9 of the Top Day Trips from Sorrento

The archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum top the list of what to see near Sorrento, and both are easily accessible by car or train in less than an hour. Book an excursion that includes round-trip transportation, or hop on the Circumvesuviana train that stops near both ruins and meet your guide there for an in-depth archaeology tour. True ancient history aficionados can visit both sites in one day, but most travelers—especially families with kids—should focus on just one of the two excavated cities.

Insider tip: Choose your site based on how much walking (and crowd-weaving) you want to do: Pompeii is larger and more famous, while Herculaneum is compact but better preserved.

Of the picturesque villages clinging to the cliffs along the Amalfi Coast, Amalfi and Positano are the most renowned. Take advantage of your strategic position in Sorrento to enjoy an Amalfi Coast day trip, spending time in both towns to browse boutiques, savor the views, and dine with the stars. Travel by land to experience the famed Amalfi Coast highway, or join a boat tour to take in the coastline from the water. For a slower pace, opt to focus on one village with a day trip to either Amalfi or Positano—both number among the top excursions from Sorrento.

Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast overflow with visitors for much of the year, and it can be a struggle to navigate through the crowds. Take a breather with an excursion to some of the lesser-known villages along the Amalfi Coast that offer all the charm of Positano and Amalfi with a fraction of the throngs. Ravello is one of the most visited, but outposts such as Minori and Maiori have equally scenic walking paths, sweet town centers, and pretty beaches. Vietri sul Mare has been known for its ceramic production for centuries, while Cetara is considered a hub for seafood.

Marina Piccola and Marina Grande are lined with pebbly beaches within walking distance of Sorrento’s Villa Comunale, but there are countless swimming spots along the Sorrentine Peninsula farther from town. Take a break from sightseeing with a day of basking and bathing at picturesque spots such as the ancient Roman ruins at Bagni della Regina Giovanna, Punta Campanella and its marina reserve, and Cala di Mitigliano—a favorite among snorkelers. Getting to the area beaches with public transportation can be tricky, so book a transfer by car or by boat for hassle-free logistics.

Related: 9 of the Top Beaches in Sorrento For Every Type of Traveler

Naples’ vibrant urban bustle can be daunting, but the historic center is a treasure trove of art and history. Plus, the city’s pizza-forward cuisine is a crowd-pleaser. Most Naples day tours from Sorrento, Italy include transportation plus a walking tour to cover highlights such as Spaccanapoli, Piazza del Plebiscito, and Via San Gregorio Armeno. In your free time, admire the famed Veiled Christ in the Sansevero Chapel, check out the opulent San Carlo Theater, or marvel at the ancient art and artifacts from Pompeii collected in the Naples National Archaeological Museum (MANN).

Related: Visiting Naples for the First Time? Here’s What to See and Do

One of the best Sorrento day tours for active travelers, the Path of the Gods skirts the clifftops high above the Amalfi Coast. Getting to and from the trail by bus can be time-consuming, so join a tour with round-trip transportation plus a hiking guide so you can save hours and take on this moderately difficult route with peace of mind. Walk from Bomerano (in Agerola) to Nocelle for the best views, then stop for lunch in one of Montepertuso’s panoramic restaurants, just a few minutes on foot from the trail’s end.

No stay in Sorrento is complete without a day on Capri, Italy’s island retreat for the rich and famous. Sorrento to Capri day trips include either round-trip transportation by ferry or private boat, followed by a short cruise around the island—sometimes with a stop at the Blue Grotto—and free time to explore the towns of Capri and Anacapri on your own. To optimize your time on Capri, book a walking tour or driving tour with a guide who knows how to steer clear of the tourist gridlock, especially during the busy summer months.

The volcanic peak of Mt. Vesuvius looms over the Bay of Naples, and its sky-high crater is one of the most panoramic places to visit near Sorrento. Join a day trip to Mt. Vesuvius with stress-free round-trip transportation and a hiking guide to the crater’s rim, or combine your mountain excursion with a visit to nearby Pompeii and a wine tour on the slopes of the volcano. Bring a hat, water, and comfortable shoes to take on the uphill trail, and be prepared to gaze in wonder at the 360-degree views over Naples and the entire coastline from the summit.

Most visitors to Sorrento limit their sightseeing to the town center, but the lush surrounding hills offer the most accessible Sorrento nearby attractions. Dotted with farms producing heirloom lemons, extra-virgin olive oil, artisan cheeses, and crisp wines, this countryside is a premier destination for foodies and families looking for a rural respite from the tourist crowds. Book a farm tour, cooking class, wine tasting, or countryside lunch with a view, or set off on foot or by bike for a day of outdoor adventure just outside of town.