Traveling to Campania: Essential Tips and Where to Stay in Sorrento
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In this post:
Morning Flavors & Coastal Moments
Walking Through the Historic Center
Villa Comunale & San Francesco Cloister
Marina Piccola: Ferries and Gelato
Piazza Tasso: The Heart of Sorrento
Dining Like a Local: A Taste of Sorrento
A Magical Morning on Sorrento’s Terrace
After our first night in Sorrento, we decided to take it slow, soaking in the beauty of the moment rather than rushing off. I started the day on our private terrace, savoring a cup of coffee while admiring the breathtaking view. From the terrace, we had a perfect vantage point of the hotel’s small yet picturesque beach, which we planned to visit after breakfast.
We opted for breakfast at our hotel, and the selection was truly impressive. Alongside Italian specialties, a variety of continental options were available. Freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, and gourmet delights made for the perfect start to our day.
We booked our stay via Booking.com, but it’s always worth checking Expedia or Hotels.com for similar central offers.
After breakfast, we took the elevator down to the hotel’s secluded beach—accessible only by lift. While the pebble beach was stunning and had a unique charm, the large waves made it less ideal for families with young children. So, we decided to explore the heart of Sorrento instead.
Sorrento is a paradise for walkers, with vine-covered pathways and narrow streets leading toward dramatic cliffs. On one side, the crystal-clear sea stretches endlessly, while on the other, hills blanketed with citrus groves add to the enchanting atmosphere.
From various scenic viewpoints, we enjoyed panoramic views of Naples, Capri, and Mount Vesuvius, capturing stunning photos along the way. As we wandered toward the historic city center, we found ourselves in a maze of charming alleys filled with boutique shops, cozy cafés, authentic restaurants, and inviting limoncello stands. Sorrento is, after all, the birthplace of limoncello, the famous Italian lemon liqueur.
One of the highlights of our walk was Villa Comunale, a beautifully landscaped public garden offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Bay of Naples, Sorrento, the islands of Ischia and Procida, and the distant silhouette of Mount Vesuvius. Best of all, entry to the park is free.
For the best local experiences, check out platforms like Freetour, GetYourGuide and Tiqets, where you can discover tours and activities in the area.
At the edge of the park stands the baroque-style Church of San Francesco (Chiesa di San Francesco) alongside the 14th-century Cloister of San Francesco (Chiostro di San Francesco). This peaceful oasis in the heart of bustling Sorrento is a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the sunset.
Pro tip: From here, a staircase or an elevator leads down to the beach—or up from it. Since we had a stroller, we opted for the elevator, which operates for a small fee.
From the beach, we took a leisurely walk along the shore to the harbor, soaking in the coastal beauty of Sorrento.
At Marina Piccola Harbor, we were greeted by a bustling scene of ferries and boats arriving from Naples and Capri. Since we planned to visit Capri the next day, we wanted to purchase our ferry tickets in advance to avoid the morning queues. However, in the end, we didn’t buy them—more on that in our Capri day post.
After a pleasant stroll around the harbor, we treated ourselves to a coffee and some delicious gelato, making for a perfect late morning break.
From the harbor, we walked towards Piazza Tasso, the lively heart of Sorrento, named after the famous poet Torquato Tasso, who was born here. The square is a vibrant blend of history and modern charm, serving as a central hub from which Sorrento’s old town streets branch off.
On the western side of Piazza Tasso, you’ll find Via San Cesareo, a charming shopping street, while to the east, Corso Italia stretches out—a bustling pedestrian avenue considered the main street of Sorrento.
Sorrento’s history spans over a thousand years, offering countless cultural treasures. Though we couldn’t visit the Museo Correale di Terranova due to our little one’s nap time, it’s highly recommended for anyone interested in diving deeper into the region’s past and artistic heritage.
After our long walk, we stopped for dinner at Taverna Sorrentina, a cozy restaurant just outside the city center on our way back to the hotel. The friendly owner made us feel right at home, and the menu featured an array of local specialties. We enjoyed the meal so much that we returned here later during our stay.
Sorrento is renowned for its exceptional cuisine, with renowned eateries offering authentic Neapolitan pizzas, fresh pasta dishes, and local desserts such as Pastiera Napoletana and Babà al Rum. To complement the flavors, there’s nothing better than sipping on a glass of regional wine, a shot of Limoncello, or the walnut-infused Nocino liqueur.
We spent the entire day exploring Sorrento and, by 7 PM, made our way back to our accommodation. From our panoramic terrace, we enjoyed yet another mesmerizing sunset over the coastline—a perfect way to end our day.
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