Things to do in  Sorrento

Marina Grande is Sorrento’s historic fishing harbor at the foot of the cliffs, beaming with pastel‑colored houses, local seafood restaurants, and the tiny Church of Sant’Anna, overlooking the water. It’s a vibrant, authentic hamlet where locals still fish from the harbor and mend their nets by hand just steps from sunbathers along the beach. Diners enjoy sunset views and fresh fish and seafood from the small, family-run restaurants at the seaside.

The culprit behind Pompeii’s burial in AD 79, Mt. Vesuvius is one of Europe’s most infamous active volcanoes. While it’s currently enjoying a long dormant spell, scientists are constantly monitoring its seismic activity to avoid history repeating itself, and to reassure locals and visitors alike. Today, Mt. Vesuvius is a popular tourist attraction in southern Italy, and travelers often combine a trip to Pompeii with a visit to see the volcano that buried it.

One of the most remote and beautiful beaches on Italy's Sorrento Coast, the Baths of Queen Giovanna (Bagni Regina Giovanna) is set along the rocky cliffs of Capo di Sorrento near a dramatic natural stone arch and the ancient ruins of a Roman villa. This stretch of coastline and its natural pool are accessible only by foot or private boat, making it a tempting destination for intrepid wanderers—and sailors.

Tiny Ravello, an idyllic village along the Amalfi Coast, has a long history and vibrant cultural life. Founded by the Romans in the sixth century, this picturesque clifftop town draws today’s travelers with its sea views, villas, and gardens. Home to Villa Rufolo—so beautiful that it inspired new music by German composer Richard Wagner—and Villa Cimbrone, known for its panoramic gardens, Ravello is an elegant respite from the crowds along the coast.

Tucked beneath the famous highway that skirts Italy's Amalfi Coast, the Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) is one of the most popular attractions on this iconic stretch of coastline. Named for the unique color of its water, which turns emerald when the sun shines just so, the marine cave also has stalagmites and stalactites more commonly associated with inland caves, plus an underwater nativity scene.

Tucked between Amalfi Coast superstars Positano and Amalfi, Praiano has managed to retain the feel of a quiet fishing village, with a slower pace and fewer crowds than its flashier neighbors. Rocky beaches and steep, winding lanes deliver views of colorful clifftop houses and the Li Galli rock formations in the distance. Admire local landmarks such as the beautifully tiled Piazza San Gennaro, then leave plenty of time to linger by the seaside.

Sitting astride the steep gorge that once divided the cliff-top center of Sorrento, Piazza Tasso is the pulsating heart of one of Italy’s most popular seaside resort towns. This bustling, café-lined main square is where locals and visitors alike come to see and be seen, and to admire the square’s baroque church and 18th-century palace. Set off from here to explore the old town, shop on Corso Italia, or take the steps down to the waterfront below.

There is no better stretch of beach in Positano to take a dip or work on your tan than Spiaggia Grande, next to the Marina Grande port. At this well-provisioned beach you can rent a sun lounger and umbrella, stroll the beach walk, grab a meal at a beachfront restaurant, or hop on a ferry to other coastal destinations or the islands.

The bustling Sorrento Cruise Port (Sorrento Terminal Crociere) is a popular stop for passengers looking to explore Italy's Campania coast. While Sorrento is a charming resort town and destination in its own right, it also serves as a transportation hub and jumping-off point for excursions to the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii, and other destinations on the Bay of Naples.

This pristine pebble beach along the coastline of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula is tucked in a tiny cove enclosed by steep cliffs, making it both extraordinarily scenic and refreshingly remote. As it can only be reached by land via a steep footpath, Cala di Mitigliano is a favorite swim and snorkeling spot on boat tours from Sorrento.

The picturesque Cloister of San Francesco—Chiostro of San Francesco in Italian—offers a tranquil reprieve from the bustling streets of Sorrento’s historic center. Set on the ruins of a 7th-century monastery, the cloister was built in the 1300s and is a showcase of architectural styles. Its pillars and stonework incorporate spoils from Roman temples and other ancient ruins, making it a top draw for both archaeology buffs and photographers.

Near the entrance of this 11th-century church in central Sorrento lie two whale rib bones—a curious tribute to San Antonino, the town’s patron saint, said to have saved a child swallowed whole by a whale. Step inside to find opulent Baroque interiors, a crypt holding the saint’s remains, and paintings depicting the many miracles attributed to the saint.

Belching out jets of steam and sulfurous fumes for four millennia, the volcanic crater of Solfatara is a vivid reminder that southern Italy is a hotbed of geothermal activity, giving rise to everything from Ischia’s hot springs and Mt. Vesuvius’s puffing peak. Visit this spot in the Phlegrean Fields to witness its rumblings first-hand.

Experiencing Italy’s lively local theater scene can be delightful, and few places in Sorrento showcase it better than Tasso Theater. Housed in a recently renovated building in the town center, it hosts jazz concerts, musicals, film screenings, and other entertainment. Visit to catch Neapolitan song and dance shows, and enjoy an aperitif on the terrace during intermission.

Located just inland from the port of Pozzuoli, the 1st-century ruins of the Macellum of Pozzuoli, also known as the Temple of Serapis, are a delight for archaeology buffs. This ancient Roman market is located in the Phlegraean Fields and its columns rise directly from a brackish pool of water, as the site has sunk below sea level.