Visiting Sorrento for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

Sorrento may be a prime jumping-off point to explore the best of the surrounding region, but the town itself is worth at least a half day of your attention. Join a walking tour to stroll the maze of narrow pedestrian lanes fanning out from central Piazza Tasso in the old town, which are lined with tiny shops selling leather goods, linen beachwear, and any lemon-themed souvenir imaginable, any of which would make the ideal souvenir or gift for loved ones back home.

Plus, pop into the must-see attractions in Sorrento such as the Cloister of San Francesco and Basilica of Saint Anthony—both are among Sorrento's most historic buildings—and take a break from the crowds at the quiet Correale di Terranova Museum. End with a walk down the long flight of stairs to Marina Grande, Sorrento’s historic fishing hamlet, for lunch or dinner on the water to round out your afternoon.

Most visitors are drawn to Sorrento for its coastal location. The beaches in town and along the Sorrentine Peninsula are top attractions for first-time visitors, while beach clubs line the waterfront at the foot of Sorrento’s cliff. However, there are also spectacular stretches for swimming and relaxing along the coastline outside of town that offer crystalline waters and panoramic views of the Bay of Naples across to Mt. Vesuvius and the city of Naples.

Snorkel along the rocky borders of Mitigliano Beach (Cala di Mitigliano) or dive into the remains of a Roman villa at the Baths of the QueenGiovanna (Bagni della Regina Giovanna); both are popular stops on boat tours of the Sorrento coast.

Lemons infuse everything from the breeze to the cuisine in Sorrento, and the local varieties grown in terraced citrus groves along the coastline boast an Indication of Geographic Protection (IGP) status from the EU. There’s no avoiding this ubiquitous fruit in Sorrento, so embrace it with a tour and tasting in the lemon groves or a cooking class with limoncello tasting—either is an essential experience in Sorrento for first-timers. If you’re short on time, you can also combine a walking tour of the old town with a stop to sip limoncello.

Capri sits just off the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Given that it takes less than 30 minutes to cruise across the bay to the island, taking a jaunt to Capri tops the list of Sorrento travel tips for newcomers—especially first-timers.

Ferries between Sorrento and the Marina Grande port on Capri run regularly each day. Once you’ve disembarked, you can join an island tour by land or sea to cover the highlights. Alternatively, opt for a group or private boat tour directly from Sorrento to skip the hassle of taking a ferry and marvel at the Faraglioni, Blue Grotto, and other top sights from the water. Most small-group and private boat tours include stops to swim and snorkel and time to explore on land.

Every Sorrento travel itinerary for newcomers should include at least one excursion into the serene countryside away from the bustle of the town center. There are a wide variety of options for exploring the foothills and slopes of Mt. Faito and the trails along the coast as far as Punta Campanella, though you can also take advantage of other Sorrento hikes and biking excursions in the area too.

Alternatively, join an ATV tour of Mt. Faito; cycle along the coastline with stops to sample local food and wine, or stroll along the waterfront on foot. You can also scale the cliff faces to take in views of the bay from above.

Sorrento sightseeing for beginners stretches far past the Sorrentine Peninsula and into the surrounding region of Campania. Among the most popular destinations is the UNESCO–listed stretch of seaside known as the Amalfi Coast.

However, public transportation between Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast can be tricky, as buses are slow and overcrowded, and ferries can be suspended if the weather takes a turn. Given that, the best way to explore the coast in one day is with a private car tour or small-group bus tour that typically include stops in the three blockbuster towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, plus a scenic drive along the coastal highway.

Break up your sightseeing and sunbathing with an authentic experience in the kitchen, and learn how to make pizza. There are lots of pizza-making experiences to choose from, including straightforward hands-on workshops in central Sorrento to more elaborate classes that also include farm visits, olive oil and limoncello tastings, and even a pizza-plus-tiramisu lesson to combine two crowd-pleasers. The best part about it is you get to feast on your piping-hot pizza at the end of the lesson.

The ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii are one of Italy’s many cultural treasures and the archaeological site is an easy excursion from Sorrento. Hop on the Circumvesuviana rail line that runs directly from Sorrento to Pompeii, or book a tour that includes private transportation to bypass the heat and crowds on the train.

Regardless of how you arrive, be sure to visit these sprawling excavations with a guide to avoid getting lost and get a better understanding of life in ancient Rome. Some day trips also include a stop on Mt. Vesuvius high above the site to take in its volcanic crater and views over the bay.

Related: Know Before You Go: Visiting Pompeii

The hills of southern Italy have been covered in terraced vineyards for centuries, and you can still sip excellent local wine in the area. One of the most interesting things to do in Sorrento for beginners is to discover the area’s wine-making history and culture with a cellar tour and tasting.

Set off with a driver and guide to explore the wineries of Irpinia, sample volcanic varieties on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius, and visit the small producers of Avellino. You can even enjoy an overview of southern Italian wine with a tasting in the center of Sorrento.

Sorrento lives in the shadow of its limelight-stealing neighbor, the historic port city of Naples. When you’ve had your fill of exploring Sorrento as a first-time tourist, set your sights on the spectacular culture and cuisine of Naples. Spend a day exploring the city’s vibrant historic center on a walking tour, marvel at the world-class collection in the National Archaeological Museum, and feast on specialties from pizza to sfogliatine pastries with a street-food stroll.