9 of the Best Views in Sorrento and Where To Find Them

Set on the very edge of Sorrento’s clifftop, Villa Comunale is one of the most accessible—and popular—Sorrento scenic spots; it’s a short walk from the main Piazza Tasso, the Chiostro di San Francesco, and the shop-lined lanes of the historic center. Take in the whole of the Bay of Naples with Mt. Vesuvius looming above and the city of Naples sprawled along the horizon. This public park is also a popular spot at sunset, but you'll want to get there early to claim a prime viewing location along the railing.

Though much of the Sorrento coastline is dotted with bustling towns and villages, the Punta Campanella Protected Marine Area offers a respite from the urban buzz with unsullied vistas surrounded by nature. Set off along the Punta Campanella trail from Nerano to the very tip of the promontory, marked by the 16th-century Torre Minerva watchtower; you’ll be rewarded with Sorrento panoramic views that stretch from the Bay of Ieranto to the island of Capri.

Insider tip: The far tip of Punta Campanella points west, offering a premier sunset overlook, but bring adequate flashlights or headlamps for the return hike by night.

Sorrento cliffside views stand out for their sweeping majesty, but tiny Marina Grande captivates on a small scale. This postcard-perfect bay lined with pastel houses and painted fishing boats bobbing in the water sits just below Sorrento’s old town, so a stop here is easy to pair with a walking tour or a food tour. Or, to taste at your own pace, you can book lunch or dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants to feast on fresh seafood against the backdrop of Sorrento harbor views. This small cove is also home to a smattering of beach clubs with restaurants set on piers directly above the water for 360-degree panoramas.

At 3,711 feet (1,131 meters), Mt. Faito is one of the highest peaks on the Sorrentine Peninsula, and its walking trails overlook the Bay of Naples and the surrounding Lattari Mountains. The panoramic cable car is currently closed, but it’s easy to reach the peak with a rental car or private driver from Sorrento. Once at the top, relax at one of the high-altitude restaurants or snack bars, explore the trails, or join a horseback riding or mountain biking excursion for views on the go.

If your taste runs more to people-watching than nature-peeping, settle in at Piazza Tasso’s timeless Fauno Bar for a front-row seat on Sorrento’s social scene. This main city square is where locals and visitors rub elbows over orange spritzes before heading out to browse the shops, tuck into a heaping plate of gnocchi alla sorrentina, or simply stroll the length of the Corso Italia thoroughfare. Most Sorrento sightseeing tours include a stop here, and the overlook set just across the street from the bar wows with its dizzying views of the switchback road leading to Sorrento Cruise Port.

The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria has been hosting aristocrats, artists, and celebrities since 1834, and remains the go-to address for glitterati visiting the coast. Its Terrazza Vittoria panoramic terrace offers iconic Sorrento Italian views, but you don’t need to be a VIP to access this exclusive spot. Book a table for lunch and enjoy the clifftop panorama that stretches down the Sorrentine coast and across the Bay of Naples to Mt. Vesuvius. The hotel sits just off Piazza Tasso in the heart of Sorrento, so it is an ideal location for lunch after a morning cultural tour.

The Baths of Queen Giovanna offer one of the most singular views along Sorrento’s coastline. This popular wild swimming spot is set on the remains of a Roman villa—accessible by land along a footpath. After about 10 minutes of walking, you’ll be treated to a vista of limestone cliffs joined by an ancient arch that spans an inlet feeding a tiny emerald lagoon. According to legend, the 14th-century queen Joanna of Naples would once bathe here in secret with her lovers, and the scenic ruins now top the list of where to see the best views in Sorrento.

Set at the bottom of the gorge far below Sorrento’s old town, the Valley of the Mills is home to a complex of 17th-century flour and lumber mills that had been abandoned for a century. These historic buildings have long been one of the most photographed sights in the city, and can be captured from Piazza Tasso or Via Fuorimura. The mills are currently being restored and have lost some of their enchanted air, though they remain a striking sight. A stop to admire the Valley of the Mills from above is a staple of Sorrento city tours.

For a unique vantage point far from the crowds on land, set off on a private or small-group boat tour that skirts the coastline from Sorrento along the peninsula and beyond. Day cruises often travel as far as the Amalfi Coast or Capri for hours of postcard-perfect scenery, while evening cruises offer some of the best sunset views in Sorrento. Sorrento boat tours are also a great way to take a break from the summer heat, since most include the chance to swim, or you can book a trip with snorkeling stops.