrento 

Vacation in Sorrento

Famous since ancient times, Sorrento still fascinates visitors today with its panoramic views, historic center and fantastic food.

Sorrento is perfect for those looking for some sunshine, art, culture, nature, and fun. Get ready to discover many churches, historic buildings, picturesque alleys, and shops. Then allow yourself to relax by the beach and sample classic Sorrentine cuisine. 

Sorrento is an excellent option whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a vacation with the family or to travel with friends. A holiday in the Sorrento Peninsula is also ideal at any time of the year, even during the winter. In fact, in recent years, this Southern Italian city has become known for its lavish Christmas lights and decorations.

How to get to Sorrento

You can reach Sorrento by train, bus, plane, car and, of course, by ferry!

In addition to the daily ferry connections from Naples, Salerno and Castellammare di Stabia, Sorrento is also connected to some Amalfi Coastal towns (Amalfi, Positano and Maiori) and to the islands in the Gulf of Naples (Capri, Ischia and Procida).

If you want to travel by bus, however, you should know that there are only direct connections with cities in Campania. If you choose to travel by train, you will first need to arrive at Naples Central Station and from there take the Circumvesuviana line. This runs every 30 minutes and the journey takes about 1 hour.

If you are traveling from abroad or from Northern Italy, the plane is your best option. The closest airport to Sorrento is that of Naples Capodichino, which is about 60 km from the town. From Naples you can then decide whether to rent a vehicle, travel by train or reach Sorrento by ferry in just 30 minutes.

Tip: although it may seem as the most comfortable option, we don't recommend bringing a car to Sorrento. Due to narrow streets and traffic congestion, parking may be challenging and private parking lots are rather expensive. 

The colorful Piazza Torquato Tasso, at the very heart of Sorrento

What to do in Sorrento

Sorrento is a vibrant and colorful town. You will notice this straight away when strolling through its historic center. Make sure to stop by one of Sorrento’s great artisan and souvenir shops, where you can buy an authentic inlaid wooden souvenir or a bottle of limoncello! 

Admire the spectacular Vallone dei Mulini with its dense vegetation and before your aperitif, dip in the city’s crystal-clear waters. Take a tour of the port of Marina Grande, catch a beautiful sunset over the bay and eat at one of the city’s best fish restaurants. 

Sorrento is also surrounded by other wonderful places that are worth a visit. Reaching the Amalfi Coast is in fact very simple and this will also give you the opportunity to hike the Path of the Gods, one of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the world. 

Beaches in Sorrento

In Sorrento, you will find many heavenly, but crowded, beaches overlooking the beautiful islands of Capri and Ischia. The Sorrentine Peninsula has it all, whether you’re looking for sand or pebbles, bathing establishments or small bays surrounded by nature.

Here are 8 unmissable beaches in Sorrento:

1. Marina Piccola: also known as the beach of San Francesco, Marina Piccola is located next to the port. This small stretch of volcanic sand is occupied by a number of bathing establishments, restaurants, bars, and ice cream parlors.
2. Marina di Puolo: this beach is located at a small fishing village. It has fine sand mixed with pebbles and overlooks the majestic mount Vesuvius. A few meters from the beach you will find accommodation and restaurants.
3. Leranto: this is a natural protected bay which overlooks the island of Capri. You can reach it by boat or through a path of about 6 km. The area does not have any visitor amenities, so make sure to go prepared. 
4. Cala di Mitigliano: this wild beach overlooks the island of Capri and is perfect for relaxing. Located within a natural setting, it is characterized by a rocky coast and by the presence of a 6 m cave much loved by divers. The beach can be reached by boat or by walking for 30 minutes through a steep path.
5. Marina del Cantone: one of the largest and most famous beaches in the peninsula. It is surrounded by famous restaurants, bars, hotels, and resorts, and can be reached easily by bus. 
6. Marina di Cassano: located a few kilometers from Sorrento, this Blue Flag beach is characterized by fine black sand and crystal clear waters. There are bathing establishments, as well as a small free area.
7. Scrajo: this is a beach with a spectacular view of Mount Vesuvius. Sun loungers are available to rent at this little bay with calm and clean waters. 
8. Bath of Queen Giovanna: a pool enclosed by cliffs with a rocky beach. There are not any facilities or shade, so make sure to bring with you towels, water and sunscreen. Furthermore, we recommend you bring water shoes if you plan to swim.

The Baths of Queen Giovanna, a natural oasis in Sorrento

Sightseeing in Sorrento

The town of Sorrento has historic roots and thus plenty of attractions. There are many centuries-old basilicas and piazzas in the city center.

Here are some of the most famous attractions in Sorrento: 

• Corso Italia, the most famous pedestrianized street in the city lined with historic residences
• Piazza Tasso, the heart of Sorrento
• Il Vallone dei Mulini, a deep mountain cleft that dates from a volcanic eruption 35,000 years ago
• Via San Cesareo, area where the locals shop for fruit and vegetables
• Basilica of Sant'Antonino, the city’s oldest church
• The Cloister of San Francesco, 14th-century monastery 
• Cathedral of Saints Philip and James
• Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea, with a collection of furniture made with elaborately designed inlaid wood
• Marina Grande
• The Correale Museum of Terranova
• La Villa Comunale
• Cornelia Tasso's house, an ancient house that was once the home of the sister of the poet Torquato Tasso

Il Vallone dei Mulini, one of the most photographed attractions in Sorrento

Places to visit around Sorrento

Here are 5 places that we recommend you visit if you find yourself staying in Sorrento:

• Positano (16 km)
• The pretty village of Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi (12 km)
• The magnificent town of Vico Equense (10 km)
• The Regional Park of Monti Lattari (11 km)
• Pompeii, by taking the local Circumvesuviana railway you will arrive in less than half an hour at a cost of €2

Nightlife in Sorrento          

Despite its laid-back atmosphere, in the historic center of Sorrento there are several clubs. During the summer, the areas of Marina Grande and Marina Piccola come alive at night. This is also thanks to the small shops that stay open until late. 

Not far from the center of Sorrento there are also several seaside resorts (including Meta, Piano, Sant'Agnello, and Massa Lubrense), perfect places to enjoy a good aperitif. If you’re looking for a more lively place to spend your evening, we recommend Il Fauno Notte Club, one of the most fashionable bars in the city. 

If, on the other hand, you’re looking to unwind and relax at the end of the day, we would advise you to grab an ice cream and take an evening walk or passeggiata in the city center.

Tip: don't miss the opportunity to attend the Sorrento Musical Theater Show, in order to learn the history of Sorrento and the region through song. 

Food in Sorrento

One of the best things about a holiday in Sorrento is that you’re guaranteed to eat well!

Local produce like olives, tomatoes, cheeses, and lemons are used to create simple, tasty dishes. A glass of limoncello or nocino liqueur is the only way to round off your meal in Sorrento! 

Here are some local dishes and delicacies to try during your vacation in Sorrento:

• gnocchi alla sorrentina (served with basil-flavored tomato and mozzarella sauce)
• spaghetti alla Nerano (spaghetti with courgettes and cheese)
• caprese salad (tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fresh basil)
• totani ripieni (stuffed cuttlefish)
• spaghetti with walnuts
• provolone del Monaco (typical cheese of Sorrento)
• babà al limoncello (little yeast cakes soaked in limoncello) 

Tip: if you are craving an excellent pizza, the Da Gigino restaurant in Vico Equense is one of the most renowned.

A delicious plate of gnocchi alla sorrentina, a typical dish in Sorrento 

Tips for Sorrento

Here are 4 tips that we hope will be useful to you during your stay in Sorrento:

• Driving from Sorrento to the Amalfi coast is challenging, with twisty roads and lots of traffic. Therefore, taking the ferry would be a more comfortable option! 
• Keep in mind that taxis in Sorrento are quite expensive and hardly go below €20 per trip (even for short journeys). We therefore recommend that you rely on public transport as much as possible. 
• As soon as you arrive in Sorrento, stop for a coffee in Piazza Tasso.
• Stop by the Limoncello factory and try its delicious lemon-based products. Here you can buy cookies, candies and even perfumes!

A typical limoncello tasting in Sorrento

Useful information about Sorrento

Sorrento offers various services to its visitors thanks to a wide range of facilities to suit all budgets. In the city you will find various bed & breakfasts, luxury hotels, apartments, and guesthouses. 

The most accessible accommodation for budget travelers is located in the neighboring towns of Meta and Piano. In just 5 minutes you’ll be able to reach the center of Sorrento thanks to the Circumvesuviana line. Make sure to purchase the day ticket in order to save money. 

As for the other primary services, you will find 1 hospital, 3 health centers and several pharmacies in the city. Banks are also scattered around the center.

Useful phone numbers for your stay in Sorrento

Here are some numbers that could prove useful during your holiday in Sorrento:

• Police: +390818075311
• Hospital: +390815331111
• Radio Taxi: +390818782204
• Tourist information: +390818074033
• Port Authority: +390818786760
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Sorrento

Sorrento is a rather small town and can be easily explored on foot.

However, because the port area of Marina Piccola and Marina Grande are located beneath the center, taking a bus up the hillside is more convenient. Another way to reach Marina Piccola is by taking the elevator from Villa Comunale. 

The car is not the most recommended way to get around Sorrento due to traffic and narrow streets. The historic center of the city is also a limited traffic zone (ZTL). Alternatively, you can rent a scooter or a bicycle, but keep in mind that there are no dedicated bike lanes in Sorrento.

If you plan to travel by taxi, know that the fares in Sorrento and throughout the Amalfi Coast are quite high, so it is advisable to always rely on public transport if you do not intend to spend a lot. 

Cooperativa Tasso and EAV buses run between the center and the port, and tickets cost only €1. Sita buses, on the other hand, link Sorrento to Positano, Amalfi and the other towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Street art dedicated to Lucio Dalla, Sophia Loren and Enrico Caruso, 3 great protagonists intimately linked to the city of Sorrento

Ports in Sorrento

The main port of Sorrento, Marina Piccola, is situated in a small cove, just a few steps from Piazza Tasso in the heart of Sorrento. From the Circumvesuviana station, it will take you about 10 minutes to walk to the port.

The port of Sorrento enjoys a strategic position in the Gulf of Naples, close to the main tourist attractions of the Amalfi Coast, as well as the famous islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.

The marina hosts several bars, restaurants, a pharmacy, paid parking lots, and a unique port atmosphere. Furthermore, Marina is overlooked by some famous hotels. From here you can also easily reach Corso Italia, the main shopping street of Sorrento.

Sorrento: ferry: schedules and tickets

There are numerous ferry or hydrofoil connections from the port of Sorrento to Naples, Castellammare di Stabia, Salerno, the Amalfi Coast (Amalfi, Positano and Maiori), and the islands in the Gulf of Naples (Capri, Ischia and Procida).

The companies that operate the connections to Sorrento are Caremar, SNAV, Alilauro, Navigazione Libera del Golfo (NLG), Positano Jet, Coast Lines, and Seremar. Some connections are active all year round, while others are available only from April to October. 

Here you can find more information about all the ferry connections: 

• Ferry Naples - Sorrento: the route from the port of Naples to Sorrento is available all year round, with around 5 daily itineraries during summer. The trip lasts 35-45 minutes.
• Ferry Salerno - Sorrento: the ferry route from Salerno to Sorrento is seasonal, and it's active from May to October. There are usually 1-2 daily crossings and the trip takes 2 hours 50 minutes.
• Ferry Castellammare di Stabia - Sorrento: the ferry connection to Sorrento from Castellammare di Stabia has 1-2 itineraries per day. The journey lasts approximately 40-55 minutes.
• Ferry Amalfi - Sorrento: the ferry connection from Amalfi to Sorrento is seasonal and includes around 10 daily crossings. Crossings last from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
• Ferry Positano - Sorrento: the connection to Sorrento from Positano is seasonal with several daily crossings during high season. The journey can last from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the type of vessel.
• Ferry Maiori - Sorrento: the Maiori - Sorrento ferry route is operated once a day from August to the end of September. The trip takes 2.5 hours and departures are in the morning. For more info check out the return Sorrento - Maiori ferry route.
• Ferry Capri - Sorrento: the connection from the port of Capri to Sorrento is active throughout the year, with around 30 daily connections during summer. The rides last 20-25 minutes.
• Ferry Ischia - Sorrento: the routes to Sorrento from Ischia operate up to 14 times each week with sailing durations of 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Ferry Procida - Sorrento: the connection from Procida to Sorrento is seasonal and includes 1 daily crossing. Sailings last 40 minutes to 2 hours.

Take a look at our Map of ferries with all the connections available from the port of Sorrento and start planning your getaway right away!

The picturesque port of Marina Piccola, in Sorrento

Book ferry tickets to Sorrento online

On Ferryhopper, you can find all connections to Sorrento, compare companies, trip duration and ticket prices, and book your ferry tickets online with ease! Sorrento awaits you for an adventure full of elegance, scenic beaches and delicious food!